NOTIFICATION SQUAD: I don't know what I was thinking filming this video across two intense days. Speed run to undoing all the good work from the recent cycle! But WHICH one do you think is best value for money and WHAT did we miss? 🌸 Use code "HANAMI" and get bonus snacks in your #Sakuraco box at: team.sakura.co/abroadinjapan-SC2303 🌸Or, you can use code "ABROAD" to get $5 off for your first #Sakuraco or #TokyoTreat box at team.tokyotreat.com/abroadinjapan-TT2303
I'd be interested in seeing a series out of this, where you slowly amp up the price ($20, $30, $40, etc) to later see where the sweet spot of money for value is
I really appreciate you pronouncing place names clearly and showing the logos, in addition to literally ranking everything and giving recommendations on what to get. Really love the effort to actually make it helpful, rather than just general statements of "try ramen/udon/whatever in Japan" without any direction for the viewer
Indeed. More and more tourists are coming to Japan these days, but some of them have no plan for dinner. That is unfortunate. I hope this video will help them.
I've been to Japan a month ago and there was something that shocked me: standard drinks (water, sometimes tea) are FREE. Coming from Italy, where even a water bottle in a restaurant can cost a lot, it was a great change of pace. Top it with cheap, fantastic food and you had me wishing I didn't have to go back.
Wait what ?? They charge you for water ??? Where I’m from if you’re thirsty you can simply go to any restaurant/cafe and ask for a glass of water even if you’re not eating there .
@@Maciej_von_Usedom Im from eastern europe and tap water is free. In some cases you have to specifically ask for it or they will bring you bottle water
Hi, some random Japanese uni student here. As a student, we're always on our budget. And yes, this video pretty much summarizes where we spend most of our time if we go out eat with our friends.
I'm actually surprized that during our two weeks in Japan we came in under budget. We ate well, but cheaply, we ate rice balls from 7/11's a few times - cheap & cheerful.
We raided 7-11 daily for the weirdest snacks we could find, plus filled our fridg-u with tobiko nigiri and salmon. 7-11 in Japan sells good food! We filled a basket of snacks and drinks and it'd be no more than 1100 yen.
I have multiple friends who visit japan and really food is actually the cheapest part of the travel so long as you aren't constantly eating at places shown on social media, and are more willing to eat at local places.
The food is never the cost in Japan even without thinking with a budget and even cheap restaurants are mostly good. Only when we went for Kobe Beef in Takayama it was very pricey (duh) :)
I forgot how much I liked Chris's slice of life style videos about Japan. Nice once in a while to see him go back to his roots for this kind of charming content and presentation.
@Hunter He made some Top 10s early like this along with some Early Natsuki Skits. His evolution truly started by JAJ videos and his video about Fukushima.
@@hunter7593 I suppose I mean content on mundane and daily aspects of Japanese life and culture vs. traveling, fitness, biking, love hotels, abandoned sites etc. which has been the main theme the past year. It reminds me of his humbler days in making what are trivial or everyday things to Japanese folks an interesting or fun topic to watch.
I won a ticket to Japan paid $44 for tax or something airfare, used airline miles for hotel stay, $300 on the JR green pass, stocked up on grocery food, and only visited free sites. 8 days in Japan cost me like $500 total and I visited Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Nara and Hiroshima.
Allow me to add some context as a Japanese. Firstly, Saizeriya is not only a restaurant but also a place where you can sit comfortably and spend long time with your friends at a low cost. On the other hand, beef bowl restaurants like Sukiya are places where you quickly enter, eat, and leave, not suitable for lingering. I have fond memories of going to Saizeriya with friends during my budget-conscious high school days and chatting for hours so it's sad to see it get a bad rap😢 Indeed, the taste may be inferior to other restaurants, but I think it's quite good for the price. Besides, those who want to eat delicious Italian food shouldn't choose a cheap restaurant in the first place. In that sense, I recommend Saizeriya for those who want to experience Japanese culture and lifestyle (remember to order the Milan-style Doria🤤), but I wouldn't suggest it to tourists who just want delicious Italian food. For the discerning palate, I just recommend high-end Italian restaurants ;)
I'm Japanese too, but it's true.Saizeria is super delicious and fun to eat while having fun with friends.If you want delicious food, just go to an expensive restaurant.
Even if you aren't on a budget, I think visiting McDonald's at least once on an international trip is worth it. I find it interesting how they alter their menus to cater to local tastes. Like Paneer Burgers in India, Shrimp Burgers in Japan, and even something as simple as having a salsa bar in Mexico.
