Counter vs. Conveyor

Broadly, there are two main types of sushi restaurants in Japan: traditional counter-style, where you order directly from the chef, and the more casual and affordable conveyor belt style (kaitenzushi), which often allows for ordering via touch-panel. Which option would you like to explore?

Reservations

Whenever possible, booking ahead is recommended. You can typically make a reservation by phone, through the restaurant website, or via a booking app, specifying your party size, date, time, and any special requests. Note that some establishments may not offer multilingual support.

Waiting in Line

For some restaurants, reservations aren’t an option. If it’s a popular spot, expect to queue up to gain entrance. Just follow the instructions of the staff and wait your turn. Some establishments might also use a waiting list where you must first give your name.

How to Enjoy Sushi

Decide how you’d like to order: Omakase (chef’s choice), Okonomi (à la carte), or a Moriawase (assortment). Feel free to eat using either chopsticks or your hands. When using soy sauce, dip the neta (topping), not the shari (rice), to preserve the balance of flavors. Be aware that sushi styles can vary by restaurant, so embrace each establishment’s unique approach. For example, one shop might serve white shrimp as nigiri, while another offers it as gunkan. Enjoy gari (pickled ginger) and ocha (green tea) between dishes as a palate-cleanser. And don’t miss sushi made with seasonal jizakana (local fish)!

Sake Pairings

Toyama City is home to several internationally-acclaimed sake breweries. We highly recommend exploring sushi and sake pairings featuring local ingredients during your visit. The quickest way to find a great match is to simply ask your itamae for a recommendation. You might also want to try Okan—a traditional method of warming sake that gained popularity during the Edo period.

Dining Etiquette Tips

・Clearly inform the staff of any food allergies or dietary restrictions in advance.
・Go easy on perfumes or strong fragrances, as they can interfere with the delicate flavors of the sushi. Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the restaurants.
・Try to keep conversation at a moderate volume to maintain the pleasant ambiance for other diners.
・It is generally considered inappropriate to share a single serving (one set menu) among multiple people.

Payment & Departure

There’s no tipping custom in Japan, so you won’t need to worry about leaving extra. Payment options can vary from cash, card, to scan codes, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.
 When taking your leave, be sure to express your appreciation to the owner or staff with phrases like Gochisousama deshita (Thank you for the meal) or Oishikatta desu (It was delicious).

When at a sushi restaurant, you can simply point to these Japanese phrases to convey your message.

• 予約しています。

  I have a reservation.

• 予約していませんが空いていますか？

  We don’t have a reservation, but are you able to seat us?

• カウンター席に座れますか？

  Is counter seating available?

• おまかせでお願いします。

  Chef’s choice, please.

• ◯◯◯（魚の名前）をください。

  May I have ◯◯◯ (name of the sushi topping)?

• 今日のおすすめの富山の地魚はありますか？

  Do you have any recommended local Toyama fish today?

• 英語のメニューはありますか？

  Do you have an English menu?

• 富山の地酒はありますか？

  Do you have any Toyama sake?

• ◯◯◯が食べられません。この料理に入っていませんか？

  I can’t eat ◯◯◯. Is it in this dish?

• わさび抜きにできますか？

  Could I have it without wasabi?

• アレルギーがありますが対応してもらえますか？

  I have an allergy. Can you accommodate me?

• お茶／ガリのお代わりをもらえますか？

  May I have more Ocha/Gari?

• お会計お願いします。

  Check, please.

• 現金以外で払えますか？

  Do you accept other forms of payment besides cash?