Conveyor Belt Sushi
Conveyor Belt Sushi - also known as Kaiten Sushi [回転寿司[かいてんすし]]. "Kaiten" means "to rotate" or "go round in a circle." As the name suggests, a load of sushi goes round on a conveyor belt and the customer takes what she wants for om noms.
In other countries, I see that many kaiten sushi has each plate covered with a plastic cover but in Japan most are open like these ones.
This kaiten sushi place has dishes which are not typical Japanese like these ones - a huge mound of rice topped with salmon, ikura and onions. Many gaijins come to this place which is why some of the dishes are more adventurous ^^;
Price of the dish is decided by the color of the plate - gold plates are usually the most expensive.
Its not just fish to be found on a plate - drinks and dessert too.
If the belt does not have what you want, all you have to do is ask the chap behind the belt. For example "Engawa Kudasai!" [えんがわください！] (some Engawa please!)
There are some rules that you should follow when entering a sushi place which are all outlined in the video below. Be sure to watch before going for some sushi.
This type of sushi is called "Gunkan Maki" [軍艦巻[ぐんかんまき]] and is named because it looks like the shape of a battleship ("Gunkan" meaning battleship).
Ikura [いくら] is salmon roe. For many years I didn't dare try but once I did I found that I love it! A dollop of it on rice is lovely.
The red and black containers contain green tea powder which you should help yourself to.
Usually there are cups at the counter for you to help yourself.
If you see a plate with a sign like this - its just to let you know whats available - if you fancy some then just ask the sushi guy.
Not everything available will be on the belt. They usually make stuff that they think is more popular and stick it out for everybody. Look around at the menus to see what else they have on offer.
This is gari [ガリ] which is sliced ginger - take a sensible amount to have with your dish.
Some places have an english menu - if you want one then just ask!
The sushi clock!
Forgot to mention - notice the black rubber button underneath the tap - dont press it like a friend did because boiling water will burn your hand and make you cry! Press the cup against the rubber bit to fill up.
Some places will sell bags of tea that is served in the restaurant - if you want some then just ask.
T'was christmas when we went.
The sushi place was Heiroku Sushi located in Harajuku - nearest station is Meiji Jingumae or Harajuku on the JR line.
