Backpacking through Japan is a rewarding experience. The exotic language, the vast culture, and the amazing architecture makes Japan a must-see location. In addition to the wonderful country, the generally friendly people and amazing technology make the island an ideal backpacking destination.
Unfortunately, there is one paradox that hits everyone looking to backpack through Japan for the first time – the correlation between money and food. Japan is known for many things, one of the most of popular being the cuisine. Sushi, Sashimi, Kobe steak, Sake, Tempura, and true Ramen noodles are just a few of the amazing food choices available. It is very easy and tempting to burn through a weekly food budget in one day.
Fortunately, finding food that tastes good and is filling for low prices is simple if you know where to look. Specific stores depend on your location in Japan, but there are a number of places that are sure to not disappoint.
There are generally three different places you will find good and cheap food: independent food stands (usually found in festivals or on busy street corners), convenience stores, which can be found anywhere except the country-side, and fast food restaurants (which tend to be better tasting than the American equivalent).
The following restaurants and locations are some of the ideal places to find good and cheap food.
7-11: 7-11’s are everywhere in the busy cities, particularly Tokyo. Convenience stores have become a staple of Japanese culture, and are found on nearly every block. The 7-11’s offer just about everything a backpacker could need. Cheap t-shirts, bottled oxygen, prepaid cell phones, and alcohol are amongst their offerings.
To find good food in a 7-11, look for bentos (pre-packaged lunch boxes), and soups. The bentos usually come in a dozen or more kits ranging from shrimp to crab-puffs. The price is generally between 150JPY and 500JPY, though very large ones (good for lunch and dinner) are around 1000JPY.
The soups are containers with noodles, dried veggies and meat. Add water and use the microwave in the store to heat up. You put it in dry with water, and out comes an amazing soup with meat and vegetables. Usually priced the same as bentos.
Sushi Bars: Good if you have a little more money to spend, or if you want to hang around some other people. While some smaller ones are order-only from the chef, many have conyeor belt, and you remove plates that you like as they pass. Most plates are priced at around 150JPY, and have 3 – 6 pieces of sushi. Most bars have a minimum order of 800JPY, which is about $7.50USD. Sushi, fortunately, is very filling, and makes a good option for a nice meal.
Road Stands: Not only is this a good way to try new interesting foods, but it is usually cheaper, and you get to see the food get made (most of the time), or at the least, it is very fresh. You can find a wide array of food, ranging from sushi rolls, to rice balls. These are ideal for fast snacks, or a bite to eat before getting on a plane as you say farewell to the awesome nation.
There you have it! Cheap places to eat awesome food. Don’t forget, it’s rude to walk and eat in Japan.
