You might think “all-you-can-eat sushi” is all you need to hear, but here are some things you’ll want to know so that you don’t waste your money.

After a phenomenally successful initial run last summer, Kappa Sushi, one of Japan’s most popular conveyor belt sushi chains, has brought back its 1,580 yen (US$US$14) all-you-can-eat deal. While all-you-can-eat sushi, from a customer’s standpoint, sounds like an incredibly simple road map to an amazing meal, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to maximize your dining bliss.

1. Be prepared to have to wait before you start eating, even though you have a reservation

Kappa Sushi’s all-you-can-eat service is available by reservation only, but don’t count on getting that first piece the moment you walk in the door. On our visit, we had a 3 p.m. reservation, but between the staff being busy and unfamiliar with the protocol to get us started on the limited-time promotion, it ended up being 3:25 by the time we sat down and started eating. On the plus side, the clock doesn’t start running on your one hour of unlimited sushi you get seated, regardless of what time your reservation was for.

2. Be careful what you order from the touch panel

Like a lot of revolving sushi restaurants, Kappa Sushi has a touch panel that you can use to order sushi from. But while dozens of different kinds of sushi and side dishes are part of the all-you-can-eat deal, some menu items aren’t.

To make sure you’re ordering things that are part of the promotion, from the tablet’s top screen you’ll first want to press the button marked 「食べ放題 ご注文はこちらから」 (“all-you-can-eat orders”).

At the next screen, tap 「食べ放題」 (“all you can eat”), and you’ll be presented with pictures of the all-you-can-eat applicable items.

From here, you can also hit the arrow-shaped「前ページ」 and 「次ページ」 buttons at the bottom of the screen to move back or forward one page in the all-you-can-eat menu.

What you don’t want to touch, though, are the tabs written in white text on a red background at the top of the screen. These will take you to the standard, non-all-you-can-eat menu, and ordering them will result in additional charges on your bill.

3. Take a look through the all-you-can-eat menu, even if you’re a Kappa Sushi veteran

Kappa Sushi’s all-you-can-eat offer is sure to attract regular customers who’re already familiar with its standard menu. But even if you can recite every type of fish the chain serves from memory, you’ll still want to read through your options, since there are certain items, like the jiggly almond pudding and icy frozen mango desserts, that are exclusive to the all-you-can-eat deal.

▼ Also, reviewing the menu will remind you that in addition to sushi and dessert, ramen and udon noodles are also on the all-you-can-eat menu.

4. Remember that there’s a penalty fee for uneaten leftovers

Faced with the power to order as much sushi as you want, you might be tempted to immediately ask for one of everything. But don’t let your eyes get bigger than your stomach, because Kappa Sushi will charge you 30 yen per uneaten piece of sushi you have left when leaving. So remember to pace yourself, and if you find your stomach can’t eat hold another bite, even though your taste buds are craving one, take solace in the fact that Kappa Sushi’s all-you-can-eat offer is going on until November 22 should you decide to take advantage of it again.

Related: Kappa Sushi location finder
Photos ©SoraNews24
[ Read in Japanese ]