Conveyor Belt Sushi in Tokyo: 10 Excellent and Affordable Restaurants

Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo

Tokyo boasts many conveyor belt sushi restaurants and it can be hard to know where to start! Read on to learn the top 10 sushi chain restaurants in Tokyo along with some hidden gems!

We have also compiled a list of useful Japanese phrases for ordering at conveyor belt sushi restaurants, and explain how to identify various types of seafood on menus that don't include English writing.

10 Sushi Restaurants in Tokyo and a Guide to Ordering Sushi

Japanese Sushi Menu and Translation Guide
How to ask for sushi without wasabi in Japanese
1. Sushiro: Delicious and Fun!
2. Kura Sushi: Guaranteed Freshness!
3. Ganso Zushi: Affordable Sushi and Friendly Staff
4. Sushi Katsumidori: A Shop With a Daily Changing Menu
5. Nemuro Hanamaru: Authentic Hokkaido Sushi
6. Kaiten Sushi Toriton: Sushi from Hokkaido
7. Heiroku Sushi: Seasonal Flavors from Sendai
8. Maguro Ton'ya Miura Misaki Port: Friendly Staff
9. Sushi Choshimaru
10. Uobei: Popular Among Ladies

Japanese Sushi Menu and Translation Guide

While the advantage of conveyor belt sushi is being able to personally see the variety of seafood being served, there are still instances when you might encounter a situation such as 'I want to eat sea urchin... but which one is it on the menu?' or when you need to ask the chef for a special order as well as operating the menu interface yourself.

In this article, we provide a brief overview of common menu categories and items often found in conveyor belt sushi restaurants, their English translation, and their transliteration.

Fish	English	Transliteration
サーモン	Salmon	sa-mon
はまち	Yellowfin Tuna	hamachi
かつお	Skipjack tuna	katsuo
あじ	Caranginae	aji
いわし	Sardine	iwashi
マグロ	Tuna	maguro
中トロ	Fatty Tuna	chuutoro
タイ	Red Snapper	tai
さば	Mackerel	saba
えんがわ	Flatfish	engawa

Seafood	English	Transliteration
うに	Sea urchin	uni
あわび	Abalone	awabi
いくら	Salmon roe	ikura
えび	Shrimp	ebi
甘えび	Sweet shrimp	amaebi
ほたて	Scallops	hotate
いか	Squid	ika
かにみそ	Crab Miso	kanimiso

Others	English	Transliteration
いなり	Inari	inari
うなぎ	Eel	unagi
玉子焼	Tamagoyaki	tamagoyaki
炙りサーモン	Grilled salmon	aburisa-mon
鉄火巻	Tuna roll	tekkamaki
かっぱ巻	Cucumber roll	kappamaki

How to ask for sushi without wasabi in Japanese

Here are Japanese phrases we recommend keeping note of that will definitely come in handy when eating sushi:
1. わさび抜きでお願いします。
Meaning: Please remove the wasabi.
Pronunciation: Wasabi nuki de onegai shimasu.

2. 会計お願いします。
Meaning: Please bring the bill.
Pronunciation: Kaikei onegai shimasu.

1. Sushiro: Delicious and Fun

Sushiro originated from a sushi restaurant called Taizushi located in Osaka. The sushi chefs at that restaurant wanted to share the charm of sushi with more people, which led to the story of the birth of Sushiro, a conveyor belt sushi chain.

The establishment has its own system to ensure the freshness of ingredients and periodically offers limited-time menu selections. Every visit brings something new, and many Japanese office workers often treat themselves to a round of sushi after work.

We recommend downloading the Sushiro app, where you can check the current queue status at nearby branches and make instant reservations without the need for membership registration.

Limited-time squid and cod roe sushi prepared with special red vinegar, adding a gentle layer of complexity to the ingredients (100 yen).

Sushiro's delicious ramen, chewy and slightly firm noodles, topped with tender thinly sliced seabream and a fragrant broth (330 yen).

They also offer a limited-time Lemongrass Strawberry Parfait. With an aroma of lemongrass, it had a sweet-tart taste of strawberries, and a texture resembling ice cream (280 yen).

There are Sushiro stores in all the major cities of Japan. Search for the one that's nearest to you and give it a try!

Official website: Sushiro
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2. Kura Sushi: Guaranteed Freshness!

Kura Sushi, with over four hundred branches in Japan, is most dedicated to providing delicious sushi at affordable prices.

They proudly declare the absence of artificial chemicals in their offerings, even reducing the salt content in soy sauce by 25% compared to the standard. They have even developed the "Freshness-kun" system to ensure that sushi stays fresh when delivered to customers and remains free from airborne bacteria.

The store's Bamboo Princess Sushi series includes shrimp served in a bowl made from bamboo. The portions are generous, and the dish is seasoned with a Japanese-style sauce called Ishizawa's. The mayonnaise brings out the sweetness of the shrimp, making it a satisfying dish (100 yen).

