๐ข Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Touchscreen menus and covered plates make Kura Sushi a stress-free first stop in Tokyo. This guide covers the easy ordering system and introduces classic "Hosomaki" (thin rolls) to help you eat like a local.
Last updated: 2025-12-21
Introduction
Kura Sushi is a nationwide conveyor-belt sushi chain that is friendly to everyone, from children to the elderly. Of course, it is also very easy to understand for international travelers trying it for the first time.
The ordering tablet can be switched to English (and other languages), allowing you to order hot dishes or have specific sushi delivered directly to you via an express lane. It is perfect for a casual sushi experience.
๐ก Did You Know?
Inspired by a Beer Factory ๐บ
The conveyor belt sushi system was invented in Osaka in 1958.
The owner of a standing sushi bar, struggling with a staff shortage, got his "Eureka!" moment while watching a beer bottling plant's conveyor belt.
He realized, "If we can carry beer bottles, we can carry sushi!" This idea revolutionized Japanese dining, making sushi affordable and accessible to everyone.
My Memory
My first visit to a conveyor-belt sushi shop as a kid was a shock — the sushi plates really traveled around the conveyor belt! Today, the system has evolved into a high-tech operation, and the quality of the toppings (neta) is much higher, but I still go there often.
The great thing about conveyor-belt sushi is that you can adjust how much you eat by the number of plates you order. It’s perfect for when you just want a quick, light meal.
๐ฃ️ Talk Like a Pro: Sushi Slang
Before you start eating, here are some traditional terms used by sushi chefs. While you order via tablet at Kura Sushi, knowing these words adds to the cultural fun!
- Neta (ใใฟ): The seafood topping. (Reverse of "Tane" meaning material).
- Shari (ใทใฃใช): The sushi rice. The term comes from the Sanskrit word for "bones" because the white rice looks like tiny bones of Buddha.
- Murasaki (ใใใใ): Soy sauce. Literally means "Purple," referring to its deep color.
- Agari (ใใใ): Green tea. Originally a secret code among chefs meaning "The customer is finishing up."
- Sabi-nuki (ใใณใฌใ): "No Wasabi." Good news: Kura Sushi plates are all Sabi-nuki by default, so you can add your own amount!
What to Try
Basically, feel free to grab whatever catches your eye on the belt. However, in this guide, I want to introduce the simple world of "Hosomaki" (Thin Rolls), which are essential to the sushi experience but often overshadowed by flashy Nigiri sushi.
Tekka-maki (Tuna Roll)
A standard roll filled with fresh raw tuna. The name "Tekka" derives from "Tekkaba," which referred to gambling dens in the Edo period. Much like the western sandwich, this roll was originally popularized as a convenient finger food that gamblers could eat with one hand without stopping their game.
Kappa-maki (Cucumber Roll)
This is a cucumber roll. It is named after the "Kappa," a creature from Japanese folklore said to love cucumbers. With its refreshing taste and crunchy texture, it serves as an excellent palate cleanser between fatty fish dishes.
Kanpyo-maki (Dried Gourd Roll)
"Kanpyo" consists of dried gourd strips simmered in a sweet soy sauce broth. Although it looks very simple, its gentle sweetness pairs exceptionally well with green tea. In traditional Edomae sushi, this roll is often chosen by connoisseurs to conclude the meal.
Natto-maki (Fermented Soybean Roll)
This roll is filled with fermented soybeans (Natto). It has a unique sticky texture and distinct aroma, which can be polarizing even among Japanese people. However, it is highly nutritious and a staple of traditional Japanese food. I recommend this if you are interested in the authentic, everyday taste of Japan.
๐ก Did You Know?
Ginger is a "Reset Button" ๐
The pickled ginger (Gari) at your table isn't just a side dish.
Its sharp taste is meant to cleanse your palate between different types of fish—especially after eating fatty ones like Tuna or Salmon.
Think of it as a "reset button" for your taste buds!
Practical Info & Tips
- ๐ฐ Price Range: Very affordable! Standard plates start around 115 JPY.
*Note: Prices are slightly higher at city-center stores (e.g., Shibuya, Shinjuku) and Global Flagship Stores (e.g., Asakusa, Harajuku). - ๐ Popular Locations:
- Asakusa ROX: Features a festival-themed interior (very photogenic!).
- Harajuku & Shibuya: Convenient for shoppers.
- Oimachi: Less crowded standard store (where I usually go).
- ๐ฑ Reservation: Popular stores can have long wait times. I recommend going during off-peak hours (14:00–16:00) or using their app to check wait times.
- ๐ฐ The "Bikkura Pon" Game: Don't forget to slide your finished plates into the slot at your table! For every 5 plates, a mini-game starts on the screen. If you win, you get a capsule toy. It’s addictive!
Tokyo or Trip?
๐ข Great-in-Tokyo — Great experience you can enjoy in Tokyo.
Ordering is intuitive, the variety is huge, and the pricing is clear. Since it is a nationwide chain, the supply system is standardized, so you can enjoy the same consistent taste anywhere.
Kura Sushi is especially great because the tablet ordering system allows you to experience sushi without language barriers or feeling intimidated by chefs. There is no better place in Tokyo to build your "Sushi Confidence."
Explore Nearby
- Edo-Style Sushi Lunch in Togoshi-Ginza — Everyday Tokyo Craft at Its Best ๐ฃ
- Kobore Sushi in Togoshi-Ginza — Overflow Gunkan Rolls with Ikura and Sea Grapes ๐ฃ
- Onigiri (Omusubi) in Tokyo — Japan’s Rice Ball Tradition Meets Nori ๐
- Fuji Soba in Tokyo — Everyday Noodles at the Speed of the City ๐
- Gyukatsu Motomura Shinjuku, Tokyo: Rare Beef & Omoide Yokocho Stroll ๐ฅฉ
Similar Dishes
- Kyoto Saba-zushi — Pressed Mackerel Sushi and the Legacy of the Saba Kaido ๐ฃ
- Hon-Maguro Tuna Bowl, Shizuoka — Fresh Bluefin Worth the Trip ๐
- Hokkaido Crab & Seafood — King Crab, Transparent Squid, and Fresh Uni ๐ฆ
External Links
About "Taste of Japan"
Hello, I'm Yuta.
Born in landlocked Yamanashi and having lived in the gourmet city of Sendai for 10 years, I now call Togoshi-Ginza home. My frequent business trips across Japan allow me to constantly explore the diversity of regional flavors.
Why Togoshi-Ginza?
This street is Tokyo’s longest shopping arcade (about 1.3 km), but it holds a special history. It was the very first street in Japan to adopt the "Ginza" name—a tradition that later spread across the country—after receiving bricks from the famous Ginza district following the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.
My Wish as a Local
I am not a culinary expert. However, as a Japanese local who knows both the convenience of Tokyo and the origins of regional food, I want to share the "atmosphere" and "personal feelings" that you won't find in standard guidebooks.
The Concept: "Tokyo or Trip?"
Visiting every region of Japan in a single trip is nearly impossible. Some food experiences are worth the travel to the source, while others offer a fully satisfying experience right here in Tokyo.
This blog is a guide to help you make that choice. Based in Togoshi-Ginza, I share my honest experiences and "my personal answer" to help you maximize your culinary journey in Japan.
- ๐ Local-First: Best experienced in its home region. Worth a trip.
- ๐ข Great-in-Tokyo: A nationwide favorite or regional specialty that offers a fully satisfying, authentic experience right here in Tokyo.
- ๐ฃ Tokyo-Do-Must: A unique food culture born in or exclusive to Tokyo.