Tokyo: Affordable Sushi Restaurants 2024

Published: Jul 11, 2024

Japanese cuisine is popular worldwide. What comes to mind when you think of Japanese food?
For many, the first thing that comes to mind is "sushi." Sushi has been loved by Japanese people for a long time. It's also my favorite food. I enjoy the combination of vinegared rice and fresh seafood toppings.

Today, sushi abroad has evolved according to local food cultures, with varieties like "California rolls" and "fruit rolls." However, authentic sushi is different. You'll be amazed when you see and taste it.

In Japan, there are over 2,500 stores of popular sushi chain restaurants like Kura Sushi and Sushiro. So, you can imagine the vast number of sushi restaurants when including individual establishments. Tokyo, in particular, has many sushi restaurants, known for "Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi" characterized by red vinegar rice and fresh toppings.

When visiting Japan, be sure to enjoy these!

The Sushi Scene in Japan

Sushi consists of vinegared rice called "shari" and toppings called "neta," typically seafood. Besides seafood, meat, vegetables, and eggs are also used.

Did you know that there are many types of sushi based on preparation and eating methods? Nigiri sushi (hand-pressed sushi) and gunkan-maki (warship roll) with toppings on rice wrapped in seaweed are major types eaten at sushi restaurants.

Other types include maki-zushi (rolled sushi), oshi-zushi (pressed sushi), chirashi-zushi (scattered sushi), and temaki-zushi (hand-rolled sushi) often enjoyed at home. In Japan, these sushi types are enjoyed according to different occasions.

Sushi has a long history, taking its current form in the Edo period. Initially popular as street food, sushi stalls were later banned for hygiene reasons. For a while, sushi became a high-end food. However, with the advent of conveyor belt sushi, it became more accessible to the general public.
Currently, people enjoy sushi in various styles, from high-end restaurants where chefs prepare sushi in front of you to affordable conveyor belt sushi and standing sushi bars.

In this article, we'll introduce seven affordable sushi restaurants in Tokyo for 2024.

Affordable Sushi Restaurants

Uobei

UOBEI
source:Tabelog

Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka is a popular sushi restaurant that ranks high in "Conveyor Belt Sushi Rankings Popular Among Foreigners" and review sites. The main reason for its popularity is its unique ordering system: after ordering via touch panel, your sushi is delivered by a lane. This Uobei-style allows you to eat your ordered sushi quickly.

Moreover, its affordability is surprising even for Japanese people, especially given the generally high prices in the Shibuya station area.

It's also popular because it's easy to use for solo diners and families alike. It's perfect for a break during shopping or sightseeing. Don't miss the recommended "Ebi-ten Maki" with crispy batter and the "Wild Southern Bluefin Tuna Comparison" where you can taste different parts of tuna.

[Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka]
Address: 1F Dai-roku Central Building, 2-29-11 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
Tel: 03-3462-0241
Hours: Mon-Fri & Day before holidays 11:00-23:00
    Sat, Sun & Holidays 10:30-23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
Official website: https://www.genkisushi.co.jp/search/map.php?id=232

Nihonbashi sushi tsurikin

Sushi Tsurikin
source:Official website

When visiting Japan, wouldn't you like to watch sushi chefs prepare sushi right in front of you? At this restaurant, you can enjoy the live experience of chefs making sushi, offering a different atmosphere from conveyor belt sushi.

Using fresh fish from markets across Japan, including Yokohama, you can enjoy seasonal ingredients. Its popularity stems from the fresh and generous portions of sushi at reasonable prices.

I recommend the value sets and course menus. There's also a wide selection of Japanese sake and other alcoholic beverages to enjoy with your sushi. They even offer sets with nigiri sushi perfect for accompanying drinks.

The counter seats make it easy for solo diners to enter. You can make reservations, and it's conveniently connected to the station, saving time.

[Sushi Tsurikin]
Address: B1F Coredo Muromachi 2, 2-3-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 050-5462-5079
Hours: 11:00-21:00
Official website: https://nihonbashi-tsurikin.foodre.jp/

Tachigui Sushi Hinato Maru

Hinatomaru
source:Tabelog

Located inside Tokyo Station, "Tachigui Sushi Hinato Maru" is perfect for when you want to eat sushi, during train waiting times, or when you're in a hurry. The "standing style" restaurants are a unique sight in Japan. The advantages of standing style are that you can eat quickly, it's easy to use when you're in a hurry, and it reduces waiting times during busy periods. Additionally, you can enjoy sushi made by skilled chefs at affordable prices.

This restaurant also has table seats, so those uncomfortable with standing can sit and eat.

I recommend the menu items using fresh shellfish and thick slices of tuna. The chefs and staff are friendly, and the interior is clean, allowing you to enjoy your sushi in a pleasant environment.

When visiting Japan, be sure to experience this "standing style" dining.

