Conveyor belt sushi chains in Japan are known for conveniently offering fresh sushi at reasonable prices. They continually evolve with new ways to make delicious sushi easily accessible, like introducing sushi robots to prepare food even without skilled chefs, and by streamlining their ingredient procurement processes.

Chain sushi restaurants enchant diners with their vast selection of sushi, ranging from traditional favorites such as tuna and salmon to seasonal and local delicacies. Beyond sushi, these establishments boast a wide array of side dishes, including tempura, fried chicken, ramen, and desserts, catering to a variety of tastes. Additionally, their seasonal campaigns throughout the year offer guests the opportunity to savor the distinct flavors of Japan's changing seasons.

There are different price ranges associated with the color or design of the plates, and customers count their plates and settle the bill after finishing their meal. At major chains like Kura Sushi, customers can play a game and win prizes by inserting their finished plates into a dedicated slot.

Here are 15 recommended conveyor belt sushi chains where you can enjoy sushi and more at affordable prices!

Sushiro stands out as a renowned conveyor belt sushi chain in Japan, with a presence that extends globally. It has become a familiar sight to many travelers due to its international expansion. The chain prides itself on its chefs' keen selection of delectable fish sourced globally, emphasizing freshness to provide customers with quality sushi at affordable prices.

The chefs at Sushiro meticulously choose the finest fish from across the world. This dedication ensures that patrons can savor fresh sushi without breaking the bank.

A distinctive aspect of Sushiro is its extensive selection of fried and seared options. The menu spans from sushi to various à la carte items, noodles, and desserts. Its culinary excellence rivals that of specialized restaurants, cementing Sushiro's reputation for taste and quality.

In response to health concerns and to maintain decorum, Sushiro has modernized its service. Sushi now arrives on the conveyor belt only after being ordered via touchscreen. To further ensure safety, clear acrylic barriers separate the conveyor belts from the dining tables.

Navigating the menu is a breeze, thanks to multilingual instructions atop the touchscreen monitors. With options in English, Korean, and Chinese, ordering is accessible to a diverse clientele. With over 600 locations across the country, Sushiro has secured its place as a leading name in the conveyor belt sushi market.

Kura Sushi has garnered widespread recognition for its commitment to "safe, delicious, and affordable" dining, both in Japan and abroad. The chain stays true to its ethos, "Muten Kura Sushi," a promise of serving sushi without additives. It upholds a strict policy against the use of major food additives such as chemical seasonings, artificial sweeteners, synthetic colorings, and artificial preservatives across its extensive 200+ menu items. Each sushi plate is presented with a cover, ensuring meals are served in a hygienic manner.

Aside from a generous array of fresh sushi options, including crowd-pleasers like tuna, Kura Sushi offers an assortment of side dishes. Patrons can enjoy ramen, udon, and rice bowls, as well as engaging experiences like the "Bikkura Pon" game. With this game, customers get the chance to win premium prizes for every five plates they deposit into the slot.

With a network of over 500 stores in Japan and a growing international presence, Kura Sushi is making an indelible impact. The restaurant chain facilitates ordering with multilingual touch screen systems supporting English, Chinese, and Korean. Notably, Kura Sushi's Asakusa ROX location in Tokyo has introduced "Langogo Genesis," an AI-powered voice translation device capable of translating across 104 languages, enhancing the dining experience for a global clientele.

Hamasushi, with around 500 locations throughout Japan, stands out for its attention to detail in every aspect of its sushi offerings. The chain prioritizes the freshness and quality of not just the fish but also the rice and soy sauce used in their sushi preparation. Their in-store preparation ensures that customers always receive freshly made sushi.

The chain’s commitment to quality extends to its popular salmon sushi. Large, fatty Atlantic salmon is used, which is meticulously sliced daily after being thawed in ice water. This careful process preserves the salmon’s natural richness and flavor, ensuring an exceptional dining experience.

Hamasushi distinguishes itself from traditional conveyor belt sushi restaurants by utilizing a direct-order system. Customers can place their orders through tabletop touch screens, streamlining service and food delivery. To accommodate an international clientele, the system includes English and Chinese language support. Additionally, "Pepper-kun" robots are stationed in each restaurant, ready to assist guests with ordering and information in both English and Chinese.

