When I was young and living in Kyoto, I rarely ate sushi outside of ordering delivery from a local sushi restaurant. Back then, sushi to me meant rolled sushi, scattered sushi, boxed sushi, and mackerel sushi - not Edo-style nigiri sushi. One evening, when I couldn't get a bento from a popular Japanese restaurant in Kyoto Station, I decided to buy sushi instead. So I went to "Hisago Sushi" inside JR Isetan Kyoto and bought some sushi to go. We bought scattered sushi and tekka maki for two people, which cost 2900 yen. Tekka maki was a bit too big for my liking, but the scattered sushi was the highlight. We also got Osaka-style sushi, a set of rolled and boxed sushi, for 1640 yen. The rolled sushi was the best, with thick omelette, plenty of finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, trefoil, and minced shrimp. The shiitake added a delicious flavor, and the trefoil was a nice touch. The boxed sushi here seemed a bit plain to me, but my family loved it. We had French cuisine for lunch, so we decided to go for a light bento for dinner. We originally planned to buy only one serving, but when we saw the sushi, we couldn't resist and ended up buying two servings. And of course, we finished it all.

The specialty here is pressed sushi with conger eel. I went two days in a row to buy the famous mackerel sushi from Izuu, but they only had the ¥5000 option available. When I tried to buy the conger eel sushi from here, it was also sold out. The charming staff recommended the pressed sushi with pike conger and 3 pieces of mackerel sushi. Just hearing "ookini" made me feel like coming to Kyoto was worth it. The sweet and tender pike conger was different from the boiled version and had a unique deliciousness typical of Kyoto. However, the mackerel sushi couldn't compare to the one from Izuu yesterday.

I decided to purchase mackerel sushi at Isetan Kyoto, and found several shops selling it. Among them, I bought it at Hisago Sushi. Mackerel stick sushi. Mackerel sushi always tastes delicious no matter when you eat it. I prefer mackerel with thick flesh. I also bought pressed sushi. Hisago Sushi, established in Showa 25 in Kyoto, Shijo Kawaramachi. The taste did not disappoint.

I bought some inari sushi at a shop in the basement of JR Isetan. It was a pack of 5 for 810 yen (tax included). After placing my order, they made it in the kitchen at the back, so I had to wait a bit. I ate it on the Shinkansen. The base was gomoku (mixed ingredients), with a mix of yuzu-flavored gomoku and sesame gomoku. The broth from the fried tofu was a bit sweet, making the rice inside soggy and difficult to eat. Also, I found the seasoning to be quite strong.

This is my second visit this month. In October, you can get a great deal on mini mackerel sushi. Please note that the special sets offered vary between Hisago main store, Kyoto Takashimaya store, and each store. If you plan to spend 2000 yen on a quick drink, the takeout sushi from a long-established sushi restaurant in Kyoto for 1188 yen is worth it for its delicious taste. I also enjoyed pairing it with the Tanba specialty "barasushi," which cost around 2000 yen for two boxes. To everyone from other prefectures, please consider this as a delicious souvenir option.

Today, I got takeout from Hisago Sushi at the JR Isetan food department. Hisago Sushi offers a unique flavor of sushi that you can't find elsewhere. They use Kyoto Chidori vinegar, which gives their sushi rice a slightly sweet taste. The rice is also moist and sticky, making it very addictive. I make sure to visit at least once a month because they offer a special monthly sushi set. Each set is named after the old lunar calendar month, such as Minazuki, Fumizuki, Hazuki, Nagatsuki, Kannazuki, and more. The most popular dish here is the Meiji Chirashi, which features a generous amount of fragrant grilled eel on top of the sweet and sticky rice. It also includes other elegant and traditional Kyoto ingredients. I highly recommend trying this dish along with the seasonal sushi set. The set contents are the same every year, but some months are particularly delicious. For example, in June (Minazuki), they offer a delicious sea bream pressed sushi. In October (Kannazuki), they serve mackerel sushi. In November (Shimotsuki), they have rolled sushi. And in December (Shiwasu), they offer a tasty rolled omelet sushi that holds its shape well. Overall, the sushi here is truly a treat. Enjoy your meal!

