Do this now
Follow these steps in order.
- 01
Wait for a table number or staff seating instruction.
- 02
Check whether the venue uses a circulating belt, touchscreen orders or both.
- 03
Take a plate only when you intend to eat it, and never return it.
- 04
Collect only the direct-lane order assigned to your seat.
- 05
Keep empty plates or use the designated return slot as instructed.
- 06
Request checkout and let the venue record the plates before paying.
What to know
The lane system differs by restaurant
JNTO describes classic kaitenzushi, where diners may take plates freely from a circulating belt. Current chain systems can also use touchscreens and straight lanes that deliver an order directly to a table.
Read the screen and table instructions before reaching for anything. A restaurant called conveyor belt sushi may use a belt, order-only delivery or a combination of both.
What to know
Wait for your assigned seat
Check in with staff or the reception terminal and wait for a table or counter number. Do not occupy an open seat or move to another table because its screen or plate accounting may be linked to that location.
At the seat, identify the ordering screen, chopsticks, condiments, tea supplies and any empty-plate slot. Ask staff before using a control whose purpose is unclear.
What to know
Take a circulating plate only once
JNTO’s sushi guide gives the essential rule: you may take a plate from the conveyor, but you must never put it back. Choose first, then lift the entire plate cleanly.
Do not touch sushi, a lid or the edge of several plates while deciding. If the plate has a cover, use the venue’s opening method and keep your hands away from food continuing around the lane.
What to know
Direct-lane orders belong to a specific seat
A touchscreen order may arrive on a separate lane or stop at the table with a sound or on-screen alert. Take only the dishes identified for your table, then press a confirmation button if the screen asks.
Do not intercept another table’s order even when it passes within reach. If an expected dish does not arrive or the wrong item stops, leave it in place and call staff.
What to know
Check the price before taking the plate
Prices may be shown by plate color, menu category or the touchscreen rather than by the individual piece. Seasonal and premium dishes can cost more than the standard plate.
Confirm the current menu and store-specific price before selecting. JNTO and chain guidance both show that kaitenzushi is usually priced per plate, but prices and included pieces vary.
What to know
Use soy sauce, ginger and tea with restraint
JNTO advises dipping the topping rather than soaking the rice in soy sauce, because rice absorbs too much and can fall apart. Ginger is a palate cleanser, not a topping that must be placed on every piece.
Green tea is often self-service at kaitenzushi. Use the table’s cup, powder or tea bag as directed, and handle a hot-water tap carefully. Take only the condiments you will use.
What to know
Empty plates must follow the venue’s system
Never return an empty plate to a food lane. Some restaurants count plates at the table; Kura Sushi instead instructs diners to put eligible empty plates into its table-side collection slot.
Do not insert bowls, cups, lids or premium dishes into a slot unless the label permits them. Keep every unaccepted item visible so staff can include it correctly in the bill.
What to know
Check allergens before ordering
Use the restaurant’s current allergen table rather than judging from a photograph. Sushiro’s July 2026 English list distinguishes ingredients from shared production-line contact and warns that store handling can introduce other contact.
If an allergy is severe, show a written allergy card and ask staff before ordering. Soy sauce, mayonnaise, sauces, imitation seafood and shared preparation can add ingredients not obvious from the fish name.
What to know
Request checkout before leaving the seat
Use the checkout button on the touchscreen or lane, or call staff, according to the venue’s instructions. Wait while the plate count, screen orders and non-plate items are recorded.
Take the issued bill or checkout code to the designated register when directed. Review the count before paying, collect your receipt and do not leave coins at the table as a tip.
If that does not work
Use the fallback.
- If the lane type is unclear, wait for staff before taking the first plate.
- If you accidentally touch or lift a plate, keep it and tell staff rather than returning it.
- If another table’s order stops near you, leave it and alert staff.
- If a plate will not fit the return slot, keep it on the table for staff.
- If allergen information is missing or outdated, do not rely on appearance; ask staff or choose another venue.
- If the bill count looks wrong, request a recount before payment.
Before you need it
Save this offline.
- Take a plate only once; never return it to the lane
- Take direct-lane food only when your table is signaled
- Do not touch plates or covers you are not taking
- Keep empty plates or use only the labeled return slot
- Request checkout and wait for the plate count
Primary evidence
Official sources used
Open these pages again before travel. External links lead to the responsible Japanese authority or transport organization.
