Download Podcast

This week Chris is joined by TJ Eckleberg and Ayumi, two very special kansai cheapos to discuss the various types of Japanese Cuisine and of course where to get the best value!

Yakiniku

Not such a cheapo option alas, Korean BBQ might be the best value. If you like to eat a lot of meat look out for tabehodai (eat all you like) deals, sometimes for ¥2,500 or less.

And for the cheapo who likes to cook at home look out for 50% off high grade wagyu beef from supermarkets after 9pm

Yakitori

A cheapo favourite, cheap and fairly ubiquitous, try out “piss alley” near the west exit of shinjuku station.

Shabushabu

Similar deal to yakiniku i.e. not so cheapo, again look out for tabehodai for best value – but not best quality ;(

Suggested Activity
Become a Samurai in Tokyo
Who doesn't want to swing a sword and emulate the warriors of feudal Japan? Experience being a samurai for yourself in one of the coolest activities in Tokyo. During your intimate lesson, you’ll get to dress up in a samurai outfit, train with a traditional katana (single-edged samurai sword), and learn a world-renowned style of sword dance. ...

Nabe

Not too cheap but filling. Try these nabe restaurants in Tokyo. Otherwise lots of izakaya offer nabe.

Oden

Generally not something you find in restaurants, pick up an oden pack from any supermarket in fall/winter for super cheapo experience! Also 7-Eleven is reputed to have the best convenience store oden.

Teishoku + Yakizakana

Photo by Chris Kirkland
The salaryman’s lunch, it’s pretty much available everywhere and a great cheapo lunch.

If you are a real foodie, this place in Ginza (Japanese link) has high rankings and low prices.

Tonkatsu/corroke

Porky porky porky, tonkatsu or pork cutlets are pretty much always a cheap option, here’s a high rated place on tabelog in Akasaka.

Ubiquitously cheap, corroke is usally best found at butchers, bento shops and supermarket stalls rather than restaurants.

Continued in Part 2.

Suggested Activity
Save with the Klook Pass Tokyo
Get up to 48% off your tickets to Tokyo’s popular attractions, including Tokyo Disney, teamLab Planets, Legoland, Shibuya Sky and more. Choose from 7 different combinations, with add-ons available. ...

Edited and produced by Podcast Magic.

Written by:
Chris's Tokyo favorites are: Tomoe Sushi, Borne, Udagawa Cafe Suite
Filed under: Podcast
Ask our local experts about Tokyo

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Watch this next