Your food budget in Japan can vary significantly depending on your preferences and lifestyle. Whether you're a foodie eager to explore unique culinary experiences or looking to save on meals, Japan offers a range of options to satisfy every appetite.
For those traveling on a budget, it's entirely possible to enjoy a varied and satisfying diet without breaking the bank. By alternating between takeout, small restaurants, and snacks, you can expect to spend around 3,000 to 4,000 yen per day (~20 to 30 €) per person. This budget will allow you to sample a wide array of traditional Japanese dishes.
Where to Buy Food in Japan?
Japan offers numerous options for buying food, from 24-hour convenience stores to well-stocked supermarkets, and local markets to department store food halls.
Convenience Stores (Konbini)
Konbini are everywhere in Japan. You can't walk 500 meters in a city center without encountering one. The main chains are 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson, each offering a wide range of products from ready-made meals like onigiri (rice balls) to alcoholic beverages, snacks, pastries, and essential items.
These stores are incredibly convenient, especially for travelers. However, the downside is the lack of seating, which means you'll need to find a bench or public space to enjoy your purchases.
Supermarkets
Japanese supermarkets, though less common in city centers, are essential if you're staying in an apartment or want to prepare your own meals. Vegetables are often priced similarly to those in Europe, but high-quality meat and fruits can quickly add up.
In large cities, you’ll also find food halls located in the basements of department stores, known as depachika. These halls offer various stands selling meats, prepared dishes, pastries, and other delights—a great way to discover local cuisine while enjoying a quick meal.
Local Markets and Regional Specialties
For a more authentic experience, nothing beats visiting local markets. These markets are often the heart of the community, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialties, and artisanal items. In Tokyo, the Tsukiji Market (which has moved to Toyosu for wholesale but remains active for visitors) is a must-see for seafood lovers.
As you travel across Japan, you'll discover regional specialties worth trying. For example, in Osaka, takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) are must-tries. Fukuoka is famous for its tonkotsu ramen, a creamy pork bone broth.
Types of Restaurants in Japan
Japan is a food lover's paradise, offering everything from budget-friendly fast food to more refined dining experiences.
Japanese Fast Food
Japanese fast food isn’t limited to international chains like McDonald’s or Burger King. In Japan, this term often refers to restaurants specializing in a specific dish, such as ramen, curry, or udon, where you can eat quickly and affordably. These establishments are especially popular with solo travelers due to their individual counter seating.
Popular chains include:
- Gyudon (beef rice bowl): Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Matsuya.
- Curry: Coco Ichibanya, Go! Go! Curry.
- Ramen: Ippudo, Tenkaippin, Ichiran.
The average price in these restaurants is around 1,300 yen (~9 €) per person, making them an excellent option for budget travelers.
Family Restaurants
Family restaurants (famiresu) are chains catering to families, offering a wide selection of dishes at reasonable prices. They’re often located near major shopping centers or train stations. Well-known chains include Bamiyan (Chinese cuisine), Gusto, and Saizeriya (Italian cuisine). A meal here typically costs around 2,000 yen (~14 €) per person.
Izakaya
Izakaya are traditional establishments where locals gather after work to drink and share small plates. You can enjoy a variety of dishes like yakitori (chicken skewers), sashimi, and fried foods. Izakayas are a great way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. The average budget is slightly higher, around 3,000 to 5,000 yen (~$20 to $35) per person.
Tips for Saving Money on Food in Japan
Take Advantage of End-of-Day Discounts
One way to cut down on food costs is to shop later in the day. Most stores, including bakeries and supermarkets, offer significant discounts on prepared meals and fresh products shortly before closing, with reductions of up to 60%. This is a great opportunity to try quality dishes at a lower cost.
Breakfast in Japan: An Economical Option
Many Japanese hotels, especially ryokan (traditional inns), include breakfast in their offerings. These breakfasts are often hearty and reflect local cuisine. If you're staying in a standard hotel, a buffet breakfast might be available, providing a good start to your day without spending too much.
Overall Food Budget for Japan
Depending on your preferences, your food budget may vary, but it’s possible to eat well for under 20 € per day. By having a light breakfast, purchasing lunch from a convenience store, and enjoying a simple dinner in a restaurant, your daily average spending will be around 3,000 yen.
To give you an idea, here’s our typical daily spending:
- Quick breakfast from a convenience store or café: 600 yen
- Lunch purchased from a convenience store: 1,000 yen
- Dinner at a simple restaurant (ramen, curry, etc.): 1,500 yen
- Bottled water throughout the day: 300 yen
Total: 3,400 yen per day per person. If you stay for 10 days and dine at three good restaurants costing 4,000 yen each, you’ll spend about 40,000 yen per person, or roughly 270 €.
For a two-week trip, we estimate a total budget (transportation/food/hotels/entertainment) of around 2,500 € per person. The food budget should not exceed 15% of your total expenses, making it a relatively small part of your trip.
Check out our other articles on budgeting for a trip to Japan: