Back to Kaiten-zushi

Hama Sushi

はま寿司 | 濱寿司

Japan's most affordable kaiten-zushi

Introduction

Hama Sushi (はま寿司) represents a true technological revolution in the world of Japanese dining. Imagine being able to enjoy fresh, professional-quality sushi at the same price as a cup of coffee, served by robots in a restaurant of the future. This is the kaiten-zushi chain that has democratized sushi in Japan with over 600 restaurants across the country.

🚀 The Hama Sushi Revolution: Technology + Tradition

💰 Revolutionary Pricing

  • ¥110 per plate - 90% of the menu at the same ultra-accessible price
  • Unbeatable value - High standards maintained
  • Complete democratization - Sushi accessible to all budgets

🤖 Technological Innovation

  • Pepper Robots - Automated multilingual welcome
  • High-speed direct line - Express delivery to your table
  • Predictive AI - Stock optimization and freshness

🎯 The Secret of the MMD System (Mass Merchandising)

The revolutionary MMD system developed by the Zensho Group allows Hama Sushi to control the entire supply chain: from fishing and farming to your plate. This unique vertical integration eliminates all intermediaries, enabling unbeatable prices while maintaining consistent quality.

📱 The Future Restaurant Experience

Hama Sushi transforms every meal into an immersive technological experience. From the moment you arrive, Pepper robots welcome you in multiple languages, then you order on HD touch tablets before watching your sushi arrive on ahigh-speed direct line - like a miniature Shinkansen for your table!

🍣 Culinary Philosophy: Accessibility & Excellence

Hama Sushi's mission transcends simple dining: democratize Japanese sushi culture by making this thousand-year-old culinary tradition accessible to all, without compromising on quality. Every restaurant uses 100% Japanese rice, traditional techniques like Ikejime for fish freshness, and even offers a unique "5 soy sauce tasting" experience.

Detailed Menu

🥢 Unique Experience: 5 Soy Sauce Tasting

Hama Sushi offers a unique gastronomic experience: 5 different soy saucesat each table, like a sommelier offering different wines. Discover the regional subtleties of Japan!

特製だし醤油
Special dashi sauce
Intense umami, perfect for white fish
関東風濃口醤油
Kantō thick sauce
Traditional Tokyo style, for tuna and salmon
北海道昆布醤油
Hokkaidō kombu sauce
Sweet and marine, ideal for seafood
九州風さしみ醤油
Kyūshū sashimi sauce
Sweeter, complements delicate sushi
四国風ゆずぽんず
Shikoku yuzu ponzu
Tangy and fresh, reveals subtle flavors

💸 Ultra-simplified pricing system

¥110
90% of menu
¥165
Premium specialties
¥220
Exceptional products

🍣 Popular Sushi (¥110)

English Name日本語DescriptionRecommended SaucePrice
Ikejime Sea Bream活〆まだいTraditional technique, firm and sweet fleshSpecial dashi¥110
Bluefin Tuna Maguroまぐろ40kg+ tuna, selected for qualityKantō thick¥110
SalmonサーモンIce-water thawed, cut dailyHokkaidō kombu¥110
Yuzu-Salt Salmonサーモンゆず塩Modern innovation, citrus freshnessYuzu ponzu¥110
Boiled ShrimpゆでえびCooked shrimp, sweet and crunchyKyūshū sashimi¥110
Grilled Duck合鴨Smoked meat, surprising pairing with riceSpecial dashi¥110
Roast BeefローストビーフTender beef, successful modern fusionKantō thick¥110
Chicken Karaage鶏のから揚げFried to order, perfect crispinessKyūshū sashimi¥110

⭐ Exclusive Hama Sushi Specialties

🔥 Aburi Sushi (Lightly Seared)

  • White tuna steak-style - Grilled surface, tender center
  • Aburi salmon - Traditional torch technique
  • Yuzu squid tempura - Freshness and crunch

🍲 Hot Side Dishes

  • Chawanmushi - Savory custard with shiitake mushrooms
  • Authentic ramen - 12-hour simmered broth
  • Fresh udon - Made daily noodles
  • Crispy fries - Hokkaidō potatoes

🎁 "Hamakko Set" - Magic Children's Menu

🍜 Complete Menu

  • • Udon or small ramen
  • • Crispy fries
  • • Choice of drink
  • Magic Gachapon coin included!

🎰 Gachapon Machine

Each children's menu includes a special coin to operate the restaurant's Gachapon machine and win a surprise toy! An unforgettable experience that transforms the meal into an adventure.

⭐ Premium Options

ProductDescriptionPrice
Lightly Grilled SalmonLightly grilled salmon, unique texture¥165
Grilled EelTraditional unagi, tare sauce¥165
Fatty Tuna (Chu-toro)Tuna belly, exceptional melt-in-mouth¥220
Sea UrchinQuality uni, creamy¥220

Complete Guide: Your First Hama Sushi Visit

STEP 1: Welcome by Pepper Robot 🤖

From the moment you enter, a humanoid Pepper robot welcomes you! This isn't science fiction, it's the daily reality at Hama Sushi.

🗣️ Available Languages

  • • Japanese (default)
  • English - Touch "English"
  • Chinese - 简体中文 available
  • • Intuitive touch interface

📝 Simple Selections

  1. 1. Number of people (1-8)
  2. 2. Seat type: Table or Counter
  3. 3. Get your numbered ticket
  4. 4. Wait for the call on screen

STEP 2: Your Personalized Sushi Station 🍵

Each seat is a complete station equipped with everything necessary for your optimal experience.

