Last updated: 13 June 2025
One thing you definitely can’t miss when visiting Japan is the amazing food. If it’s your first time coming here, you might have already planned your budget for flights and accommodation, but figuring out how much to spend on meals can feel a bit tricky.
In this article, LIVE JAPAN is here to help you get a clear idea of how much you’ll typically spend on breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even afternoon tea during your trip—so you can manage your food budget with confidence.
Breakfast
Generally, Japanese people either eat breakfast at home or buy something from a convenience store. Early risers who live alone often head to chain beef bowl (gyudon) restaurants for a breakfast set. Breakfast costs are usually low, and since Japan places great importance on diet quality, even breakfast meals feel healthy and well-balanced.
Beef Bowl Chain Restaurants
While Japan doesn’t have dedicated breakfast-only shops, you’ll find beef bowl chains near just about every train station. For example, at Matsuya, one of the largest chains, breakfast sets typically cost between 350 and 720 yen. The cheapest set usually includes rice, soup, and two small side dishes, while other sets come with different main dishes. These portions are generally filling enough for an adult.
Convenience Stores
Convenience stores, which are even more common than beef bowl chains and open 24 hours, are super convenient for tourists with busy schedules. Typical breakfast items include bread, rice balls (onigiri), steamed buns, milk, coffee, yogurt, or juice. Prices range from about 130 to 270 yen, so a typical adult breakfast here would cost roughly 400 to 500 yen.
Fast Food Chains
McDonald’s Japan offers breakfast combos starting at just 240 yen, which include a sandwich and a juice or coffee.
Lunch
Lunch in Japan offers a wide range of options to suit different budgets and tastes. Many restaurants and eateries offer reasonably priced lunch sets, making it easy to enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Set Meals (Teishoku)
Set meals, or teishoku, are popular lunchtime choices. They typically include a main dish like grilled fish or fried chicken, along with rice, miso soup, and some side dishes. Prices usually range from 700 to 1,200 yen, depending on the restaurant and location.
Fast Food and Chain Restaurants
For a quicker and more budget-friendly option, chain restaurants like Yoshinoya or Sukiya offer beef bowls and other quick meals starting at around 400 to 600 yen. These places are common near train stations and busy areas, perfect for a quick lunch on the go.
Convenience Store Meals
Convenience stores also offer a variety of bento boxes, sandwiches, and salads, with prices generally between 400 and 700 yen. These are convenient for travelers who want to eat quickly or take food with them.
Overall, lunch in Japan can cost anywhere from about 400 yen for a simple fast-food meal to around 1,200 yen for a more complete set meal.
Afternoon Tea and Sweets
Afternoon tea is a popular way to relax during the day in Tokyo. Many cafés and dessert shops offer a comfortable atmosphere without time limits, making it easy to take a leisurely break during your trip or unwind after shopping. Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, or both, you’ll find plenty of inviting places to enjoy your snack time.
Cake Shops
At slightly higher-priced places like Harbs, the most popular items, such as the fruit mille crepe cake and strawberry fresh cream chiffon cake, cost around 980 yen. The portions are a bit larger, but drinks need to be ordered separately. At other cake shops, a set of one cake plus coffee or tea usually costs about 1,000 yen.
Pancake Shops
If you like pancakes, you definitely don’t want to miss Japanese pancakes in Tokyo. A pancake and drink set typically costs between 1,200 and 1,500 yen. Since pancakes usually come in large portions, if two women go together, ordering one set to share plus an extra drink is quite a good deal.
Chain Coffee Shops
Popular chain cafés you’ll find in Japan—like Starbucks, TULLY’S, Doutor, St. Marc Café, and Ueshima Coffee House—offer coffee at affordable prices, usually between 300 and 700 yen.
Dinner
In Japan, dinner is generally a bit more expensive than daytime meals, except at chain restaurants and ramen shops. One reason is that people usually meet for dates or gatherings with friends after work or school. Another reason is that although dinner costs a little more, there are also more dining options available.
Yakiniku (Grilled Meat) Restaurants
Most chain yakiniku restaurants offer both à la carte and all-you-can-eat options. For example, at affordable chains like Gyu-Kaku, all-you-can-eat plans range from about 3,700 to 6,500 yen. À la carte prices vary depending on the quality of the meat, with the cheapest plate starting at around 528 yen.
Tonkatsu (Fried Pork Cutlet) Restaurants
Tonkatsu prices usually don’t differ between lunch and dinner. Most places offer unlimited refills of rice, shredded cabbage, and miso soup. Prices depend on the meat quality and typically range from 1,200 to 3,000 yen.
Ramen Shops
Ramen prices are consistent throughout the day, generally ranging from 800 to 1,200 yen.
Izakaya (Japanese-style Pubs)
Many visitors want to experience the atmosphere of Japanese izakayas. However, it’s important to note that some izakayas charge a seating fee. When you sit down, they will bring you a hot towel and a small appetizer, and this seating fee is usually not disclosed upfront—this is part of izakaya culture. Small dishes usually cost around 300 yen or more, and drinks range from 500 to 600 yen. On average, a person’s total spending is around 2,000 to 4,000 yen. Seafood izakayas tend to be more expensive.
For first-time visitors to Tokyo, after seeing the above dining prices, you should have a good idea of how to plan your food budget. If you want to try Italian or French cuisine, lunchtime is recommended as it tends to be more affordable. On the other hand, ramen shops, McDonald’s, and chain beef bowl restaurants have consistent prices throughout the day, so dining there for dinner can be a better deal!
Written by:
LIVE JAPAN’s editorial team is a multicultural mix of native editors who have lived in Japan for over five years, alongside Japanese editors with a deep passion for travel. We’re devoted to sharing the wonders of Japan. From cultural insights and history to events, practical travel tips and coupons, we’re here to help make your journey unforgettable!
*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.
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