How Much Does Food Cost in Japan? | 2025 Meal Price Guide
When traveling to another country, one of the biggest questions on every traveler’s mind is: “How much does food cost there?” In a country like Japan—famous for its rich food culture, from sushi and ramen to wagyu beef and cute convenience store snacks—it’s a question worth exploring carefully.
You don’t want to land in Tokyo dreaming of a luxurious kaiseki dinner, only to realize it’s five times your budget. On the flip side, if you assume everything is expensive, you might miss out on the simple pleasures of grabbing a ¥400 curry from a family-run shop.
This blog is your complete guide to food costs in Japan in 2025, written with real prices, practical examples, and budgeting tips—whether you’re traveling on a shoestring or splurging on gourmet dining.
🥐 Breakfast in Japan: From Convenience to Hotel Buffets
Japan’s breakfast culture ranges from a quick bite at a konbini (convenience store) to a full buffet at a hotel.
- Convenience Store (Konbini):
Grab a rice ball (onigiri), egg sandwich, or fresh pastry and a drink—all for around ¥200 to ¥500. You’ll find these in every train station, street corner, and even rural villages. - Cafés & Bakeries:
If you’re craving a cozy sit-down start to your day, a Japanese bakery or kissaten café usually offers toast, boiled egg, and coffee for ¥500 to ¥1,000. - Hotel Buffet:
Many hotels include buffet breakfast with their booking or offer it for around ¥1,000 to ¥2,500. You’ll get a mix of Western and Japanese dishes like miso soup, grilled fish, salad, and scrambled eggs.
Budget Tip: If your accommodation doesn’t include breakfast, swing by a konbini. Their meals are fresh, delicious, and surprisingly filling.
🍛 Lunch in Japan: Casual, Affordable, Delicious
Lunch in Japan is an absolute joy—it’s where taste and affordability collide.
- Fast Food Chains (¥500–¥800):
Chains like Matsuya, Sukiya, and Yoshinoya offer gyudon (beef rice bowls), Japanese curry, and pork cutlet meals that are both satisfying and cheap. - Ramen Shops (¥800–¥1,200):
A bowl of steaming ramen with toppings like chashu pork and soft-boiled eggs will rarely cost more than ¥1,200—even in central Tokyo. - Set Meals / Teishoku (¥1,000–¥1,500):
Visit a small family-run shop or train station diner and you’ll find teishoku sets: a main dish, miso soup, rice, and pickles. It’s one of the most balanced and authentic meals you can get. - Curry Shops / Katsu Restaurants:
For around ¥800 to ¥1,400, you can get thick Japanese curry with crispy pork cutlet or fried chicken. It’s a tourist favorite and a Japanese comfort food classic.
🍣 Dinner: Izakaya, Sushi & Sit-Down Dining
Dinner in Japan can be as casual as a bowl of soba or as extravagant as a 12-course sushi omakase.
- Izakayas (¥2,000–¥5,000 per person):
These are Japanese-style pubs with small plate dishes and drinks. Order yakitori (chicken skewers), edamame, sashimi, and sake. You’re paying for the experience, not just the food. - Sushi (¥1,500–¥30,000+):
- Conveyor Belt Sushi: Budget-friendly chains charge ¥100–¥300 per plate, with a full meal costing around ¥1,000 to ¥2,500.
- High-End Sushi: At world-famous counters, you’ll easily spend ¥10,000 to ¥30,000+ per person. These are once-in-a-lifetime meals with master chefs.
- Mid-Range Dining (¥3,000–¥6,000):
Restaurants serving yakiniku (grilled meat), soba, or tempura in a comfortable sit-down setting fall into this category. You’ll get atmosphere, quality ingredients, and English menus in many places. - Fine Dining (¥10,000–¥50,000+):
Want to splurge on wagyu beef, French-Japanese fusion, or a Michelin-starred tasting menu? Tokyo and Kyoto are paradise for foodies—but you’ll need to book ahead.