There's something to this; you never know what might be different. Even on Guam, still in the US, though most of the fast food chains are basically the same as stateside, KFC features red rice and kelaguen, and offers fish during Lent.
I usually make sure I do this when I visit a new place for that very reason. It's just fun to see how one concept gets changed to fit another culture. I recommended hub British pubs in japan to a friend and got a weird look given both British, but it's just great to expirence what a Japanese take on the concept looks like. And to see what they have to do to bland British food to make it appeal to Japanese. Nothing says UK like some traditional British fried spaghetti! ♥️
Memexican here, McDonalds no longer has sauces in a bar. Fortunately, there are always some sort of hot stuff like habanero burguers, burgers with guacamole as well as the usual jalapeño sauce packs.
You're right, chain places have 'regional specialities'. KFC HK served lattice fries, not straight cut, and served mushroom fried rice. In 1986 I tried hot and spicy KFC in Singapore- took years to get a weaker variant here in Australia. McDonalds Germany versus Croatia was hugely different in taste
Happy to see you recording the opening in front of Sendai Station. Sad to see you move to Tokyo, but excited for the new opportunities the move will allow you!
As someone who got off the 18 hour flight to Japan and smelled the incredible aroma of coco ichibanya I can confirm that even 5 years later, I dream of he flavourful curry meal I had after that arduous flight. Thankfully you can also get your coco curry fix in the UK. :)
Wow i must try. I LOVE jap. Curry and have only seen coco in Thailand. However being in thailand it seemed overpriced at the time. Will give it a go in japan!!!
There are two restaurants in Japan i'll never forget. One is a tsukemen restaurant near Shibuya, just OMG. And then theres a curry house in Nagahoribashi - Osaka that serves jet black curry made with squid ink! One of the most delicious things, especially with cheese the way Chris likes it! I hope theyre both still there after the pandemic!
I would also suggest Okonomiyaki for a meal under 1000 yen - it's usually really affordable and delicious, as well as fun to watch the staff cook in front of you. After visiting Japan it's my new favourite Japanese food
I returned to the U.K. from Japan 8 months ago and I genuinely think about Okonomiyaki almost every day. It’s so so so nice and Japanese restaurants in the U.K. just don’t offer it.😭 I’d try make it myself but I just know it won’t taste the same. Miss it so much. Definitely something not to miss trying if you go to Japan.
I'm actually in Japan now and I was interested in cheap options of sushi. Thank you, Chris. Your face was very "do not cheap out on sushi", you might have saved my life
Sushi and cheap shouldnt be together unless you want to be down with the cramps. Go to an 'obanzai' instead (nice informal little filling dishes with some beer or highballs) or get some ramen.
Saizeriya is great for the price. No one expects it to be authentic Italian cuisine at that price. It's perfectly serviceable and reliable, in my experience.
I’m litterally dying right now, this all looks so delicious. I dont have a job and i cant afford much food and i cant imagine how nice it would be to eat all this everyday. Japanese food is all so delicious and i hope one day before i die that i can simply go to enjoy the country and its delicacies 😭😭😭
This why i love Japan, they make the food just like the same as the photo show at entrance/menu. Before you walk in the shop you know what you would get.
Watching you from day one this video felt truly nostalgic. Can't explain why but there is that old Abroad in Japan style with all new tricks. Made me emotional. Love to you Chris, great content as always.
I've been watching this channel since 2016 and this is the first time I've heard him mention most of these places. I never realized how many different local restaurant chains Japan actually has.
What? He talked about all of this with Connor in their "Underrated" and "overrated" things in Japan. He shit on Saizeriya at least twice before this video is out.
Hi Chris, just wanted to say a big thank you for your videos. Since my partner first booked our trip to Japan early last year, I found your channel and have been following religiously since. We returned from our 2-week trip there yesterday. I have an open mind to food and willing to try most, so Japan did not disappoint. We made a point of avoiding anything considered western style and the up-market restaurants, I even tried horse, but Fugu eluded me, did try the curry bread, great snack food. Have never eaten so much raw fish, and the way it was presented made it so hard to eat, each meal was a piece of art. Our very short tour started in Fukuoka and wandered up towards Tokyo, whilst there is still so much to see and experience in the south, we plan on rectifying this next year with another visit, free travel this time and about three months long. I now understand why you stayed there.😁
As a redeeming quality for Saizeriya and the other family restaurants; it's a good fit if you're on a holiday with some picky (Western) eaters and they want some semblance of familiarity. Our group had a few that were no fans of fish nor tofu. The ramen, curry and gyudon was making us feel like salty greasy balloons. Options become limited... Saizeriya to the rescue! The beer was decently priced, so that helped smooth things over for those not entirely satisfied with the choice. ;)
everybody should enjoy their trips how they choose, but i really cant imagine taking an almost full day of flight, being transported to an entirely different place from what you're used to, with so many new things, and instead you ask for the IHOP cheese pizza lol.
