Conveyor belt sushi in Japan

Today I introduce Conveyor belt sushi for a foreign tourist visiting Japan.

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Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi): A Fun and Unique Dining Experience

 

Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司), or conveyor belt sushi, is a unique and popular style of sushi restaurant in Japan. Instead of ordering from a waiter, you simply pick plates of sushi as they pass by you on a revolving conveyor belt. It's a fun, casual, and affordable way to enjoy a wide variety of sushi.

　　　　　　　　　　

How it Works:

 

• The Conveyor Belt: A continuous belt winds through the restaurant, carrying plates of fresh sushi, rolls, and other small dishes.

• Picking a Plate: You can take any plate that looks good to you directly from the belt.

• Color-Coded Plates: The plates are often color-coded, with each color representing a different price. A menu is usually available to show you what each color costs.

• Special Orders: If you don't see what you want, you can often order a specific item using a touchscreen at your table. The freshly made dish will then be delivered to your table on a separate, faster belt or by a waiter.

• Paying the Bill: When you're finished, a staff member will count the number of plates you have and give you the total bill.

The prices are generally very reasonable, making it a great option for tourists and families.

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Popular Kaiten-zushi Chains

 

Here are some of the most famous and tourist-friendly conveyor belt sushi chains you'll find in Japan:

 

1. Sushiro (スシロー)

　　　　　　　　　　　

• Highlights: One of the largest and most popular chains in Japan. They offer a huge variety of sushi, often with seasonal specials. Sushiro is known for its high quality and very affordable prices. They are excellent for first-timers.

• Pro-Tip: Their touchscreen ordering system is very easy to use and usually has English language support.

 

2. Kura Sushi (くら寿司)

　　　　　　　　　　　

• Highlights: Kura Sushi is famous for its unique "Bikkura Pon" game system. After you've eaten five plates, you can drop the empty plates into a slot at your table, and a small game will appear on the touchscreen. If you win, you get a prize from a dispenser above your table!

• Pro-Tip: The game and the fun atmosphere make this a great choice, especially if you're with kids. They also have an impressive menu with a lot of non-sushi items like tempura and noodles.

 

3. Hama Sushi (はま寿司)

　　　　　　　　　　　

• Highlights: Hama Sushi is another major chain known for its very low prices and wide variety of sushi, including many fusion-style options. They also have a good selection of non-sushi dishes.

• Pro-Tip: They often have specials with unique toppings and offer several different types of soy sauce to try.

 

4. Genki Sushi (元気寿司)

　　　　　　　　　　　

• Highlights: While some locations have a traditional conveyor belt, many Genki Sushi restaurants use a unique system where all orders are delivered directly to your table on a fast, multi-level track. It's a high-tech and fun experience.

• Pro-Tip: This is a great choice if you want to try a variety of items without waiting for them to pass by on a traditional belt.

Kaiten-zushi offers a fantastic opportunity to experience Japanese food culture in a fun, accessible, and budget-friendly way. Enjoy your sushi adventure!