When you think of Japanese food, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Sushi? Katsu? Ramen?
If sushi popped into your head—you’re not alone! Sushi is one of Japan’s most iconic dishes, and eating it here is a completely different experience from what you may find abroad.
What is “Real” Japanese Sushi?
Outside Japan, sushi is often reinvented—rolled with cream cheese, mayonnaise, or even fried. But traditional sushi is much simpler: perfectly seasoned rice (酢飯 sumeshi), fresh fish or vegetables, and sometimes seaweed. The artistry lies in the chef’s technique and the quality of ingredients.
And here’s something many travelers don’t know: seasonal sushi (旬の寿司 shun no sushi) is a big deal in Japan. Many sushi chains and high-end restaurants introduce limited-time seasonal menus—think fatty tuna in winter or cherry blossom-themed sushi in spring. If you visit Japan, check the seasonal menu for special bites you won’t find any other time of year.
In this blog, I’ll take you through three types of sushi restaurants in Japan:
- Budget conveyor-belt sushi chains (perfect for travelers on the go)
- Casual dining chains with variety
- Luxury omakase experiences
1. スシロー (Sushiro) – Conveyor Belt Sushi King
Price: From ¥110 per plate
Location: Found all across Japan
Sushiro is Japan’s biggest conveyor belt sushi chain, serving over 140 million customers a year—that’s more than Japan’s entire population!
Here, you can order using a touchscreen tablet with language options in English, Chinese, and Korean. Plates start from just ¥110, making it one of the most affordable ways to enjoy sushi in Japan.
Recommendation: Try the Maguro (まぐろ – tuna), a classic favorite.
Seasonal Tip: Check the rotating menu! Sushiro often features seasonal specialties like sanma (Pacific saury) in autumn or uni (sea urchin) in summer.
2. はま寿司 (Hama Sushi) – Great Variety for Everyone
Price: From ¥110 per plate
Location: Nationwide chain
Hama Sushi is another popular chain known for its affordable prices and wide variety. Alongside classic sushi like tuna and salmon, you’ll find unique options such as beef sushi, deep-fried tempura, and even ramen on the side.
Ordering is easy with their touchscreen system, which supports multiple languages.
Recommendation: Go adventurous—try something new like roast beef sushi (ローストビーフ寿司) or their seasonal limited-edition rolls.
3. 伊勢寿し (Isesushi) – A High-End Omakase Experience
Price: ¥10,000+ (luxury dining)
Location: 1-10, Hamacho 4-Chome, Odawara, Kanagawa
For travelers who want the ultimate sushi experience, Isesushi is the place to go. This is omakase-style dining, where the chef selects the day’s best ingredients, often sourced fresh from the market at dawn.
Here, you won’t find tablets—you’ll need to order in Japanese.
Useful Japanese phrase:
「マスターのおすすめコースをいただきたいです。」
(Masutā no osusume kōsu wo itadakitai desu.)
“I would like to have the chef’s recommended course.”
This ensures you’ll get the best seasonal selection the chef has to offer.
Useful Japanese Phrases for Ordering Sushi
Here are a few handy phrases you can use at sushi restaurants:
- これをください。 (Kore wo kudasai.) → “I’ll have this, please.”
- おすすめは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) → “What do you recommend?”
- もう一皿ください。 (Mō hitosara kudasai.) → “One more plate, please.”
- お会計お願いします。 (O-kaikei onegaishimasu.) → “Check, please.”
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re grabbing quick plates at Sushiro, enjoying variety at Hama Sushi, or splurging on omakase at Isesushi, sushi in Japan is a culinary adventure. Don’t forget to check out the seasonal menus—they’re the secret to tasting Japan’s flavors at their peak.
Want to Try Making Sushi Yourself?
Eating sushi in Japan is unforgettable—but how about making it with your own hands? 🎌 At Osu no Sushi, you can join a workshop to learn how to prepare and roll sushi just like a pro. It’s a fun, hands-on way to dive deeper into Japanese food culture.
DEOW Japan can help you sign up for this experience as part of your study abroad or travel journey. If you’re interested in learning sushi-making (or studying in Japan in general), reach out to us today and sign up to get started!