Also, when I went (almost a decade ago by this point) the quality really was not as abhorrent as you showed it. Seems like they massively undercooked the pizza. The 'hamburg steak' was pretty decent actually.
@@atticusmars Haha yeah I fully agree, but this was a 3 week trip. We had more then enough opportunities to experience good food - this happened on the lazy "let's actually not do 25K steps today" days, where you just stay near the hotel/BnB.
Ootoya is hands-down my favourite cheap chain restaurant in Japan. Home-style, affordable food with very little over 1000 yen (most way cheaper than that) for a set meal with rice, pickles, fish or meat and a bowl of miso soup. Never had anything other than a great meal there.
One of the things I like the most about Chris' videos is the effort he and his team put in making all the information well explained: price ranges, availability, suggestions, quantity of food, opinions, names of places etc. Congrats! And thank you! :)
"By the second time I was fine. By the third time I was in love." THIS! On my recent vacation to Tokyo I got takoyaki from a little place in Ikebukuro. It was my first time trying it and for some reason I expected it to be crisp all the way through, like a Yorkshire pudding. I was quite surprised and taken aback at how gooey and delicious (not to mention still piping hot after the 10 minute walk back to my hotel) it was on the inside. I would now eat it every day if I could. For anyone put off by the idea of eating octopus: raw octopus is just really, really, really chewy. Cooked octopus on the other hand has a consistency closer to bacon. For three whole days I ate Takoyaki from that place for dinner. I also visited a Mos Burger while I was over there and to be honest Chris, you've done a bang-up job of lowering people's expectations of it. The Tobikiri Cheese Burger I had was really rather nice even though it had onions in it: I've grown up absolutely despising onions and yet Mos Burger has somehow, against all the odds, found a way to make them palatable even to someone like me. You have to give them credit for that. Also McDonalds Japan is legit not only for the awesome and delicious Samurai Mac, but for having chicken McNuggets as a standard item on the BREAKFAST menu.
@@gizmoat17 Felt like he was holding himself back from his usual brand of humor and honesty during those episodes, the mountain village one didn't even feel like a video from him. It is boring when all we get is 'pretty scenery' shots and 'yum its all delicious and super comfortable'.
Just want to say thank you Chris for all your videos, I grew up in japan and am finally able to visit again 8 years later and your videos helped me feel less home sick.
I've just booked a trip to Japan for next year, never been and a somewhat picky eater so was worried about possible food issues. But you've just helped me relax - I'd eat almost everything you picked up, and seeing how widespread a lot of it is, and how cheap (£6 for a massive bowl of udon, soup and chicken is insane!) has really helped me get into the spirit of my future trip
When you come, you should try going to some supermarkets as well. Everyone says the convenience stores are great but don't forget the supermarkets. They are usually cheaper and have way more options.
it's true, for the price it's quite good, Chris's Saizeriya hate is a bit unjustified considering the quality of pasta and pizza you usually get in Japan for 400-600 yen. For those who dont't know, the average Pizza here costs around 2000 yen
I grew up in small town Iowa. Visited Japan after college and had ramen for the first time. Loved it. I moved out to California recently and was excited to try the wider selection of food in the area, including some ramen restaurants. $20+ for a bowl of ramen... Guess I'll learn to make it myself if I really want ramen again.
@Hunter It was never an option at restaurants nearby, and the "asian isle" was a super small section tucked away in a corner at the grocery store. You'd have to really want it if you want to eat ramen where I grew up. And I never really wanted it that bad. Ramen isn't exactly a mid-western dish :D It just blew my mind that something that is basically cheap street food in Japan (yes, there are fancier options) is exclusively high price items here in my part of California.
Finally, the long awaited and teased (on your podcast) video about budget friendly dinner options. Let's see about these, I will be needing some budget options for when I come to Japan this summer :).
