When in Japan, you just have to dine at a kaitenzushi. Known commonly as conveyor belt sushi, kaitenzushi outlets are reputed for offering a cheap, efficient, and fuss-free sushi experience. One of the most famous chains is Kura Sushi, with more than 400 restaurants all over Japan!

The best part? Many items at Kura Sushi are priced at just JPY100 (~SGD1). This makes Kura Sushi immensely popular, with long queues especially during peak hours. When you first arrive, get a queue number from a machine — where you’ll be given the choice of a counter or booth seat.

Once your number is called, make your way to your numbered booth or seat. Everything here is self-service, so there’ll be no one to guide you. To kick off your meal, pick a plate off the revolving conveyor belt, or use the tablet to order whichever type of sushi you fancy.

There are two conveyor belts that pass by each table: the bottom one is the usual belt that rotates all the ready-made sushi, while the upper one will deliver the items that you order. Each table also has hot water, green tea sachets, and all the relevant utensils.

If you prefer dining in private, opt for the booth seating that's partially covered by curtains.

Plus, did you know that Kura sushi prepares all its sushi muten-style? This means that no additives are used, e.g. no MSG either! To ensure freshness, all plates are also embedded with a microchip that tracks how long that particular plate has been out, and when it should be thrown away.

That’s not all: Kura Sushi even ups the experience with an interactive experience. If you've noticed, every table also comes with a gachapon machine.

Once you’ve eaten five plates of sushi, drop them into the metal slot for a chance to play for gachapon. For the uninitiated, gachapon are capsule toys that are dispensed through a vending machine. Basically the more you eat, the more chances you’ll have to win. Good luck!

Kura Sushi has many outlets in Tokyo, with a few global flagship branches. Located on the 4th floor of YM Square, the Harajuku one sports a MUJI-esque vibe complete with ukiyo-e art, neon lights, and a wall made out of paper lanterns.

Head to this branch to try Kura Sushi’s crepes — choose a dessert one like a maple syrup butter crepe, or go all out with the sushi crepe. Sweet tooths will also love the ice cream and parfaits!

Did we mention how affordable Kura Sushi is? How’s this for size: we only paid around SGD27 for three pax!

Kura Sushi Harajuku

Address: Japan, 〒150-0001 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Jingumae, 4 Chome−31−10 ワイ・エム・スクウェア原宿4F

Opening hours: 11am - 11pm, daily