Conveyor Belt Sushi Japan Guide

Kaiten-Zushi: Japan’s Most Fun Dining

Plates circulate on a belt — grab what appeals and pay based on plate count. Accessible, affordable, and genuinely delicious. Japan’s most beloved dining innovation.

How It Works

Sit at the counter or table alongside the belt. Grab any plate that passes (¥110–220, 1–2 pieces each). At better chains, order via tablet and dishes arrive via an express track.

Major Chains

Sushiro: Japan’s largest and most popular. Excellent quality for price. Usually busy but worth the wait.
Kura Sushi: Family-friendly, game machine rewards every 5 plates. ¥110/plate standard.
Hamazushi: All plates ¥110. Very cheap, good basic quality.
Uobei (Genki Sushi): Order on iPad, plates delivered by Shinkansen-themed tracks. Ultra-modern and fast.

What to Order

Classics: salmon (sake), tuna (maguro), yellowtail (hamachi), shrimp (ebi), egg (tamago). Adventurous: sea urchin (uni), salmon roe (ikura). Side dishes: miso soup, edamame.

Tips

• Green tea is free — powder at your seat, add hot water from the tap
• Order directly when the belt looks picked over (busy weekends)
• Go at off-peak times (2–5pm) for fresher belt offerings and no queue