Sushi in Japan: What First-Time Visitors Should Know

When most travelers imagine Japanese cuisine, one dish immediately comes to mind—sushi. This iconic food isn’t just a culinary staple in Japan; it’s a window into the nation’s cultural precision, artistic presentation, and deep respect for ingredients. But if you’re a first-time visitor, navigating the sushi landscape in Japan can feel a bit overwhelming. With everything from standing sushi bars to high-end omakase counters, knowing what to expect makes a big difference.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the types of sushi, cultural etiquette, regional specialties, and tips for enjoying sushi in Tokyo, Osaka, and beyond—so you’ll dine like a local from your very first bite.

1. Understanding What Sushi Really Means in Japan

While the word sushi has become globally synonymous with rolls and raw fish, its meaning in Japan is broader and more traditional. At its core, sushi refers to vinegared rice paired with various toppings, which may or may not include raw fish.

Types of Sushi You’ll Encounter

• Nigiri: Hand-pressed rice topped with a slice of fish or seafood. Often finished with wasabi and soy sauce.
  
• Sashimi: Although not technically sushi (no rice involved), sashimi—slices of raw fish—is often served alongside sushi.
  
• Maki (Makizushi): Rolled sushi wrapped in seaweed (nori), often with fish, vegetables, or egg inside.
  
• Temaki: Cone-shaped hand rolls, eaten with fingers.
  
• Oshizushi: Pressed sushi from the Kansai region, especially Osaka.
  
• Chirashi: A bowl of sushi rice topped with a colorful variety of fish and vegetables.
  

2. Sushi Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts for First-Time Visitors

Dining in Japan often comes with unspoken rules that are essential for showing respect to chefs and fellow diners. Sushi is no exception. Observing etiquette not only helps you avoid embarrassment but also enhances your experience.

Sushi Etiquette Do’s

• Do eat nigiri in one bite (if possible). It’s crafted to be enjoyed whole.
  
• Do use your hands if chopsticks feel awkward—especially for nigiri or temaki.
  
• Do dip fish-side down into soy sauce to avoid soaking the rice.
  
• Do say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” afterward.
  

Sushi Etiquette Don’ts

• Don’t rub wooden chopsticks together—it implies they are cheap.
  
• Don’t mix wasabi into your soy sauce in traditional settings; chefs usually add the right amount.
  
• Don’t pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick—this resembles a funeral rite.
  
• Don’t ask for extra soy sauce in high-end sushi restaurants unless offered.
  

3. Where to Eat Sushi in Japan: From Budget to Luxury

Japan offers an astonishing range of sushi dining experiences—from quick bites at convenience stores to Michelin-starred omakase counters. Here’s what to expect across different price ranges.

Conveyor Belt Sushi (Kaitenzushi)

Great for beginners, kaitenzushi lets you choose from plates that rotate past your table on a conveyor belt. It’s affordable, casual, and found everywhere from Tokyo to rural towns.

Top Kaitenzushi Chains:

• Sushiro
  
• Kura Sushi
  
• Hama Sushi
  
• Genki Sushi
  

Price: ¥100–¥300 per plate
LSI keywords: Conveyor belt sushi, cheap sushi in Japan, family-friendly sushi

Standing Sushi Bars (Tachigui-zushi)

For a fast and authentic experience, try a standing sushi bar. These no-frills joints cater to local office workers and serve fresh, quality sushi at great prices.

Popular in: Tokyo’s Shimbashi, Ueno, and Shibuya
Price: ¥1,000–¥2,500 for a meal

Omakase Dining

At the pinnacle of sushi dining is omakase, which means “I leave it up to you.” The chef chooses the courses based on seasonal fish and their own creative vision. It’s a personalized, unforgettable meal that can run several hours and includes both common and rare cuts.

Top Sushi Omakase in Japan:

• Sukiyabashi Jiro (Tokyo)
  
• Sushi Saito (Tokyo)
  
• Sushi Yoshitake (Tokyo)
  
• Endo Sushi (Osaka)
  

Price: ¥15,000–¥40,000+ per person
LSI keywords: Omakase, fine dining sushi, Tokyo sushi restaurants

4. Regional Sushi Styles to Try

Japan’s geography and history shape its sushi in unique ways. Exploring regional varieties gives insight into local traditions and preferences.

