While Tokyo's sushi is delicious and world-famous, Osaka, another major city, has its own unique charm when it comes to sushi culture.
I live in Tokyo, but I often have the opportunity to visit Osaka for work, and each time I enjoy Osaka's unique sushi.
Osaka's sushi differs from Tokyo in its seasoning, and it has a distinctive culture of "box sushi."
Furthermore, Osaka is actually the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi. There are many local conveyor belt sushi chains that are rarely seen in Tokyo, loved by Osaka locals. Compared to Tokyo, it's a characteristic of Osaka that you can enjoy delicious sushi at a generally lower price.
In this guide, I'll introduce the characteristics of Osaka sushi that differ from Tokyo in an easy-to-understand way. Additionally, I'll introduce 10 carefully selected sushi restaurants in Osaka that I've personally visited and can confidently recommend.
After reading this article, why not embark on an Osaka sushi tour? Just like how I might explore a tokyo sweets guide, you can discover the unique flavors of Osaka's sushi scene.
Osaka's Unique Sushi Culture: How Is It Different from Tokyo?
First, I'll introduce Osaka's unique sushi culture, which differs from Tokyo's "Edomae sushi" culture.
Unique Features of Osaka Sushi
Source: Tabelog by urya-momen
First, Osaka's sushi is generally characterized by sweeter vinegared rice and larger toppings. This is one of the major differences from Tokyo sushi. Whenever I taste the sweeter vinegared rice, I always feel like "I've come to Osaka."
And Osaka has its own unique "box sushi" culture. Box sushi is made by filling a wooden box with vinegared rice and ingredients, covering it with a lid, and pressing it down with a weight. Common ingredients include mackerel, salmon, shrimp, conger eel, and egg rolls.
Box sushi isn't available everywhere, but it's often found at long-established sushi restaurants. Osaka locals sometimes even take out box sushi to eat at home. Recently, you can also buy it at bullet train stations.
Similar to box sushi, there's "rod sushi." It's made the same way as box sushi, but uses a long, thin wooden box, which looks like a rod, hence the name.
If you want to know about sushi in other regions, check out the related article "sushi perfect guide."
Related Article: The World of Sushi in Japan: The Perfect Guide for Foreigners
Popular Conveyor Belt Sushi Chains Originating from Osaka
Source: Tabelog by sushihime
When I tried to eat sushi in Osaka, I was surprised by the popularity of local conveyor belt sushi chains. Osaka has many conveyor belt sushi chain stores that are rarely seen in Tokyo.
The reason is that Osaka is the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi. The conveyor belt sushi that's now popular in Tokyo was born here in Osaka.
In Tokyo, when I think of conveyor belt sushi, I have an image of "a sushi restaurant where you can enjoy reasonably priced sushi."
However, in Osaka, there are many "high-end conveyor belt sushi" restaurants where you can enjoy quality sushi on a conveyor belt system, which really surprised me as a Tokyo local!
These Osaka-originated chain stores are extremely popular with locals, so be sure to visit them when enjoying sushi in Osaka.
3 Recommended Sushi Restaurants to Eat Box Sushi in Osaka
From here, I'll introduce recommended sushi restaurants in Osaka. First, I'll introduce three recommended sushi restaurants where you can eat delicious box sushi.
Many restaurants that serve box sushi are long-established sushi restaurants, but unlike Tokyo sushi restaurants, it's characteristic of Osaka that you can eat at relatively cheap prices. All of them can be visited without reservations, so feel free to drop by.
Yoshinosushi: A Long-Established Box Sushi Restaurant
Source: Tabelog by Yoshinosushi
The first one is "Yoshino Sushi," a historic sushi restaurant founded in 1841. Their colorful box sushi with various ingredients such as shrimp, shiitake mushrooms, and small sea bream is popular among Osaka locals for its beautiful appearance.
I especially recommend the set with seasonal ingredients. The budget is 2,000-3,000 yen per person, which is cheap for a long-established sushi restaurant, which is unique to Osaka.
However, note that it's only open for lunch on weekdays. I think the combination of the sweeter vinegared rice, different from Tokyo, and the well-seasoned ingredients here is the best.
Often after eating sushi, I feel unsatisfied, but the sushi here is easy to eat yet packed with vinegared rice, so I was full!
<Store Information>
Address: 3 Chome-4-14 Awajimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 541-0047
Closed: Saturdays, Sundays
Phone: 06-6231-7181
Hours: 10 AM–2 PM
Website: http://www.yoshino-sushi.co.jp/
Shin-Osaka Yoshino: Take Out Box Sushi at the Bullet Train Station
Source: Tabelog by Tetsuko
The second is "Shin-Osaka Yoshino" inside Shin-Osaka Station. Here, you can take out the box sushi from Yoshino Sushi, which I introduced earlier, inside the JR Shin-Osaka Station ticket gates.
