Kura Sushi — Review by TabiEats
Tokyo, Japan — Sushi, Japanese
Kura Sushi is a conveyor belt style sushi restaurant in Tokyo's Nakano station offering exceptional value with plates starting at 150 yen per plate containing two pieces of sushi. The reviewers were impressed by the fresh fish, perfectly seasoned rice, and diverse menu options ranging from traditional nigiri to creative cooked items, all at under 1000 yen per person.
What was great: Fresh sushi with excellent quality at affordable prices, wide variety of options including cooked items for those who don't eat raw fish, perfect sushi rice balance, reasonable prices at 150 yen per plate
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The reviewers ordered 12 plates total at Kura Sushi, sampling a wide array of offerings. They started with tuna nigiri, which immediately impressed with its freshness, quality rice with a perfect balance of sourness and sweetness, and proper wasabi application. The squid was described as beautiful and fresh, while the salmon showcased the restaurant's commitment to quality seafood. For those preferring cooked options, the sukiyaki style beef with green onions on sushi rice was remarkable at 150 yen for two pieces, featuring very tender beef and a sweet sauce. The shrimp nigiri was fresh and flavorful whether served boiled or raw. A standout was the toro taku, which paired maguro tuna with pickled radish, creating a delightful combination of sweetness and tang with satisfying crunchiness. The kyuri sushi, a cucumber with marinated sweet soy sauce, proved both delicious and healthy. The special pork belly with egg offered a teriyaki barbecue experience with creamy richness. Inari sushi, deep fried tofu in sweet soy sauce and dashi broth filled with sushi rice, was described as perfectly juicy and soaked in flavor. For dessert, the yomogi daifuku delivered a proper mugwort mochi filled with sweet azuki bean paste, cold and herby without being overly sweet.
The Experience
The restaurant operates as a conveyor belt style establishment where customers select plates as they pass by. The reviewers appreciated the self-service nature, from pouring their own hot water for complimentary tea to accessing wasabi, salt, and shichimi pepper condiments themselves. They noted that while the restaurant can get busy during meal times, especially weekends and holidays, making online reservations is recommended and what they did. The atmosphere felt casual and family-friendly, accommodating both solo diners and groups. Service was efficient, with orders arriving promptly.
Value and Pricing
The primary pricing structure features plates at 150 yen each, with most plates containing two pieces of sushi. The reviewers ordered six plates per person for 900 yen total per meal, staying well under their 1000 yen budget. The total bill for both people eating 12 plates came to 1800 yen including tax, working out to exactly 900 yen per person. The reviewers were amazed at the quality obtainable at these prices, repeatedly expressing disbelief that items like sukiyaki beef sushi or multiple pieces of fresh fish could be had so affordably. Beyond sushi, the restaurant also offers udon, ramen, chawamushi, dandan noodles, and desserts, providing options for various preferences.
Notable Moments
One of the most memorable moments was when the reviewers expressed genuine shock at pricing, with one saying I can't believe this is 150 yen regarding the sukiyaki beef sushi. Another highlight came when comparing Kura Sushi to high-end restaurants, acknowledging you can't compare it to like acasia, of course, but gosh, this is perfect to come with families or even solo. The reviewers also discussed how the restaurant goes beyond just sushi, noting the extensive menu of soups, desserts, ice cream, and even items like onion rings and French fries available via conveyor belt.
The Verdict
Kura Sushi represents exceptional value for money in Tokyo's dining scene. While the quality cannot match ultra-premium establishments, the reviewers were thoroughly satisfied with the freshness, flavor combinations, and presentation. This restaurant is ideal for budget-conscious travelers, families seeking affordable dining, sushi enthusiasts who want variety, and anyone wanting to experience quality Japanese sushi without breaking the bank. The conveyor belt format adds entertainment value while the self-service elements keep prices low. The extensive menu ensures something for everyone, from raw fish purists to those preferring cooked options. For anyone visiting Tokyo on a budget, Kura Sushi proves you can eat excellently without exceeding 1000 yen per meal.