The Fish-Flavored Soy Sauce Ramen, made with a broth stewed from seven kinds of seafood including bonito, has a wonderfully aromatic and refreshing taste. Even if you choose a carb-free noodle option, there's no additional charge! (390 yen)

The Natural Spanish Mackerel with Yuzu, emitting a subtle yuzu fragrance, is not overly sour, and the yuzu aroma helps to eliminate the original faint fishy taste of the sashimi, making it a refreshing and non-greasy choice. (100 yen)
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Kura Sushi's flagship store in Tokyo: Kura Sushi Asakusa ROX Store

The Kura Sushi Asakusa ROX Store is quite spacious! It's located on the 4th floor of the ROX shopping mall in Asakusa. The restaurant's interior is designed with a Japanese festival theme, giving it a distinct Japanese ambiance.

If you don't want to wait in line, you can also use the app to make a reservation in advance. Additionally, there's a 'Gather the Fate' game you can play inside the store!

Kurazushi Asakusa ROX Store
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Asakusa 1-25-15 (4th floor of Asakusa ROX)
Business Hours: 11:00 - 23:00
Phone: 03-5830-6106 (takeout available)
Official Website: Kura Sushi

3. Ganso Zushi: Affordable Sushi and Friendly Staff

Every time you step into a Ganso Zushi restaurant, you can deeply appreciate the dedication of every staff member. Almost all employees make an effort to use simple foreign languages they've learned (such as Chinese, Cantonese, and English) to make ordering more comfortable for foreign travelers.

The menu not only offers high-value sushi options but also includes premium seafood like blackfin tuna and natural shrimp. You can savor the flavors of each season anytime.

The Blackfin Tuna Trio, with its vibrant color and rich, fatty texture, offers a unique taste for every part of the fish (600 yen).

For those who are a bit wary of eating raw seafood, we recommend trying the Grilled Eel and Soft, Tender Eel, which is coated in a sweet and savory sauce. It's so deliciously soft and delicate that it might make you want to order a bowl of rice to go with it (500 yen)!
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4. Sushi Katsumidori: A Shop With a Daily Changing Menu

The staff at Sushi Katsumidori visits fish farms across the country, delivering seasonally abundant seafood directly to each of its branches. They continually develop new menus, offering a diverse selection of over 250 dishes. Another distinctive feature is their occasional in-store tuna dissection shows and rock-paper-scissors games for the chance to enjoy rare cuts of fish.

The fresh squid, with its chewiness and crispness, lets you truly taste its freshness. It's my top recommendation. (110 yen)

The rich pudding is a highlight of Katsumidori's dessert menu. The caramel in the shape of small fish allows you to adjust the sweetness of each bite, making it a delightful and creamy treat. (260 yen)

Official website: Sushi Katsumidori (Japanese)
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5. Nemuro Hanamaru: Authentic Hokkaido Sushi

Nemuro in Hokkaido is a renowned 'fisherman's town' known for its authentic seafood. Nemuro Hanamaru offers a menu that creatively showcases the local seafood, and while they experiment with new dishes, they remain faithful to the essence of sushi, delivering the purest and freshest flavors.

Nemuro Hanamaru has both a conveyor belt and standing-style branches. In general, the menu and prices are quite similar, but the standing-style format offers a more immersive experience with the chefs preparing dishes right before your eyes, and they often recommend daily specials.

We couldn't resist and ordered the steamed shrimp, Hokkaido octopus legs, and their homemade mackerel. Each one was so delicious that you wanted to savor every bite. You can instantly tell that this place values freshness above all else. (100 yen each)

The Teppou Hanagani Miso Soup features seasonal crab with its natural sweetness, adding flavor to this simple yet delightful miso soup. (180 Yen)

Official website: Nemuro Hanamaru
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6. Kaiten Sushi Toriton: Sushi from Hokkaido

Don't have the time to fly to Hokkaido for fresh seafood? TORITON will instantly make you feel like you're in Hokkaido. They offer a selection of meticulously chosen Hokkaido seafood that is so fresh, that words can hardly describe it.

The chefs adjust the amount of vinegar and salt based on the size of the fish each day, ensuring you get the most delicious taste of each type of fish. The staff are incredibly friendly, and once you sit down, the head chef or manager often comes over to introduce themselves.