Tokyo (Edo-mae Sushi)

The birthplace of nigiri, Tokyo’s sushi is simple and elegant, often using techniques like marination or boiling to preserve fish before refrigeration existed.

Osaka (Oshizushi)

In Osaka, you’ll find pressed sushi—fish and rice compressed in a mold for a firm, rectangular shape. Mackerel is a common topping.

Hokkaido (Seafood Sushi Paradise)

With access to some of the world’s freshest seafood, Hokkaido offers uni (sea urchin), ikura (salmon roe), and crab sushi that’s unbeatable in quality.

Kyushu (Saba Sushi & Goma-ae Styles)

Kyushu’s sushi leans heavily on mackerel and sesame-marinated fish, reflecting local flavors.

5. Must-Try Sushi Ingredients for First-Time Visitors

While you may already be familiar with tuna and salmon, Japanese sushi showcases a wide spectrum of ingredients—some of which might surprise you.

Beginner-Friendly Ingredients

• Maguro (Tuna) – Lean and flavorful, perfect starter fish.
  
• Sake (Salmon) – Rich and creamy.
  
• Tamago (Sweet Egg Omelet) – A soft and sweet break from seafood.
  
• Ebi (Shrimp) – Mild, cooked, and slightly sweet.
  

For the More Adventurous

• Uni (Sea Urchin) – Rich, buttery, and oceanic.
  
• Anago (Saltwater Eel) – Grilled and sweet-sauced.
  
• Ikura (Salmon Roe) – Bursting texture and salty taste.
  
• Kohada (Gizzard Shad) – A sharp, oily flavor prized by connoisseurs.
  

6. Best Cities in Japan for Sushi Lovers

While Tokyo is often hailed as the sushi capital, other cities across Japan also offer unforgettable sushi experiences.

Tokyo

• Home to the highest number of Michelin-starred sushi restaurants in the world.
  
• Best areas: Tsukiji Outer Market, Ginza, Shibuya, and Omotesando
  

Osaka

• Try regional pressed sushi and sample unique local seafood.
  
• Best areas: Dotonbori, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Namba
  

Sapporo (Hokkaido)

• Famous for cold-water seafood delicacies like crab and sea urchin.
  

Fukuoka

• Known for saba (mackerel) sushi and casual izakaya-style eateries.
  

7. How to Order Sushi Like a Local

Understanding how to interact with sushi chefs can elevate your experience.

Basic Japanese Phrases to Know

• Sumimasen – Excuse me
  
• Omakase onegaishimasu – Please decide the order for me
  
• Kore wa nan desu ka? – What is this?
  
• Arigatou gozaimasu – Thank you very much
  

Tips for Ordering

• Sit at the counter when possible—it’s the best way to interact with the chef.
  
• Start with lighter fish (like white fish), then move to richer cuts (like tuna belly).
  
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions or say you’re a beginner—many chefs are happy to guide you.
  

8. Sushi Myths: What Tourists Often Get Wrong

Myth #1: All sushi includes raw fish

Reality: Many types, like tamago or ebi, are cooked or vegetarian.

Myth #2: Wasabi always comes on the side

Reality: At high-end places, the chef will add the right amount for balance.

Myth #3: More soy sauce = better flavor

Reality: Overdipping masks the delicate taste of the fish.

Myth #4: The fancier the place, the better the sushi

Reality: Some of the best sushi comes from small family-run shops or even standing counters.

9. Practical Tips for Enjoying Sushi in Japan

• Reservations: For omakase restaurants, book weeks (or even months) in advance.
  
• Cash or Card: High-end places often accept cards, but many budget sushi shops are cash-only.
  
• Allergies: Clearly communicate any dietary restrictions (“Allergy arimasu” + ingredient).
  
• Timing: Lunch offers a more affordable way to experience high-end sushi. Some omakase sets are half the price during midday.
  

10. Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

Sushi in Japan isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience rich in tradition, technique, and regional pride. Whether you’re grabbing a quick plate at a conveyor belt restaurant or indulging in a multi-course omakase in Ginza, Japan offers sushi options for every palate and budget. As a first-time visitor, embracing local etiquette, trying new ingredients, and keeping an open mind will ensure that your sushi journey is as unforgettable as the country itself.

So next time you’re in Tokyo, Osaka, or anywhere in between, don’t just eat sushi—experience it.