I like the way the vinegar in the mackerel sushi tastes. There are also different sizes available, making it perfect to eat on the Shinkansen.

In 1997, Kyoto Station Building was completed. Since then, it feels like this shop has been in this location in the B2 floor of Isetan. It was still early for lunch, so I decided to buy and take it home. It's scorching hot, so I don't feel like going out again once I get home. I ordered 4 pieces of ehomaki for 600 yen and 3 pieces of mackerel sushi for 1050 yen. Oh, by the way, it takes about 5 minutes to cut and pack them. The mackerel sushi was round and small in size. The taste was average. The ehomaki had a little cucumber in it. The total came to 1782 yen with tax, which is expensive.

The main store in Kawaramachi is a famous restaurant that is ranked in the top 5000 on Tabelog (as of July 2018). This branch is a take-out only shop located in a small space in the basement of JR Kyoto Isetan. It's a convenient place to enjoy the taste of the famous restaurant in a casual way. I had planned to have dinner in Kyoto before heading home, but ended up leaving earlier than expected. I didn't feel like preparing dinner at home, so I decided to buy something at Isetan. That's when I found this shop. I purchased the "Hamachi Sushi Box" (1600 yen) for my family and the "Gion" set (Chirashi Sushi and Sushi Box) for myself (1950 yen). The "Gion" set includes the famous Chirashi Sushi, Hamachi Sushi (two cans), Kera Sushi, and Tai Sushi. The Chirashi Sushi is a signature dish of Hisago Sushi. It has a sweet taste that stands out more than the vinegar. The sushi rice is slightly sweet, and the shiitake mushrooms in the ingredients are also sweetly cooked. Finely chopped seaweed is added, and on top are kinshi tamago (shredded omelette), boiled shrimp, and grilled anago (sea eel). It's not as flashy as the "Edomae Chirashi," but the elegant colors of the kinshi tamago, shrimp, and anago add a touch of sophistication. The "Hamachi Sushi Box" features hamachi, a summer delicacy in Kyoto, sweetly simmered and turned into a boxed sushi. The "Kera Sushi" was a new term for me, but it refers to the box used to make boxed sushi. The kera box is commonly used for tamagoyaki (grilled egg), shrimp, and white fish. The "Kera Sushi" from Hisago Sushi consisted of tamagoyaki and shrimp. The boxed sushi is bite-sized and easy to eat, even for beginners like me. Boxed sushi, which involves additional steps such as grilling, simmering, or steaming, is visually appealing. Just like the "Kyoto Chirashi," sushi in Kyoto is also understated and elegant.

"I found an interesting sushi roll at JR Kyoto Isetan store,". That was my impression of the "Oni Maki" (Demon Roll) that I found at this store. On the day of Setsubun, I went shopping for dinner ingredients and side dishes at Isetan's basement. I had already bought a Tekka Maki at another store, but suddenly thought, "Maybe I should buy one more?" After buying other items, I walked around the sushi section in the basement of Isetan and found the Setsubun limited edition sushi roll, "Oni Maki". This roll features a demon face branded on a rolled omelette, with shrimp, dried gourd, shiitake mushroom, pickled radish, grilled conger eel, and cucumber inside. At the main store in Kawaramachi, Kyoto, there is a sushi roll called "Ishin Maki Sushi" which is rolled with omelette instead of seaweed, and it seems that "Oni Maki" is a Setsubun version of that. When I got home, I had it for dinner along with the Tekka Maki I had bought earlier. It is known that the proper way to eat a Setsubun sushi roll is to eat the whole roll without cutting it into bite-sized pieces, but with regular seaweed, it can be difficult to bite through. However, "Oni Maki" is wrapped in omelette and the ingredients are relatively easy to bite through, making it very easy to eat. If you are interested, consider purchasing it next year for Setsubun!