🍢 Street Food & Casual Eats: Cheap and Iconic
Some of the best meals in Japan are eaten standing up in an alley or by a food stall:
- Takoyaki (octopus balls): ¥400–¥700
- Okonomiyaki (savory pancake): ¥700–¥1,000
- Taiyaki (fish-shaped sweet bun): ¥200–¥400
- Yakitori (skewered grilled chicken): ¥150–¥300 per stick
You’ll find these at festivals, market streets, or even outside train stations.
🛍️ Convenience Store & Supermarket Meals
If you’re on a tight budget or just tired from sightseeing, you can grab great meals from local stores.
- Bento Boxes at Konbini: ¥400–¥700
Includes rice, meat or fish, and pickled veggies. - Instant Noodles / Microwave Meals: ¥150–¥400
The variety is staggering—from tonkotsu ramen to spaghetti bolognese. - Supermarket Sushi (after 6 PM discounts): ¥500–¥1,200
Pro tip: Supermarkets reduce prices on fresh meals after dinner rush. - Drinks:
- Bottled tea, juice: ¥100–¥160
- Beer/canned chuhai: ¥180–¥250
- Coffee can: ¥100–¥150
🗾 Regional Food Price Examples
Here’s what meals cost across some popular cities and regions:
| Region | Avg. Meal Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | ¥800–¥2,000 | Huge range: cheap eats to Michelin |
| Osaka | ¥600–¥1,500 | Street food heaven (takoyaki, kushikatsu) |
| Kyoto | ¥1,000–¥3,000 | Kaiseki & matcha-themed cafés |
| Hokkaido | ¥900–¥2,500 | Seafood, soup curry, fresh dairy |
| Okinawa | ¥700–¥1,800 | Tropical fruits, taco rice, Okinawa soba |
| Countryside | ¥600–¥1,200 | Smaller portions but lower prices |
💸 Daily Food Budget by Travel Style
| Traveler Type | Estimated Daily Food Budget |
|---|---|
| Backpacker | ¥2,000–¥3,000 |
| Mid-Range Tourist | ¥4,000–¥6,000 |
| Luxury Traveler | ¥10,000+ |
🧠 Sample Daily Meal Plans by Budget
🧳 Budget Traveler (¥2,500/day):
- Breakfast: 7-Eleven onigiri and coffee – ¥300
- Lunch: Gyudon at Matsuya – ¥600
- Dinner: Ramen from a local shop – ¥1,200
- Snack: Taiyaki street food – ¥400
🧳 Mid-Range Traveler (¥5,000/day):
- Breakfast: Hotel buffet – ¥1,500
- Lunch: Tempura teishoku – ¥1,200
- Dinner: Sushi + sake at a casual izakaya – ¥2,500
🧳 Luxury Traveler (¥15,000+/day):
- Breakfast: In-room ryokan breakfast – ¥2,500
- Lunch: Premium wagyu donburi – ¥3,500
- Dinner: Omakase sushi counter – ¥10,000+
🌟 Tips for Eating Well on a Budget
- Look for “lunch sets” (ランチセット): Restaurants often offer their best value meals at lunch.
- Use food floors in department stores (Depachika): Incredible variety, fresh bento, and half-price discounts after 7 PM.
- Stay near business districts: Weekday lunch specials are common in office areas.
- Try chain izakayas or conveyor belt sushi: English-friendly, fun, and relatively affordable.
📌 Final Thoughts
Japan is often perceived as expensive, but when it comes to food, you get unmatched quality at every price point. Whether you’re slurping noodles at a train station counter or indulging in multi-course kaiseki, your taste buds are in for a treat.
So go ahead and plan your Japan trip with confidence—there’s something delicious waiting at every budget.
Want to discover hidden local restaurants with English menus and foreign-friendly service? Check out Jasumo.com — your guide to food, fun, and unforgettable Japanese experiences.