Kappa Sushi stands out among conveyor belt sushi chains for its focus on the quality of its sushi rice. They use "Haenuki," a brand of rice from Yamagata Prefecture known for its subtle sweetness and perfect elasticity. By combining this rice with fresh, hot vinegar, they create outstanding sushi rice.

The tuna featured on their menu also stands out. They freeze the fish immediately after catching it and carefully thaw it according to each cut's requirements before slicing it at each restaurant. The side menu is also extensive, with their chawanmushi being particularly popular.

Kappa Sushi has recently transitioned to an ordering format in which sushi ordered via touch screen is delivered directly to your table instead of being delivered via conveyor belt. With over 300 stores nationwide, Kappa Sushi is recognized as one of Japan's most popular conveyor belt sushi chains.

To accommodate international patrons, they offer English menus with photos and have menu sections in English, Chinese, and Korean on their website, making it easier for tourists from abroad to visit.

Kaitenzushi Uobei stands out in the conveyor belt sushi industry with its innovative "Triple Lane" system. This unique setup features two high-speed conveyor belts positioned above the standard belt, aimed at revolutionizing order delivery. By using touch screens for ordering, Uobei strives to serve customers their sushi within an impressive one-minute window.

The dining experience at Uobei is further enhanced by the delightful presentation of orders. Miniature Shinkansen (bullet trains) and race cars double as serving trays, zipping along the lanes to deliver fresh sushi right to patrons’ tables, adding an element of fun and excitement to the meal.

Uobei also prides itself on generous portion sizes, particularly with their tuna sushi, which is served in approximately 15-gram slices—larger than the typical 10-gram servings found at other sushi chains for a similar price. This provides customers with a more satisfying dining experience.

The side menu at Uobei is remarkably diverse, with offerings such as fried potatoes, fried chicken, and even ramen. This broadens the restaurant's appeal beyond sushi enthusiasts. With such a varied menu, Uobei could easily be mistaken for a full-fledged restaurant rather than just a sushi spot.

With branches in major cities across Japan, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Hokkaido, Uobei caters to a wide audience. They also consider the needs of international guests, with touch-screen menus available in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a welcoming and accessible experience for all diners.

Originating in Nemuro City, a fishing town located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, Kaitenzushi Nemuro Hanamaru is designed to evoke the atmosphere of the bustling fishing town. The interior decor is inspired by fishing gear of the past, creating a unique ambiance.

With the motto "Freshness is the Lifeline of Hanamaru," they carefully select seasonal fish from Nemuro's abundant seafood offerings, ensuring guests experience the unique flavors of the region. You can enjoy those authentic tastes starting from 286 yen (tax included) for one plate (two pieces), providing excellent value. Highly recommended are the "Two-layered Marinated Tuna" and "Two-layered Marinated Mackerel." In addition to sushi, you can also enjoy a variety of side dishes, Nemuro's local sake, and sake directly from breweries.

With 11 restaurants in Tokyo and 15 in Hokkaido, Nemuro Hanamaru offers not only conveyor belt sushi but also "standing sushi" style where you can enjoy sushi at a faster pace. Their website is available in English, Chinese, and Korean international visitors' convenience.

Kaitenzushi Toriton stands out as a beloved conveyor belt sushi chain originating from Hokkaido. Renowned for offering fresh Hokkaido seafood, the chain has built a strong reputation based on the exceptional quality of its ingredients. Specialists start each day by meticulously selecting the finest options from the fresh catch, ensuring only the best is served. Their salmon roe, notably enhanced with a proprietary sauce, is celebrated for its distinct texture and taste.

The vibrant atmosphere at Toriton sets it apart. The spirited interactions between patrons and the adept chefs and staff evoke a festive mood, contributing to the positive reviews from guests.