I stopped by Kyoto Isetan on my way back from Kyoto to Tokyo on the Shinkansen to buy dinner. It was the last day of a three-day weekend, so it was crowded with tourists. I bought a sushi roll called "Itosakura" at Hisago Sushi here. They were out of stock, so I had to wait for them to make it. But it was lucky because I got freshly made sushi. I enjoyed it on the Shinkansen. The rice grains were small, even, and chewy. Each piece was beautifully and carefully made. It was delicious with elegant Kyoto pickles inside. The quality is quite high. I would definitely buy it as a souvenir when I visit Kyoto again.

[Revisited on 05/16/2016] Hisago Sushi at JR Kyoto Isetan Store Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, I went to "Hisago Sushi" located on the B2F of JR Kyoto Isetan to have lunch before heading home. Instead of going to the main store in Kawaramachi Shijo, I often buy sushi here right before boarding the Shinkansen. The items displayed in the showcase are just samples, and they make the sushi fresh after you place your order. I purchased a Chirashi (one serving) for 1,890 yen and a Satsuki for 1,080 yen. I always order the Chirashi, but it was my first time buying the Satsuki. The Satsuki includes a half serving of Anago and Ebi Chirashi, as well as a Tairiku, Wakatake, and Sansho Miso Norimaki. The Norimaki with sea bream, bamboo shoots, and sansho pepper was incredibly luxurious and delicious. On the other hand, the Chirashi (one serving) consisted of Anago and Ebi Chirashi, similar to the Anago and Ebi Chirashi in the Satsuki. Over the past 20 years, I've noticed that the seasoning of dishes like Chirashi sushi has become much stronger. I once asked a famous restaurant about this, and they explained that they have adjusted the seasoning to cater to the taste preferences of visitors from the Kanto region. I can't help but feel that even the main store of "Hisago Sushi" has slightly changed its taste due to a change in management. [From 05/09/2013] Buying Bento Boxes in Kyoto When I was about to head back to Yokohama without having dinner, I found a very convenient place in Kyoto. It is the deli and bento corner on the 2nd basement floor of JR Kyoto Isetan. You can buy high-end bento boxes like "Kyoto Kitcho," "Tsujitome," "Shinano Wakuden," and "Hishiya" here if you make a reservation in advance. You can even reserve a bento box from "Hishiya" and pick it up here to enjoy a luxurious cherry blossom viewing in a Kyoto garden. This time, without a reservation, I thought "Rokusei" or "Hisago Sushi" would be the best options. I chose "Hisago Sushi," established in 1950. Instead of going to the main store in Kawaramachi Shijo, you can order sushi at the counter and have the sushi chef prepare it for you. This time, I bought "Gion" for 1,812 yen and "Saba Sushi" for 2,100 yen. "Gion" is a combination of Anago Chirashi and Kyoto Chirashi sushi, as well as Hako Sushi assortment. Chirashi sushi is a signature dish of "Hisago Sushi," with sweet and savory simmered Anago, slightly wide Kinshi Tamago, thick Tamagoyaki for Hako Sushi, Shiitake mushrooms, Hamo Dendrobranchiata, Tai Dendrobranchiata, Ebi, Kikurage, Konbu, Mitsuba, and Nori. "Saba Sushi" is almost a single serving in one half of the roll. It takes about 3 hours from being made at Kyoto Station to being enjoyed at home, which gives it the perfect amount of settling time and makes it incredibly delicious. My child's feedback was, "It would have been nice if you had bought a whole Saba Sushi roll."

