Don’t be fooled by the name – this conveyor belt sushi restaurant isn’t in Ginza, it’s in Omotesando. It’s run by The Onodera Group, which operates the famous Sushi Ginza Onodera chain around the world, including the Michelin-starred Sushi Ginza Onodera branch in New York. While an omakase lunch there can easily run upwards of USD$100, Kaitensushi Ginza Onodera serves up a selection of high-quality seafood at decidedly more affordable prices. Sure, the food is a little more expensive than at your neighbourhood sushi train store, but it’s a great way to try some premium seafood without breaking the bank.
You can’t go wrong with the selection of tuna, which comes direct from the Toyosu Fish Market, so you know you’re getting the freshest cuts of fish. Try all three kinds: akami (lean tuna; ¥420), chutoro (medium fatty tuna; ¥510) and otoro (fatty tuna; ¥655) to see which one you like best. Or try some of the shop’s other signature sushi, like the botan shrimp (¥845) or the Hokkaido uni (sea urchin roe) nigiri.
There are counter seats, where you can watch the chefs work their magic, booths with the conveyor belt running past them, and even private tables for up to six people. Look out for the psychedelic rippling ceiling, symbolising the ocean, and the distinctive orange colour scheme, intended to evoke the light on a squid fishing boat.