OMAKASE sushi to enjoy during the year-end and New Year holidays in Kyoto
December 03, 2025
Kyoto stands as a refined culinary capital, where omakase dining and the artistry of seasonal ingredients come together in quiet harmony. At intimate counters and serene townhouses, chefs present thoughtfully composed courses that highlight the essence of each ingredient, attracting travelers from around the world in search of a truly special experience. During the year-end and New Year holidays, the city glows with temple illuminations and a calm, festive atmosphere that feels uniquely Japanese.
Yet many restaurants in Japan close for the New Year, and celebrated omakase establishments in Kyoto are no exception. It is not unusual for visitors to arrive full of anticipation, only to find that the restaurant they had in mind is closed for the holidays.
Even so, between December 27 and January 4, there are omakase restaurants in Kyoto that remain open, welcoming guests with limited-time courses and warm hospitality. This article features a carefully curated selection of places where you can enjoy an unforgettable omakase experience during this short but precious travel window.
*Please note that some restaurants may have specific closure days during the New Year period. *Information accurate as of December 3, 2025
Shogetsu / 照月
Gion Daiki / 祇園 大季
Wasabi / わさび
Sushi Nakamura Gionshijo / 鮨なかむら 祇園四条
Sushi Gohan Bamba / すしごはん 馬ん場
Sushi Taizo / 鮨 泰蔵
1. Shogetsu / 照月
Kyoto : Kinkaku-ji Area ☆4.7 (Google Maps)
Homestyle Kyoto Seasonal Cuisine in a Hidden Retreat
Away from the busy tourist areas, this small restaurant serves comforting Kyoto-style seasonal dishes. Established in 1949 and now run by the fourth-generation proprietress, it features fresh seafood from the market and vegetables from local organic farmers. The calm space blends the warmth of home with Kyoto’s refined elegance.
Trained in Japanese cuisine, the owner presents innovative dishes using carefully sourced Kyoto ingredients. Seasonal daily and weekly appetizers are especially popular, and a chef’s choice course highlights Kyoto’s rich produce. With a spacious, calming interior and a wide selection of drinks, guests can enjoy refined flavors crafted from seasonal ingredients.
Just a 3-minute walk from Gion-Shijo, the restaurant offers sushi and dishes made with fresh seafood and Kyoto vegetables. The signature Aburi Sushi blends fragrant seared toppings with vinegared rice. A calm Japanese interior with semi-private rooms makes it suitable for anniversaries and special outings. Seasonal courses, à la carte items, and a selection of local sake create a memorable Kyoto dining experience.
Enjoy rare items such as yellowfin tuna, vinegared tuna, kombujime sea bream, boiled clams, and steamed abalone at a hinoki counter. The restaurant serves Edomae sushi using seafood from Tokyo and local Kyoto fish. With a high-ceilinged space and a 12-seat counter, it is ideal for dinners, anniversaries, business entertainment, and hosting overseas guests.
Our restaurant offers sushi made with large, fresh toppings, especially the popular lunch “Seafood Sushi Bowl,” which features around ten seasonal items piled high enough to cover the rice. Portions can be adjusted for those who prefer a hearty meal. In the evening, the restaurant becomes a seafood izakaya serving seasonal dishes with drinks, attracting many local guests. Due to its popularity, early reservations are recommended.
Price: ¥5,000~(Affordable)
Type: Casual
Business Days: 12/27,12/28
Business Hours: 18:00~21:30,11:45~14:00
Feather: JapanFoodGuide Exclusive Course, Child-Friendly, English menu, Great value
We serve sushi made with carefully selected seasonal seafood in a calm, refined setting. The owner sources fresh fish every morning to create balanced Edomae-style nigiri enhanced by precise knife work. Enjoy the live atmosphere of the counter and warm hospitality while savoring Kyoto’s seasonal flavors.
During the year-end and New Year season in Kyoto, many restaurants close, so omakase restaurants that remain open become especially precious. Sitting at a quiet counter and enjoying a beautifully crafted omakase course is one of Japan’s quintessential winter pleasures and an experience deeply loved by international visitors.
Open during year-end and New Year: Some restaurants operate between December 31 and January 1, making it easier to fit an omakase reservation into your travel schedule.
Carefully Curated Omakase: You can savor authentic courses built around premium seasonal seafood and ingredients, thoughtfully composed to highlight Kyoto’s refined culinary style.
Authentic Kyoto Experience: Feel the “Japanese winter” with all your senses as the chef prepares each dish right before you, pairing traditional techniques, dashi, and delicate seasonings with the quiet atmosphere of Kyoto.
You no longer have to worry that “everywhere is closed…” At the omakase restaurants introduced here, you can enjoy an authentic Kyoto omakase experience even during the year-end and New Year holidays. To make the most of your limited time in Japan with unforgettable meals, please use this guide as your reference.
