Kyoto’s Gion Elegance, Served in Every Bite at Izū [Gion, Kyoto]
The sushi at ‘Izuu’ captivates with the sublime craftsmanship of its artisans. These extraordinary skills stem from the shop’s founding in 1781 in Gion-machi (祇園町), Kyoto’s most prestigious Hanamachi (district where geisha and traditional cultural entertainment thrive), where the business began by delivering to Ochaya (お茶屋) — traditional tea houses.
The goal was to create sushi that would add floral elegance to a banquet alongside other dishes. To achieve this, generations of proprietors have refined the sushi’s visual presentation, the art of arrangement, and the selection of tableware to catch the eye.
If one were to pick a single highlight of their Kyo-chirashi-zushi, it would undoubtedly be the Kinshi-tamago (錦糸玉子) — finely shredded omelette. Cut thin and long to symbolise the wish for longevity, the egg is piled generously and leisurely, described not as a ‘mountain’ but as a ‘gentle hill’.
The Current Proprietor Increased the Proportion of Yolks in the Beaten Egg. Even as Ultra-Fine Shreds, the Colour Remains Vibrant
“Beneath the egg, the sushi rice is mixed with grilled white fish — currently Sawara (鰆, Spanish mackerel), or Hamo (鱧, daggertooth pike conger) in summer — and Shiitake mushrooms, topped with a layer of Nori (のり, dried seaweed). The rice itself has a robust flavour and texture. In contrast, the Kinshi-tamago is flavoured almost purely with the taste of the egg, allowing its light, airy texture to truly come alive. It is a traditional sushi, but it is a very well-conceived recipe,” says the eighth-generation proprietor, Sasaki Shogo (佐々木勝悟).
While the photograph shows a large Jikiro (食籠, food container) for banquets, the dish is also served in round, lacquerware vessels for those dining in the shop. “If the container is square, it looks like a lunchbox. Sushi has always been, and remains, a special treat. Round vessels possess a certain grace,” explains Sasaki, demonstrating his meticulous attention to detail.
The Epitome of Delivery Sushi from the Hanamachi district! A Splendid Appearance That Rivals the Flowers of the Ozashiki
The Takeaway Version is Equally Beautiful!
Izuu (いづう)
Address: 367 Kiyomoto-cho, Yasaka Shinchi, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
Telephone: 075-561-0751
Opening Hours: Takeaway 11:00–22:00 (until 21:00 on Sundays and public holidays); In-store dining available until 21:30 (until 20:30 on Sundays and public holidays)
Closed: Tuesdays (Open if it falls on a public holiday or during a festival)
Official Website: https://www.izuu.jp/
*All listed prices include tax.
*Prices and opening hours are current as of January 2026 and are subject to change; please check the official website or other sources in advance.
This article is translated from https://intojapanwaraku.com/travel/291548/
