Uobei is a “cheap” chain in Japan with a location in Shibuya, Tokyo, a major transportation hub popular with visitors. And, its claim to fame is “rocket sushi – AKA normal sushi that is delivered automatically on a superfast conveyor belt, reminiscent of the popular Japanese trains!  I discovered Uobei online when searching for a “conveyor belt” sushi restaurant during our 3 day layover in Tokyo last December. While not quite a traditional “conveyor belt” sushi restaurant, Uobei certainly looked fun and it is indeed reasonably priced (well, for Tokyo). We penciled in Uobei’s Shibuya location for a late lunch during our trip.

We found Uobei’s location using Google maps without too much trouble and were greeted with bright lights at Uobei’s very catchy theme song – U-o-bei bei, U-o-bei bei… I had read that there is often a wait for lunch at Uobei, but we were two of only a few patrons for lunch when we visited. Upon entering, there are signs and floor markings explaining how to join the wait list and where to wait in clear English. Pretty easy for Tokyo first-timers and non-Japanese speakers.

Seating at Uobei is all bar style with a tablet connected to each seat containing the current menu. The menu, as you can see, is also posted around the restaurant, but the tablets have the most up to date version. Ordering is done via the tablet, and each item is ordered individually. You can order all at once or spread it out to see how hungry you are, which is what we did. In addition to being budget friendly, another selling point of Uobei is that the menu is quite robust and features everything from “crazy” Japanese sushi, to familiar rolls like spicy tuna, to things even picky eaters will like, and I’m talking fried chicken.

The most fun part of eating at Uobei is that shortly after ordering, your order will come out super fast on the conveyor belt and magically stop right at your seat! Remove the plate from the conveyor belt and eat; its very, very, very fun! Be sure to have your camera read. Chopsticks, soy sauce, and green tea are complimentary at each seat.

As I mentioned, the menu offers some non-traditional dishes, and I tried a number of them! Dan went the more traditional route, but we forgot to take pictures of most of his food. Everything was good and fresh. Uobei also serves drinks and desserts, including beer and wine. Beer and wine were surprisingly reasonable. At the end of your meal, you pay your tab at the cash register at Uobei’s entrance.

Full from sushi, we quickly paid our tab and set off for a visit to the Yayoi Kusama Museum. While there is certainly better sushi in Japan, Uobei is good, not terribly expensive, and serves food that picky eaters will eat. And let’s be honest, the rocket concept is totally fun! Recommended for newbies to Tokyo, families, those looking to try “rocket sushi,” and those on a budget.

STEAL OUR TRIP

Uobei: Japan, 〒150-0043 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 2 Chome−29−11 第六セントラルビル 1F. Open daily 11:00 – 23:00. 

ON A BUDGET

Uobei is a great budget option for sushi in pricey Japan.