I actually loved Saizeriya when I studied abroad in Japan haha! I always got the hayashi rice with drink bar and it was a solid, reliable meal on the cheap. I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention the best Japanese McDonald's menu item -- the ebi burger! I would do a lot to get those made over here in the USA. Great video as always!
I lived in Hakodate and got to see all it's unique places, which I understand can't be covered in short or passing visits, but I did work in a bar that charged ¥1500 for an entry fee which included 5 drinks, and every drink after that was ¥100 each, or for ¥3000 all you can drink until the bar closes at 6-7am. Then there was Lucky Pierrot, aka Rappii, an iconic local fast but great food restaurant to get baptised in Japanese quality fast food, not to mention the unique to that area kushiyaki-specialised old man, or the soup curry restaurant, or the best meat in town, there's just so many places to be seen and visited there....a small town that deserves more attention than just the Asaichi market imo :)
Coco Curry was pretty much the favorite for my father and I on our last trip to Japan (ate it almost for three days straight it was that good). For us the benefits were: -you get a spoon to eat it with (easier for my father who really struggled with chopsticks) -lots of variety, with vegetables, chicken katsu etc. -menu super easy to point and order at (zero Japanese skills required)
As a broke university foreign exchange student in Japan, I would frequent the different family restaurants with my fellow ryugakusei. They became our favorite spots to hang out in. The Saizeriya brought back memories of going there with my Japanese boyfriend (at the time). One time he brought along his friend who loved Parmesan cheese so much he dumped a whole mound of it on top of his pasta. The same boyfriend took me to this amazing ramen place that only cost, like, 350 yen for a big bowl (this was nearly 20 years ago).
Chris I've been watching you for years now. Thank you for the endless hours of Japan-centric entertainment. Looking forward to many more years! Thanks again!
Coco curry was a bad decision for me when I went to Japan. Purely because it was so dam nice. We went for 3 weeks and I'm pretty sure we had coco curry on at least 10 of those days 😂 my favourite one being the one that had katsu chicken, with some chicken balls and shredded chicken in in the sauce. It was amazing. We also went around the time they had some special sauce on (think it was a season thing). The second time was just as bad too.
Currently in Japan, I’m majorly blown away at how inexpensive it is with how high the quality is. 7-Elevens have incredible food for low cost, and even restaurants average about 700-1000 yen for a solid meal. Really quite reasonable overall
I am on a business trip to Japan while receiving a salary from an American company, but it is heaven. I don't have that much money in the US, but I am rich in Japan because prices are cheap and the dollar is worth a lot more at the dollar-yen exchange rate. I think it's probably a similar situation for people who are on business trips to Japan from Australia.
It really is bittersweet watching videos like these. I fell in love with Japan on my first visit, though now, I'm not sure when I'll be returning. Also, I ate decent food during my visit, but I hate that I didn't know of most of these places, then. This gives me good feelings and brings back awesome memories, but I hate that I can't be there this time tomorrow or anytime soon. 😢
I was on Holiday for 2 weeks last month and being from the UK I was actually surprised how affordable food and drinks were. Everything was freshly made, tasty and extremely good value. I actually miss it, Eating out here in comparison is super expensive and the complete opposite.
Excellent list Chris. In the 20 years I’ve lived here in Japan, I have made good use of most of these on multiple occasions. One more to add, for those in the Nagoya sphere of influence, is Komeda Coffee. Well-loved by older Japanese, this Nagoya based establishment kind of a ‘coffee house’ themed family restaurant, serving not-that-tasty coffee BUT reasonably priced and tasty sandwiches and desserts. (I live in Mie-prefecture, and they’re everywhere.) Oh and the “Morning Set” is super cheap, and a good introduction to Nagoya breakfast culture. 🍞 🥚 ☕️
Managed to get a round trip to Japan next spring for under $900. I'm scared but excited for my first overseas trip and I'm hoping videos like this help me and my friend have an awesome but cheap trip.
I had a similar experience except with katsudon. There was this small take-out store that sold various donburi and karaage. They had no joke MOUNTAINS of karaage piled up in the back of the shop. So I often got katsudon with a varying amount of karaage. Maybe not the healthiest food, but boy was it ever delicious! 🤤 That was where my undying love for karaage began.
The #1 thing I want to experience in Japan is the Sukiya cheese gyoudon. Hell, if I ever go to Japan, I will beeline straight for the nearest Sukiya the second I get off the plane.
