Chojiro - A Top Coveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant in Kyoto, Japan
After an exhausting but thrilling DIY day tour in Kyoto, we decided to cap the tour off with a satisfying dinner experience. We tried searching around, but nothing seemed to be catching our attention (well, except for those that seem to be "out-of-range" as per our budget). When we were about to give up and just return back to Osaka, we agreed to search for the last time. Lo and behold. we came across this sushi restaurant called Chojiro, and that time we didn't know that is one of the top restaurants to visit in Kyoto.
What first got our attention here in this restaurant was the seemingly affordable prices displayed outside. The next thing we noticed was the long queue, and that time we felt like we hit the bullseye. This is because our mantra during that time was to visit restaurants with long queues. That way we are somehow "guaranteed" that the food there would be great.
Warmth of service in Chojiro
Upon getting onto our seats, I already felt the immense warmth of the service. Well, I know service is something the Japanese people are known for, but this was exceptionally notable. The staff seemed really jolly having you around, and I was able to feel that, turning our experience really one-of-a-kind!
Price mechanics
In Chojiro, you will find sushi plates going around through the conveyor belt, and you can determine the price of the sushi by the color of the plates. The photo below shows you the prices corresponding to the colors. The numbers on top are the prices without tax, and the ones below are what you really would be paying.
Aside from the sushi, they also serve here other dishes (primarily sashimi). The prices are covered in a separate menu. Anyway, before we get into the sushi and sashimi, let me first share with you this interesting matcha tea.
When you get into your seat, you'll find there a tea cup, this matcha powder and a water dispenser. With this, you can now have either a cup of cold water or a "matcha tea" drink.
Alright, so we now let the conveyor belt start rolling!
There are various kinds of sushi that goes around the belt, and it's up to you and your budget what to draw out, since we were under a budget constraint, we only picked from the lower end of the price spectrum.
Despite doing so, our sushi experience was still memorable. This makes this restaurant a good place to maximize your money's worth.
Bay Scallop Gunkan || ¥180 or approximately P75
This scallop sushi was easy on the palate yet provides you enough "mmm" moment. Also, the freshness of the scallop and the richness in taste of the nori wrapping the sushi provided an amazing blend of flavors.
Avocado Tuna || ¥345 or approximately P145
This Avocado Tuna Sushi was very much note-worthy due to the fantastic combination of the tuna and the avocado. The fused texture and flavors were simply amazing! Also, I haven't found any restaurants here in Manila that serves this kind of sushi (but if you do, I hope you can share it to me).
Sashimi Set || ¥1004 or approximately P420
This sashimi set was no wonder dreamy with its fantastic quality and palatable freshness. The seafood meat magically melts in the mouth which was "momentous".
Chojiro - Overall Ratings and Summary
Note: Unshaded stars are equivalents of half-stars. The ratings apply solely to this dining experience.
Place ★★★★☆
Taste ★★★★☆
Service ★★★★☆
Value for Money ★★★★☆
Budget: at least ¥1,000 or approximately P420 for a light yet satisfying sushi experience
Chojiro is a remarkable sushi place based on our experience. It's true that there may be better similar restaurants around this part of Kyoto, but it was certainly amazing from a tourist standpoint. The service was something I highly appreciated, and for that I'm giving this place two-thumbs up!
I would definitely love to hear from you. Do drop a comment. I'll definitely appreciate it. Thanks!
Chojiro
Location: Japan, 〒600-8011 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Shimogyō-ku, Hashimotochō
Operating Hours: 11:30 AM to 11:30 PM according to Google Maps
English Menu is available
