Are you planning your first trip to Japan and worried about how much food will cost? Don’t be! If you want to eat for cheap, Japan has many ways to enjoy delicious and authentic meals without spending a lot of money.
It is possible to eat cheap in Japan by looking for affordable dining options, such as meals available at convenience stores, chain restaurants, and street food stalls. Additionally, supermarkets offer discounted bento boxes in the evening, and there are budget-friendly ramen shops throughout Japan.
Curious about the best tips and tricks to eat well without spending too much? Keep reading to discover how to enjoy Japanese food on a budget!
Convenience Stores: More Than Just Snacks
© Ana Costa
Japanese convenience stores, or konbini, are a paradise for travelers looking to eat well without spending much. These stores are stocked with freshly prepared meals, snacks, and drinks, offering a quick and affordable way to enjoy Japanese food.
Common items include onigiri (rice balls, 100–200 yen), sandwiches (200–400 yen), bento boxes (300–600 yen), bowls of noodles (400–600 yen), and ready-made curry rice. Many konbini also carry sushi rolls, fried chicken, salads, and soups. For dessert, you can find items like daifuku (mochi stuffed with sweet fillings), pudding, and cakes, usually under 300 yen.
The cost savings are significant when compared to dining in restaurants. A breakfast of onigiri and a coffee from a konbini might cost 400–600 yen, while a typical restaurant breakfast can set you back 900–1,200 yen. Lunch and dinner at a konbini, such as a bento box with a drink, range from 600 to 800 yen, compared to 1,000–2,000 yen per meal in a standard restaurant. Over a few days, these savings add up, giving you more room in your budget for other experiences.
What makes konbini even more convenient is that many have microwaves, hot water for instant noodles, and seating areas, so you can eat on the spot. Plus, they’re open 24/7, making it easy to grab food anytime.
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The most popular konbini in Japan are Seven-Eleven, Family Mart and Lawson, but you should also look for Lawson Store 100. They also offer products at 100 yen and are cheaper than the usual Lawson.
Chain Restaurants for Budget-Friendly Dining
If you’re on a budget but still want to try authentic, satisfying Japanese food, then chain restaurants in Japan are the place to go. These places focus on big portions of Japanese classics at prices that’ll surprise you.
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Popular chains like Sukiya, Yoshinoya, and Matsuya have awesome deals, like a classic gyudon (beef bowl) for just 400–600 yen. Other popular choices include Coco Ichibanya for curry dishes starting at 700 yen and Tenya for tempura bowls priced around 600–800 yen.
The cost of dining at these chains is significantly lower than mid-range or specialty restaurants, where similar meals could easily cost 1,500–3,000 yen. For example, a bowl of ramen at a chain like Ichiran or Ippudo may be around 900–1,200 yen, while a small local ramen shop might charge closer to 1,500 yen.
Breakfast options are also affordable, with morning sets at places like Sukiya including rice, miso soup, and eggs for as little as 400 yen.
These chains are not only affordable, but also convenient and easy to find in cities across Japan. They typically have picture menus or English translations, which makes them accessible for first-time visitors.
Supermarket Deals: Save money on food in Japan
Japan’s supermarkets are a hidden gem for travelers looking to enjoy delicious food without spending too much. They’ve got all sorts of fresh and prepared meals at reasonable prices. You can find bento boxes (400–700 yen), sushi trays (500–1,000 yen), onigiri (rice balls) for 100–200 yen each, fried chicken (karaage) portions for 300–500 yen, and fresh salads for 300–600 yen.
One of the best parts about shopping at Japanese supermarkets is the evening discounts. After 7 p.m., a lot of ready-to-eat items like sushi and bento get marked down by 20–50%.
Look for supermarkets like Aeon, Life, Max Valu, or Seiyu, for example.
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Street Food and Markets: Cheap eats in Japan
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Street food and bustling markets in Japan are the perfect place to try local specialties and eat for cheap in Japan. Prices are usually between 400 and 800 yen per item, so they’re a budget-friendly option for first-time travelers wanting to experience authentic flavors.
What you’ll find at street food stalls
- Takoyaki (Octopus Balls): Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. These are a must-try in Osaka, for around 500–800 yen.
- Yakisoba (Fried Noodles): A festival favorite, this tasty dish costs about 500–700 yen.
- Taiyaki (Fish-Shaped Pastries): Filled with red bean paste, custard, or chocolate, these treats are easy to find on Asakusa Nakamise Street.
- Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken): Juicy, crispy, and perfect for snacking, often found in markets like Kyoto’s Nishiki Market.
- Okonomiyaki (Savory Pancakes): Popular in Osaka and Hiroshima, these comforting dishes cost between 600–1,000 yen.
Best markets and street food areas you should try:
- Nishiki Market (Kyoto): A mix of traditional snacks like soy milk donuts and modern bites.
- Kuromon Ichiba Market (Osaka): Known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” this market offers fresh seafood, grilled skewers, and fruit cups.
- Dotonbori (Osaka): An area in Osaka known for its delicious street food. Don’t miss out on Takoyaki.
- Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo): Famous for sushi, grilled seafood, and tamagoyaki (sweet omelets). Snacks are budget-friendly.
- Ameya-Yokocho (Tokyo): Located in Ueno, this market is perfect for cheap.
- Asakusa Nakamise Street (Tokyo): Known for its taiyaki, melonpan (sweet bread), and rice crackers.
Ramen Shops and Noodle Stalls: Low-cost food in Japan
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Ramen shops and noodle stalls are everywhere in Japan, and they offer tasty food that’s not too expensive. Prices are usually between 500 and 1,000 yen per bowl, so it’s a great option for budget-conscious travelers.
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Most of the shops are set up like fast food places, which is perfect if you’re in a hurry. A basic bowl of ramen is about 500 yen, but premium toppings like chashu pork or a soft-boiled egg cost between 800–1,000 yen. There are many varieties of ramen, so you won’t always eat the same thing.
If you’re looking for the best places to eat for cheap in Japan, try Ichiran, Ippudo, or small, family-run ramen shops.
Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi): Cheap Sushi in Japan
Kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi, is a fun and affordable way to enjoy fresh sushi in Japan. Plates of sushi move past diners on a conveyor belt, and each plate is priced according to its color or design. With plates usually costing between 100–300 yen, it’s a great way to try different types of sushi without worrying too much about the bill.
These restaurants are casual and often family-friendly, making them a great choice for first-time visitors. You can get a meal for as little as 1,000–1,500 yen for 10–15 plates, depending on how much you eat and what you choose.
Popular kaitenzushi chains include Sushiro, Kura Sushi, Hamasushi, or Genki Sushi.
All-You-Can-Eat (Tabehodai)
For travelers with big appetites, Japan’s tabehodai (all-you-can-eat) options are an excellent way to enjoy a variety of dishes without breaking the bank. These restaurants allow you to feast on unlimited food for a set time, typically 60 to 120 minutes, at a fixed price.
Depending on the restaurant and menu, prices range from 2,000 to 4,000 yen per person, with higher-end options for premium ingredients. Many restaurants offer cheaper rates for lunch compared to dinner.
Search for popular restaurants like Gyu-Kaku, Anrakutei, Nabezo, Kappa Sushi, Kani Doraku or Sweets Paradise.