The sea urchin is incredibly fresh, and sweet, with a delicate texture that practically melts in your mouth. It's irresistible! (Current price: 650 yen)

They offer two types of soup daily, the miso and ginger instantly make you feel warm, and despite using leftovers, it is still incredibly delicious, leaving you wanting more with each spoonful. (440 yen)

Official website: Kaiten Sushi Toriton
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7. Heiroku Sushi: Seasonal Flavors from Sendai's Ishinomaki Fishing Port

Thick-cut beef tongue sushi, using beef tongue provided by the renowned Sendai beef tongue restaurant 'Beko Masamune'. The beef tongue is generously sliced into large pieces, with a chewy texture and a light, refreshing taste. Taking a bite feels like enjoying a mini beef tongue-set meal in one mouthful. (390 yen)

The Salmon Roe Parent-Child Hand Roll offers with every bite a dual taste of both salmon and salmon roe. Each bite is filled with a fresh seafood flavor. The salmon slices are tender and smooth, while the salmon roe adds a distinct texture, enriching the taste experience on the palate. (290 yen)

After being marinated in garlic olive oil, the steamed oysters are prepared to perfection, with excess fat removed to enhance their firmness. They have a chewier texture than you might expect, making them a delightful treat. Even those who are wary of the typically soft texture of oysters can enjoy them with confidence. (290 yen)
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8. Maguro Ton'ya Miura Misaki Port: Affordable Sushi Made From Fresh Tuna

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

Located around Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno, Maguro Ton'ya Miura Misaki Port Ueno Branch is a convenient spot for travelers. Additionally, they have branches in Yokohama, Shin-Yokohama, Mizonokuchi, and Okinawa.

You can probably tell from the name itself that their specialty is tuna sushi. The tuna used in their restaurant is fresh and directly sourced from Miura Misaki Port, which is known for its high tuna catch. They emphasize proper refrigeration techniques during transportation to maintain the excellent quality of the tuna. Apart from the fresh ingredients, the sushi at the restaurant is reasonably priced. They offer various tuna sushi options such as tuna nigiri, tuna rolls, and tuna gunkan sushi, each with different complementary ingredients.

Besides their signature tuna offerings, they also provide a variety of other sushi dishes. For example, they have salmon roe-topped salmon roe battleships, mountainous red shrimp battleships, and thick eel nigiri. The portion size of each sushi piece is quite generous. Fresh, delicious, and of great value, it's no wonder "Maguro Ton'ya Miura Misaki Port" is consistently popular.

Maguro Maguro Ton'ya Miura Misaki Port Ueno Branch
Address: Tokyo, Taito, Ueno 6-12-14
Other Branches (for reference): Yokohama, Shin-Yokohama, Mizonokuchi, Okinawa

Please note that the specific addresses of these branches may vary, so it's a good idea to check their official website or a local directory for precise locations and contact information if needed.
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9. Sushi Choshimaru

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Sushi Choshimaru, a conveyor belt sushi restaurant from Chiba in the Kanto region, selects seafood products from Choshi Port in Chiba and various other regions across Japan. In addition to classic sashimi sushi, they offer different seasonal seafood daily. Even if you visit every day, there's a chance to enjoy seafood from different regions and seasons.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
We highly recommend the 'Fresh Five Types of Fish' at Sushi Choshimaru. This selection includes the freshest five types of seafood chosen daily, and the delightful freshness and sweetness always surpass the expectations of regular conveyor belt sushi. It's a delightful surprise for seafood enthusiasts.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
While the sushi prices here are slightly higher than those at Sushiro and Kura Sushi (starting at 320 yen per plate), it remains popular due to its freshness and variety. On weekdays after 2 p.m., they offer unlimited servings of seafood miso soup, and the seafood ingredients used vary each day!

Store information is not provided, but you can find their locations in Chiba and potentially other areas by searching online or consulting a local directory.
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10. Uobei: A Conveyor Belt Sushi Spot Popular Among Ladies

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
If you want to try budget conveyor belt sushi other than Sushiro and Kura Sushi, you might consider 'Uobei.' Uobei specializes in 'non-revolving conveyor belt sushi,' which ensures hygiene, cleanliness, and peace of mind for customers. This feature has made it particularly popular during times of pandemic concerns.

On the other hand, regular conveyor belt sushi restaurants must discard sushi that has been on the belt for too long. Uobei, however, doesn't face this issue, allowing them to offer high-quality, cost-effective options to customers.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
At Uobei, a plate of sushi dishes typically ranges from 110 yen to 160 yen, with a diverse menu selection. They use a slightly sweet soy sauce, and their wasabi is delicious, enhancing the flavor of the sashimi even further.

Thanks to its affordable prices and clean environment, Uobei was ranked as the number one conveyor belt sushi chain by Japanese women in 2021. Additionally, they offer a variety of items like french fries, fried chicken, desserts, and more, making it a great choice for family outings with children.

Store information is not provided, but you can find Uobei locations by searching online or checking a local directory.
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Enjoy Sushi in Tokyo!

If you're feeling overwhelmed after considering these ten options, don't worry! Our team has tried numerous places and has some insights to share. If you prioritize freshness, we recommend the two brands from Hokkaido. If you're looking for a diverse menu, Sushiro and Kura Sushi are excellent choices.

And if you're concerned about language barriers, you can always visit the original sushi restaurants like Ganso Zushi to experience the friendly service from the staff. Enjoy your sushi adventure!