Takara Sushi — Restaurant in Kyoto

You are not here for the best quality sushi. The quality of fish is average. Then why I give 5 star! What I get more than having sushi is that I get to see a small family business that can serve only 5 customers at a time. Seeing the chef trying to talk/tell his customers about the best way to eat the sushi he makes. You don't eat all of them in the same way. Certain pieces shall be handled differently. He is attentive and try to communicate with customers. He uses mobile phone to do the translation when needed. I can see he loves what is he doing. The price of 1000 yen is very cheap. Beside the average-grade fish, he makes every single piece by hands for you just like you eat at a luxurious sushi place. If he triples the price and improve the fish quality, that would be ideal. However, it is crazy to expect a super tiny restaurant with fluctuated number of customers to order and stock expensive ingredients. The atmosphere is unique. It is like you are invited into a kitchen in a rural Japanese place. You get to see things the way they are. No glamorous decorations. Just plain old (and clean) stuffs. You don't get to see this from those fancy restaurants. I left the restaurant with smile and many things in my head. I would go there again for that average sushi with extraordinary hospitality that yields very exclusive experience. Don't we go to Arashiyama to see things in the...

Truly one of the best experiences I’ve had in Japan! Located on a quiet street in the Arashiyama area, away from the hustle and bustle of the main street, is this gem of a place. We were the first to dine in on the day as recommended by a friend. The place only seats 5 so we got lucky. When I tell you, the owner is literally the nicest and sweetest old man ever!!! He works hard to speak your language and whips out his google translate when needed. And the price is truly unbeatable! There was a korean couple that entered after us and he was speaking to them in basic Korean too! And when you watch him make the sushi, he’s so fast with it - true hands of a master. He is filled with so much warmth, love and positivity. I wish I could always visit 🥹 his wife also helps him out by serving tea and greeting you if he’s busy! An unforgettable lunch that I wish never ended. When I told him we were recommended by a friend who came recently, he took out his log book and found them in the book! He even had us write a note on the wall on the same note that they did when they visited 2 weeks ago. When I saw his log book, I could tell he writes down all his customers and where they’re from in there. I wanna cry just thinking about it. I truly cannot recommend this little shop full of wonder! Takes me into a japanese...

An intimate hole in the wall restaurant which seats 6 people at a time. The restaurant is owned by the sweetest old couple who make such a big effort to make sure every customer is happy and has a good experience - even the gesture to speak a bit of different languages for different customers (english for us and korean for the korean customers around us) We really appreciated the effort to talk to us and make conversation. We came at 11am and were lucky to have no wait and were seated straight away. They only offer the 7 piece nigiri set for 1000 yen (an incredible price which was well worth it for the freshness, care to craft each piece and the experience) We were offered hot or cold Japanese tea, and even asked if we were left or right handed (i believe the difference would be how the nigiri was placed for ease and experience of eating) I am SO happy we were able to visit, the high ratings are a testament to the experience the beautiful couple offer. I would recommend visiting early! Thank you for such a...