Hawaii is really close to Japan. This is something I tend to forget because it
feels very much like America
here. But we are on a tiny island, just
a stone’s throw away from Asia. I was reminded of this fact when we happened
upon a Japanese phenomenon right here in our own neighborhood – the revolving
sushi bar. Invented by a 23-year-old
Japanese man in 1968, the concept of sushi speeding by diners’ tables on a
“kaiten” (basically a conveyer belt) is wildly popular in Japan. Genki Sushi – the original kaiten-style sushi
– has over 150 locations, a handful of which are located in Hawaii.

It works like this…You sit down with a menu of options, all
color coded by price category. Take as
many little plates of sashimi, rolls, and tempura as you like. And then at the end, your server simply
counts the amount of plates you have in each color and gives you your
bill. Wasabi, ginger, tea, and miso soup
are all you can eat.

The sushi was average, but the concept was well worth our
visit. It’s a fun way to eat, and really
allows you to stop exactly when you’re full.