Sushi Guide Japan 2025: Omakase, Kaiten-zushi, and Etiquette

Sushi is the soul of Japanese cuisine. But do you know the proper way to enjoy it?

1. TYPES OF SUSHI EXPERIENCES

Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司 - Conveyor Belt Sushi):

• Price: 100 - 500 yen per plate.
• Famous Chains: Sushiro, Kura Sushi, Hamazushi.
• Pros: Cheap, no reservation needed.
• Cons: Mass-produced quality.

Sushi-ya (寿司屋 - Traditional Sushi Restaurant):

• Price: 3,000 - 10,000 yen.
• Features: Sit at the counter and watch the chef work.
• Pros: Fresh fish, high craftsmanship.

Omakase (お任せ - "I'll leave it to you"):

• Price: 10,000 - 50,000 yen.
• Features: The chef selects the best fish of the day and serves items one by one.
• Pros: The ultimate culinary experience.
• Cons: Expensive, requires advance reservation.

2. PROPER SUSHI ETIQUETTE

The Rules:

• DO NOT mix Wasabi into the soy sauce! The chef has already added wasabi to the sushi.
• Eat with hands or chopsticks: Both are perfectly acceptable (except for Sashimi, which requires chopsticks).
• Dip the fish, not the rice: Dip only the fish side into the soy sauce to prevent the rice from falling apart.
• Eat in one bite: Do not bite a piece of sushi in half.

Eating Order:

1. White fish (Tai, Hirame).
2. Red/Pink fish (Salmon, Tuna).
3. Fatty fish (Toro - Fatty Tuna).
4. Egg (Tamago) - Usually the final piece.

3. TOP SUSHI SPOTS IN TOKYO

Sushiro (スシロー):

• Type: Kaiten-zushi.
• Price: 100 - 300 yen per plate.
• Unique Feature: Easy booking via app, great for families.

Uobei (魚べい):

• Type: Modern Kaiten-zushi.
• Price: 100 - 500 yen per plate.
• Unique Feature: Sushi arrives at your table on a mini "high-speed train"!

Sushi Dai (寿司大):

• Type: Traditional Sushi-ya.
• Location: Toyosu Market (formerly Tsukiji).
• Price: 4,000 - 6,000 yen.
• Unique Feature: Incredible freshness; expect a 2-3 hour wait.

Sukiyabashi Jiro (すきやばし次郎):

• Type: Omakase.
• Price: 40,000 - 50,000 yen.
• Unique Feature: 3 Michelin stars, featured in "Jiro Dreams of Sushi".
• Note: Extremely difficult to book; usually requires a local introduction.

4. ESSENTIAL VOCABULARY

• Maguro (マグロ): Tuna.
• Toro (トロ): Fatty Tuna (rich and expensive).
• Sake (サケ): Salmon.
• Ebi (エビ): Shrimp.
• Uni (ウニ): Sea Urchin.
• Ikura (イクラ): Salmon Roe.

CONCLUSION

Sushi is an essential part of the Japan experience. Try both the casual belt sushi and the premium Omakase for the ultimate comparison!