Sushi Sahisara — Restaurant in Kyoto

My family of four attended Sushi Sakura recently. The experience is one that will be remembered for a lifetime. The food preparation, combination of flavors, and attention to detail were all well done. Pride from the hosts of their restaurant and experience they wish to share are felt from the moment you are welcomed. With the sushi, no wasabi is used, but instead different prepared vegetables, Kyoto egg, or similar "sides" may be added to the sushi that is prepared in front of you. Each piece was handed off individually to each person one by one (in our case, smaller pieces of fish were cut and prepared for our young children). Three types of vinegared rice were utilized depending on the type of fish or ingredients prepared (we even had a dessert sushi - a first for us). The food is excellent (including the few non-sushi dishes prepared: for us, one was like a Japanese rissoto and the other like a sukiyaki). While a few other places in Kyoto may have similar quality of food, you are paying for a private experience in a beautiful setting off the beaten path in the hills of Kyoto where you may speak and interact directly with the multi-decade chef who moved from Tokyo to Kyoto to bring his vision to life. The counter, outdoor garden seen through the floor to ceiling window from the counter, and even the rock steps indoors which lead to what I may call a "food theater", will set the stage of that vision and what to expect for the next couple hours. The vision should be realized by guests as long as their wallet is prepared and their...

My partner and I have indulged in sushi experiences all over the world, including in Ginza, Tokyo, but none compare to what we experienced here. From the moment we walked in, the warm and attentive service set the tone for an unforgettable evening. The ambiance and style are unmatched. Even the fridge is traditionally cooled by ice blocks instead of electricity to prevent the foods stored in it from drying out.

Dining together in our own private party, everything felt tailor-made for us. The restaurant only accepts one party per night, so everything is fully private. The sushi was an absolute delight – each piece expertly crafted and bursting with flavors we had never experienced before. The chef’s expertise was evident in every bite. For example, the chef chooses from a selection of three different types of sushi rice to best match the flavor palette of the nigiri. And to top it off, the sake selection was unparalleled, offering the perfect accompaniment to our meal.

As word spreads about this hidden gem, I can only imagine reservations will become increasingly scarce. I urge anyone looking for an exceptional sushi experience to book in advance. This restaurant exceeded all our expectations, and we cannot recommend it...

An unforgettable culinary experience. Sakura Omakase in Kyoto offered what is easily the best meal of my life. Every dish was crafted with precision, elegance, and incredible attention to seasonal flavors. From the delicate starters to the stunning cuts of fish and premium ingredients like uni and truffle, everything was artfully presented and deeply satisfying.

The chef cooks with passion and love—you can feel it in every single gesture as he puts each dish together. It’s like watching a master artist at work, creating something that nourishes both body and soul.

The setting is intimate and refined, with a beautiful view and a sense of quiet ceremony as each course arrives. It truly felt like a journey through Japanese cuisine at its highest level.

The hostess was incredible—she spoke perfect English, was warm, friendly, and gave us excellent recommendations around Kyoto that made our trip even more memorable. Her hospitality added a special touch to an already unforgettable evening.

A word of caution: this experience comes with a premium price tag. It’s worth it if you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime meal, but be prepared—this is...