Sushi Kizaemon — Restaurant in Kyoto

Hey guys - I really hate writing bad reviews, but this needs to be stated especially since the reviews here seem skewed to represent people who had absolutely no issue (while I saw nothing but issues during my visit):

As a non-native visitor who speaks a bit of Japanese (but cannot decipher kanji very well), the place seemed quite welcoming initially, and it was simple to order sushi using the screen with English - and I should tell you I'm usually quite forgiving about minor imperfections when it comes to sushi pieces/rice texture/ etc. - but the food quality here seemed extremely low based on the assortment of nigiri I ordered -- in particular due to liberal overuse of vinegar on the sushi.

This is of course subjective, but based on having been a fan and frequent customer of sushi restaurants across the globe and in Japan for years (both me and my wife) - we found the food here... extreme.

I am fully aware based on after-the-fact explanations from the staff/owners that they reinforce that this is their 'style' choice which they use to deflect anyone complaining about the intense vinegar smell/taste (so everyone knows - 'aka-shari' AKA akazu is claimed to be used here which 'browns' the rice with red vinegar coloration). Unfortunately, I've confirmed that this style is much better done at better sushi restaraunts, where there is a lighter hand on the red vinegar pour during preparation of the sushi rice).

To the staff/owners at Sushi Kizaemon - It seems obvious that you guys want to be welcoming to foreign tourists in your business (I didn't detect a single local customer there when I visited which tourists often see as a red flag) and you do try and provide a serviceable English menu -- but at least in our case we found the vinegar level extremely high based on having eaten with normal sushi rice at hundreds of other sushi restaurants across the globe and in Japan - please consider offering new customers this crucial information upfront about the fairly unusual vinegar style - or offer an option when ordering for 'normal' sushi rice when ordering. Other options - cater more to your niche audience of intense vinegar lovers in another way - or lose it altogether and do more 'normal' style at least as a default unless specifically ordered "aka-shari".

Without making adjustments like this ^, you're going to put off a lot of customers, and get a lot of confused reviewers like myself who came away from your restaurant feeling like we walked into a tourist trap (given the prices you guys charge are higher than most other sushi places I visited this year - and the quality even independent of the vinegar factor wasn't high).

Wish everyone the best, and 頑張って!

PS - the service + atmosphere ratings were low due to overuse of staff shouting 'oyio/oyia' way too frequently and phoned in. Plus the fact that instead of taking my feedback seriously in the restaurant I was basically told that I was wrong about the flavor and that I didn't know about aka-shari style, and no offer for remediation was presented. I'm trying to be completely fair here (generous even that maybe it was bad timing) - but it honestly still comes out at 2 stars in the best of worlds. Japanese reviewers would give it negative...

Walked 45min to come here. Came for 1 person and behind me had 5 people. They said that there was a wait for 1 hour and then as I walked out the guy behind me said he needed a table for 5 without reservations. They said okay to him but couldn’t accomodate me. Then I stood outside and watched him let another couple go in. And to that guy and in front of me they said “no card”. Even though there is a visa and Mastercard sign. Seems dodgy to me. And an illegitimate profit focus business. I read all the reviews and noticed that the owner replies to everyone. So I’m sure he’ll say they’ll try their best to improve which is what I read with all negative reviews. So I thought they were customer focus. Given the way they didn’t let me in and allow bigger groups to come, their response will not doubt be again illegitimate. Want to respond and make up for it? Do something legitimately about it.

Post review note: they’re right, I didn’t try the food so I took off the review off food. But in response to their response, I did NOT get a paper explaining the number of tables. I don’t know how they would remember that or who I am and why they would lie about it. I have nothing to lie about. I did not try the food because the service you gave was poor and you did not try to let me in but you let the couple behind me without a booking in. And I did experience the atmosphere at the entry, and it was 1 star because it was crowded and there was no room and there was a stench and the treatment I got also gave it a bad atmosphere. So yes, you get 1 star for the service and the atmosphere which...

Located in one of Kyoto’s bustling tourist hotspots, this sushi and sashimi restaurant offers a decent dining experience, though it falls a bit short of expectations given the premium pricing and prime location.

The overall food quality was just okay—nothing particularly memorable in terms of freshness or flavor complexity. The sashimi was standard and lacked that melt-in-your-mouth texture you’d hope for in Japan. However, one highlight worth mentioning was the sushi rice. It was well-seasoned, with the perfect balance of vinegar and sweetness, and a slightly warm, fluffy texture that complemented the toppings nicely. It’s clear some attention went into crafting the rice, even if the fish didn’t quite shine.

As anticipated, prices leaned toward the expensive side. Given the portion sizes and average quality, it felt a bit overpriced for what you get. That said, the ambiance at night does add to the experience—soft lighting, a lively street view, and the charm of Kyoto after dark.

Overall, if you’re in the area and craving sushi, it’s a convenient stop, especially for the setting and the rice. But if you're after standout sushi or exceptional sashimi, it may be worth venturing a bit farther from the...