Before boarding the Shinkansen, I decided to buy a bento box at Isetan. Since I was on a foodie trip, I was looking for something to satisfy my hunger. After much deliberation, I ended up purchasing a selection of rolled sushi from Hisago Sushi. Hisago Sushi is a sushi restaurant located near the intersection of Shijo Kawaramachi in Kyoto. They offer a variety of take-out sushi, and some items can be made fresh upon order. On this day, I bought the "Shizuhara" assortment of rolled sushi. It may be simple, but it was incredibly delicious!

"I had told my daughter that I would buy sushi from Izusaka at Gion for dinner, but after getting caught up in the bean-throwing event at Yasaka Shrine and then stopping by Gion Sakai, I completely forgot to buy it until I arrived at Kyoto Station. If I had gone back, I would have missed my shinkansen train, so I hurriedly went to the basement of Isetan. There, I was drawn to Hisago Sushi. I had seen the impressive Ishin Maki in a magazine before and it had left a lasting impression. This time, I ordered mackerel sushi (half size, 3 pieces) and Ishin Maki. I thought they would give me pre-made sushi right away, but they prepare it in the kitchen behind the counter after taking the order. It was quite interesting to watch through a small window. After finishing the Ishin Maki, they cut it neatly for easy eating. The sushi didn't look that big in the showcase, but when I received the bag, it was surprisingly heavy. When I had it for dinner that day, the mackerel sushi had mostly vinegar rice with a thin slice of mackerel. I was a bit disappointed before eating, but the taste was just right with no fishy smell. I only had one piece, but I wished I had bought a full size instead of half. Now, the Ishin Maki. It is rolled with thin omelette instead of seaweed, with the images of a gourd and Ryoma on the omelette. Actually, my family is not a big fan of futomaki sushi, mainly because we don't like the sweet taste of sakura denbu. So, I was a bit hesitant when buying it, but the filling of the Ishin Maki - dried gourd, shiitake mushroom, shrimp, grilled conger eel, cucumber, and pickled radish - was not too sweet, so it was very delicious! I thought the portion was a bit too much, but my daughter and I finished it all quickly (laughs). We both smiled and said, 'I want to eat this futomaki again.' However, when I looked at the ingredients on the back of the wrapping paper, I was surprised to see so many different ingredients in the Ishin Maki. If we eat it occasionally, it's fine because it's delicious, but it would be better without additives. Thank you for the meal! I would like to visit the main store next time."

I visited in the evening on a national holiday. After reading a review of Mairebi-sama dining in the main store, I felt like eating it first, so I ordered takeout. It was very crowded on the last day of the consecutive holidays, but I ordered a set of rolled sushi and anago chirashi. I thought it was pre-made, but they actually made it fresh after I placed the order. The customer service was polite and the waiting time was short. When I got home, I immediately ate it. The sushi rice was sweet and had a nostalgic taste. Nigiri sushi is good, but chirashi and rolled sushi are also good. It's a bit expensive, but it's recommended as a souvenir for yourself. Instead of a station bento for the return Shinkansen, how about this kind of food (^^) It was delicious. Thank you for the meal♪

When I went to Kyoto, I often buy food for the Shinkansen ride back. This time, I was looking for a light snack and had a hard time deciding in front of the shop. They had futomaki and Osaka sushi, both tempting options. In the end, I chose a small chirashi sushi and added an anakyu maki. The anakyu maki was a bit pricey at 600 yen for 3 pieces, but the fluffy anago was unique and delicious. The chirashi was simple and convenient. Overall, the cost performance wasn't great, but the anakyu maki was worth trying. Rated 3.0/5 as of December 14, 2011.

