This is a series of articles on gifts chosen by Kyoto's stylish people that will impress your recipient. The fifth installment features Nagamatsu Hitomi, owner of "Ko KYOTO," which offers Western antiques and contemporary art. Her recommendations include the Kyoto-inspired "onigiri" (rice balls) and sushi rolls. Nagamatsu Hitomi frequently attends public gatherings, such as shop receptions, exhibitions of artists she knows, and parties. "I think there are many gifts like flowers, sweets, and wine, so I choose sushi that's unique." Born as the eldest daughter of the antique shop "Tessaido," she leveraged the aesthetic sensibility she developed at a young age to open "tessaido annex Ko" on Furumonzen-dori Street in 2008. In 2012, the store changed its name and moved to Gion-cho. This time, we recommend "Nakamuraya," a renowned restaurant founded in 1954 that specializes in Sukeroku sushi. It's often used as a gift for dressing room visits at Minamiza or for dance practice, and the sushi rice is small so as not to soil costumes in the hectic dressing room. The vinegared rice itself is well-seasoned, and the seaweed adds a nice flavor, making it delicious even without soy sauce.

"Staff are always busy at parties and solo exhibitions, aren't they? Nakamuraya's Sukeroku is perfect for a quick snack, and I sometimes bring some not only for guests but also for staff." Nagamatsu says that many people who introduce Sukeroku sushi then return to buy some later. "Located on a side street near Hyakumanben, the shop is housed in a traditional townhouse, and looks more like a home than a shop. First-time visitors always get lost. It's not in the city center, and reservations are required the day before, but I like the "out-of-the-way" feel, especially in this age when everything is so easy to buy."

The photo shows an assortment of cucumber rolls, pickled radish rolls, and inari sushi, priced at 880 yen per serving. The address is 145 Tanaka Ozekicho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City. If you take the train, it's about a 10-minute walk from Keihan Demachiyanagi Station. It's in an old residential area where many students from Kyoto University and Doshisha University live. Business hours are 10:00-17:00, with irregular holidays. Reservations are required at least one day in advance.