Always nice to remember that one doesnt have to break the bank to eat well in japan. I'm so excited to go this year, and the thing I'm most excited for is food. With it being a rough year so far financially, its great to be reminded of the affordable options. You and Nick do such a good job showcasing food, bravo!
Ca-Tu-Ya is my go-to. The pork cutlets are thicker and fattier than Coco. The bread batter is simply magical. The pork miso soup is sublime. It's a bloody celebration!
This is an absolutley wonderfully timed video. I'm going to Japan for 2 months this coming summer and I've been thinking about food on a budget. Thanks for all the help Chris!
When I was in Japan I had lunch and snacks on the go. Then half the time I went out to eat for dinner and half the time I went to the local supermarket where I bought ready made food. It was cheap (esp at the end of the day) and very tasty! My hotel had a microwave so I could even heat up stuff. While I was there I picked up breakfast for the next day as well (onigiri or sandwiches often). It worked really well for me!
The first time I was in Japan now, this was in the early 90s. Mcdonald's and KFC were my lifeline for about a month till my friends showed me where the good places to eat were. But you can get good food that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Great video
I wouldn't even say saizeriya is particularly good value. The portions are tiny, you get way more value at random non-chains run by old ladies serving you gigantic portions of udon. Funnily enough I did go there once with people from Italy and their reactions made it worth it, haha.
Great video, encapsulated exactly what I want to show friends and family who have not been to Japan as far as cheap food goes! There are enough videos about convenience stores, so it is understandable why you didn't add it!
The best Italian food I've had in Japan was in a little restaurant called Capricciosa in the B2 floor of Namba City Main Building in Osaka. It was more like 1300 yen, but given the rather favorable exchange rate that is still quite good.
We visited japan in march 2020 and I still remember the guy at the travel visa booth in the airport looking at me saying "a whole month in Japan, you must be rich". When in fact we just stayed in cheap self checkin hotels or just straight up capsule hotels. We never spent more than 20€ per night and we also were constantly on the move. If I divide my rent by days in the month it´s more expensive than staying in a self checkin hotel in Japan lol. Food was also super cheap, just don´t go to tourist traps.
I probably take my whole family to Japan next month so firstly really appreciated your Efforts to take a chance to risked these food for us in case of avoid horrible traps!!
I practically lived off coco ichibanya last time I was in Japan. Such good selection (oh, and if you're used to spice then the 10 isn't too hot, but is definitely more heat than flavour, 5 was a perfect balance for me, while my partner settled on a 3)
Always a pleasure to see your work Chris well done. My brother and I will be traveling to Japan this summer and we have been watching your videos since the very beginning and can not wait to experience Japan.
One option people can look for are dried fish (himono/干物). Izakayas have them to be sure, but there are some smaller places that cater to salarymen and the like who just need a quick set meal for cheap. Look for a place that serves a teishoku (定食) as just a lunch special or right between when trains arrive and offices open. Often you can get something good and reasonably healthy for ¥1,000 or less. Edit: Yayoiken is a dedicated one and they have an English menu if you need so.
I could see a series of “worth it” type videos being very successful on your channel. Have a competition of similar foods at different locations with varying prices.
Honestly - after visiting the UK las month and eating "the best pizza in the region" according to reviews and our host - the pizza presented here still looks way better. I don't understand what Brits are doing to Pizza but hearing you complain about it makes me think it's probably good.
Almost a crime not to mention Torikizoku, a disease from which there is no escape. Travelling around Japan, just knowing this and Sushiro gave us a safe option to fall back on wherever we were if we were a bit tired and feeling unadventurous
I just spent 3 months in Japan. I broke my foot and had to rest for most of the time. All I did was eat and drink Japanese food and beer. I didn’t gain a single kilo. That’s how generally good Japanese food is.
I did a 6 week placement in tokyo a few years ago. Amongst other things, me and a friend set a goal to see who could work up to level 10 spice at Coco. I was sadly beaten and could only reach level 8. My friend finished the full level 10 - appparently the first customer at the restaurant to do so. Mega proud of my boy! Probably burned a hole through the toilet a few minutes later though: no sacrifice, no victory or whatever 😂
Holy Christ hitting level 10 at Coco is an insane achievement. That curry is 80% oil at that point. I found 6 to be too hot to taste good already, and I topped out at 8. And that was NOT an enjoyable experience.
