After 6 months of daily exploration, here are my top picks for budget lunches near Shinjuku: 1) Fuji Soba (¥380 kake soba), 2) Matsuya (¥450 gyudon), 3) Hanamaru Udon (¥300 kake), 4) Sukiya (¥430 gyudon), 5) Tenya (¥550 tendon). All within 5 min walk from the station.
The new peperoncino pasta at Saizeriya is only ¥299 (tax included). Add the drink bar for ¥199 and you have a complete meal for under ¥500. This is probably the cheapest sit-down Italian meal in Tokyo.
Genuine question: Hidakaya ramen is ¥490 and honestly pretty good. Ichiran is ¥1,000+. Is the taste difference really worth 2x the price? What do you all think?
Most people know Matsuya for gyudon, but their breakfast sets (available until 11am) are incredible value. Grilled salmon + rice + miso for ¥350. That's cheaper than a konbini onigiri set and way more filling.
Download the Gusto app and check the coupon section. 20% off drink bars all week. Stack it with the lunch set menu for best value. The Hamburg set + drink bar comes out to about ¥680.
For those of us who work late or party late: Matsuya, Fuji Soba, Sukiya, and Yoshinoya are all 24h near Shinjuku station. My ranking for late night: 1) Matsuya (most variety), 2) Fuji Soba (quickest), 3) Sukiya (cheapest).
Looking for places in Tokyo where I can bring my toddler without feeling awkward. Budget of ¥2,000 for the whole family. Saizeriya is our go-to but looking for variety. Any suggestions?
Just discovered that Yoshinoya gives ¥50 off if you show a student ID at certain locations. Not all branches do this, but the ones near universities usually do. Shinjuku East branch confirmed!
I've eaten at over 50 gyoza places in Tokyo. Nothing beats Ohsho's 6-piece plate at ¥260 for the price. Hand-wrapped, pan-fried to perfection. Pro tip: order "yoku-yaki" (extra crispy) for no extra charge.
Just relocated to Tokyo from New York. In NYC, a decent lunch is $15-20 minimum. Here I'm eating amazing food for ¥500 ($3.50). Am I dreaming? What are the hidden costs or gotchas I should know about?
Here are my top picks for healthy meals under ¥1,000 in Shibuya: 1) Yayoiken grilled fish set (¥780), 2) Ringer Hut vegetable champon (¥690), 3) Ootoya balanced teishoku (¥830). All include rice and miso.
The Matsuya official app has a digital coupon right now — free upgrade from regular miso soup to premium tonjiru (pork miso) worth ¥100. Just show the coupon on your phone. Valid until end of month.
I eat alone 90% of the time and prefer counter seats. What are the best counter-only budget restaurants in Shinjuku/Shibuya? Fuji Soba is my current go-to but want variety.
Strategy for maximum value at Torikizoku (all items ¥360): 1) Start with edamame + 2 yakitori, 2) One beer or highball, 3) Share karaage plate, 4) End with rice ball. Total: ~¥1,440. That's appetizer, main, drink, and carb — at an izakaya!
Tips for tourist friends: 1) No tipping ever, 2) Many chains have vending machine ordering — no Japanese needed, 3) Lunch sets are always cheaper than dinner, 4) Water is always free, 5) ¥500 is a realistic meal budget per person.