Tokyo: how to order sushi and read menus for English speakers

Visiting Tokyo and ordering sushi as an English speaker can feel daunting, but the city’s wide range of formats—from conveyor-belt chains to intimate omakase counters—means there are clear, repeatable steps you can use to read menus, order, and stay safe if you have allergies. This guide focuses on Tokyo specifics and practical examples you can use the moment you walk into a shop.

Why Tokyo is different: sushi styles you’ll encounter

Tokyo’s sushi scene ranges from mass-market kaiten (conveyor) chains to standing bars and high-end omakase counters. Large national conveyor chains such as Akindo Sushiro and Kura Sushi operate many Tokyo branches and combine photos, touch-panel ordering, and English interfaces at some locations—useful when you don’t read Japanese [4][5]. The city’s visitor resources also highlight districts like Ginza and the Tsukiji Outer Market for a range of sushi experiences, from casual stalls to refined counters [6].

Common sushi restaurant types in Tokyo

• Kaiten/zushi (conveyor) — rotating plates that you can take directly; major chains include Akindo Sushiro and Kura Sushi, both with English information online [4][5].
• Standing sushi (tachigui) — quick, often cheaper counters where you stand and eat; common in busy neighborhoods near stations [1].
• Neighborhood nigiri bars — small counter restaurants where you can point or hand a ticket to the chef; many accept simple English requests [1][2].
• Omakase counters — chef’s choice, best for those who want a guided tasting; say "Omakase onegaishimasu" to leave the ordering to the chef [2][3].

How Tokyo menus are structured: reading photos, kanji, kana, and price cues

Tokyo menus often combine photos, katakana, and kanji. Photographs and plastic models help a great deal in casual and conveyor places [4][5]. Key visual cues:

• Price markers: look for ¥ or 円 next to items.
• Portion words: 一貫 (いっかん, ikkan) = one piece; 二貫 (にかん, nikan) = two pieces; 盛り合わせ (moriawase) = assortment [1][2].
• Katakana often shows common fish names in borrowed phonetics (e.g., サーモン for salmon); kanji can show the traditional name (e.g., 鮪 = maguro for tuna) [2].

Key Japanese menu words and fish-name quick-glossary

Recognizing a few characters and words speeds ordering in Tokyo. Examples based on common sushi terminology:

• 食券 (しょっけん, shokken) — ticket for vending-machine ordering [1].
• 一貫 / 二貫 — piece counts; useful to know when price is listed per 一貫 [1][2].
• Common names: マグロ / 鮪 (maguro, tuna), サーモン (sāmon, salmon), イカ (ika, squid) — katakana or kanji both appear on Tokyo menus [2].

Ordering methods: shokken (ticket machines), pointing, English menus, and digital orders

In Tokyo you’ll commonly meet these ordering methods:

1. Shokken vending machines: choose a photo/button, pay, get a 食券 ticket, and hand it to staff—this is common in casual and kaiten chains and avoids language problems [1].
2. Conveyor/pick-and-pay: take plates as they pass; staff will tally plates or an electronic sensor will record your order—major chains like Kura Sushi and Sushiro use touch panels and plate-count systems at many Tokyo sites [4][5].
3. Pointing and photos: in small nigiri bars, point at photos or model plates; this remains a reliable fallback in Tokyo’s neighborhood shops [1][2].
4. English/digital menus: many Tokyo branches of large chains provide English menus or touchscreen English interfaces—check Akindo Sushiro and Kura Sushi pages for examples of English support [4][5].

Essential phrases and what to say

Short phrases from NHK and language resources work well in Tokyo sushi shops; pronounced slowly, they’re usually understood even in small counters [3]:

• Sumimasen — "Excuse me" (get attention).
• Kore o kudasai — "This, please" (point to photo or plate).
• Omakase onegaishimasu — "I’ll leave it to you" (use at counters for chef’s choice) [2].
• Arerugī ga arimasu — "I have an allergy" (see allergy section) [3].

Etiquette and paying in Tokyo sushi restaurants

Tokyo sushi etiquette emphasizes respect and tidiness: dip the fish (not the rice) into soy sauce when eating nigiri and use gari (pickled ginger) between pieces. Many guide resources for sushi etiquette recommend eating nigiri in one bite when possible [1]. Tipping is not customary in Japan; pay at the register or by handing your shokken ticket; major conveyor chains tally plates or use digital checkout [1][4][5].

Allergy, dietary requests, and asking about raw-fish safety

If you have allergies, name the allergen clearly: e.g., 甲殻類アレルギーがあります (Koukakurui arerugī ga arimasu) = "I have a shellfish allergy". Confirm staff understanding and, for high-risk allergies, avoid raw items unless the chef confirms cross-contact procedures. Smaller Tokyo shops may use shared knives and cutting boards, so explicit confirmation is necessary; use simple Japanese or an English-speaking staff member when possible [3][1].

Sample scenarios: ordering at a kaiten belt and at an omakase counter

Kaiten example: enter a chain like Akindo Sushiro or Kura Sushi, take a seat, and use the touchscreen or take plates from the belt; if there’s a shokken machine outside, buy the ticket first and give it to staff—many Tokyo branches present photos and English options on screens to confirm your choice [4][5].

Omakase counter example: at a small Ginza or neighborhood counter, say "Omakase onegaishimasu" and let the chef pick seasonal pieces. If you need to avoid shellfish or raw items, state "Arerugī ga arimasu" before the meal and confirm alternatives; the personal service of Tokyo omakase counters makes this practical when staff understand your request [2][3][6].

How CallButler Can Help

CallButler is a multilingual concierge service that handles research, coordination, and bookings so you do not have to navigate language barriers or unfamiliar systems alone. If you need help related to Tokyo: how to order sushi and read menus for English speakers or the tasks around it, our team can step in to manage the details and keep things moving smoothly.

Sources

1. Sushi — japan-guide.com
2. Sushi — Tofugu (guide to types and names)
3. Easy Japanese — Learn Japanese (NHK World)
4. Akindo Sushiro (English) — major Tokyo kaiten sushi chain
5. Kura Sushi (English) — conveyor belt and digital ordering examples
6. Go Tokyo (Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau) — official Tokyo travel site