Super expensive restaurants do exist in some quarters of Tokyo. It would be easy to blow $200 U.S. or more in one sitting. Unless you're being entertained by Japanese businessmen with massive expense accounts, you'll have to rethink your eating and spending habits.
How is it possible to trim a food budget in Tokyo? One secret is to follow the local office workers in the evenings. They go to izakayas, lively bars that serve tasty foods at low prices. Thankfully, Tokyo has hundreds of these establishments, and when hunger strikes, there are lots of other cheap meals to be found. Here are ways to fill the stomach without solely depending on Western fast food joints.
Noodle Bars
Before going in, buy a ticket from a vending machine that sits outside the restaurant. There are pictures on the control panel, so this eliminates the need to speak Japanese.
However, once inside the chef might ask customers if they prefer soba (thin), udon (thick), or ramen (Chinese style) noodles. Give the ticket to the staff, and a few minutes later, a bowl of noodles will be cooked, served, and ready to eat. In some of these places, it's only possible to stand while eating. Go in the middle of the afternoon to avoid the crowds.
Yakitori
In Tokyo, the easiest way to find these restaurants is to look near train and subway stations. Most of them have bright red lanterns out front. Yakitori is barbecued chicken that has been skewered and then cooked over charcoal embers.
Every part of the bird is used. It's not uncommon to see gizzards, livers, and hearts listed on most menus. Once cooked, everything is covered with an enticing sauce made with sugar, soy sauce, and mirin, a kind of rice wine. Follow the clouds of aromatic smoke and groups of salaried workers.
Convenience Stores
There are plenty of 7-Eleven stores in Tokyo. Unlike American outlets, they don't sell Big Gulp sodas or Slurpees. Instead, they offer teas, coffees, and all kinds of non-carbonated juices. Boxed lunches called bento can be bought for 500 yen ($6 U.S.), and portions aren't skimpy.
There are also rice balls, meat dumplings, salads and sweet/savory breads. Fill up a bag of ready-made foods and take it back to the hotel.
Japanese and American Fast Foods
Mos Burger is Japan's answer to McDonald's. The U.S. fast food giant has restaurants in Shibuya and Harajuku, both of which are hangouts for Tokyo's young people. Foreigners who arrive in Japan for the first time come here to satisfy burger cravings. All of the usual favorites are on the menu, plus a few items with a Japanese twist. Super-sized fries and sodas aren't available, and portions tend to be a bit smaller.
Yoshinoya is the other fast food heavyweight in Japan. The menu emphasizes beef served in bowls with rice, vegetables and various sauces. The signs on these restaurants are orange and black. For pizzas, pastas and other types of lighter fare, head to First Kitchen. With all of these options, not to mention KFC, Wendy's and Lotteria, grabbing an affordable meal in Tokyo is a snap.
Coffee Shops
Starbucks opened its first store in Japan back in 1996. Coffee seems to be replacing the nation's traditional preference for tea because the 200th Japanese store opened in 2001. There are dozens of Starbucks in Tokyo alone, and wherever there's coffee, there will also be pastries and sandwiches.
Starbucks, however, isn't the only game in town. Specialty coffee shops have been appearing recently. Macchinesti is in the Azabu district, while Bar Del Sole is in Roppongi.
Eating in Tokyo doesn't have to cost a fortune. Save money and splurge on an expensive dinner the night before you leave the city.
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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