There are largely two kinds of chirashizushi, which are seen in almost every part of Japan - vinegared rice being topped with various kinds of main ingredients (topping type) and main ingredients being mixed with vinegared rice (mixed type), and a combination of both is seen in some regions, that is, the main ingredients such as sashimi and slices of fish being placed on top of vinegared rice mixed with other ingredients.
おおむね日本全国に分布するちらし寿司には、具を乗せるちらし寿司（乗せ寿司）と、具を混ぜ込むもの（混ぜ寿司）あるいは地域によっては混ぜ込んだちらし寿司にさらに刺身・切り身などを乗せるものの二つに大別される。