A conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, called kaitenzushi in Japanese, can be an easy way to try seafood in Sapporo. It can also be surprisingly confusing the first time. You may be given a numbered ticket, asked to use a touchscreen, or seated next to a belt that is not actually carrying any sushi. Restaurants are set up in different ways.
Step 1: Get a seat
At some larger restaurants, a machine at the entrance asks how many people are in your group and gives you a queue number. At others, staff will seat you. If people are waiting, do not sit at an empty table without checking first. Say “Futari desu” for two people, or show the number with your fingers. Popular restaurants can have long waits at peak mealtimes.
If you have a stroller or need space for young children, ask whether a table is available. Whether there are high chairs and children’s utensils depends on the restaurant.
Step 2: Find out how ordering works at your table
At some restaurants, you can take plates straight from the moving belt. Others mainly use a tablet or touchscreen, and your dishes arrive on a separate delivery lane. Look for an English option on the screen. You usually choose the fish or topping, the portion and the quantity, then press a button to confirm.
Important: do not touch a plate unless you are going to take it, and never put a plate back on the belt once you have taken it. If your order arrives on a delivery lane, follow the instructions on the screen for collecting it, and do not handle covers or trays in ways the restaurant does not intend.
Step 3: Check the price before ordering
Plates may have a single price, a price shown by the plate’s color, or a price displayed next to each item on the tablet. Side dishes, desserts and special items can cost more. Do not assume every plate costs the same. If the screen shows a running total, check it before ordering more.
Hokkaido seafood can be a highlight of your trip, but not every branch serves the same seasonal fish. If a particular specialty matters to you, check that branch’s menu first.
Step 4: Relax and follow basic table manners
It is perfectly fine to eat sushi with chopsticks or with clean hands. Soy sauce and pickled ginger may be at your seat, or staff can bring them if you ask. Use a modest amount of soy sauce, and keep any shared serving utensils clean. If you are not sure whether there is already wasabi in the sushi, ask before adding more.
Food allergies: A label or photo on the touchscreen is not enough to confirm ingredients, cross-contact or safe preparation. Ask the restaurant directly about allergies, and if they cannot confirm what you need, choose somewhere else. Our restaurant food-allergy guide explains how to ask.
Step 5: Finish and pay
When you have finished, look for a checkout / kaikei button on the tablet, or tell staff “Okaikei onegaishimasu” (The bill, please). Some restaurants count your empty plates, while others use your order history. Leave your plates on the table unless staff or the restaurant’s instructions say otherwise. Then pay at the machine or counter you are directed to.
Tipping is not generally expected for ordinary restaurant service in Japan. If paying at a Japanese restaurant is new to you, read our restaurant payment guide.
Quick phrases
- 回転寿司 (kaitenzushi) — Conveyor-belt sushi
- 注文 (chūmon) — Order
- お会計 (okaikei) — The bill / payment
- わさび抜き (wasabi nuki) — Without wasabi
- もう一度お願いします (Mō ichido onegaishimasu) — Could you say that again, please?
FAQ
Do I always need a reservation? No. Some restaurants mainly take walk-ins, while popular ones may offer reservations or an online waiting list. Check the restaurant you want to visit.
Is it suitable for children? Many casual kaitenzushi restaurants welcome families, but check the seating, menu options and, if needed, allergy information.
Can I take a plate from any moving lane? Not necessarily. A delivery lane may be carrying someone else’s order. Only take dishes in the way the system at your table is meant to be used.
For restaurants that need a booking, see how to reserve a Sapporo restaurant without a Japanese phone number.
Official references: JNTO: Sushi in Japan · JNTO: Japanese manners and restaurant queues
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