Traveling to Japan is a great opportunity to enjoy delicious Japanese cuisine to your heart’s content. While you can enjoy delicious meals at Japanese restaurants at any time, doing so every time can be costly. Japan is known for its high cost of living, so food expenses can significantly impact your budget.
However, with some handy tips, you can enjoy delicious meals in Japan every day. Japan offers many affordable yet tasty options, allowing you to choose according to your taste, which can help with your budget and enhance your travel experience.
In this article, I will discuss tips on how international travelers can keep their food expenses down while traveling in Japan.
Traveling Japan on a Budget
If you want to enjoy delicious and affordable meals, you should mimic the dining habits of the locals. By doing so, not only can you keep your food costs down, but you also gain the opportunity to try new dishes and flavours you might not normally eat. This allows for a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions, and it increases the budget available for other sightseeing and activities. Consequently, your travel memories will be richer.
There are several ways for foreign travelers to eat cheaply in Japan and here are a few ideas:
(As of October 2024, a consumption tax of 10% is applied to nearly all purchases in Japan.)
Supermarkets
Regardless of whether you are a budget-conscious traveler, checking out local supermarkets when you travel is a good idea. Especially in foreign supermarkets, there are many interesting items that you won’t find in your home country. Buying local snacks as souvenirs is a great idea.
Japanese supermarkets offer a wide variety of bento boxes and prepared dishes made with affordable, fresh ingredients. You can find bento boxes, maki-zushi, fried chicken, grilled chicken, grilled fish, stewed dishes, salads, various types of bread, sandwiches, cup noodles, and more. Bento is a traditional Japanese meal served in a plastic container, usually consisting of rice and various side dishes. Bento is perfect for outings, travel, and picnics, and it is also popular as lunch at schools and workplaces.
Additionally, in the evening, some fresh produce, bento boxes, and prepared dishes are often sold at discounted prices. Many Japanese people prefer to go to the supermarket during this time to save on food costs.
Convenience Stores
As you move around Japan, you will notice many convenience stores. Many Japanese people, especially the younger generation, frequently use convenience stores. There are various types of convenience stores, including Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, Circle K, Mini Stop, Daily Yamazaki, Seico-mart, Save On, Three F, and Poplar.
Convenience stores offer easy and delicious options such as bento boxes, rice balls, sandwiches, Western and Chinese meals, and more recently, Korean dishes. They also provide prepared foods, soups, various types of bread, snacks, drinks, desserts, and hot snacks, all at reasonable prices. In addition, they offer a wide range of options, including alcohol, magazines, and fresh coffee.
Convenience stores not only sell food but also provide various services closely related to daily life, such as ATMs, delivery services, ticket reservations, and utility bill payments. Some of them are open 24 hours, making them very convenient for late-night or early-morning visits.
Furthermore, each convenience store chain releases new products from its unique brand to attract loyal customers. These products are well-researched and developed, offering many delicious and practical items, which has led to a significant fan base for specific convenience stores. Snacks, sweets, and recently frozen foods are particularly known for their high quality. Many Japanese people living abroad look forward to visiting convenience stores when they visit/return to Japan and hope that similar stores can be established in the countries where they reside.
Photo by Michael Stevanus Hartono on Unsplash
Fast Food Chains
Japan has many familiar international chains, such as McDonald’s, KFC, Subway, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, and Pizza Hut. These restaurants not only offer reasonably priced meals, but often provide unique, Japan-only menu items that are worth trying.
Here are a few examples of popular food chains in Japan:
Mos Burger (モス・バーガー)
Mos Burger is a popular hamburger chain originating from Japan. They use fresh ingredients and prepare the food after receiving the order, so you can enjoy it freshly made. The unique menu items, such as rice burgers and Japanese-style burgers, which incorporate ingredients like rice and burdock root, offer distinct flavors and textures that cannot be found in other countries. It’s an ideal place for foreign travelers to easily experience Japanese food culture. Mos Burger outlets can be found all across Japan.
Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Matsuya (吉野家、すき家、松屋)
Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya are Japan’s representative gyūdon (牛丼: beef bowl) chain restaurants. The main dish is gyūdon, consisting of beef and onions simmered in a sweet soy-based sauce and served over rice. It’s a quick, inexpensive, and filling meal. Many locations are open 24 hours, making them convenient for late-night or early-morning meals. In addition to gyūdon, they also offer dishes like rice and curry.
CoCo Ichibanya (Coco壱番屋)
Curry is one of Japan’s most beloved dishes. Though it was originally imported from India or Pakistan, over time, it evolved into a uniquely Japanese flavor. Curry is so popular that it’s even served in school lunches and is a favorite among children. CoCo Ichibanya (commonly known as “CoCo Ichi”) is a popular curry chain in Japan. Its wide variety of toppings, customizable rice portions, sauce levels, and spiciness options make it ideal for tailoring to your personal taste. With many locations across Japan, it’s a convenient option during sightseeing. Healthy choices like vegetable or seafood curries are also available.
Marugame Seimen (丸亀製麺)
Marugame Seimen is a Japanese chain that serves udon (うどん) in a self-service format. The handmade udon is prepared on-site, and you can watch the process through a glass window.
Marugame’s udon is firm and chewy, with many varieties to choose from. The menu also includes side dishes like tempura and rice balls, allowing you to enjoy a full experience of Japanese udon culture at an affordable price. Popular with locals, it’s a great place for foreign travelers to try different types of udon.
