How to Save Money on Food in Japan

Let’s face it—Japan is not the cheapest country to live or travel in, but with a little bit of strategy, you can make your food budget stretch without missing out on any of the culinary delights that the country is famous for.

1. Supermarkets and Convenience Store Tips

If you're living in Japan, supermarkets will be your best friend. While convenience stores like 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are famous for their convenience, they can add up quickly. The secret to cutting costs is timing.

Hit the Discounts at the Right Time

Japanese supermarkets typically offer significant discounts on food in the late afternoon and evening, especially perishables such as sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, and ready-to-eat meals. Head to your local supermarket after 6 PM, and you might find items at a 30-50% markdown.

Additionally, some items like meat, fish, and bread also get discounted at certain times of the day or during special sales. Becoming a regular at your local supermarket will help you learn their specific discount schedule.

Konbini Hacks: Convenience Stores on a Budget

While convenience stores are often pricier than supermarkets, there are still ways to save at them. First, look for konbini private-label products like Seven & i (7-Eleven's in-house brand) or Lawson Select, which often offer better prices for basic items like bread, pasta, and canned goods. Some chains also run seasonal sales or limited-time promotions where you can buy items like onigiri (rice balls) for just 100 yen.

Furthermore, look out for point card systems, such as the Seven-Eleven app or Rakuten Edy, which allow you to collect points for every purchase. Over time, these points can translate into free meals or significant discounts.

2. Buy in Bulk: Know Where to Shop

In major cities, there are big stores like Costco and Gyomu Super that cater to those looking to purchase in bulk. Costco in Japan is similar to its counterparts abroad and offers everything from frozen foods to baked goods at lower prices when purchased in large quantities.

Gyomu Super is another great option. Known as a discount supermarket chain, Gyomu Super is a favorite among locals for its low prices and wide variety of products, especially bulk food items like pasta, rice, and frozen vegetables. It’s a perfect spot for stocking up if you have storage space. Be sure to check out their imported goods section, where you can find international staples at very reasonable prices.

3. Shop at 100 Yen Stores for Cooking Ingredients

You may already know about Japan’s famous 100 yen shops (like Daiso or Seria), but did you know you can also find food there? While they don't offer fresh food, they do stock dried goods, snacks, canned food, and essential cooking items like pasta, rice, and seasonings, all for around 100 yen each. These stores are perfect for picking up basics like soy sauce, miso paste, and cooking oil at a fraction of the cost compared to regular supermarkets.

4. Explore Traditional Markets and Farmers' Stalls

One of the best ways to save money while getting high-quality food is to shop at traditional markets (ichiba). Many cities and towns in Japan have outdoor markets where local farmers sell fresh produce directly to consumers, often at prices much lower than supermarkets. The best part? You’re supporting local agriculture and often get fresher produce.

Keep an eye out for morning markets like the famous ones in Kanazawa or Takayama, where you can purchase fresh seafood, vegetables, and even homemade snacks. Prices tend to drop towards the end of the day when vendors are trying to sell off the day’s stock.

5. Opt for Homemade Meals

Japanese restaurants, especially local ramen shops, izakayas, and kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi), offer great dining experiences, but eating out regularly can quickly add up. One of the easiest ways to save money is to cook at home.

Japanese supermarkets sell a variety of affordable ingredients for making meals at home. Staples like rice, miso soup, and grilled fish are both inexpensive and simple to prepare. A great thing about Japan is that bento culture—preparing a packed lunch—is deeply ingrained, and many people make their own lunches to bring to work or school. Preparing bento boxes can be not only cost-effective but also healthy and fun to put together.

6. Use Discount Apps and Websites

Japan has several apps and websites dedicated to finding food discounts, special offers, and promotions. Some of the most popular ones include:

• Lakita: This app lets you know which stores are offering discounted items in real-time.
• Retty: A restaurant recommendation site that also shares information about discounts and special offers.
• Smapo: Allows users to collect points from various stores, which can later be redeemed for discounts.

In addition to these apps, check supermarket and convenience store websites for coupons and limited-time promotions.

7. Seasonal Eating

Japan is a country that deeply respects the seasons, and this is reflected in their food. Buying seasonal fruits and vegetables is not only a great way to enjoy the best flavors but also to save money. For example, mikan (mandarins) in winter, strawberries in spring, and kabocha (Japanese pumpkin) in fall are generally much cheaper when they’re in season.

8. Go for Donburi, Soba, and Udon

If you're looking to eat out but still save money, head to places that specialize in donburi (rice bowls), soba, or udon. These are affordable, filling, and delicious options at most Japanese eateries. Many places, like Sukiya or Matsuya, offer full meals for less than 500 yen, making them perfect for a budget-friendly dining experience.

Also, some soba or udon shops in train stations or busy areas offer even cheaper prices for standing-only meals. Don’t be afraid to try these quick and cost-effective options.

9. Bento Boxes from Supermarkets and Department Stores

While bento boxes from supermarkets are already quite affordable, you can take advantage of timing again to get even better deals. As the evening approaches, unsold bento boxes are heavily discounted to avoid waste. Department stores, known as depachika (food halls in department basements), also offer high-quality bento boxes at markdowns later in the day.

For instance, head to stores like Isetan or Takashimaya after 7 PM and score gourmet meals at a fraction of their original cost.

10. Take Advantage of Food Recycling Systems

Japan has a unique system where some food items approaching their expiration dates are marked down considerably to avoid waste. Look for these labeled items, which are often perfectly safe to eat but have been discounted because their expiration date is near. Some supermarkets even have entire sections dedicated to these "food recycling" efforts.

Final Thoughts

Saving money on food in Japan doesn’t mean you have to live off instant noodles. With a little bit of planning, smart shopping, and timing, you can enjoy delicious, high-quality meals while keeping your budget in check. Whether it's taking advantage of supermarket discounts, buying in bulk, or opting for seasonal foods, these strategies will help you enjoy the best of Japanese cuisine without breaking the bank.