By Just Another Japan Channel

In this insightful and practical video, the creator from Just Another Japan Channel reveals some of the best strategies and locations for eating great food on a budget while traveling in Japan. Whether you're a tourist or long-term visitor, knowing where and how to eat affordably can make your experience much more enjoyable.

The video walks viewers through a few key budget-friendly food options commonly found in Japan. These include places like convenience stores (known as 'konbini' such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson), which offer a wide variety of freshly made onigiri (rice balls), sandwiches, and bento meals that are both tasty and low-cost. In fact, the narrator emphasizes the quality-to-price ratio and freshness of convenience store meals in Japan as being surprisingly high.

Another popular option introduced is the chain-style fast food and gyudon (beef bowl) restaurants like Sukiya, Matsuya, and Yoshinoya. These eateries provide hearty meals under 500 yen and are open 24/7 in many urban centers. The video showcases what you can get at these places and how easy it is to order even without knowing much Japanese, often thanks to touch-screen ordering systems and picture menus.

The host also highlights the value of department store food halls (depachika), where you can grab high-quality cooked meals and snacks at discounted prices, especially in the hours before closing. The segment includes scenes from these food halls while explaining when is the ideal time to shop for markdowns on freshly made sushi, karaage (fried chicken), and various side dishes.

Whether you're staying in Tokyo, Osaka, or smaller cities around Japan, this guide offers helpful insights and tips on how to enjoy authentic Japanese flavors without overspending. A few additional tips shared include purchasing discounted items in supermarkets during the evening and taking advantage of lunch specials at local cafés and restaurants.