Kikunoi Sushi Ao
菊乃井鮨青

KYOTO / Sushi Special and Limited Release1 Star

A brand new and exclusive sushi restaurant in Kyoto brought to you by the acclaimed 3-star Kikunoi.

Recommended by a Restaurant Guide
Starred Restaurant
1 Star
Special and Limited Release
Counter Seating
Solo Diner Accepted

3 Michelin-starred Kikunoi has been continuously influential in the culinary world of Japan and has been actively promoting Japanese food culture throughout the globe. Kikunoi has now opened a brand new restaurant in the Higashiyama district of Kyoto, under the name “Ao (青),” which until now has not been open to the general public.

This new sushi restaurant occupies the 1st floor of Kikunoi’s building (with Kikunoi’s meat cuisine restaurant located on the 2nd floor) and features a 10-seat counter.

The space was crafted by Nakamura Sotoji Komuten, the building company renowned for its sukiya architecture and known for their work on the Nelson Rockefeller home in New York, the tea room at Ise Jingu, Rurikoin, and the tea room at the Kyoto International Conference Center.

Museum-quality pottery made by Kitaoji Rosanjin has been collected by the owner of Kikunoi, Mr. Yoshihiro Murata, over many years, and these are used to serve sushi Kikunoi Ao. This results in an incredibly rare and luxurious dining experience.
Many of Rosanjin’s spectacular pieces of art are displayed in the restaurant, and guests can even request that specific pieces is used for their meal if they wish.

The head chef and sushi master, Chef Abe, trained at Kikunoi for many years, during which he supervised the sushi course at Kikunoi Akasaka, and honed his skills at other renowned sushi establishments before bringing his expertise to Kikunoi Ao.
Mr. Murata explains that this restaurant, which started off as a exclusive “not-open-to-the-public” venture, is intended for true food enthusiasts who want to focus on their dining experience and enjoy their meals at their pace.

Kikunoi Ao offers a truly exceptional experience for those who truly love food and the Japanese food culture.

Address	463-30 Shimokawaracho, Higashiyama , Kyoto
Business hours	15:00 to 22:00 (Last entry at 19:00)
Closed	Tuesdays
Directions	20 minute walk from Gion-Shijo Station of the Keihan Line. 8 minute taxi ride.
Price	From ￥44,000
Seating	10 counter seats
Smoking	Prohibited (Please be advised that smoking is strictly prohibited within the premises and surrounding areas of the restaurant under Kyoto's local law and offenders will be penalized).
Children	16 years-old and above are allowed.
Wi-Fi	None
Language	None
Parking	None
Dresscode	Smart Casual required. ※ Beach sandals, athletic wear such as sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, camisoles, and short pants are not permitted. ※ Guests wearing strong perfume or cologne will be denied entry.
Dining Guidelines	・The restaurant uses expensive and fragile glasses and plateware which can break or become damaged very easily. Toasting with glasses is strictly prohibited. ・Please be advised that payment/compensation may be required if glasses or plateware is damaged or broken. ・Please be advised that the taking of pictures within the restaurant, as well as posting pictures of inside the restaurant to Social Media is strictly prohibited. The taking of pictures outside the restaurant is allowed.
Payment method	【Advance payment for online reservation】 PayPal or Credit Card 【Payment for additional orders at the restaurant】 Credit Card only Cash cannot be used: a credit card which can be used in Japan is required (VISA, MASTER, Amex, JCB, Diners Club).
Cancellation Policy	The terms for cancellations and changes may differ based on the restaurant's policies, reservation date, time, and number of guests. Before making your reservation, please review and agree to the terms and policies listed on the reservation form.
Concierge Service Fee	15%