Japan has always been known as an expensive tourist destination, but its cuisine is full of "gems" at affordable prices, allowing visitors to explore traditional flavors without worrying about the cost.
From bustling market stalls to all-night convenience stores, foodie tourism in Japan is a great way to immerse yourself in local life and culture. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), this fall is the perfect time to start exploring these local eateries.
Traditional market
Local markets are always the perfect starting point for any foodie looking for authentic street food on a budget. The most notable are Nishiki in Kyoto and Kuromon in Osaka, which are considered the “kitchens” of the city, where visitors can find everything from fast food to high-quality fresh seafood.
Many typical street foods can be found at local markets in Japan.
Here, visitors will be able to "bite into" typical dishes such as croquettes (crispy fried cheese potato cakes), tonkatsu (fried pork cutlet), or fresh seafood prepared and served right at the counter.
While stopping for a quick street snack is a cost-effective way to save money, visitors should be mindful of local etiquette: most markets in Japan require eating and drinking while walking, but rather in front of the shops or on designated stools, out of respect for culture and general hygiene. Exploring the market is not only a taste experience, but also a great opportunity to experience the local visuals and culture.
Yatai and outdoor food carts
While markets are a showcase of variety, outdoor food stalls and carts (yatai) offer a more street-level, festival feel. Yatai are a familiar sight at traditional festivals, selling takeaway food such as takoyaki (grilled octopus balls), okonomiyaki (Japanese pancakes), yakisoba (fried noodles) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Some popular yatai, such as the Hakata area in Kyushu, have temporary stalls set up where visitors can sit and enjoy drinks, while others specialize in hot noodle dishes like ramen. In addition to the permanent yatai, visitors walking around cities and towns will also encounter mobile street food carts selling delicious foods like crepes and other delicious desserts, providing variety and convenience for visitors.
Takoyaki (grilled octopus balls)
Convenience Store (Konbini)
It is impossible to mention Japanese popular cuisine without mentioning Convenience Stores (Konbini) - a unique cultural feature present in every corner of the street, with popular brands such as Family Mart, Lawson and 7-Eleven.
Not only are these stores open 24 hours a day, they are also a treasure trove of incredibly affordable and amazingly high-quality food. The shelves are always filled with hot boxes of kara-age (Japanese-style fried chicken), onigiri (triangular rice balls) with a variety of fillings, bento (boxed meals) prepared fresh daily, and a wide variety of snacks, sweets, and drinks. For travelers, Konbini is the perfect way to grab a quick, convenient meal anytime, especially when you need to save time or money.
Depa-chika and Izakaya
Two other places that offer a great value dining experience at a reasonable price are Depa-chika and Izakaya. Depa-chika - this term is used to refer to the basement areas of large department stores or subway stations. These are places that sell a variety of high-quality ready-to-eat foods and culinary specialties. Just wandering through these rows of stalls is a visual, culinary and cultural experience. Especially at the end of the day, many items are heavily discounted, making it a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy high-end dishes at affordable prices. Although many vendors do not speak English, shopping is still easy because visitors just need to point to the item they want and pay.
Izakaya are local pubs or fast food restaurants.
Izakaya (pubs), are considered a great way to "feel like a local." Izakaya are local pubs or fast food joints that serve a variety of tapas-style dishes with drinks. The menu is varied and includes yakitori, edamame (boiled soybeans), gyoza (fried dumplings), kara-age, and tofu.
Many modern Izakaya have adopted a touch-panel ordering system with illustrated menus, making it easy for international visitors to choose and sample a variety of dishes at once.
Japanese cuisine is not only about expensive sushi but also a rich world of street food and street food, from ramen, udon, gyoza, tonkatsu to taiyaki and yakitori. Exploring the markets, yatai, konbini, depa-chika and izakaya is the key to enjoying the full flavor and culture of the Land of the Rising Sun on the most reasonable budget.
