Anyone traveling to Japan or the USA should eat at a running sushi restaurant at least once – and Kura Sushi is an absolute recommendation! This chain can be found in almost all major Japanese cities and in over 70 locations across the USA. Additionally, there are more than 50 locations in Taiwan and a few in Shanghai.

At Kura Sushi, you’ll not only find a huge selection of sushi but also an interactive ordering system and a fun little game that turns your restaurant visit into an experience. Here’s everything you need to know about running sushi in Japan and the USA.

How does Kura Sushi work?

Kura Sushi is a classic Kaiten Sushi restaurant (回転寿司), which means the sushi moves past the guests on a conveyor belt. If you’re craving a specific sushi, you just grab it – easy! But Kura Sushi offers even more: You can also place orders through a touchscreen or your own smartphone. Once the order is placed, it only takes a few minutes for the plates to be delivered directly to your table via a separate express conveyor belt – a little highlight in itself!

Even if you don’t place an order, there’s always an endless parade of sushi plates passing by on the classic conveyor belt. If you spot something you like, you can simply grab it. The best part: Each sushi comes with a small cover that automatically opens as soon as you touch the plate – keeping everything fresh and hygienic. Whether you choose the classics or are curious to try new creations, dining at Kura Sushi is not only delicious but also super convenient!

 

Selection & Prices

Although the name “Kura Sushi” might suggest that it only serves sushi, the selection is actually much larger. In addition to the classics like Maguro (tuna), Salmon, Ebi (shrimp), or Tamago (sweet omelet), there are also many creative variations that you may have never tried before. Particularly popular are the sushi creations topped with cheese or deep-fried, offering a fusion of Japanese and Western cuisines. Personally, I found them a bit unappealing.

However, if you’re not in the mood for sushi, there are plenty of other options. Kura Sushi also offers a selection of hot dishes like tempura, ramen, udon noodles, and even Japanese curries. To top it off, you can treat yourself to a dessert – from mochi and matcha ice cream to fluffy Japanese cheesecakes, there’s something for every taste.

Prices in Japan

The prices for running sushi in Japan are surprisingly affordable: Most plates cost between 100 and 200 yen, so you can try a variety of dishes without feeling guilty.

Prices in the USA

Unfortunately, it’s not as cheap in the USA. Here, each plate costs between $3 and $5. However, the selection is similarly vast, though it’s naturally not as authentic as in Japan itself.

Bikkura Pon while eating

What is Bikkura Pon? How could it be anything other than a game in Japan?

At each table, there’s a special slot where you can drop off empty plates. But this isn’t just a clever way to keep the table clean – it’s also the key to a little game of chance! Every time five plates are dropped off, a mini-game starts on the tablet, often in the form of a small anime video or a lottery.

If you win, you’ll be rewarded with a capsule from a Gachapon machine above your table. Inside, you’ll find little surprises like cute figurines, keychains, or other collectibles – perfect as a souvenir! Even if you don’t win, the game adds extra fun and motivation to eat a few more plates. This gamification aspect is a real highlight, especially for families with kids (but also for playful adults), and it sets Kura Sushi apart from other running sushi restaurants.

Insider Tip

Since Kura Sushi is extremely popular in Japan, it can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours. In branches located in tourist hotspots or on weekends, long lines often form. If you don’t want to waste too much time waiting, it’s best to make a reservation in advance. The easiest way to do this is through the official website, where you can book a time slot. This way, you can arrive at your reserved time and will be seated more quickly.

If you don’t have a reservation, you’ll need to sign up at a terminal at the entrance. There, you take a waiting number and can track on a screen when it’s your turn. Depending on the crowd, the wait time can range from just a few minutes to over an hour.

So, it’s better to reserve online in advance – it saves both time and nerves!

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