Affordable, Fun, and Delicious – Here’s Where to Go and What to Order!
Conveyor belt sushi—called “kaitenzushi” in Japanese—is one of the easiest and most fun ways to try sushi in Japan, especially for first-time visitors.
It’s fast, casual, and often surprisingly high-quality… all without breaking the bank!
In this guide, we’ll introduce the top kaitenzushi chains, what to expect, and what to order—complete with prices, official websites, and beginner-friendly picks.
🍣 1. Sushiro (スシロー)
Japan’s most popular kaitenzushi chain
- 🍽️ Price per plate: Usually ¥120–¥180 (~$0.80–$1.20 USD)
- 🧾 Tablets with English / pictures available
- 🔁 Plates arrive on a belt, or you can order from the screen
- 🏪 600+ locations nationwide
⭐ Recommended Menu:
- Seared Salmon with Cheese (¥180) – Lightly torched and creamy
- Chūtoro (Medium Fatty Tuna, ¥180) – Great taste for low price
- Tempura Shrimp Roll (¥120) – Crunchy and kid-friendly
- Pudding dessert (¥180) – Surprisingly good!
🍣 2. Kura Sushi (くら寿司)
- 🍽️ Price per plate: ¥115 flat rate (~$0.75 USD)
- 🎰 “Bikkura Pon” Game: Every 5 plates = chance to win capsule toy
- 📱 English menus on touchscreen
- 🍜 Side dishes include ramen, curry, and desserts
⭐ Recommended Menu:
- Salmon with Onion & Mayo (¥115) – A unique fan favorite
- Seared Beef Sushi (¥115) – Great for non-fish eaters
- Spicy Tuna Roll (¥115) – Mild, not too hot
- Matcha Green Tea Ice Cream (¥115) – Great finish!
🍣 3. Hamazushi (はま寿司)
Affordable, quiet, and often less crowded
- 🍽️ Price per plate: ¥100–¥150 (~$0.65–$1.00 USD)
- 📖 Menus in multiple languages
- 💴 Pay at self-checkout machine
⭐ Recommended Menu:
- Squid with Lemon (¥100) – Light and refreshing
- Grilled Eel (Unagi) (¥150) – Affordable version of a delicacy
- Tuna Mayo Gunkan (¥100) – Creamy and easy for beginners
- Chawanmushi (¥150) – Savory egg custard side dish
🍣 4. Kappa Sushi (かっぱ寿司)
Good for groups or travelers outside major cities
- 🍽️ Price per plate: ¥110–¥160
- 👶 Family-friendly with wide seating
- 🥢 Some locations offer all-you-can-eat plans (食べ放題)!
⭐ Recommended Menu:
- Grilled Cheese Salmon (¥110) – Melted cheesy goodness
- Fried Chicken Sushi (¥110) – Crunchy fusion style
- Ikura (Salmon Roe, ¥160) – Salty, luxurious bite
- Soy Milk Donuts (¥110) – A unique dessert!
🍣 5. Uobei by Genki Sushi (魚べい)
High-speed sushi delivery—no belt!
🔗 Official Website (JP)
🔗 Genki Sushi USA (EN)
- 🚄 Sushi is delivered directly to your seat via train-like track
- 💻 Touchscreen ordering only (menu in English available)
- 🍽️ Fixed prices: Most sushi ¥110–¥180
⭐ Recommended Menu:
- Scallop Nigiri (¥110) – Sweet and soft
- Aburi Salmon (Torched Salmon, ¥110) – Smoky and rich
- Corn Mayo Gunkan (¥110) – Great for kids or picky eaters
- Fried Potato Wedges (¥110) – Yes, even fries!
🍣 Quick Comparison Table: Top Conveyor Belt Sushi Chains in Japan
| Chain Name | Typical Price Range per Plate | English Menu | Fun Features | Ideal For | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sushiro | ¥120–¥360 | ✅ Yes | Touchscreen ordering | Quality & variety | Link |
| Kura Sushi | ¥115–¥280 | ✅ Yes | Prize game (Bikkura Pon) | Families & kids | Link |
| Hamazushi | ¥100–¥330 | ✅ Yes | Quiet & less crowded | Budget-conscious diners | Link |
| Kappa Sushi | ¥110–¥300 | ❌ JP only | Some locations offer buffet | Large groups | Link |
| Uobei | ¥110–¥330 | ✅ Yes | Train-style delivery | Fast & fun experience | Link |
📝 Note: Some premium items (like toro or uni) may cost up to ¥360–¥500 per plate depending on location and season. However, most standard dishes are under ¥200.
🗾 Tips for Visiting Kaitenzushi in Japan
✅ Don’t worry about speaking Japanese—most chains offer English menus
✅ Green tea (hot water + matcha powder) is free and self-serve
✅ Take as many plates as you like—the price is per plate
✅ Don’t stack plates on the conveyor belt—use the plate slot or leave on the table
✨ Final Thoughts
Kaitenzushi is one of the best budget food experiences in Japan.
Even if you’re new to sushi, you can experiment, try new things, and eat as much—or as little—as you like.
Next time you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or even a countryside town… follow the locals and hop into a kaitenzushi shop. You won’t regret it!
コメント