The prices range from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, with a wide variety. Unlike the main store, the operating hours are longer, and you can buy it on weekends, which is a nice point.
When using the bullet train, please check it out. I thought it was great to be able to eat sushi from a famous restaurant while riding the bullet train back to Tokyo.
For travelers, I recommend buying it when you arrive in Osaka and eating it at your hotel.
At JR Shin-Osaka Station, there's another "bullet train ticket gate" after entering the first ticket gate, but this store is inside the first ticket gate, not inside the bullet train gate, so be careful.
<Store Information>
Address: JR Shin-Osaka Station Inside the Ticket Gates Eki Marche
Closed: None
Phone: 06-6305-1777
Hours: 9:30 AM–10 PM
Website: http://www.yoshino-sushi.co.jp/
Abaraya: Popular for Filling Mackerel Sushi
Source: Tabelog by Abaraya
The third is "Abaraya" in Namba, a popular tourist spot in Osaka. It's popular among locals for its delicious mackerel box sushi in a retro atmosphere. Although it's in a tourist area, when I went, I had the impression that there were more locals than tourists.
The mackerel sushi is quite voluminous, so you're sure to get full. But don't worry if you can't finish it, as you can take it away. However, if you take it out, I recommend eating it as soon as possible.
It's only open from evening to night, and the budget is about 4,000-5,000 yen per person. I was impressed by the mackerel box sushi, which was sparkling and excellent in both taste and appearance. It's a box sushi restaurant you should definitely check out when sightseeing in Namba.
<Store Information>
Address: 2-14 Nanbasennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0075
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 050-5487-2136
Hours: 4 PM–11 PM
Website: https://abaraya-namba.gorp.jp/
4 Popular Conveyor Belt Sushi Chain Stores Unique to Osaka
Next, I'll introduce four popular conveyor belt sushi chain stores unique to Osaka. All of these are chain stores that are extremely popular with locals in Osaka, the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi. All can be used without reservations.
Genroku Zushi: The Store That Developed Conveyor Belt Sushi
Source: Tabelog by TURNAROUND_M
The first one is "Genroku Zushi." Genroku Sushi is known as the chain store that originated conveyor belt sushi and is very popular with Osaka locals.
When I went to Osaka, I often saw it while walking in busy areas like Umeda, so I was curious and looked it up online, and I was very surprised to find out it was "the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi."
It's nice that there are stores in major spots like Umeda and Shinsaibashi, making them easily accessible. The budget is 1,000-2,000 yen per person, and if you spend 3,000 yen, you can eat quite a lot.
Website: http://www.mawaru-genrokuzusi.co.jp/
Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi: Conveyor Belt Sushi with Delicious Tuna
Source: Tabelog by Morita Pan
The second is "Daiki Suisan Kaiten Sushi." It's a conveyor belt sushi chain known among Osaka locals for fresh and cheap seafood, especially famous for its delicious tuna.
This one also has stores in major areas like Umeda and Namba, so it's nice that it's easy to find.
The budget is 1,000-2,000 yen per person, about the same as Genroku Sushi. When I asked Osaka locals, it seems to be a rival to Genroku Sushi, so I recommend trying both and comparing them.
I went to both, and I felt the tuna at Daiki Suisan was more delicious. But I think both are equally delicious conveyor belt sushi chains unique to Osaka.
Website: https://sushi.daiki-suisan.co.jp/
Ganko Sushi: Conveyor Belt Sushi You Can Eat in Shin-Osaka
Source: Tabelog by Mizumisa
The third is "Ganko Sushi." This is the conveyor belt sushi version of the Osaka sushi chain "Ganko," with three stores inside JR Shin-Osaka Station ticket gates, Osaka Station, and Tennoji.
It's a bit more expensive than Genroku Sushi and Daiki Suisan, but the charm is that you can casually enjoy delicious sushi. The budget is about 2,000-3,000 yen per person for lunch and 4,000-6,000 yen for dinner.
Not all stores offer it, but when I visited Ganko in Temma in the Umeda area, they had mackerel rod sushi, a type of Osaka box sushi, which was very delicious and filling.
Website: https://www.gankofood.co.jp/
Nigiri Chojiro: Enjoying Luxurious Conveyor Belt Sushi
Source: Tabelog by Saiki2020
The fourth is "Nigiri Chojiro." It's a conveyor belt sushi chain originating from Osaka, characterized by its more upscale approach compared to the two stores introduced earlier.
I was quite surprised when an Osaka local took me to this store. In Tokyo, the "high-end conveyor belt sushi" genre isn't common, and I thought conveyor belt sushi restaurants were places to eat sushi cheaply.
"Nigiri Chojiro" can be described as a luxurious conveyor belt sushi that Osaka locals often go to with their families for something a bit special. It's more expensive, but the taste is undoubtedly delicious.
I felt that even the side dishes like red miso soup showed attention to detail and were very tasty. A budget of 4,000-5,000 yen per person will allow you to enjoy comfortably.