[Tachigui Sushi Hinato Maru]
Address: Gransta Yaekita 1F Yaekita Shokudo 115, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6259-1600
Hours: 11:00-23:00
Official website: https://www.gransta.jp/mall/gransta_yaekita/hinatomaru/

Fun to Watch! Conveyor Belt Sushi

Mawashi Sushi Katsu Katsu Midori

Katsumidori
source:Tabelog

This is a conveyor belt style restaurant where you can enjoy the sushi from "Midori Sohonten," which has been loved for over 30 years and is one of my favorites. It's a popular restaurant where you can enjoy sushi of higher quality than other conveyor belt sushi restaurants in terms of large toppings, deliciousness, and price satisfaction.

The fresh and large toppings are so delicious that you'll want to come back. They also have side dishes incorporating local cuisine, and seasonal items like cold soup udon and cold desserts in summer.

The prices are reasonable, making it a popular spot for repeat Japanese customers. When visiting Japan, why not try a conveyor belt sushi restaurant approved by locals? Located in a department store, it's convenient for shopping breaks and easily accessible from the station.

[Mawashi Sushi Katsu Seibu Ikebukuro Store]
Address: 8F Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, 1-28 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6914-1185
Hours: Mon-Fri 11:00-23:00
    Sat, Sun 10:30-23:00
Official website: https://katumidori.co.jp/shop/?id=seibuikebukuro

Mawari Sushi Shibuya Sushi Tsune

Sushi tsune
source: Official website

Located in the popular commercial facility "Shibuya PARCO," this restaurant is a conveyor belt sushi shop run by the long-established sushi restaurant "Sushi Tsune." The attraction is that you can enjoy authentic Edomae sushi with skilled craftsmanship at affordable prices. It's easy to use for various occasions, whether you're alone, a couple, or with family, and you can eat satisfying sushi.

My recommended menu item is the "Weekday Limited Lunch Nigiri." There are also set prices and items like tempura, so you can easily enjoy representative Japanese foods. It's a short walk from the station, but not too far, making it a good choice when using the crowded Shibuya area.

Try visiting during shopping breaks or when stopping by the nearby Yoyogi Park.

[Mawari Sushi Shibuya Sushi Tsune Shibuya PARCO Store]
Address: B1F Shibuya PARCO, 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5422-3140
Hours: 11:30-22:30
(Lunch menu/Weekdays 11:30-15:00 L.O. 21:30
*L.O. for non-sushi meals 21:00)
Official website: https://www.sushitsune.co.jp/shibuyaparco/

Sanchoku Gourmet Conveyor Belt Sushi Kantaro Tokyo

Kantaro Tokyo
source:Tabelog

"Sanchoku Gourmet Conveyor Belt Sushi Kantaro Tokyo" is a Tokyo branch of a conveyor belt sushi restaurant that has been loved in Hakodate.

Hokkaido is famous for its thriving fishing industry, sushi, and seafood. I can't forget the sushi I ate in Hokkaido.

At this restaurant, you can eat sushi with plenty of ingredients from Hakodate. I recommend trying unusual toppings like Hokkaido-style atka mackerel nigiri. They also pay attention to details like using Hokkaido-produced rice and kelp dashi, allowing you to taste the deliciousness of Hokkaido and Hakodate in Tokyo.

The atmosphere is suitable for solo diners and families. Even if you don't plan to visit Hokkaido during your trip to Japan in 2024, please try its deliciousness in Tokyo.

[Sanchoku Gourmet Conveyor Belt Sushi Kantaro Tokyo]
Address: Tokyo Station First Avenue B1F, XA-3 Area, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-6259-1823
Hours: 11:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:25)
Official website: https://www.hk-r.jp/shop/g_kantaro/shop.html#tokyo02

Conveyor Belt Sushi Haneda Market

Tokyo Haneda Market
source:Tabelog

This restaurant has been featured in various media. It serves Edomae sushi using red vinegar for the rice. Located inside Tokyo Station, it's convenient to access. The good thing about station restaurants is that they're easy to use during train waiting times or when you're in a hurry.

At this restaurant, fish and seafood caught by fishermen from all over Japan are transported while maintaining freshness, so the quality of the ingredients is outstanding. The freshness of the fish used for sushi greatly affects its taste.

Additionally, they have rare toppings not found at other conveyor belt sushi restaurants, and the quick service inside the store is also a pleasant point. When you order via touch panel, sushi arrives speedily.

Please experience the lively atmosphere, speedy service, and sushi made with super fresh ingredients in the birthplace of sushi.

[Conveyor Belt Sushi Haneda Market]
Address: JR Tokyo Station B1F Gransta Tokyo, 1-9-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Tel: 03-5224-9501
Hours: Mon-Thu, Sat 10:00-22:00
Fri 10:00-22:30
Sun, Holidays 10:00-21:30
Official website: https://www.gransta.jp/mall/gransta_tokyo/kaitenzushi_haneda/

Yasuhiro

I'm Yasuhiro, a founder of MagicalTrip. My hometown is Shibuya, Tokyo so I know corner to corner about Shibuya and its close areas: Roppongi, Shinjuku and Ebisu. Hope you get ideas from my articles!