Nagoya

Comprehensive Guide to Conveyor Belt Sushi in Nagoya, Japan

Conveyor belt sushi, or kaitenzushi (回転寿司), is a fun, affordable, and quintessential Japanese dining experience. Nagoya, being a vibrant city with a mix of traditional and modern culture, offers a variety of kaitenzushi restaurants that cater to locals and tourists alike. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate and enjoy conveyor belt sushi in Nagoya.

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1. How Conveyor Belt Sushi Works

Conveyor belt sushi restaurants feature a rotating conveyor belt that carries small plates of sushi and other dishes past diners. Here's how it works:

1. Seating:

   • You’ll typically be seated at a counter or booth next to the conveyor belt.
   • Some restaurants have touchscreens for ordering, while others rely on the conveyor belt for most of the service.

2. Choosing Sushi:

   • Plates of sushi pass by on the conveyor belt. You can take any plate that catches your eye.
   • Each plate is color-coded or marked to indicate its price.

3. Ordering Custom Items:

   • If you don’t see what you want, you can order directly from a touchscreen (available in many modern kaitenzushi restaurants) or by calling out to the staff.
   • Ordered items are often delivered via a separate express belt or a small train system.

4. Paying:

   • At the end of your meal, the staff will count the plates you’ve taken to calculate your bill. Some restaurants use RFID technology to scan plates for faster checkout.

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2. Popular Conveyor Belt Sushi Locations in Nagoya

Nagoya has a mix of local and chain kaitenzushi restaurants. Here are some popular options:

a. Sushiro (スシロー)

• Overview: One of Japan’s largest kaitenzushi chains, known for its affordability and variety.
• Highlights: Seasonal sushi, creative rolls, and desserts.
• Price Range: ¥120–¥600 per plate.
• Location: Multiple branches in Nagoya, including near Nagoya Station and Sakae.

b. Kappa Sushi (かっぱ寿司)

• Overview: Another popular chain offering a wide selection of sushi and side dishes.
• Highlights: Family-friendly atmosphere and a fun train delivery system for custom orders.
• Price Range: ¥100–¥500 per plate.
• Location: Found in various parts of Nagoya, including suburban areas.

c. Genki Sushi (元気寿司)

• Overview: Known for its high-tech ordering system and fresh ingredients.
• Highlights: Touchscreen ordering and fast delivery.
• Price Range: ¥150–¥600 per plate.
• Location: Near Nagoya Station and other central areas.

d. Nigiri no Tokube (にぎりの徳兵衛)

• Overview: A slightly more upscale kaitenzushi chain with a focus on quality and seasonal ingredients.
• Highlights: Fresh seafood and regional specialties.
• Price Range: ¥200–¥800 per plate.
• Location: Sakae and other central locations.

e. Maruha Shokudo (まるは食堂)

• Overview: A local favorite offering fresh seafood from the nearby Ise Bay.
• Highlights: Unique Nagoya-style sushi and seafood dishes.
• Price Range: ¥300–¥1,000 per plate.
• Location: Near Nagoya Port and other locations.

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3. Price Ranges

• Budget-Friendly: ¥100–¥300 per plate (chains like Sushiro and Kappa Sushi).
• Mid-Range: ¥300–¥800 per plate (Nigiri no Tokube and Maruha Shokudo).
• Upscale: ¥800+ per plate (specialty or premium sushi items).

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4. Ordering Etiquette

To ensure a smooth and respectful experience, follow these tips:

1. Wait Your Turn:

   • If the restaurant is busy, wait to be seated by the staff. Don’t seat yourself unless explicitly allowed.

2. Taking Plates:

   • Only take plates that are directly in front of you on the conveyor belt.
   • Avoid touching plates unless you intend to take them.

3. Ordering:

   • Use the touchscreen or call out politely to the staff if you need something specific. Use phrases like:
     • “Sumimasen” (すみません) to get attention.
     • “Maguro o kudasai” (まぐろをください) to request tuna, for example.

4. Soy Sauce and Wasabi:

   • Add soy sauce sparingly to your sushi. Pour it into the small dish provided.
   • Wasabi is often already included in the sushi, but you can add more if desired.

5. Ginger (Gari):

   • Pickled ginger is provided as a palate cleanser. Eat it between different types of sushi, not on top of the sushi.

6. Chopsticks:

   • Use chopsticks to pick up sushi or eat with your hands (both are acceptable).
   • Place chopsticks on the holder or rest when not in use.

7. Stacking Plates:

   • Stack your empty plates neatly at your table. The staff will count them at the end.

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5. Cultural and Practical Tips

1. Timing:

   • Visit during off-peak hours (e.g., late afternoon) to avoid long waits.
   • Lunchtime and dinner hours (12:00–1:30 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM) can be very busy.

2. Seasonal Sushi:

   • Many kaitenzushi restaurants offer seasonal specialties. Don’t miss out on trying unique items like uni (sea urchin) or anago (saltwater eel) when they’re in season.

3. Nagoya-Specific Sushi:

   • Look for local specialties like tenmusu (shrimp tempura sushi) or sushi featuring shirasu (whitebait), which are popular in the Nagoya region.

4. Cash vs. Card:

   • Many kaitenzushi restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller or more traditional establishments may be cash-only. Always carry some yen just in case.

5. Language Barrier:

   • Many kaitenzushi chains have English menus or multilingual touchscreens. If not, pointing to the sushi you want or using basic Japanese phrases will suffice.

6. All-You-Can-Eat Options:

   • Some kaitenzushi restaurants in Nagoya offer all-you-can-eat deals. Check in advance if you’re interested in this option.

7. Takeout:

   • Many kaitenzushi restaurants offer takeout options. You can order a sushi set to enjoy at home or on the go.

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6. Final Thoughts

Conveyor belt sushi in Nagoya is an affordable and enjoyable way to experience Japanese cuisine. Whether you’re a sushi novice or a seasoned fan, the variety, freshness, and convenience of kaitenzushi make it a must-try dining experience. By following the etiquette and tips above, you’ll not only enjoy delicious sushi but also immerse yourself in Japanese dining culture. Bon appétit—or as they say in Japan, itadakimasu (いただきます)!