Kura Sushi’s High-End Brand Opens a New Location! Premium Conveyor-Belt Sushi Restaurant “Muten Kura Shinjuku”

“Kura Sushi” is a popular conveyor-belt sushi chain known for its commitment to “Muten” (no additives)—meaning it avoids the four major additives, such as chemical seasonings—as well as highly entertaining experiences like “Bikkura Pon!,” a game you can play after eating five sushi plates.
Since the chain operates not only in Japan but also overseas, many people are likely familiar with “Kura Sushi,” but did you know it also has a premium brand called “Muten Kura”?
In this article, we’ll introduce the “Muten Kura Shinjuku” branch, a new location under the “Muten Kura” brand, of which there are only six stores nationwide.

 

About Muten Kura Shinjuku

“Muten Kura” is Kura Sushi’s premium conveyor-belt sushi brand, primarily operating in the Kansai region. It began with the opening of its first store, the “Senboku Store,” in 2005, and the “Shinjuku Store,” which opened on July 9, 2026, is the second store in the Kanto region and boasts the largest scale to date.

What sets Muten Kura apart is that it offers a serene atmosphere where guests can enjoy dishes prepared with care and made with high-quality ingredients. If you look around the restaurant, you’ll notice that it doesn’t have the “Bikkura Pon!®” machines found in typical Kura Sushi locations. By minimizing the amusement elements and toning down the hustle and bustle, the restaurant creates a sophisticated space where guests can leisurely enjoy sushi, à la carte dishes, and drinks.

In addition, the “Muten Kura Shinjuku” location is launching a new initiative centered on the theme of “connecting regional areas and the city center through culinary experiences.” For example, the restaurant offers a menu featuring fresh fish caught early in the morning in Hokkaido, transported via the Hokkaido-Tohoku Shinkansen, and served the very same day. Guests can also enjoy culinary experiences unique to the Shinjuku location, such as sushi paired with tea from Ikeda Seicha in Kagoshima Prefecture.

In this way, the restaurant is garnering attention as a venue that showcases the appeal and value of ingredients cultivated by producers from across Japan, all from Shinjuku—one of the world’s leading transportation hubs.

 

Freshly caught fish from Hokkaido, served the same day

One of the unique premium attractions of “Muten Kura Shinjuku” is the opportunity to enjoy locally caught fish, fresh from that morning’s catch, on the very same day.

Freshly Caught Kurosoi (black rockfish)

Products Transported by Shinkansen Trains / In cooperation with JR East and JR Hokkaido

Local fish caught in the morning in Hokkaido are quickly processed on-site and then transported to the Tokyo metropolitan area via the Hokkaido and Tohoku Shinkansen lines using “Hako-Byun,” a rail freight service provided by JR East Logistics Co., Ltd. With this astonishing speed, the fish are served in restaurants by that same evening. Even if you can’t travel to Hokkaido, you can enjoy fish so fresh it’s as if you were eating it right there.

[Shinkansen Fresh Fish Delivery] One whole Hakodate snow crab: 1,980 yen

[Shinkansen Fresh Fish Delivery] Hakodate Kurosoi (black rockfish) : 420 yen

[Shinkansen Fresh Fish Delivery] Hakodate Blue Whelk: 420 yen

The product lineup includes “Ozuwaigani” snow crabs—which are packed alive and served whole, steamed right in the store—as well as other Hokkaido specialties such as “Hakkaku,” “Kurosoi,” “Aotsubu-gai,” “Yanaginomai,” “Kurogarei,” and “Samegarei.”

These items are available every Wednesday and Sunday, depending on the day’s catch. Therefore, they may not be available depending on weather conditions or fishing results. Additionally, they are served starting in the evening and are available only while supplies last, so the sense of exclusivity—knowing you’re lucky to find them—is part of their appeal.
If you’re visiting to enjoy fresh Hokkaido delicacies, we recommend coming in the evening on Wednesdays and Sundays.

*Available every Wednesday and Sunday depending on the day’s catch (excluding national holidays)
*Served in the evening and later; available in limited quantities and ends when sold out
*May not be available depending on the day’s catch and other factors
*Sales may be delayed due to traffic conditions, weather, or other factors
*Fish varieties vary depending on the season and other factors
*All prices shown include consumption tax

 

An Industry First! Sushi and Japanese Tea Pairing

As a new dining experience that embodies Muten Kura’s concept of “the ‘extraordinary’ within the ordinary,” guests can enjoy the industry’s first pairing of sushi and Japanese tea.
The pairings were curated by tea master Kenta Ikeda, a tea professional who holds the highest rank in tea appraisal—the “10th Dan Tea Master” certification.

Chiran Hana (Strong-Roasted Sencha) × Fresh Sardines and Premium Tuna Red Meat

Gyokuro Hojicha × Eel and Conger Eel

Gyokuro × Otoro Tuna and Sea Urchin

They offer a diverse selection of Japanese teas, including “Chiran Hana,” a strongly roasted sencha that brings out the richness and umami of oily fish; “Gyokuro Hojicha,” which harmonizes perfectly with the rich flavors of conger eel and eel; and “Gyokuro,” which further enhances the luxurious umami of fatty tuna, sea urchin, and roast beef.

While powdered green tea is commonly served at conveyor-belt sushi restaurants, pairing your meal with carefully selected Japanese teas makes your sushi experience even more special.
Sushi and tea are two of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions. Why not visit “Muten Kura Shinjuku” to experience the new flavors born from this combination?

 

Enjoy a luxurious and special sushi experience at Muten Kura

“Muten Kura” differs significantly from standard Kura Sushi in both concept and restaurant atmosphere. However, its commitment to food safety remains unchanged; it strictly adheres to a policy of being “free of the four major additives”—chemical seasonings, artificial sweeteners, synthetic food coloring, and artificial preservatives—so you can enjoy your meal with peace of mind.

In addition to the direct trading network with approximately 120 fishermen nationwide that we have cultivated over the years, another major attraction is the opportunity to savor fresh seafood from all over Japan—including new initiatives such as serving locally caught fish, fresh from the morning’s catch, on the very same day.

Even with a limited travel schedule, “Muten Kura Shinjuku” is a special spot where you can experience the depth of Japanese food culture by enjoying the same freshness and flavor as at the source—all while staying right in the heart of the city.
Why not spend a luxurious moment in a serene, traditional Japanese setting, savoring carefully crafted sushi paired with Japanese tea?

“Mutenkura Shinjuku” Store Overview

Restaurant Name: Muten Kura Shinjuku
Address: 6F Shinjuku Takano Building, 3-26-11 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Hours: [Weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays] 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Phone: 03-6457-7609
Parking: None
Seating Capacity: 193 seats (29 booth seats, 19 counter seats)
Official Website (Eastern Japan): https://www.kurasushi.co.jp/mutenkura/kanto/