An undeniably quintessential Japanese food, the beloved Japanese dish of bite-sized sushi can be found in so many various forms at different types of sushi restaurants in Japan. Including rolled maki sushi, luxurious kaisendon sushi bowls, or individual plates at a conveyor belt sushi restaurant (some even delivered directly via a tiny shinkansen bullet train); sushi restaurants in Japan are as diverse as the quality ingredients and sushi types available.
Various regions of Japan have their own prefectural specialty style of sushi, depending on what is available in each region and throughout different seasons. Hokkaido is known for its high-quality seafood and sushi by extension, while sushi restaurants in Tokyo are famous for starting up the individual nigiri sushi trend during the Edo period (historically an on-the-go snack).
Sushi restaurants in Japan range broadly from local family-run restaurants (fitted out with tatami mat seating and traditional decor) to high-tech operations (where you can seamlessly order your next sushi roll with the simple touch of a tablet). You can enjoy hospitable omakase sushi at a lavish sushi restaurant in Osaka where a qualified sushi chef prepares each and every piece in front of your eyes (with the rice delicately shaped by hand). Local sushi restaurants in Kyoto in marketplaces contrast with humble sushi restaurants along Japan’s coast, all serving up fresh sushi and friendly service. Casual conveyor belt sushi can be just 100 yen a plate, or thousands of yen per serving at Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo.
No matter which way you want to enjoy sushi in Japan, there are endless options for sushi restaurants in Japan to suit your budget. You can have a unique modern sushi dining experience or traditional dining experience. If you are not sure where to start when it comes to sushi in Japan, reserve a table or counter seat at a sushi restaurant before you go to ensure you get the freshest and best sushi in Japan!