Sushi & Kaiten-zushi: How to Eat It Right

Sushi in Japan ranges from a ¥120 plate gliding past on a conveyor belt to a hushed counter where a master serves you piece by piece. Both are wonderful, and neither requires you to be an expert. Here's how to enjoy sushi at every level — starting with the easiest.

Real sushi in Japan is fresher, simpler, and often cheaper than you expect.

Start With Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor Belt)

If it's your first time, go to a kaiten-zushi (回転寿司). It's affordable, casual, and completely pressure-free — perfect for learning what you like.

Kaiten-zushi: grab what looks good as it passes, or order fresh from a touchscreen. Plates are color-coded by price.

How it works:

1. Take a seat — staff will direct you to a counter or booth with a belt.
2. Grab plates as they pass, or order fresh from the touchscreen tablet (usually with English) so it arrives made-to-order.
3. Plates are priced by color — a chart on the wall shows each color's price. Stack your empties; they're counted at the end.
4. Green tea is free and self-serve — there's a hot-water tap and powdered matcha at your seat.
5. Pay at the end by your stacked plates (often scanned automatically).

Modern chains like Sushiro and Kura Sushi are cheap, fun, and very tourist-friendly.

Stepping Up: The Sushi Counter

At a traditional sushi-ya, you sit at the counter and the chef serves you. You can order piece by piece or say "omakase" (chef's choice) and let them guide the meal. It's more expensive but a special experience.

Sushi Etiquette That Matters

• Nigiri is finger food. It's perfectly acceptable to eat nigiri with your hands. Sashimi uses chopsticks.
• Dip fish-side down, lightly. Dip the fish — not the rice — into soy sauce, and go light. Drowning it is frowned upon.
• Don't add wasabi to your soy at a good counter; the chef has already balanced it. At kaiten-zushi, do whatever you like.
• Ginger (gari) is a palate cleanser between pieces — not a topping.
• Eat each piece in one bite if you can. It's designed that way.

A Few Tips

• Lunch is cheaper. Many quality sushi spots offer set lunches at a fraction of dinner prices.
• Tell them what you don't eat. Allergies or dislikes are fine to mention; chefs adapt easily.
• Tap water and tea are free. No need to order drinks.
• No tipping, as everywhere in Japan.

Sushi and ramen will cover most of your meals out — but some of Japan's best cheap food is hiding somewhere unexpected: the convenience store.