Cheap Meals in Japan
by Katherine Goulart
It is no secret that Japan is an expensive place to live or travel. So what is a budget globetrotter to do? Before you faint from hunger, and before you spend that ¥1,000 (about $12.60) at McDonald’s (Ma-ku-Do-na-ru-do), enjoy cheap meals in Japan.
Beef Bowl
Chains like Yoshinoya are as widespread as Starbucks cafes in Yokohama and Tokyo. Look for large signs in bright orange or yellow.
These shops serve dozens of variations on the classic beef bowl: a plate of rice with sliced, stewed meat on top, and a little sauce. Insert a few hundred yen into the ticket machine by the door, push the button for whatever dish looks tasty (there are usually pictures), and have a seat. The server will help you through the rest.
7 and i Holdings, Co.
If you’re American, the first time you see this oh-so convenient store, you’ll point with excitement, “I can’t believe they have 7-11 here!” The logo is about the same as in the States, and most of the stores in Japan even have the familiar faded red brick façade. But you’re not interested in architecture, you want a cheap meal in Japan. Step inside.
Inside these familiar convenience stores, and other popular Japanese chains like Family Mart and Lawson’s, you’ll easily find ultra-cheap onigiri (triangular balls of rice with fish, pork, or veggie center); a huge selection of ramen noodles (hot water required); and freshly-made local favorites like Chinese pork buns and fried chicken chunks. If you can’t speak the language, the clerk will understand if you smile and point at what you want.
For less than ¥500 (about $6.30), these convenience stores also sell many bento-style meals to go. The clerk may ask if you’d like those heated up, and they’ll point at a microwave behind them. If you’re starving, say, “Hai! Onegaishimasu!” (“Yes! Please do!”)
Hamazushi
Kaiten sushi, commonly known among gaijin as “sushi-go-round,” is usually pretty pricey, unless you can find one of the above chain restaurants, serving most items for only ¥100 (about $1.26) per plate!
Yakitori
Meat on a stick. Enjoy little, saucy chunks and strips of chicken and pork, conveniently skewered and cooked on little carts parked along many Japanese streets and alleys. Don’t be afraid to spend ¥70 (less than a dollar) and try the chicken tail!
There are many great, cheap meals in Japan. The basement floor of most malls contains a grocery store with deli foods.
Be adventurous! Good luck on your budget travels in Nippon; and please don’t forget to say, “Arigato Gozaimasu!” (“Thank you very much!”)
[Kate works on avionics by day, but moonlights as a writer and artist in Japan. She enjoys running, practicing French, and getting lost in Tokyo. See what she’s exploring @kateroseearly on Instagram and Tumblr.]
Related Post: Cheap Capsule Hotels in Japan
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