Eat Your Way Through Japan With 20 Of The Best Cheap Eats You Can’t Miss
Japan doesn’t just feed you—it ruins you for food anywhere else.
From meticulously wrapped convenience store sandwiches to street-side skewers grilled over open flame, eating in Japan is less about reservations and more about wandering, pointing, tasting and repeating. The best part? Some of the most unforgettable bites will cost you less than your morning coffee back home.
Whether you’re slurping noodles in a train station, queueing for a Harajuku crepe or panic-buying snacks in 7-Eleven before the Shinkansen doors close, these are the cheap eats in Japan that genuinely deserve your yen.
Strawberries
Takeshita Street, Harajuku
Japanese strawberries are in a league of their own—glossy, perfectly shaped and wildly sweet. Whether skewered, coated in toffee or served plain in neat little trays, they taste almost too pristine to be real. The white strawberries? Elite tier.
Pan-fried Gyoza
Tiger Hall Gyoza Kyoto and Asakusa, Tokyo
Golden bottoms, juicy centres and that satisfying crunch when you bite in—this is what gyoza should taste like. Order a plate (or three), dip generously in soy and vinegar, and don’t overthink it.
KFC. Yes, KFC.
Nationwide
Yes, really. Japan’s obsession with KFC—especially at Christmas—is iconic. The chicken is crispier, the sides feel fresher and the whole experience is strangely elevated. It hits differently here.
Black Pork Buns
Universal Studios, Osaka
Fluffy, jet-black steamed buns stuffed with savoury pork. Slightly chaotic, extremely photogenic and surprisingly good. Worth it for the novelty—and the flavour.
7-Eleven Egg Sandwiches
Nationwide
Soft, pillowy white bread. Creamy, perfectly seasoned egg filling. Zero crusts. The hype is justified—this is peak convenience store excellence.
Pino Strawberry Cheesecakes
Convenience Stores
Tiny, bite-sized strawberry cheesecake ice cream cubes coated in chocolate. Dangerous. You’ll tell yourself you’ll only have one. You won’t.
Vanilla Soft Serve
7-Eleven, Nationwide
Simple. Swirled. Perfectly creamy. Japan does vanilla properly—no artificial aftertaste, just clean, nostalgic sweetness.
Banana Caramel Cheesecake Crepe
Takeshita Street, Harajuku, Tokyo
Harajuku crepes are a rite of passage. Go for the banana caramel cheesecake filling and don’t look back—it’s rich, indulgent and aggressively satisfying.
Wagyu Beef in Dotonbori
Dotonbori, Osaka
Buttery, marbled wagyu grilled over open flames and served on a stick. Slightly smoky, impossibly tender and worth queueing for—especially at night when Dotonbori is glowing.
Bullet Train Bento Boxes (Ekiben)
Tokyo Station, Tokyo
Buying an ekiben before boarding the Shinkansen is practically mandatory. Neatly compartmentalised rice, pickles, seafood or beef—sometimes even self-heating. It makes your train journey feel like an event.
Strawberry Custard Mochi
Strawberry Mania, Dotonbori, Oska
Soft mochi, sweet custard and fresh strawberry in one perfectly balanced bite. Dangerously easy to inhale.
Melon Pan With Ice Cream
Dotonbori, Osaka
A warm, crisp melon pan sliced open and stuffed with soft serve. Crunchy exterior, cold centre. Unexpectedly addictive.
Karaage Chicken
Kyoto Karaage Umeshin, Kyoto
Juicy chicken marinated in soy, ginger and garlic, then fried until deeply golden. Crispy outside, outrageously tender inside.
Tempura Prawns
Nishiki Market, Kyoto
Light, airy batter that shatters when you bite into it. Go early to avoid the chaos and eat them hot.
Ichiran Ramen
Various locations
Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it’s touristy. And yes—it’s absolutely worth it. You order from a vending machine, sit in your own little booth and customise everything from noodle firmness to garlic level. The tonkotsu broth is rich, silky and deeply comforting.
Takoyaki
Dotonbori, Osaka
Osaka’s signature street snack—golden batter balls filled with octopus, brushed with sweet sauce and topped with bonito flakes that dance in the heat. Molten on the inside, so pace yourself.
Onigiri
7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
Triangular rice balls wrapped in seaweed and filled with tuna mayo, salmon or pickled plum. Cheap, portable and oddly perfect. The packaging even peels open in a way that keeps the seaweed crisp.
Matcha Tiramisu
Maccha House, Kyoto
If you’re doing matcha in Kyoto, this is the one. Maccha House’s matcha tiramisu comes layered in a wooden masu box with earthy Uji matcha, light mascarpone and soft sponge beneath. It’s rich but balanced, slightly bitter and not overly sweet.
Taiyaki
Street Stalls or Naruto Taiyaki Honpo Asakusa, Tokyo
Fish-shaped waffle batter filled with red bean, custard or chocolate—and yes, it’s better than it sounds. Crisp on the outside, fluffy inside and piping hot when fresh off the press.
Tonkatsu Sandwich
Lawson, Nationwide
Thick, juicy pork cutlet layered between crustless white bread with tangy sauce. It looks basic. It is not basic. Soft, crunchy, savoury perfection for under a few dollars.
Pro Tips for Eating in Japan:
Explore Street Food: Don’t be afraid to try local street food—some of the best dishes come from small stalls.
Convenience Stores Are Gold: Japan’s 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart are more than just convenience stores—they’re food havens.
Cash is King: Many places still only accept cash, so always carry some yen with you.
Whether you’re indulging in street food or exploring Japan’s quirky convenience store offerings, each bite is a new experience. Happy eating!
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Image credit: Chantelle Ellem
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