Sushi & Seafood · Gion

Izuju いづ重

Since 1912, Gion's go-to for Kyoto-style saba-zushi: cured mackerel pressed over rice and wrapped in kombu, opposite the west gate of Yasaka Shrine.

Hours10:30-19:00

ClosedWednesday

PriceSaba-zushi (half roll): ¥2,500
Assorted pressed sushi set: ¥2,000

Getting thereGion-shijo Station (Keihan), 7 min

Time needed45 min

Best timeLunch

Address292-1 Gionmachi Kitagawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

About

Kyoto is far from the sea, and its sushi tradition is built on preserved fish: mackerel salted on the old Saba Kaido road from the Japan Sea, then marinated and pressed onto rice. Izuju is one of the best-known makers of this saba-zushi, along with inari-zushi, hakozushi (box-pressed sushi) and seasonal pressed sushi. The small shop has a few tables for eating in and a busy takeaway counter. It is perfect for a picnic or a shinkansen meal.

Highlights

Saba-zushi: cured mackerel in kombu over rice
Kyoto-style inari and box-pressed sushi
Family-run since 1912
Facing Yasaka Shrine's west gate
Takeaway packs ideal for the train

Tips

Buy a half saba roll to try without committing to a whole one
Eat-in seating is limited; go early
Closed Wednesdays
Pressed sushi keeps well for a few hours

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Plan it in Tabitomo

Save Izuju to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.

Open in the app

Izuju いづ重

About

Highlights

Tips

Nearby