Dining in Tokyo

From ramen to fine dining

Japanese Cuisine Types

Sushi & Sashimi

Price: ¥1,000-15,000+

Fresh fish on rice or served raw. Try kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi) for budget-friendly options.

Ramen

Price: ¥800-1,500

Noodle soup in various broths. Fast, filling, and delicious. Order from vending machines.

Tempura

Price: ¥1,500-8,000

Lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables. Crispy and flavorful.

Tonkatsu

Price: ¥1,000-2,000

Breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. Served with rice, miso soup, and cabbage.

Yakitori

Price: ¥300-600 per skewer

Grilled chicken skewers. Perfect with beer in izakaya (Japanese pubs).

Udon & Soba

Price: ¥500-1,200

Thick wheat noodles (udon) or buckwheat noodles (soba). Hot or cold options.

Budget-Friendly Options

Convenience Stores

Price: ¥300-800

7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson offer fresh rice balls, bento boxes, sandwiches, and hot meals. Surprisingly good quality!

Chain Restaurants

Price: ¥500-1,000

Yoshinoya (beef bowls), Matsuya, Sukiya offer fast, filling meals. English picture menus available.

Supermarket Bento

Price: ¥300-600

Supermarkets discount bento boxes 30-50% after 8 PM. Great value for dinner!

Lunch Sets

Price: ¥800-1,500

Many restaurants offer special lunch sets (teishoku) at reduced prices. Best value!

Dining Etiquette Tips

  • Say "Itadakimasu" before eating (I humbly receive)
  • Slurping noodles is OK and shows you're enjoying the meal
  • No tipping - Service charge is included, tipping can be offensive
  • Use chopstick rests - Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice
  • Say "Gochisousama" after eating (Thank you for the meal)
  • Pay at the register near the exit, not at the table