Japan's High-Speed Sushi Train Redefines Fast Food

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This article is part of our series on the 17 most unique things to have come out of Japan. Check out the other 16.

As if Japan’s global contribution by way of regular sushi conveyor belts weren’t enough, the humble sushi train has gained a serious speed injection at Uobei, a chain restaurant found in Tokyo and other locations. Order your sushi via tablet and within one minute, you’ll see it hurtling towards you, covering seven metres in just eight seconds.

This high-tech arrangement replaces the conveyor belt with three rails, stacked vertically, which allow three plates to travel at once. As soon as you’ve grabbed your food, hit another button and the tray bolts straight back to the kitchen, continuing its breakneck speed. Uobei’s sushi might not be the most incredible sushi you’ve ever come across, but it is affordably priced, at just $1 a pop. And the menu is available in several languages, including English.

Another high-tech, fast sushi set-up came to Australia late last year, when Toshiba brought the world’s first ever sushi rollercoaster to District 01, Surry Hills for just three nights. Hundreds of people queued to nab some free Zushi-made delights and watch it delivered to them via miniature fairground attraction.