By Ono in Japan
In this video, Ono in Japan introduces viewers to 10 chain restaurants in Japan where travelers can enjoy authentic and delicious Japanese food for under $10. Perfect for those on a budget, these options allow visitors to explore Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank. The video serves as a practical guide for tourists who want to eat like locals and make smart dining choices during their visit.
The food tour begins with 'Yakiniku Like', a solo-friendly yakiniku (grilled meat) chain where you can savor individual grilled meats swiftly and affordably. Next is 'Matsuya', a gyudon (beef bowl) chain beloved for its value, quick service, and variety of dishes. The video continues with 'Ichiran', the iconic solo-dining ramen spot known for its tonkotsu ramen and unique booth experience that allows customers to focus entirely on their food in privacy. Even familiar global chains like McDonald’s are included, noted for offering regional specialties not found elsewhere.
'Ichiban Udon' fan? The video then highlights 'Marugame Seimen', a popular udon chain known for freshly made noodles and tempura toppings. 'Coco Ichibanya' offers customizable Japanese curry dishes, letting diners choose spice levels and toppings. 'Saizeriya', a Japanese take on Italian-style meals, provides pasta, pizza, and wines at shockingly low prices. The journey continues with 'Yayoiken', a teishoku (set meal) chain providing well-balanced meals often under $8.
For sushi lovers, 'Kura Sushi', a conveyor-belt sushi chain, delivers an interactive and affordable sushi experience. 'Torikizoku', a favored izakaya (Japanese pub) with uniform pricing for all dishes at around 350 yen, is spotlighted for its robust skewered chicken menu. Lastly, 'Gyoza no Osho' wraps up the list with its hearty selection of gyoza, ramen, and Chinese-style Japanese dishes.
This roundup reaffirms that eating well in Japan doesn’t require a deep wallet. Whether you're craving noodles, sushi, curry, or grilled meat, Japan's chain restaurants offer unbeatable value and local flavors worth trying.