Sushi lover looking to indulge in Tokyo? With so many options, you may wonder – how much does sushi really cost in the capital of Japan? Sitting down for sushi can be a pricey affair, but it doesn’t have to break the bank.
But you might be wondering – how much does sushi in Tokyo actually cost?
Sushi is often seen as a pricey cuisine. And Tokyo is an expensive metropolis. So does eating sushi in Tokyo have to break the bank?
Thankfully, the answer is no!
The average sushi meal in Tokyo costs around 2,000 yen ($17) per person. However, prices vary widely between restaurants. Budget-friendly kaiten zushi shops offer lunch sets from 1,000-2,500 yen ($9-$21). On the high end, extravagant omakase dinners cost 5,000-10,000 yen ($42-$84) or more. Typical à la carte sushi lunches run 2,000-3,000 yen ($17-$25), while dinners are 5,000-10,000 yen ($42-$84). Pair it with 400-1,000 yen ($3-$8) sake or beer.
Overall, expect to spend $8-$160 per sushi meal depending on restaurant and style. With the right spot, you can enjoy top-notch sushi in Tokyo without breaking the bank.
In this article, I’ll break down the average cost of sushi meals in Tokyo and tips for finding affordable yet delicious sushi. Read on to learn what to budget for sushi in Tokyo.
Average Cost of Sushi in Tokyo
The typical sushi meal in a Tokyo restaurant costs around 2,000 yen per person, or about $17.
But prices can vary widely between different types of sushi eateries.
Here’s a quick overview of typical sushi meal costs in Tokyo:
- Kaiten zushi (conveyor belt sushi): 1,000-2,500 yen ($8-$21)
- Lunch sets: 2,000-3,000 yen ($17-$25)
- Dinner à la carte: 5,000-10,000 yen ($42-$84)
- Omakase (chef’s choice): 5,000-10,000+ yen ($42-$84+)
So you can expect to pay $8-$160 or more per sushi meal depending on restaurant and style.
Beverages like sake and beer pair nicely with sushi. These cost around 400-1,000 yen ($3-$8).
Now let’s break down the popular sushi options in Tokyo and what to expect to pay.
Conveyor Belt Sushi
For affordable sushi, head to a kaiten zushi (conveyor belt sushi) restaurant.
Here, you grab dishes as they pass by on a revolving conveyor belt. Plates are color-coded by price.
When you’re done, the server counts your plates to tally the bill.
At kaiten zushi, you’ll pay just 1,000-2,500 yen ($8-$21) for lunch or dinner. It’s a fun, casual, and budget-friendly sushi experience!
Some top kaiten zushi chains in Tokyo include:
- Sushiro
- Kura Sushi
- Hamazushi
- Kurazushi
Pro tip: Go for lunch to take advantage of lower prices!
Set Meals
Many sushi restaurants in Tokyo offer affordable set meals or bento boxes – perfect for lunch.
These include miso soup, salad, rice, and a variety of sushi rolls and nigiri. Some also add tempura, grilled fish, or small udon noodles.
Expect to pay 2,000-3,000 yen ($17-$25) for a sushi set at lunchtime. It’s a filling, well-rounded meal that won’t break the bank.
Some restaurants, like Sushi Zanmai, have sushi sets available for dinner too, costing around 5,000 yen ($42).
À La Carte Sushi
Visiting a nicer sushi bar and ordering à la carte sushi piece by piece offers an upscale experience.
At dinner, expect à la carte nigiri or rolls to cost around 700-1,500 yen ($6-$13) per piece. So ordering a full meal can add up quickly.
You’ll easily spend 5,000 to 10,000 yen ($42-$84) or more per person à la carte, depending on appetite.
While pricier, it lets you sample different types of high-grade nigiri and rolls.
Omakase Sushi
For a truly luxurious and personalized sushi dining experience, try omakase tasting menus.
This means entrusting the sushi chef to serve you a special selection of the freshest fish and rolls. The dishes are tailored just for you.
Due to the skill and personalized service, omakase menus are more expensive. Expect to pay at least 5,000 yen ($42) and often 10,000+ yen ($84+) per person.
It’s a splurge, but omakase sushi is an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience in Tokyo.
Tips for Affordable Sushi in Tokyo
While you can drop hundreds on sushi in Tokyo, you can also eat for much less. Follow these tips:
- Go for kaiten zushi or lunch sets to save money
- Check restaurants’ websites for deals like lunch specials
- Order beer or tea rather than pricier sake
- Try standing sushi bars for quick, cheap eats
- Go to depachika food halls for tasty grab-and-go sushi
The Bottom Line
In Tokyo, you can easily pay over $100 per person for high-end sushi. But the average cost of a sushi meal is around 2,000 yen ($17) if you go to reasonably priced spots.
Conveyor belt restaurants and lunch specials help you indulge in amazing sushi without overspending. With the right approach, eating sushi in Tokyo can fit into any vacation budget!
