Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)

Interior of a typical kaitenzushi restaurant

Kaitenzushi (��]��i) - or conveyor belt sushi - is a convenient and affordable type of sushi restaurant characterized by the conveyor belt that winds through the restaurant. The conveyor belt carries plates of sushi past the diners, who can take whatever they wish. In recent years, kaitenzushi restaurants have further evolved to feature touch screens for ordering, upon which the plates are delivered to the customer via the conveyor belt. The price per plate starts around 100 yen, making kaitenzushi considerably cheaper than conventional sushi restaurants.

Kaitenzushi restaurants can be found across the country. The menu usually features seasonal ingredients in addition to standard items like maguro (tuna), shrimp, salmon and kappamaki (cucumber roll). Many also serve cooked foods, such as miso soup and chawanmushi (steamed egg custard), fried foods and desserts. Sushi pieces usually come with wasabi inside, although it can also be ordered without.

Kaitenzushi restaurants typically use plates of different colors and patterns to indicate their costs. Prices range from about 100 yen to 500 yen or more depending on the item, although some restaurants also maintain a flat rate for all plates. Plates typically come with one or two sushi pieces each. A description of the plates with their accompanying prices can be found on the menu, on signs placed around the restaurant or in . Seating is usually provided by counter seats along the conveyor belt, but many establishments also offer tables.

In this kaitenzushi restaurant dishes can be ordered through a tablet or virtual conveyor belt

How to go to Kaitenzushi

Upon entering the restaurant, indicate whether you wish to sit at the counter or at a table (if applicable).
At each seat, there is a bottle of soy sauce, a container of pickled ginger, a stack of small dishes for the soy sauce, a box of chopsticks, a small container of green tea powder (or teabags), tea cups and a built-in hot water dispenser. Tea is usually self-serve. To make it, place some green tea powder into the cup and add hot water from the dispenser.
Once seated, you can start taking plates of food off the conveyor belt or order specific dishes directly from the sushi chef or server or on the touch screen.
Ordered dishes are usually handed to you directly by the sushi chef or server. Alternatively, some establishments have automated trains running parallel to the conveyor belt that deliver orders to customers. In such establishments, customers typically have to press a button after having removed their dishes from the train for the train to return to the kitchen.
As you consume your sushi, stack the empty plates at your table. At the end of the meal, notify the server or sushi chef, and the server will calculate the bill based on the number of empty plates. You will then be handed your bill to be paid at the register near the exit.