Eating Sushi in Japan – The Most Famous Japanese Food
What Comes to Mind When You Hear “Sushi”?
Sushi is popular all over the world, but some types of sushi found internationally are quite different from what Japanese people imagine when they think of sushi. For example, Dragon Rolls, California Rolls, deep-fried sushi, sushi pizza, and sushi cakes all originated outside of Japan. These types of sushi are not typically served at traditional sushi restaurants in Japan.
Of course, just as Japanese-style curry evolved after traveling from India to Britain and then to Japan, food naturally changes as it spreads around the world. However, if you visit Japan, it is highly recommended to try authentic Japanese-style sushi.
This page provides all the information you need to enjoy delicious sushi in Japan.
History of Sushi
Sushi in Japan has a history of over 1,000 years. Originally, sushi was a fermented food created to preserve fish, which was difficult to store. Fish was combined with rice and left to ferment for days or even months. In this early form of sushi, called narezushi, the rice was primarily used to aid fermentation and was discarded before eating—the fish was consumed on its own. Some regional specialties in Japan still resemble this ancient form of sushi.
Around the 19th century, in Edo (modern-day Tokyo), a new style of sushi emerged. This version used rice mixed with vinegar and featured fish that was either lightly pickled or seared before being placed on top. This new sushi quickly became popular among the people of Edo.
As refrigeration and ice-making technology improved, handling and serving raw fish became easier. Interestingly, sushi became widely popular thanks to Edo’s craftsmen, who needed a quick, one-handed meal during their busy work schedules. The story of sushi’s convenience is similar to that of sandwiches, which were originally created so people could eat while playing card games.
During this time, sushi was not a luxury meal but rather an affordable street food often sold at food stalls.
In 1923, a major earthquake known as the Great Kanto Earthquake struck Tokyo. As a result, many sushi chefs relocated across Japan, helping spread sushi culture nationwide.
Although sushi is now Japan’s most famous food, modern sushi styles such as nigiri (hand-pressed sushi) and maki (rolled sushi) have only been around for a little over 100 years, making sushi a surprisingly new cuisine.
Types of Sushi Restaurants in Japan
When visiting Japan, you will likely want to try delicious sushi. How much do you plan to spend? What kind of sushi experience do you want? In Japan, sushi can range from an 800-yen lunch set to ultra-high-end experiences costing tens of thousands of yen just to sit at the counter.
Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaitenzushi)
The most affordable way to eat sushi in Japan is at kaitenzushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurants.
In the 1950s, the owner of Genroku Sushi came up with the idea after observing a beer factory’s conveyor belt system. His goal was to provide high-quality sushi at a lower cost while serving a large number of customers efficiently. Today, kaitenzushi has become a worldwide phenomenon.
At chain conveyor belt sushi restaurants, prices usually start at around 100 yen per plate. The price of sushi is often determined by the color of the plate.
If you are interested in trying the original conveyor belt sushi experience, you can visit Genroku Sushi, which has 10 locations in Osaka.
Genroku Sushi (Main Store)
Address: 1-12-1 Ashiya, Higashiosaka, Osaka 577-0841
Website
Affordable but High-Quality Sushi
For reasonably priced yet high-quality sushi, Sushizanmai is a great option. This popular sushi chain is famous for its fresh tuna.
The restaurant offers an extensive menu, including sushi priced from 100 yen to 800 yen per piece. Some locations even have private dining rooms (reservations required).
One of its biggest advantages is that it is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it a great choice if you are jet-lagged and craving sushi in the middle of the night.
Sushizanmai (Main Store)
Address: 4-11-9 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045
Website
Takeout Sushi
If you enjoy exploring supermarkets while traveling, you will love Japan’s supermarket sushi sections. While it may not be as good as restaurant sushi, supermarket sushi is still tasty and convenient for a quick bite.
Many sushi restaurants also offer takeout or even delivery services to your hotel or accommodation.
Sushi in Rural Port Towns
Although modern sushi culture developed in Tokyo, it spread across Japan during the Edo period.
If you visit a rural port town, be sure to try the local sushi. Many restaurants offer fresh, high-quality sushi sets—including miso soup and tea—for as little as 800 to 1,000 yen.
The sushi in these areas is often characterized by:
- Large portions of fish
- Exceptional freshness
- Great value for money
High-End Sushi at a Counter Seat
For a truly authentic sushi experience, visit a high-end omakase sushi restaurant.
At these restaurants, sushi chefs prepare each piece individually, adjusting to your eating pace. There is typically no set price, so checking Google Maps for a general price range beforehand is advisable.
A meal (excluding drinks) typically starts at around 10,000 yen per person, but some places can be much more expensive.
Reservations can be difficult to secure at top-tier sushi restaurants, so if you have a Japanese friend who is a regular customer at one, asking them to take you along can make for the best experience.
Types of Sushi to Try in Japan
Nigiri Sushi
Hand-pressed sushi topped with various ingredients such as tuna, white fish, squid, octopus, and shellfish.
Maki Sushi
Sushi rolls made with ingredients like cucumber, egg, or tuna wrapped in rice and seaweed.
Chirashi Sushi
A bowl of sushi rice topped with assorted raw fish and egg, often beautifully arranged.
How to Eat Sushi Properly
While you can enjoy sushi however you like, knowing the traditional Japanese way of eating sushi may enhance your experience.
Eat with Your Hands
At high-end sushi restaurants, eating sushi with your hands (instead of chopsticks) is common practice. Each piece is designed to be eaten in one bite—do not bite it in half.
Using Wasabi Properly
Do not mix wasabi into your soy sauce. Instead, apply it directly to the fish. High-end sushi restaurants use strong, high-quality wasabi, so be careful not to add too much or it may overpower the fish’s flavor.
Do Not Soak Sushi in Soy Sauce
Soy sauce should be lightly applied to the fish, not the rice. Dipping sushi rice into soy sauce can cause the rice to break apart. Since sushi rice already contains some salt, only use soy sauce as a light seasoning.
Order Sushi in the Right Order
When ordering sushi, start with light-tasting fish (such as white fish) and gradually move to richer flavors like tuna.
Do Japanese People Eat Sushi Every Day?
Since sushi is the most famous Japanese food abroad, some people assume that Japanese people eat sushi every day. However, sushi is generally not a home-cooked meal.
The most common type of homemade sushi in Japan is chirashi sushi, while nigiri and maki are usually enjoyed at restaurants or as takeout.
