🍣 BELT SUSHI (KAITENZUSHI)

If you’re in the mood for sushi and traveling on a budget, one great option is conveyor belt sushi (kaitenzushi). There are plenty of both independent and chain restaurants offering this style of sushi all over Japan.

In most of these restaurants, there are tables and booths, with single seats also available. The single seats are set up in long rows, each seat separated by dividers for privacy.

Then comes the fun part! At your table or booth, there's typically an iPad or similar device for ordering. Most of these devices feature a language menu, making it easy to navigate.

On the device you can explore the wide range of items available for order: sushi, french fries, soda, desserts, various rice options, beer and much more.

Once you place your initial order on the device (you can order multiple times during your meal), it's sent to the kitchen. You'll soon see your order arrive via conveyor belt right at your table. The belt travels from the kitchen to each seat in the restaurant and back again, so you'll also see other people's orders whizzing past you. Don't worry your food is safe. Other patrons know to only take their own orders. Just do them the same courtesy.

Another option is to pick up items that the kitchen offers to everyone in the restaurant. Some places even have two conveyor belts—one for orders and another for items available to all customers. These items usually have a price noted and tend to be a bit fancier.

When you're finished, you can inform the staff through the ordering device at your table. Depending on the restaurant's procedure, you may need to return your empty plates to a sorter for cleaning, or staff may stop by your table and tally your plates. Then you'll receive your bill and pay at the front.

One cool bonus: Some kaitenzushi restaurants have a Gashapon (capsule toy) game where you can play to win a toy or small collectible by returning the plates. I highly recommend signing up for this option when you first sit down. The toys are pretty silly but a cute bonus to remember your meal by.

Happy Eating!

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