THE ULTIMATE JAPAN GUIDE
CHEAP EATS
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
Discover many of Japan's best cheap eats - including street food, 'konbini' snacks and late-night ramen - right here on this page.
7 CHEAP EATS TIPS IN JAPAN
1.
Always Konbini first - "konbini", a Japanese word for convenience stores, offers a variety of selections, from snacks to frozen dinners to booze.
2.
Sometimes, eating out in Japan is less costly than cooking food at home. Look for signs that offer "one coin lunch" - places that offer lunch sets (usually including salad + a drink) for only 500 yen!
3.
Make use of "family restaurants" like Saizeriya and Gusto. They offer 99c wine and $3 pasta. Yum.
4.
Download the phone app "Tabelog" -- this is the Japanese version of YELP. Read reviews and explore popular restaurants and local eateries!
5.
Make use of Koban. These are little police boxes you can find near stations and big intersections. Not only can you ask them for directions and report strange behaviours, it also functions as a local lost and found! (in case you lose your wallet... or passport..)
6.
When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Japan is a unique country with many traditional etiquettes that are passed on. Watch and observe what the others are doing, and try to do the same. Be respectful of the culture, and of their traditions.
7.
Utilize free tour guide services like the Goodwill Guides and Kimi Information Center. Many of the guides are volunteers, but do a really good job of showing around cool and unique places around Japan.