How to Eat Cheap in Japan

Convenience Stores (Combini)

Japan’s 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart serve genuinely excellent food. Onigiri (rice balls): ¥100–180. Hot items: ¥100–200. Ready meals: ¥400–600. Full combini breakfast: ¥300–400. One of the world’s best budget food options.

Gyudon Chains

Yoshinoya, Sukiya, and Matsuya serve beef rice bowls (gyudon) with miso soup for ¥400–600. Fast, tasty, available 24/7. Not fancy but genuinely satisfying.

Set Lunches (Teishoku)

Most restaurants offer dramatically cheaper lunch sets (¥900–1,500) vs dinner prices (¥2,000–4,000+). The best way to eat at quality restaurants without the dinner bill.

Depachika at Closing Time

Department store food basements mark down prepared foods 20–50% in the 30–60 minutes before closing (usually 7–8pm). Premium bento boxes, sushi, and prepared dishes at reduced prices.

Daily Budget

Ultra budget (combini focus): ¥1,200–1,800/day
Budget (combini + cheap restaurants): ¥2,000–3,000/day
Mid-range (restaurant lunches, combini dinners): ¥3,500–5,000/day