Spanning across Hokkaido with 14 locations and extending to Tokyo with two restaurants—one in Skytree Town Solamachi within Sumida Ward and another in Tobu Ikebukuro in Toshima Ward—Kaitenzushi Triton offers an engaging dining experience. They accommodate international visitors with touch screen menus and a website available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Ganso Mawaru Genroku Zushi is renowned as the pioneer of conveyor belt sushi. In 1958, its founder, Yoshiaki Shiraishi, inspired by the conveyor systems in beer factories, introduced the innovative "rotating meal table." This invention marked the beginning of the conveyor belt sushi phenomenon.

A standout on their varied menu is the "Battera" (priced at 143 yen, including tax). Recognized as an Osaka specialty, this dish features vinegar-marinated mackerel pressed into a rectangular block atop sushi rice, embodying a quintessential Osaka flavor.

With its 10 locations mostly in Osaka Prefecture, Ganso Mawaru Genroku Zushi offers a unique opportunity to experience the origins of conveyor belt sushi. Their user-friendly menus, which include photos and prices sorted by plate color, ensure a welcoming experience for guests unfamiliar with Japanese, facilitating an accessible and memorable dining adventure.

At Sushi Choshi Maru, indulge in sushi crafted from fish sourced from diverse locales across Japan, including the renowned Choshi Port in Chiba Prefecture. The sushi rice, or shari, is expertly seasoned with a unique vinegar blend that perfectly marries the sweetness of the rice with a rich umami flavor, amplifying the natural taste of the fish. Adding to the dining experience is their signature light soy sauce, known for its subtle saltiness that complements the sushi.

A must-try at Sushi Choshi Maru is the "Maguro 3 Nigiri," a trio of sushi featuring fatty tuna, medium fatty tuna, and lean tuna, celebrated for its traditional flavors and popularity among patrons. The restaurant also excites with its monthly event menus, offering seasonal delicacies at attractive prices.

With its network of over 30 outlets primarily in Tokyo and Chiba Prefecture, Sushi Choshi Maru embraces technology for convenience, introducing a mobile ordering system. Customers can easily place orders using their smartphones by scanning a QR code, which directs them to a dedicated webpage. This service is accessible in English, Chinese, and Korean, ensuring a seamless experience for international guests.

Nigiri Chojiro is a distinguished sushi chain primarily located in the Kansai region, dedicated not only to serving fresh ingredients but also to providing an engaging dining experience. Customers are treated to the sight of sushi chefs artfully preparing sushi directly behind the counter, immersing them in the energetic process of sushi creation. The lively calls exchanged between the chefs and servers contribute to the authentic and vibrant atmosphere that is characteristic of Japanese sushi restaurants.

Among its signature offerings, the "Hon Maguro Sanmai" comes highly recommended, allowing diners to enjoy a trio of tuna varieties—lean, medium fatty, and fatty tuna—on a single plate. Another must-try dish is the "Hokkai Zukushi," which presents a taste of Hokkaido with selections like salmon, scallops, sweet shrimp, and crab miso battleship sushi.

Nigiri Chojiro prides itself on its seasoned sushi chefs, each committed to the craft of sushi-making, ensuring that every piece of sushi served is of the highest freshness. Beyond sushi, the menu features delights such as the "Umi no Sachi Goten Mori," a platter comprising five different types of sashimi.

With locations across Osaka Prefecture, the broader Kansai area, Aichi Prefecture, and Tokyo, Nigiri Chojiro accommodates international guests with touch screen menus available in English, Chinese, and Korean, making for a welcoming and accessible culinary experience.

Gatten Sushi aims to provide sushi crafted by exceptional chefs at prices that are accessible to a wide range of customers. The ingredients, carefully selected and directly sourced from markets, are prepared with skill to maximize their flavors, ensuring each piece is served in its prime condition.

A standout on their menu is the "Gattenshima Daiyu Yu-Sawarimaki," a dish that highlights the fish skin's rich texture and fresh taste, offering a truly satisfying eating experience. Another highlight is the "Marinated Tuna," featuring naturally large slices of tuna in a special soy sauce marinade that amplifies the tuna's umami flavors.

Spanning 75 locations, mainly in the Kanto region including Saitama and Tokyo, Gatten Sushi reaches a broad audience. While English or Chinese menus are available at some branches, all locations offer menus with pictures, making it simpler for customers who do not speak Japanese to make their selections.