While I’ve visited Marugame in London several times, I still believe the quality of udon in Japan is the best. That’s not to say the London branch is bad!
Gusto (ガスト), Jonathan’s (ジョナサン)
Gusto and Jonathan’s are family restaurant chains with locations all over Japan, offering a wide variety of dishes including Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine. Their affordable prices and diverse menu appeal to people of all ages, from children to adults. With extensive dessert options and drink bars, these restaurants are perfect for family or group meals during your travels.
Bikkuri Donkey (びっくりドンキー)
Bikkuri Donkey is a popular hamburger steak chain in Japan. The main offering is a juicy hamburger steak, often served with rice and salad in a plate set. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable, making it an ideal spot for travelers looking for a hearty meal. The restaurant’s unique interior design adds to its appeal, and it has locations throughout Japan.
Bamiyan (バーミヤン)
Bamiyan is a Chinese family restaurant chain widely available in Japan. You can enjoy classic Chinese dishes like ramen, dim sum, fried rice, and dumplings at reasonable prices. With a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a comfortable place to enjoy a meal. Look for the big peach sign, and it’s likely Bamiyan.
Saizeriya (サイゼリヤ)
Saizeriya is a highly popular Italian family restaurant in Japan. At affordable prices, you can enjoy classic Italian dishes like pasta, pizza, and gratin. With a well-stocked drink bar and a relaxed atmosphere, it’s a great place to dine at leisure. There are locations all over Japan, making it a convenient option for foreign travelers looking to enjoy Italian food easily.
Food Court
Mall-style shopping centres (such as the nationwide chain “Aeon”) usually have dining areas. The food court may be on a different floor from the restaurants, so check the mall map for its location. The selection of stores in the food court varies by facility, but you can often find affordable options such as hamburgers, ramen, soba, okonomiyaki, and donuts. It’s common for specialized stores and well-known chains to be present. All stores maintain high standards of quality, focusing on fresh ingredients and cooking techniques, allowing you to enjoy authentic cuisine in a convenient setting.
Kaiten-zushi
When you come to Japan, you should definitely try sushi, and among them, “Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司: conveyor belt sushi)” is an affordable and casual option.
Kaiten-zushi is popular in many countries, so you may already be familiar with it, and as you travel around Japan, you’ll see many chains of such restaurants. The sushi and other items offered at these establishments are well-researched and developed, ensuring high quality at relatively reasonable prices.
In kaiten-zushi restaurants, you traditionally select your favorite sushi from the plates moving along a conveyor belt, and many still use this system today. However, recently, many places have adopted touch panel ordering, allowing you to order what you want, which is then delivered to you via the conveyor belt. It’s a very convenient and efficient system. Many restaurants offer English menus on their touch panels. Kaiten-zushi restaurants are known for their cleanliness and hygiene, making it a comfortable dining experience.
Bento Shops
“Hotto Motto (ほっともっと),” “Hokka Hokka Tei (ほっかほか亭),” and “Origin Bento (オリジン弁当)” are popular bento chains in Japan and are also recommended for foreign travelers. Unlike bento from supermarkets or convenience stores, bento shops provide freshly made, hot bentos at quite reasonable prices. These companies focus on using fresh ingredients and developing menus that consider nutritional balance. Since they primarily offer takeout services, they are perfect for eating on the go between sightseeing. These shops are available nationwide, and some offer bentos that include curry or noodles. You might also find individually owned bento shops in various places. In my personal opinion, the bentos from these individually owned shops are often delicious.
Teishoku Restaurants or Cafeterias
Individually operated teishoku restaurants (定食屋) and cafeterias (shokudou: 食堂) are places where you can easily enjoy Japanese home cooking. They offer hearty teishoku meals at reasonable prices, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, many have daily specials and dishes that utilize seasonal ingredients, providing a great opportunity to experience local flavours. With their homely atmosphere, you can enjoy your meal casually, allowing you to feel the culture of Japan while dining.
Standing Noodles
You may notice people eating noodles while standing in train stations or nearby in Japan. This is known as “standing soba (立ち食いそば),” which can be likened to Italy’s “al banco,” where people quickly drink espresso while standing. The standing style offers a convenient and quick meal option, particularly favoured by busy Japanese businessmen, making it ideal for busy travellers during sightseeing. Despite being inexpensive, the food is very delicious. Standing noodle shops mainly serve soba, udon, and ramen. It’s common to either order directly from the cook or purchase meal tickets from a vending machine to place your order.
Depa-chika
If you are staying in an urban area, be sure to check out the “depa-chika (デパ地下)” at department stores like Takashimaya, Isetan, Daimaru, Mitsukoshi, Odakyu, and Sogo. The underground floors of these department stores offer an astonishing variety of food options. You’ll find everything from bento, delicatessen, sushi, onigiri, tempura, and salads to various breads, pastries, and sweets, all of which are of exceptional quality. To access the depa-chika, all you need to do is go down to the basement.
The term “depa-chika” combines “depa” from “department store” and “chika,” meaning “basement.”
You can also find regional specialties, making it perfect for meals and souvenir shopping while traveling. The atmosphere in depa-chika is sophisticated, and many places offer samples, allowing you to savour Japanese cuisine through both sight and taste. It’s common for the depa-chika to be bustling in the evening as people stop by for dinner shopping.
