Sushi Experience
Your first nigiri.
The warmth of the rice, the pressure of a palm. One motion at a time, the craft from behind the counter becomes your own.
Ayabe · Kyoto · Japan
Live the real Japan.
本物の日本を生きる。
Concept
A hundred-year-old house.
Time made by hand.
KO is an experience-based café in a restored townhouse in Ayabe, Kyoto.
The house has stood here since around 1930; until the mid-1970s it served the town as a children’s clinic.
This is not sightseeing — it is everyday Japan, felt through your own hands: shaping sushi, whisking tea, taking your time.
In this house, we hope you will live the real Japan.
felt through your own hands —
shaping sushi, whisking tea.
Experiences
Shape it. Whisk it. Taste it.
Every experience takes place inside our machiya, built around 1930. Groups of 2 to 20.
Table-style Tea Ceremony
Tea, at the table.
The sound of the whisk, the rising steam. Formality can wait — begin with the simple pleasure of a good bowl. Sixty minutes with the spirit of tea, from the comfort of a chair.
The KO Sets
Sushi first, then tea.
The KO Set
Sushi Standard + Tea Ceremony
One afternoon, two traditions. Our recommended combination.
¥9,000/ person, tax incl.
The KO Premium Set
Sushi Premium + Tea Ceremony
Premium sushi and tea ceremony, unhurried.
¥14,500/ person, tax incl.
Groups of 2–20 · Book by 6:00 PM the day before (3 days before for groups of 10+)
The Machiya
A hundred years, still lit.
Quiet is part of the meal.
Garden light, ceramics, the sound of tatami.
Matcha Store
Take the tea home with you.
The matcha we whisk at KO comes from Uji, Kyoto.Two of our blends — Subaru and Akatsuki — are available in our online store.
Subaru昴
Uji matcha · 30g
¥2,900
Akatsuki暁
Uji matcha · 30g
¥4,500
KO, day by day
Today’s machiya, today’s table. Follow along on Instagram.
Reserve
Tell us when
you’re coming.
Send us your preferred experience, date, and group size using the form below. We’ll reply by email within two business days to confirm availability. Payment is settled at the café on the day of your visit.
Please book by 6:00 PM the day before your visit — or 3 days ahead for groups of 10 or more.
How it works
- Send your preferred experience, date and group size from the form.
- We reply by email within two business days to confirm availability.
- You settle payment at the café on the day of your visit.
Cancellation is free until 6:00 PM the day before your visit. After that, 100% of the experience fee applies.
In a hurry, or booking for today?
- Instagram DM@ko_in_jp
- Phone+81-773-45-6078phone answered 10:30 AM - 7:00 PM JST
Access
Getting Here
By train
A 10-minute walk from JR Ayabe Station, which is served by the JR Sanin Main Line and the Maizuru Line.
Free pick-up
Or let us pick you up, free of charge. Just mention it when you book.
- Open
- 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Closed
- Thursdays
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How far in advance should I book?
By 6:00 PM the day before your visit. Groups of 10 or more: 3 days in advance.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free until 6:00 PM the day before. After that, 100% of the fee applies.
What group sizes do you accept?
Each experience welcomes 2 to 20 guests.
Do you have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes. Our Vegetable Sushi experience (90 min, ¥6,000) is fully vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
How do I get there?
A 10-minute walk from JR Ayabe Station, or free pick-up on request.
When are you open?
10:30 AM to 10:00 PM, closed Thursdays.
How old is the building?
It was built around 1930 as a machiya townhouse. Until the mid-1970s it served the town as a children’s clinic. Today we rent it from its owner and have restored it to help bring life back to central Ayabe.