There aren't many in major tourist areas, but if there's one nearby, please experience Osaka's unique luxurious conveyor belt sushi.
Website: https://www.chojiro.jp/
3 Sushi Restaurants Where You Can Eat Authentic Sushi in Osaka
In Tokyo, "sushi restaurants" often refer to high-end sushi restaurants where you eat at the counter, but in Osaka, rather than such stores, restaurants offering authentic taste at affordable prices or chain-operated authentic sushi restaurants are more popular.
Here, I'll introduce three recommended sushi restaurants where you can eat authentic sushi in Osaka. While many sushi restaurants in Tokyo require reservations, the restaurants introduced here don't require reservations.
Echizen Sushi: Cheap and Delicious Sushi Lunch Loved by Osaka Locals
Source: Tabelog by 2391d0
The first is "Echizen Sushi" in the popular tourist area of Shinsaibashi. It's a sushi restaurant loved by locals, known for its cheap and delicious sushi lunch.
While dinner costs around 10,000 yen per person, lunch offers sushi at a wide range of prices from 1,000 to 3,000 yen, which is nice. The udon and sushi set during lunchtime is especially popular.
I thought it was a little-known place for a great value sushi lunch. The taste is authentic and delicious, and the set with udon is very filling, so I highly recommend it.
Certainly, I'll continue with the translation:
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-7-22 Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0083
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 06-6245-7508
Hours: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM, 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Hours (Saturdays): 5:30 PM–9:30 PM
Website: Unavailable
Ganko: Popular Sushi Chain in Osaka
Source: Tabelog by Ash1000
The second is the sushi restaurant of "Ganko," which I also introduced in the conveyor belt sushi section. It's originally known as a chain store offering authentic sushi, with stores in major areas like Umeda and Namba, so it's nice that it's easy to find in Osaka.
The budget per person is about 3,000-4,000 yen for lunch and 4,000-6,000 yen for dinner. They have both individual sushi items and set menus.
Not all stores offer this, but when I visited Ganko in Temma in the Umeda area, they had mackerel rod sushi, a type of Osaka box sushi, which was very delicious and filling.
Website: https://www.gankofood.co.jp/
Endo: Exquisite Sushi at Osaka's Market
Source: Tabelog by Endo
The third is "Endo," located in Osaka's market.
This is a store that offers high-quality nigiri sushi unique to the market, and basically, you can enjoy the day's delicious sushi through the "omakase" course. It's similar in style to Tokyo sushi restaurants. I recommend remembering the Japanese word "omakase" when you go.
It's open from morning until 1:30 PM, and the budget is around 6,000-7,000 yen, which is relatively high for Osaka, but it's definitely worth it.
I was impressed by the exquisite sushi made with fresh seafood here. While it's more of a Tokyo-style restaurant, I think it offers a different dining experience from other Osaka stores.
<Store Information>
Address: 1 Chome-1-86 Noda, Fukushima Ward, Osaka, 553-0005
Closed: Sundays
Phone: 06-6469-7108
Hours: 6:15 AM–1:30 PM
Website: http://www.endo-sushi.com/
FAQ About Sushi in Osaka
Finally, I'll answer some common questions from travelers about sushi in Osaka.
What's the Price Range for Recommended Sushi Restaurants in Osaka?
For conveyor belt sushi, many restaurants will fill you up for around 3,000 yen per person.
However, Osaka also has many "high-end conveyor belt sushi" restaurants like Nigiri Chojiro, which I introduced in this article. At these places, it's better to have 4,000 yen, or preferably 5,000 yen per person to be safe.
Even at other long-established or high-end sushi restaurants, the nice thing about Osaka is that you can be satisfied with about 5,000-6,000 yen. Compared to Tokyo, you can enjoy authentic sushi at reasonable prices, which I find very grateful as a traveler.
Do I Need Reservations for Sushi Restaurants in Osaka?
The restaurants introduced in this article basically don't require reservations. Compared to Tokyo, there are many restaurants in Osaka that don't require reservations and you rarely have to wait for a long time. However, conveyor belt sushi restaurants can get crowded on weekend nights, so I recommend going with some extra time.
In this article, I've introduced the unique charm of Osaka sushi, which is different from Tokyo.
From Osaka's unique sushi culture like box sushi and rod sushi, to conveyor belt sushi chains known for being cheap and delicious, and sushi restaurants where you can casually enjoy authentic sushi, Osaka offers diverse and unique ways to enjoy sushi.
Moreover, it's pleasant that you can eat at reasonable prices compared to Tokyo. It's also nice for travelers that reservations are generally not required, so you can easily drop by.
Please use this article as a reference to fully enjoy Osaka's unique sushi culture! Just as you might use a tokyo sweets guide to explore the desserts of the capital, this guide can help you navigate the delicious world of Osaka sushi.