I rarely go to the department store even though it's quite close. I happened to have some business at Kyoto Station and decided to visit Isetan (Depachika) after a long time. After finishing my shopping for gifts and arranging for shipping, I looked for something delicious. I had my eye on something in particular, but unfortunately, it was closed that day and they didn't have it in stock. So, I ended up buying a serving of mackerel sushi for 2,100 yen (there is also a half serving for 1,050 yen). The serving includes 6 pieces of mackerel sushi, pickled ginger, soy sauce, a hand towel, and disposable chopsticks. It was my first time trying mackerel sushi from this place. Compared to other places I've tried before, the size was a bit smaller. It wasn't overly fatty, but it was decent. The balance of vinegar and toppings was just right. I always crave mackerel sushi from time to time, but it's considered a luxury item for me, so I don't get to buy it often.

Although I am from Osaka, I am not very familiar with the local restaurants there, as mentioned in a different place. Naturally, I am even less familiar with Kyoto. To be honest, the only places I remember visiting in Kyoto are Inoda Coffee, Mishimatei, Junidanya, and Nansenji Yudofu (I don't remember which specific shop in Nansenji). Therefore, the following text should be taken as the ramblings of a passing customer based on the assumption of the aforementioned places. As my short trip, which also served as a homecoming, was coming to an end, my son and I went to the Isetan department store in Kyoto. Feeling a bit relaxed, I instructed my son to choose whatever he wanted, pointing to the window of a certain shop. "Tekka Chirashi" for 2,257 yen (tax included). He picked an expensive one. Not wanting to go back on my word, I asked the lady if they could remove the wasabi, to which she agreed. I observed the kitchen, where a seemingly competent chef was molding vinegared rice into squares using a cheap-looking vinyl? mold (similar to the material used in household cutting boards). I couldn't see the process of making the Tekka Maki without wasabi. After a few minutes of waiting, it was ready. My son started eating the Tekka (6 pieces), which had large cuts of tuna red meat and seemed delicious. I had a piece, and it wasn't bad, probably because it was freshly made. However, being wasabi-free, it's unclear if it would suit an adult's palate. My son left all of the chirashi, so I ate it. It had gold thread egg, finely chopped anago, oboro, and pickled ginger on the surface. Inside the vinegared rice, there were also finely chopped shiitake mushrooms. Perhaps because I had just eaten a Kinen-wakuden bento box from Murasakino Wakuden, I couldn't discern any distinctive features. The presentation also felt slightly messy, although it was minimal. While acknowledging the difficulty of comparing, I feel like the lunch chirashi for 1,000 yen at Uotetsu near Yanaka Yuyake Dandan is superior. (I don't know if they have bento boxes or similar items.) The packaging was a soft plastic with a wood grain design. The wet towel was in a paper bag coated with silver on the inside. Being frugal, I must admit that, considering the price, it felt cheap and mediocre. However, taking into account the New Year season and the fact that they provided wasabi-free for my child, I added a bonus point and rated it at a standard 3.0. I have never visited the main store in Kawaramachi. This impression is based solely on the Isetan store. I would like to note that there is a possibility of visiting the main store if the opportunity arises.

Isehan's Kansai-style sushi bento at the basement of Isetan. The main store is a small shop on Kawaramachi Street, but they have branches in Isetan and Takashimaya basement where I sometimes buy for a quick meal. The bento includes conger eel, white fish marinated in kelp, shrimp and rolled omelette, and 8 pieces of pressed sushi. The secret to its deliciousness is the ingredients like simmered shiitake mushrooms and kelp mixed in the rice. The size and shape are perfect for eating on the Shinkansen. Although I usually eat it on the train, this time I enjoyed it at home. Thank you for the meal.

On Wednesday, before heading back, I planned to buy mackerel sushi sticks and boxed sushi. My usual store was closed for the day. Another store I had in mind was also unexpectedly closed. It was raining heavily in Kyoto all day, so I decided to buy sweets and souvenirs at Kyoto Station before heading home to avoid getting wet. I'm glad I didn't make a reservation at another store the day before. It's nice to know that I can still buy sushi even if I decide to go last minute. The boxed sushi is delicious and reasonably priced, and I appreciate that I can order just the amount I want. It's convenient to pick some up before getting on the Shinkansen.