How to Enjoy a Kaiten Sushi Restaurant in Japan (2025 Guide for First-Time Visitors)

Visiting a kaiten sushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant in Japan can be one of the most fun and affordable food experiences—especially for first-time visitors.
This guide explains everything you need to know: how it works, how to order, how to understand the price system, what to avoid, and useful English–Japanese vocabulary.

Whether you’re a traveler or a new expat, this article will help you enjoy kaiten sushi like a pro!

What is Kaiten Sushi? (Simple explanation)

Kaiten sushi (conveyor-belt sushi) is a popular and affordable style of sushi restaurant in Japan where plates move past your seat on a rotating belt. You simply pick the dishes you like as they pass by.

This system was invented in Osaka and is now loved all across Japan for its speed, fun atmosphere, and reasonable prices. Many shops also offer ramen, fried foods, desserts, and drinks — so even beginners and kids can enjoy it.

How It Works (Step-by-step for foreigners)

Here’s what usually happens after you enter a kaiten sushi restaurant:

1. Wait to be seated
   Staff will guide you to a counter seat or table. Some restaurants use a ticket machine at the entrance.
2. Hot tea setup
   You’ll find:
   • green tea powder
   • hot water faucet
   • cups
     Mix them to make your own tea — it’s free!
3. Grab plates from the belt
   Choose any sushi you want as it comes around.
   If the sushi is covered with a dome lid, lift it straight up.
4. Order from the touchscreen
   More restaurants now deliver special orders by express lane or mini shinkansen train.
5. Stack your plates
   Keep all your empty plates. Staff will count them at the end.
6. Pay at the register
   Bring your plate count slip. Many shops accept card or IC payments.

How to Order (Touch panel / calling staff)

Using the touch panel (most common)

• Choose your language
• Select sushi, drinks, or side menu
• Confirm your order
• Wait for delivery (usually 1–3 minutes)

When the “bullet train” arrives, take your plate and press the return or OK button.

Popular keywords you’ll see:

• にぎり → Nigiri
• まぐろ → Tuna
• サーモン → Salmon
• はまち → Yellowtail
• えび → Shrimp
• 天ぷら → Tempura
• デザート → Dessert

Ordering by speaking to staff

Just say:

• Sumimasen! (すみません) – Excuse me
• Mizu onegaishimasu. – Water, please
• Kono sushi wa mada arimasu ka? – Do you still have this sushi?

Staff are used to tourists, so don’t worry!

Price System Explained

In kaiten sushi, plate colors = price.
Example (typical):

• White plate → 110 yen
• Blue plate → 165 yen
• Red plate → 220 yen
• Gold plate → 330 yen
• Special plate → 550 yen+

Prices are clearly shown on the menu or wall.
At the end, staff will scan your plates to calculate your total.

Tip: High-end toppings like otoro (fatty tuna), uni (sea urchin), and wagyu sushi are usually on premium plates.

Recently, some chains like Sushiro or Kura Sushi use same-price plates for simplicity.

Etiquette & What NOT to Do

✔️ DO

• Take plates only from your side
• Return dome lids after opening
• Keep your plates stacked neatly
• Use the provided ginger as a palate cleanser
• Wipe your hands with the oshibori (wet towel)

❌ DON’T

• Don’t touch plates you won’t take
• Don’t return plates to the belt
• Don’t take someone else’s special-order dish
• Don’t mix wasabi directly into soy sauce at high-end places (it’s okay at chain restaurants)

Good manners = better experience for everyone.

Best Dishes for Beginners

Here are safe and popular choices even for people who don’t eat raw fish often:

• Salmon (サーモン)
• Tuna (まぐろ)
• Shrimp (えび)
• Egg omelet (たまご)
• Cucumber roll (かっぱ巻き)
• Seared salmon (炙りサーモン)
• Crab mayo (かにみそ/かにサラダ)
• Corn mayo sushi (kids love this!)
• Tempura rolls
• Udon or chawanmushi (savory steam egg)
• Scallops (ホタテ)
• Yellowtail (ハマチ)
• Grilled eel (うなぎ)
• Sea bream (鯛)

Vocabulary List

I wrote another article about conveyor belt sushi. Let’s take a look!