🍵 Unlimited Green Tea

Tea powder + hot water tap. Serve yourself as much as you want, it's free and traditional!

🥢 5 Soy Sauces

Dispensers with 5 regional sauces + fresh wasabi +gari (pickled ginger) unlimited.

📱 HD Tablet

Your personal command center. Multilingual interface with high-resolution photos of all dishes.

STEP 3: Touch Tablet Ordering 📱

🌐 Multilingual Interface

  1. 1. Touch the language button (top right corner)
  2. 2. Select "English" or your language
  3. 3. Browse categories with HD photos
  4. 4. Each dish has its photo and description
  5. 5. Price clearly displayed alongside

⚙️ Customization Options

  • "No wasabi" - Option available
  • Allergies - Automatic filter
  • Quantity - 1-10 pieces per order
  • Anime voice - Change the voice guide!

STEP 4: "Shinkansen" Express Delivery 🚄

The most spectacular experience! Your sushi arrives on a high-speed direct line, like a miniature train that races directly to your table.

⚡ Revolutionary System

  • Dedicated line - No rotation, direct!
  • 3 minutes max - From chef to your table
  • Sound/visual alert - You won't miss anything
  • Perfect hygiene - No one touches your dishes

🎯 Unique Advantages

  • • Absolute freshness guaranteed
  • • Zero cross-contamination
  • • Optimal temperature maintained
  • • Visual spectacle for children

STEP 5: Smart & International Payment 💳

🖥️ Modern Self-Service

  1. 1. Touch "お会計" (Payment) on the tablet
  2. 2. Check the total displayed
  3. 3. Take the printed ticket
  4. 4. Go to counter or self-service
  5. 5. Scan the ticket's QR code

💳 Payment Methods

International cards: Visa, Mastercard, AMEX
E-wallets: PayPay, Line Pay, Rakuten Pay
IC Cards: Suica, Pasmo (transport)
Cash: Yen accepted everywhere
Contactless: Apple Pay, Google Pay

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

❓ I don't speak Japanese at all, can I really manage?

Absolutely! Hama Sushi is designed to be 100% usable without speaking Japanese. The Pepper robot welcomes you in English, the tablets have multilingual interfaces with HD photos, and even payment is self-service. You'll have practically no necessary verbal interaction.

💰 Is it really that cheap? There's no catch?

No catch! The MMD system (complete supply chain control) and advanced automation enable these revolutionary prices. The quality is real: 100% Japanese rice, fish treated with Ikejime technique, 5 artisanal soy sauces. It's the business model that's revolutionary, not a compromise on quality.

🍣 Can I come alone without being looked down upon?

Of course! In Japan, eating alone is perfectly normal and respected. Hama Sushi has many counter seats specially designed for solo diners. It's even ideal for a first experience because you can take your time without social pressure.

🐟 My friend doesn't like raw fish, can they still enjoy it?

Perfectly! Hama Sushi offers incredible variety: meat sushi (duck, roast beef), crispy tempura, authentic ramen, fresh udon, chicken karaage, and even fries! The menu is so diverse that people who don't like fish will find plenty to enjoy.

🌍 What's the difference from sushi restaurants in other countries?

The main difference is the overall experience. Beyond the price (3-4 times cheaper), it's a whole universe: welcome robots, express delivery line, 5 regional soy sauce tasting, Gachapon machine for children... It's a culinary amusement park as much as a restaurant!

📅 Do I need to make reservations? How to avoid waiting?

Reservations not mandatory, but recommended on weekends. Use the "Hama Navi" app or website to reserve your place in the queue before arriving. You'll receive a notification when your table is ready, avoiding waiting on-site.

🍜 Are the hot side dishes really good?

Excellent! The ramen uses a 12-hour simmered broth, udon are made fresh daily, and chawanmushi (savory custard) is a refined specialty. Hama Sushi doesn't compromise on the quality of their hot dishes, considering it what differentiates them from the competition.

The Hama Sushi Economic Miracle Explained

💡 Optimization Strategies

  • Advanced automation - Reduces labor costs
  • Bulk purchasing - Zensho Group power
  • Strategic locations - Cheaper suburban rents
  • Simplified menu - Less waste, more efficiency

🎯 Business Model

  • High volume - Fast customer turnover
  • Low margin, high volume - Low-cost philosophy
  • Maximum standardization - Identical processes everywhere
  • Continuous innovation - R&D investment

💰 Economic meal example

Complete meal for ¥1,100:

  • • 8 various sushi (8 × ¥110 = ¥880)
  • • Free miso soup
  • • Free green tea
  • • Mochi dessert (¥110)
  • • Free gari (ginger) and wasabi

Total: ¥990 + tax = approximately ¥1,100

Essential Information

Hours
11:00 AM - 11:00 PM (general)
Some locations 24/7
Location
500+ restaurants
Mainly in suburbs
Payment
All cards accepted
E-wallets, IC cards
Average price
¥1,000-1,500 per person
Most economical

💡 Tips for International Visitors

Tight budget
Focus on ¥110 plates - excellent value for money
First sushi experience
Perfect for discovering without financial pressure
With children
Fusion options (karaage, hamburger) very popular
Vegetarians
Kappa-maki, inari, tamago available

📊 Vs the competition

Vs Sushiro
50% cheaper, slightly lower quality
Vs Kura Sushi
More economical, fewer games/entertainment
Positioning
The economical choice without major compromise

🏮 Cultural Note

Hama Sushi represents the democratization of sushi in Japan. By making this traditional cuisine accessible to all budgets, the chain has contributed to making sushi an everyday dish for Japanese families, transforming what was once a luxury into an affordable family meal.