Situated in the heart of Tokyo's Tsukiji district, Sushizanmai's flagship store stands out for not being a conveyor belt sushi restaurant. It captures widespread attention each January for its participation in the high-stakes bluefin tuna auction, often making headlines. Despite the significant investment required to secure top-grade tuna, the restaurant is dedicated to keeping its exquisite offerings affordably priced, making it a prime spot for those eager to experience the unparalleled taste of bluefin tuna.

Leveraging the success of Sushi Zanmai, its sister establishment, Mawaru Sushizanmai, provides a conveyor belt sushi experience that's easier on the wallet. The extensive menu features over 150 items, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of dishes, including luxurious options like the deluxe three-piece set with shrimp and bluefin tuna, alongside daily specials that are not to be missed.

Mawaru Sushizanmai has two locations within the Tsukiji area: the original Tsukiji branch and the Tsukiji No. 2 branch, which celebrated its reopening on January 15, 2024. Both venues offer menus in English and Chinese, accommodating international guests and enhancing the dining experience for a global audience.

Daiki Suisan started as a wholesaler of seafood and evolved into a chain of conveyor belt sushi restaurants. Their system ensures that freshly caught seafood from Sakaiminato, Tottori Prefecture, known for its abundant catch, is delivered to each store while maintaining its freshness, in which they take immense pride.

The menu at Daiki Suisan is expansive, with its tuna offerings standing out as a highlight. Diners have the opportunity to choose from a variety of tuna types, including lean and fatty bluefin tuna, starting at an affordable price of around 400 yen for two pieces. This pricing is particularly impressive given the high quality of the seafood. Additionally, some locations enhance the dining experience with live tuna cutting demonstrations in their open kitchens.

At the Dotonbori store, visitors can enjoy a unique experience. Wearing a traditional happi coat, you can experience sushi making just like a professional sushi chef, creating memories that will last a lifetime. For more details, please check: Daiki Suisan Conveyor Belt Sushi Dotonbori Store.

Daiki Suisan operates approximately 30 stores, mainly in the Kansai region with a focus on Osaka. To cater to a diverse clientele, most menus include photos, making it easier for those who may not be proficient in Japanese to navigate their options and place orders.

At Mawaru Gansozushi you'll find skilled chefs behind the counter, meticulously preparing each piece of sushi with heartfelt dedication, from filleting the fish to shaping each individual serving. Known for their commitment to in-house preparation and attention to detail, all while offering reasonable prices, these restaurants have become bustling hotspots drawing crowds of sushi enthusiasts.

With sushi ranging from 130 yen to 200 yen (excluding tax), diners appreciate the generous portions at wallet-friendly prices. Don't miss out on popular selections like the "Maguro Sanmai" (Assorted Tuna) or the "Salmon Sanmai" (Assorted Salmon), which offer a variety of flavors from different cuts of the same fish.

For some menu items, explanations are available in English, Chinese, and Korean. The chain has 25 locations across Tokyo, Kanagawa, and Chiba prefectures, including outlets at Narita and Haneda airports.

At Mawaru Sushi Morimori Sushi, you can enjoy sushi made from fresh seafood directly sourced from Kanazawa Port and Noto Port in Hokuriku. They offer a wide variety unique to Hokuriku, including "nodoguro" (blackthroat seaperch), "shira ebi" (white shrimp), and "bai-gai" (surf clam), which are not commonly found in typical conveyor belt sushi restaurants.

When visiting the restaurant, be sure to order the "Morimori San-ten Mori" (plentiful three-piece assortment). You'll be amazed by the generous portions overlapping the sushi rice. Not only is the size of the cuts impressive, but the high quality of the sushi at such reasonable prices is why it's so popular.

The chain primarily operates in shopping malls in Aichi and Kyoto prefectures. After enjoying some shopping, make sure to stop by. The menu can be accessed via a touch screen and is available in English, Chinese, and Korean.

Conveyor belt sushi chain restaurants make it easy to savor a wide range of sushi varieties at affordable prices. Be sure to try one of these popular restaurants and experience the essence of Japanese cuisine!

*The information provided in this article is accurate as of January 2024. Please verify the latest details on official websites or other reliable sources.