Sushi Kyoto Umemori Opens at Shijo-Horikawa — The Nara Brand's First Kyoto Location

Sushi Kyoto Umemori, the first Kyoto direct-managed restaurant from Nara-based Umemori Honten, opened at Shijo-Horikawa in Kyoto on June 1, 2026. Umemori Honten has been in business for over 55 years, developing a following for its temari sushi — small, ball-shaped pieces crafted with seasonal ingredients and the colors of Kyoto's four seasons.

The Brand's First Direct-Managed Restaurant in Kyoto

Until this opening, Umemori Honten had no directly operated restaurants in Kyoto. The new location at Shijo-Horikawa sits at a central point connecting Nijo Castle, Nishi Hongan-ji, and Kyoto Station, drawing visitors from across Japan and around the world. The restaurant aims to offer travelers a memorable Japanese dining experience in Kyoto.

Temari Sushi: A Feast for the Eyes

The menu centers on temari sushi — each piece individually shaped and decorated with seasonal ingredients. Their rounded, jewel-like appearance has made them popular with visitors who appreciate both the presentation and the flavor. The visual appeal has also made them a popular subject for photographs.

Five Courses for Every Occasion

The restaurant offers two lunch courses and three dinner courses, with an afternoon tea menu also in the works.

Lunch Courses:

• Hana Course — ¥3,000 (tax excl.): Nine pieces of temari sushi, seasonal yuba (tofu skin), soba noodles, and a dessert.
• Miyabi Course — ¥5,000 (tax excl.): A seasonal appetizer assortment, nine pieces of temari sushi, steamed eel in a bamboo steamer, and dessert.

Dinner Courses:

• Sakura Course — ¥5,000 (tax excl.): Six dishes including a temari sushi assortment, sashimi, seared eel, and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard).
• Momiji Course — ¥7,500 (tax excl.): Seven dishes featuring A5 Wagyu beef with truffle seared sushi, nine pieces of Umemori's signature temari sushi, and handmade hana ohagi (sweet rice cakes).
• Kinkaku Course — ¥10,000 (tax incl.): Eight dishes with a choice of A5 Wagyu shabu-shabu or sukiyaki, plus nine pieces of temari sushi.

Plans are also underway to open a sushi school ("Umemori Sushi School Kyoto") within the same building.

Restaurant Information