Delicious, affordable, and fun: Welcome to kaitenzushi—Japan’s conveyor belt sushi

Author Avatar Emi Onishi

When people think of Japan’s most famous food, sushi often comes to mind. While high-end sushi can be pricey, there’s a budget-friendly alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience—kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi!

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The appeal of 100-yen kaitenzushi

Major kaitenzushi chains like Sushiro and Kappa Sushi offer plates starting at just 100 yen. These restaurants are not only affordable but also serve surprisingly delicious sushi with a wide variety of options. Personally, Sushiro is my favorite. Their tablet-based ordering system makes it easy to browse a user-friendly menu with real pictures, and they introduce new seasonal items every month, keeping things fresh and exciting. It’s no wonder more of these restaurants are popping up across Japan!

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Beyond budget sushi

In recent years, some kaitenzushi spots have elevated the experience by offering premium cuts of fish and having shokunin (sushi craftsmen) prepare orders in front of customers. Still, conveyor belt sushi remains an excellent choice for families and casual outings. If you’re planning a special date, though, you might want to opt for a more traditional sushi restaurant.