What comes to mind when you think of famous Japanese food？
Most people would say “sushi”.
Nowadays, you can eat sushi overseas, but it doesn’t compare to the real thing.
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants are where you can enjoy delicious sushi quickly and affordably.
In this post, we will introduce some tips to help you enjoy conveyor belt sushi with ease.
What is a conveyor belt sushi restaurant？
Small plates of sushi are carried around the restaurant on a conveyor belt.
You can freely pick up and eat any sushi that passes by on the conveyor belt.
From entering the restaurant to taking a seat
When you enter the restaurant, you will first be greeted by the receptionist.
Tell the staff the number of people in your group or take a numbered ticket from the machine at the reception desk, then wait.
You can choose between counter seats for one person or table seats for families or groups.
Some restaurants charge different prices based on the color or pattern of the plate, while others offer a fixed price for all plates.
Once you’re seated, check the pricing of the plates on the wall or menu.
※For example, yellow plates are 100 yen, blue plates are 200 yen, etc.
Many conveyor belt sushi restaurants also offer takeout options.
How do I order?
①When taking from the conveyor belt.
If you see any sushi you’d like moving along the conveyor belt, feel free to take a plate.
Sushi that other customers have ordered through the touch panel might pass by, but do not take it.
※These plates often have a special stand under them or a tag that says “ordered item”.
②When ordering from the touch panel.
There are often touch panels at the seats.
This method is recommended because you can eat freshly made sushi.
Even if you don’t understand Japanese, there are many restaurants that support multiple languages such as English, Chinese, and Korean, so you don’t have to worry.
You can choose while looking at the photo, so it’s easy to understand what kind of sushi it is.
If you prefer not to have wasabi, you can order “without wasabi” （called “sabi-nuki” in Japan）.
Children’s menus often come without wasabi from the beginning.
The sushi you ordered will be delivered directly to your seat on a special express lane, or the staff will bring it to you.
If you have a food allergy, please inform a staff member before ordering, or you can check the allergy information on the touch panel.
Things to do at your seat and tips on how to eat
① Tea
At your seat, green tea, a teacup, and a hot water tap are provided.
Put a little powder in the teacup, pour hot water over it, and drink it.
You can have as many refills as you like for free.
② Soy sauce
Soy sauce is provided on the table.
Put a little on a small plate and eat with sushi toppings.
Be careful not to put too much on the rice, as it will crumble and become too salty.
③ Gari
There is a container of “gari” （thinly sliced pink or white ginger） on the table.
You can also eat this for free.
Eating it between sushi helps refresh your palate and enhances the flavor of the next sushi.
④ Chopsticks
You can eat with your hands or chopsticks, so choose whichever is easier for you.
Chopsticks are provided on the table.
⑤ Plates after eating
It is customary to stack the plates you’ve finished eating on the table.
Some restaurants have a place to return plates （such as under the counter）, and they also have a system where the number of plates you put in there is automatically counted.
There are many other menu items besides sushi.
Conveyor belt sushi restaurants offer a wide variety of side dishes such as miso soup, udon, and ramen, fried foods such as fried chicken, chawanmushi, and french fries, and desserts such as cakes, ice cream, and fruit.
Drinks such as beer, sake, and soft drinks can also be ordered.
All of this can be ordered via touch panels.
Paying the bill
When you have finished your meal, press the “Pay” button on the touch panel or tell a member of staff nearby that you would like to pay.
When paying, the staff will count the number and type of plates （or use your order history on the touch panel） to calculate the total amount.
Most stores accept cash and credit cards.
Some stores also accept electronic money （Suica, PASMO, etc.） and QR code payments （PayPay, etc.）, so please ask the cashier for details.
Famous conveyor belt sushi restaurant chain
①SUSHIRO
They are known for focusing on the freshness and quality of their ingredients, especially their tuna.
They frequently hold limited-time fairs using seasonal and high-quality ingredients.
Recommended for those who value the taste of their ingredients and want to enjoy seasonal and rare ingredients.
②Kura Sushi
There is a game called “Bikkura Pon！” that you can play after every 5 plates, which is very popular with families with children.
It is recommended for those who want to have fun with small children.
③Kappa Sushi
Many restaurants offer an all-you-can-eat plan called “Tabeho”, which is popular with people who want to eat a lot.
Prices are reasonable, with each plate costing just under 100 yen.
Recommended for people who want to eat to their heart’s content and who value price.
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