Japan’s enchantment has beckoned travelers for thousands of years. Despite Tokyo's allure, large cities like Kyoto and Osaka welcome travelers to discover a mosaic of cultural gems, old-world charm, urban monuments, and great food. Kyoto has a timeless quality with its classical Buddha temples and shrines, postcard-like gardens, hidden back alleys, palaces, castles, clean streets, vibrant seasonal foliage, and local culinary gems.  Yet, fascinating modern architecture and riveting nightlife have seamlessly been woven into Kyoto’s fabric making it a destination that has it all.

On the other hand, Osaka is pulsating with people, color, and food, offering a mishmash of urban coloring, with its crowded districts, retro-style streets, and giant leisure complexes like studios and amusement parks. Clearly, there is no dearth of things to do in Osaka as a tourist. But what sets Osaka apart is its food philosophy which is “kuidaore” translating to “bringing ruin upon yourself with extravagant food”. Osaka offers some of the best street food in the country along with a selection of the best Omakase restaurants. Moreover, how wonderfully convenient it is that the Osaka metro ensures that guests are always just a hop, skip, and jump away from their next enchanting sushi adventure, no matter what the weather may be outside.

Omakase restaurants in Kyoto and Osaka

Omakase sushi restaurants are ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the best sushi without having to learn complex terminology or wonder which fish has the texture to support a specific preparation.

Omakase emerged as a revolutionary restaurant concept during the bubble economy in the 1980s as a bridge between exclusivity and accessibility. At that time, eating sushi was considered high culture” with an exclusivity barrier for wealthy food connoisseurs. However, to make the process of enjoying sushi easier and more inclusive, Omakase restaurants came up with the concept of giving chefs free rein to decide the course of the menu. This made it easy for guests to pair any dish they were served with different fine spirits of their choice.

If Tokyo has the prestigious and elusive Sushi Saito, Kyoto and Osaka are not far behind and are home to some of the best sushi restaurants. Find out more below:

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Gion Nishikawa

Chef Masayoshi Nishikawa is the culinary maestro behind Gion Nishikawa's Omakase marvels, which blends tradition and innovation seamlessly. Guided by his Yuzen painting craftsman grandfather, Nishikawa's passion for Japanese cuisine flourished early. Apprenticed in Kyoto's prestigious kitchens, he soared to independence at age 33 and worked at a  Michelin-starred restaurant within a year.

Chef Nishikawa composes dishes that are in harmony with seasonal rhythms, taste, and even temperature. From tableware composition to restaurant decor, every little detail is an expression of his emotions. Nishikawa's respect for tradition entwines with fearless experimentation, yielding unparalleled culinary experiences. One of the best restaurants in Kyoto, Gion Nishikawa beckons with a choice: the 25,300 yen light Omakase or the lavish Omakase regular from 33,000 yen, embodying Nishikawa's saga of heritage and ingenuity.

Address: 473, Shimogawara-dori, Shimogawara-dori, Yasaka-torii-mae, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto City
Website: Gion Nishikawa
Reservations: TableCheck

Sushi Gion Matsudaya

Nestled in Kyoto's Gion district and a stone throw's away from the Kyoto metro, Matsudaya is an intimate 6-seat reservation-only sushi haven. Chef Matsudaya meticulously selects aged ingredients to offer the full potential of umami. For travelers looking for the best things to do in Kyoto, indulge in a symphony of flavors and the perfect balance of ingredients and rice, temperature, and texture of sushi, caressing your palate with each bite. The chef's tasting menu starts at 18,500 yen, promising an exclusive, unforgettable escapade unique to Matsudaya. Every moment becomes a treasured memory at Matsudaya.

Address: 570-123 Giommachi-minamigawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
Website: Sushi Gion Matsudaya
Reservations: TableCheck

Nawaya Restaurant

Chef Yukinori Yoshioka’s Nawaya is known for its famous 13-course Seasonal Omakase Course. The restaurant's artful use of firewood elevates its ambiance, complemented by an L-shaped counter fostering easy conversations. Indulge in homegrown pesticide-free vegetables, alongside a treasure trove of oceanic delights and mountain delicacies from the bountiful Tango region plated aesthetically. Embrace modernity with Tablecheck's reservation system, bypassing conventional booking calls.

Address: 2517 Kurobe Yasaka-cho Kyotango Kyoto 627-0142
Website: Nawaya Restaurant
Reservations: TableCheck

Sushi Wakon

Sushi Wakon calls the luxe Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto its home. Here, guests are treated to an exclusive dining spectacle, watching world-class chefs craft each dish with finesse. Sushi Wakon's daily infusion of top-tier ingredients from Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market is a result of enduring relationships spanning decades. The dining room of Sushi Wakon is a lesson in understated elegance. The dining room's panoramic view of Ikeniwa imparts a serene aura throughout the restaurant.

Address: 445-3 Myohoin Maegawa-cho Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0932
Website: Sushi Wakon at Four Seasons
Reservations: TableCheck

Sushi Hayashi

No matter how the Kyoto weather is, a meal at Sushi Hayashi is an experience of a lifetime. This prestigious Michelin-star restaurant offers fabulous Edomae-zushi and Kyo-zushi, made with fish from the sea near Kyoto, with vinegared rice handpicked by the owner. The meticulously selected Swiss wine brings out a symphony of flavors in the food and elevates the dining experience to a level of excellence. The Omakase course is available from 18,150 yen onwards. 

Address: 101 Grand Cosmo Imperial Palace, 31-1 Omotemachi, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto 602-0825 
Website: Sushi Hayashi
Reservations: TableCheck

Koryu (Osaka)

The chef and owner, Shintaro Matsuo, has created a space and a culinary journey that satisfies the senses and spirit alike. With Osaka's traditional cuisine as a canvas, Matsuo's ingenious touch adds innovation and wonder making it one of the best restaurants in Osaka. The refreshing flavor of seasonal ingredients, the brilliance of flames, the tantalizing sound of cooking, and the aroma of charcoal fire blend to create an unparalleled experience forever etched in memory. Adding to this delightful experience is the delicate lighting and decor of the restaurant. The Omakase menu starts from 33,000 Yen.

Address: 3-3-3 Uchiawaji-cho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Website: Koryu
Reservations: TableCheck

Sushi Aka to Shiro

Sushi Aka to Shiro, an Osaka treasure awarded the Bib Gourmand, beckons foodies to its doorstep. The restaurant’s specialty lies in serving two types of vinegared rice - red-vinegared rice for tuna and blue-backed fish, and white-vinegared rice for shrimp and white-fleshed fish. An exquisite Japanese sake collection curated by the chef elevates the experience. The cozy haven offers counter and private room seating, setting the stage for shared moments with loved ones. Sushi Aka to Shiro promises not just a meal but invites guests to savor every bite and memory.

Address: 〒530-0002 Osaka, Kita Ward, Sonezakishinchi, 1 Chome−1−41 田中ビル
Reservations: TableCheck

Restaurant patrons expect culinary artistry, sublime flavors, exclusivity, and delicate presentation from an Omakase restaurant. With TableCheck's services, establishments can create incredible experiences, ensuring guests have wow moments every time. TableCheck doesn't charge any extra booking fees to diners.