When planning a trip to Japan, one of the main concerns is the cost of meals. Japanese cuisine is diverse, offering sushi, ramen, yakiniku, fast food, and more, with many restaurants worth visiting. To help you budget for your trip, here is a summary of the typical prices for various popular dishes and eateries you might encounter in Japan. Use this as a guide to estimate how much money you’ll need to enjoy the meals you want.
Avoid Running Out of Food Money
One of the concerns when traveling abroad is the cost of food. If you have a specific Japanese dish you want to try but can’t because of budget constraints, it can spoil the experience of your trip.
The cost of food in Japan can vary significantly depending on where you eat, such as convenience stores, restaurants, or sushi bars. Therefore, knowing the food costs in Japan before you travel can provide peace of mind. Let’s take a detailed look at the typical food expenses you might encounter on a trip to Japan.
1: Convenience Stores
convenience storeEstimated Cost: $4.50 – $9.00 per meal
Japan has convenience stores on almost every street corner, and they are open 24 hours a day, allowing you to buy food at any time. The variety of food available at convenience stores is extensive, including the following:
- Onigiri (Rice Balls): Onigiri sold in Japanese convenience stores come in a wide variety and typically cost between $1.50 – $3.00. They are filled with ingredients like salmon, pickled plum, or tuna mayonnaise, making them a tasty and convenient option.
- Bread: Various types of bread are available for $1.50 – $3.00, including sandwiches, sweet bread, and croissants, making them ideal for breakfast or a light meal.
- Hot Snacks: Hot snacks such as fried chicken, croquettes, and oden are also popular. These items are priced around $1.50 – $3.00, with warm oden being particularly popular in the winter.
- Sandwiches: Sandwiches can be purchased for $3.00 – $4.50. They come with various fillings like ham, egg, or chicken, offering a range of flavors.
- Bento (Lunch Boxes): Bento boxes, priced between $4.50 – $7.50, offer a variety of options, including grilled fish and fried chicken, providing a substantial and convenient meal.
- Pasta, Yakisoba, Udon, Salads: These items are also available for $4.50 – $7.50. They are usually ready-to-eat after a quick heating, making them convenient for a quick meal.
- Desserts: A wide range of desserts, such as cakes, puddings, and traditional Japanese sweets, are available for $3.00 – $4.50.
- Drinks: Drinks are available in many varieties, including tea, coffee, and juice, priced between $1.50 – $3.00.
The cost of food from convenience stores typically ranges from $4.50 to $9.00 per meal. Even if you combine multiple items, it usually won’t exceed $15.00, making convenience stores a budget-friendly and convenient option for meals.
2: Sushi
SushiEstimated Cost: $30.00 – $150.00
Sushi is a must-try meal during a trip to Japan, and its price can vary greatly depending on where and when you eat it.
- Sushi Specialty Restaurants (Lunch): At sushi specialty restaurants, lunch typically costs between $30.00 – $45.00. These restaurants offer fresh seafood sushi that you can enjoy at a reasonable price, often with special set menus available during lunch.
- Sushi Specialty Restaurants (Dinner): Dinner at these restaurants is more expensive, ranging from $75.00 – $150.00. High-end sushi restaurants provide an authentic experience with sushi crafted by skilled chefs, offering a luxurious dining experience.
- Kaitenzushi (Conveyor Belt Sushi): Conveyor belt sushi offers a more affordable way to enjoy sushi, with meals costing around $30.00 – $45.00. In these restaurants, sushi plates pass by on a conveyor belt, allowing you to pick and choose what you like. Prices vary by plate, generally ranging from $1.50 to $7.50 per plate.
Additionally, most sushi restaurants offer alcoholic beverages like sake and beer, which can add to the cost.
- Sake (per cup): $7.50 – $15.00
- Beer (per cup): $6.00 – $9.00
At sushi specialty restaurants, lunch costs around $30.00 – $45.00, and dinner can range from $75.00 – $150.00. Conveyor belt sushi is more affordable, with meals typically costing between $30.00 – $45.00. The prices at conveyor belt sushi restaurants do not vary by time of day.
3: Ramen
RamenEstimated Cost: $9.00 – $15.00 per meal
Many travelers associate Japan with ramen, and it’s widely available throughout the country, with numerous ramen chains offering this beloved dish. The cost of ramen varies depending on the toppings.
- Ramen: $9.00 – $15.00 (depending on toppings)
A bowl of ramen generally costs between $9.00 – $15.00. Basic ramen can be enhanced with additional toppings such as chashu (braised pork), boiled eggs, green onions, and bamboo shoots, allowing you to customize your meal. While adding toppings can increase the price, a bowl of ramen rarely exceeds $15.00.
Popular ramen chains include “Ichiran” and “Ippudo,” where you can enjoy unique broths and noodles. Additionally, different regions of Japan have their own distinct styles of ramen, making it worthwhile to try local varieties as you travel.
However, be prepared to wait in line at popular ramen shops. In addition to budgeting for the meal, plan your time accordingly to enjoy this Japanese staple.
4: Yakiniku (Grilled Meat)
YakinikuEstimated Cost: $30.00 – $75.00 per meal
Yakiniku, or grilled meat, is another must-try dish in Japan. At yakiniku restaurants, diners can enjoy a wide variety of meats that they grill themselves.
- Yakiniku Set Menus: $30.00 – $45.00
- High-end Yakiniku Restaurants: $45.00 – $75.00
Yakiniku set menus typically cost between $30.00 – $45.00, while high-end restaurants can charge between $45.00 – $75.00 per meal. These restaurants offer a selection of beef, pork, chicken, and other meats, with wagyu beef being a particularly popular and luxurious option.
Set menus often include not just meat but also side dishes like salads, rice, and soup, providing a balanced and satisfying meal. At high-end yakiniku restaurants, you can enjoy premium cuts and rare parts of wagyu beef, ensuring a memorable dining experience.
5: Fast Food
Fast FoodEstimated Cost: $7.50 – $15.00 per meal
Japan is home to many fast-food chains, including McDonald’s, Burger King, and local favorites like Mos Burger and Lotteria. Fast food is a quick and affordable dining option, ideal for when you’re short on time or want to stick to a budget.
- Hamburgers: $3.00 – $6.00
- French Fries (Medium Size): $3.75 – $4.50
- Drinks (Medium Size): $3.00 – $4.50
- Set Meals: $7.50 – $10.50
Fast food in Japan is generally cheaper than in Western countries. McDonald’s, for instance, offers a $1.50 menu, perfect for a quick snack.
In addition to international chains, Japanese fast-food restaurants offer unique menu items and seasonal specials, providing new discoveries with each visit.
Fast-food restaurants are not only found in cities but also in rural areas, making them a convenient option for a break and a light meal during your travels.
Summary
In summary, the average daily food cost in Japan is approximately $45.00, with the average meal costing around $15.00. Budgeting $45.00 per day for food expenses will ensure that you can enjoy a variety of Japanese dishes without financial worries. If you plan to dine at high-end restaurants, especially sushi establishments, it’s wise to allocate extra funds to accommodate the higher prices. With careful budgeting, you can savor the culinary delights of Japan and make your trip a memorable experience.
