The best value meal in Japan

Traveling in Japan can be a delightful culinary experience without breaking the bank. Here are some cost-effective ways for foreigners to enjoy delicious meals while visiting Japan.

1. Convenience Stores (Konbini)

• Examples: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart.
• Offerings: Ready-to-eat meals like bento boxes, onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, salads, and hot foods such as fried chicken and steamed buns.
• Cost: Typically very affordable, with meals ranging from 100 to 600 yen.
• Quality: Surprisingly high quality, fresh, and diverse.

2. Supermarkets

• Bento Boxes: Pre-made bento boxes that become discounted towards the end of the day.
• Prepared Foods: Sushi, tempura, and other cooked dishes are available at reasonable prices.
• Cost: Bento boxes and meals can be found for 300-800 yen, with discounts often available in the evening.

3. Chain Restaurants

• Examples: Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Matsuya.
• Specialty: Gyudon (beef bowls), curry rice, and other quick meals.
• Cost: Meals typically cost between 300 and 600 yen.
• Service: Fast, efficient, and filling.

4. Ramen Shops

• Variety: Numerous styles including shoyu (soy sauce), miso, tonkotsu (pork bone), and shio (salt) ramen.
• Cost: A bowl of ramen usually costs between 500 and 1000 yen.
• Experience: Local ramen shops often provide an authentic and inexpensive dining experience.

5. Udon and Soba Shops

• Dishes: Udon (thick wheat noodles) and soba (buckwheat noodles) served hot or cold.
• Cost: Noodle dishes are generally priced between 300 and 700 yen.
• Chain Options: Marugame Seimen is a popular chain offering affordable udon dishes.

6. Kaiten-zushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi)

• Concept: Plates of sushi pass by on a conveyor belt, and diners pick what they want.
• Cost: Plates typically cost between 100 and 300 yen each.
• Popular Chains: Sushiro, Kura Sushi, and Hamazushi.

7. Izakayas

• Atmosphere: Casual dining pubs offering a variety of small dishes.
• Affordable Options: Many izakayas offer inexpensive dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), edamame, and fried foods.
• Cost: Small plates range from 200 to 600 yen.

8. Street Food and Markets

• Locations: Food stalls at markets, festivals, and around tourist spots.
• Popular Items: Takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), yakisoba (fried noodles).
• Cost: Street food is typically inexpensive, ranging from 200 to 600 yen.

9. Teishoku (Set Meals)

• Concept: Fixed menus offering a main dish, rice, miso soup, and pickles.
• Availability: Found in many family restaurants and traditional eateries.
• Cost: Set meals usually cost between 500 and 1200 yen.

10. Fast Food Chains

• International Chains: McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC.
• Japanese Chains: MOS Burger, Lotteria.
• Cost: Meals typically range from 400 to 800 yen.

Tips for Cost-Effective Eating:

• Lunch Specials: Many restaurants offer discounted lunch menus.
• Drink Water: Tap water is free and safe to drink, often served for free in restaurants.
• Avoid Tourist Traps: Dining in non-touristy areas often leads to better prices and more authentic experiences.

By exploring these options, foreigners can enjoy a wide variety of delicious Japanese foods without spending a lot of money.