Conveyor belt sushi, or kaitenzushi, is Japan’s most casual way to enjoy fresh sushi.
Fast, fun, and surprisingly affordable.
When you walk in, staff ask if you want counter seats by the belt or a table.
Counter seats put you close to the action, while tables give you more space.
Each seat comes with soy sauce, pickled ginger, chopsticks, and free green tea supplies with hot water dispensers.
Grab food three ways: take plates directly from the belt, order via touchscreen, or ask the chef.
Touchscreens at chains like Kura Sushi and Hamazushi show pictures and English options.
Orders arrive on a separate track or get handed to you.
| Ordering Method | Best For | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Conveyor belt | Browsing | Immediate |
| Touchscreen | Specific items | 5 to 10 minutes |
| Direct request | Fresh prep | Varies |
When finished, stack empty plates at your seat.
Signal staff using the call button or raise your hand. They count plates and calculate your bill.
Pay at the register near the exit.
Cash works everywhere.
IC cards like Suica are widely accepted.
Dining Etiquette & Hygiene
Before starting, it’s worth knowing a few basic etiquette rules to ensure a smooth experience.
Don’t touch plates unless taking them, and never return one once touched.
If you accidentally grab the wrong plate, call staff immediately rather than putting it back.
Take only what you’ll eat as wasting food is disrespectful in Japanese culture.
Use wet towels before eating and keep serving utensils separate from your own chopsticks.
Stack empty plates neatly by colour for easy counting.
Pickled ginger cleanses your palate between bites.
Most sushi includes wasabi, but ask for none if preferred.
Pour minimal soy sauce to avoid waste.
Keep in mind:
- Don’t reach over others
- Keep voices low
- No photos of other customers
- Turn away and cover if coughing or sneezing
- Use chopstick rests when not eating
Modern locations have delivery trains for orders.
Press the return button after removing your food so trains head back to the kitchen.
Budget-Friendly Dining
Plates start around ¥110 to ¥150, making kaitenzushi far cheaper than traditional sushi.
Expect ¥1,500 to ¥3,500 per person for a solid meal.
Plate pricing by colour, thought this can vary from shop to shop:
| Plate Colour | Price Range | Typical Items |
|---|---|---|
| White / Yellow | ¥110 to ¥150 | Cucumber rolls, tamago |
| Blue / Green | ¥200 to ¥250 | Salmon, standard tuna |
| Red / Black | ¥300 to ¥400 | Fatty tuna, eel |
| Gold / Special | ¥500+ | Uni, premium cuts |
Charts showing colour prices are posted on walls or menus.
Standard choices include maguro (tuna), salmon, shrimp, kappamaki (cucumber rolls), and sashimi.
Many restaurants serve more than sushi: miso soup, chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), fried snacks, desserts.
Seasonal specials rotate often and usually stay within normal price ranges.
Save money:
- Visit at lunch for deals
- Stick with cheaper colours
- Try chain sets
- Share to sample more
- Look for weekday discounts
Popular budget items: tamago (sweet egg), kappa (cucumber), tekka (tuna) rolls.
Major Kaitenzushi Chains
Here’s how Japan’s major kaitenzushi chains compare:
| Chain | Known For | Pricing | Unique Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sushiro | Highest quality fish, seasonal variety | ¥110 to ¥500+ | Premium ingredients, fast ordering, best maguro | Quality seekers, foodies |
| Kura Sushi | Entertainment, no additives | ¥110 to ¥150 (uniform) | BIKKURAPON gacha game, additive-free | Families, health-conscious |
| Hamazushi | Soy sauce variety, side dishes | ¥110 to ¥500+ | Four soy sauces, extensive sides, Pepper robot | Budget diners |
Sushiro leads in quality with 600+ locations.
Kura Sushi avoids all artificial additives.
Hamazushi offers the most side dishes.
Practical Tips
Children: Extremely family-friendly.
High chairs available, mild menu options like egg and cucumber, entertainment features at chains like Kura Sushi keep kids engaged.
Supervise young ones near the belt.
Timing: Most visits last 30 to 60 minutes.
You control the pace.
During peak hours, some locations enforce 60 to 90 minute limits if there’s a queue.
Menu variety: Expect nigiri (tuna, salmon, shrimp, squid, sea bream, mackerel), maki rolls (cucumber, tuna, salmon avocado, California), cooked options (eel, cooked shrimp, tamago), and sides (miso soup, edamame, salad, tempura).
Many add ramen, udon, or desserts.
Freshness: Chefs remove plates after 30 to 60 minutes.
They monitor continuously, swapping older items for fresh ones.
Temperature-controlled systems and plastic covers maintain quality.
Digital tracking via IC chips helps at modern locations.
High-turnover times naturally keep everything fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the colour-coded pricing work?
Each plate colour indicates price.
Staff count your empty plates at the end to calculate the total.
Modern locations use tablets showing exact prices or sensors that track automatically.
Can I order items not on the belt?
Yes.
Use touchscreens to browse the full menu or speak directly to chefs.
Fresh-made orders arrive at your seat via belt or staff delivery.
What if I’m unsure about an ingredient?
Most locations have English menus on tablets.
Some offer pictures showing contents.
If still uncertain, order one piece first.
Staff are helpful if you need to ask questions.
How do restaurants handle food safety?
Strict time limits keep items fresh.
Plastic covers protect each plate.
Temperature controls maintain proper conditions.
Never touch food unless taking the entire plate.
Staff enforce hygiene standards rigorously, especially after incidents involving food contamination by customers.
Final Thoughts
Kaitenzushi combines tradition with convenience, making it accessible and fun for everyone.
Whether you’re after premium quality at Sushiro, family entertainment at Kura Sushi or variety at Hamazushil, there’s a chain matching your preferences.
Whether you’re sampling your first plate or chasing limited-edition specials, kaitenzushi offers one of Japan’s most enjoyable and affordable dining experiences.
