Royal Host: Hamburg Steak set ¥1,200 yen
Japan isn’t exactly a cheap vacation when you want to experience it your way.
I don’t want to spend my entire trip counting every yen or skipping things I’ve been dreaming about just because they’re a little more expensive. At the same time, I don’t want to come home from Japan wondering how I’m going to pay for the trip afterward.
So, I’m taking a different approach: I’m planning ahead and saving for the Japan experience I actually want.
For me, that means finding a balance between being smart with my money and still allowing myself to enjoy the things that make Japan so exciting to me. Good food, exploring Tokyo, shopping, beautiful places, train rides, and those random little moments you can’t really plan for. Those to me are the most exciting point of any Japan trip. The unplanned. That’s when you find your favorite train stop, favorite ramen shop, and favorite walking path.
You don’t have to travel to Japan on an ultra tight budget to have an amazing trip. But you also don’t need to spend a fortune.
I’m learning that the trick is figuring out where I want to spend and where I don’t mind saving.
The Big Expenses I’m Planning For
- Flights
- Hotels/Airbnb
- Transportation
- Food
- Shopping
- Activities
- Travel insurance
- Emergency money
🍜 Where I Don’t Mind Spending More
Food: I’m not going to Japan just to eat convenience-store meals every day. Don’t get me wrong, Conbini meals are amazing but I want to experience what the locals eat. I want to explore the grocery stores and not just 7-11 for the next great onigiri breakfast.
Food is one area I’m willing to spend a little more, but in Japan that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank to do so.
One of this writer’s favorite ways to eat in Japan is at family restaurants. These casual restaurants are a great option when you want a sit-down meal without spending a ton of money and usually no table fee.
Places like Royal Host and Saizeriya are worth checking out. These are especially useful if you are traveling with a picky eater or child.
At Royal Host a simple Hamburg style Western meal is between ¥1,200 – ¥1,700. This includes a well portioned hamburg steak as well as two side dishes. Expect for lunch to spend between ¥1,500–¥2,000 for a sit down meal. They also offer a drink bar for a little extra. This is just one way to enjoy a meal at a restaurant that doesn’t have to break your budget. The meals are good quality, inexpensive doesn’t mean you are sacrificing anything in Japan. You don’t need reservations for these places, just show up hungry. You may need to add yourself to a wait list but usually these are tablets and can be switched into your native language.
A Little Tip for Solo Diners
If you’re feeling a little lost or aren’t sure what to do when you walk in, look for the host or staff member near the entrance. They’ll help you get seated.
You can simply say, “Hitotsu onegaishimasu” (ひとつお願いします), which means “One, please.” It’s a simple way to let them know you’re dining alone. You can also hold up one finger if you’re struggling with the words. They’ll usually understand what you mean.
Don’t let the fear of eating alone keep you from trying a restaurant you want to visit. Solo dining is a great way to experience Japan at your own pace, and a little Japanese goes a long way!
One small note: at some restaurants, you may also hear “Hitori desu” (一人です), meaning “I’m alone” or “It’s just me.” That’s another simple phrase to keep in your pocket while traveling.
They will not judge you for trying, they will appreciate you for attempting to communicate.
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