So obviously the longtime viewers will be familiar with it already, but I feel like conbini bento should have also been mentioned in the honorable mention bit. Let's be real, their bento's are just as good and just as cheap as the ones at the supermarket, but the staff at familymart will even warm them up for you. Talk about service! Also a little surprised there wasn't more mention of street food (specifically some of the many karaage stalls) as they are arguably some of the best value for money.
I'm definitely going to Hanbey as soon as I can. That looks like an awesome place! Overall awesome tips for someone, like me, who is about to move to Japan soon.
Marugame is really good. Shocked to see its an actual brand from Japan. always assumed it a brand just styled after Japan, but its obvious in hindsight on how different they operate compared to any other restaurant here. I instantly recognized in the opening seconds that it was marugame. they have such a vibe and its consistent world wide. damn.
Compared to my hometown of Melbourne, I found Tokyo's food prices pleasantly affordable. Dinner in a fancy traditional sushi 'house' (because we had private rooms in what looked like a house) was AUD $110 with alcohol, and this was for three people. Very comparable to home. Admittedly we stayed in the less-trendy sumo district, so that saved us cash. One afternoon we were in Shinjuku and noticed prices for everything was double. We, being cheapos, took the train back across town for a late lunch.
Some honorable mentions, Ootoya is incredible set meals. Delicious. There are many excellent Indian lunch buffets that clock in under 1k yen. Near my old office in Jimbocho, we had a 1k yen yakiniku joint that was incredible. Meat and flame. Mission complete. I think the coco ichi is my favorite as well. They really let you go crazy with the add ins in a way that won’t rip you off. Plus the sides are stupid cheap. 132 yen for a french fry. Overall, you will find a ton of cheap and incredible places for lunch, so splurge on that meal and get a cheap dinner set at Ootoya.
I do love these kinds of videos where you spend less money but still have quality foods. 😅 I mean we are all struggling. Try to eat budgets. You guys are so lucky man!!!
Takoyaki is legitimately one of my all time favourite dishes, its surprisingly super creamy! But omg I thought I was the only one who had issues with it not cooling down.
Hey Chris, my boyfriend ordered level 10 spice at Coco Ichibanya by ACCIDENT. Wanted to let you know that he survived, and was drenched in sweat the whole meal. His words “spicy to the point where it wasn’t enjoyable” YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
@@madhatter0082 I like spicy food and thought level 6 was already spicy to the point it ruins the curry. It's finishable, but not remotely enjoyable. 8 was pure torture. I can't even fathom trying a 10 let alone finishing it.
I'm planning a trip for August. I wasn't shocked at the standard capital city hotel costs but I was shocked at how cheap food and alcohol seems to be compared to London. * I shouldn't have watched this while high.
If you're alright with slumming it, I would highly recommend a tube hotel. I was able to find a tube hotel in the heart of Tokyo that was 10 dollars a day. It honestly was a pretty decent experience.
Went to Tokyo in 2019 with a modest budget (could only afford to go because I was treated to it by a friend who was hit by a car and spent their settlement money on a vacation for him, one other friend, and myself) and can vouch for most of these. Breakfast was always konbini food, but most major meals were whatever we came across. Conveyor belt sushi, ramen, and takoyaki were common go-tos, and food was never even close to the bulk of our spending as a result. Only expensive food mistake we made was getting Domino's, but once we saw a Korean BBQ short rib pizza, we had to try it. It was good, but not ¥3,800 good.
The funny fact about Marugame Seimen is that they serve the infamous sanuki Udon from Kagawa prefecture but the company itself is not from Shikoku but based in Kobe, in Hyogo prefecture. This doesn't change the fact that it is the best franchised Udon restaurant in Japan and one of my favourite just like yours (I even used to work as a baito there for a while!) Highly recommended !
Thanks Chris this video is great. We had a Saizeria around the corner from us in Shanghai which wasn't too bad, especially considering what you pay, and we loved Sukiya in China, too bad we don't have much on film as we only started YT after moving to Dubai. Cant wait to try it in Japan soon😀
NOTIFICATION SQUAD: I don't know what I was thinking filming this video across two intense days. Speed run to undoing all the good work from the recent cycle!
But WHICH one do you think is best value for money and WHAT did we miss?
🌸 Use code "HANAMI" and get bonus snacks in your #Sakuraco box at: team.sakura.co/abroadinjapan-SC2303
🌸Or, you can use code "ABROAD" to get $5 off for your first #Sakuraco or #TokyoTreat box at team.tokyotreat.com/abroadinjapan-TT2303
GG
You made this in the time after the cycle? Mad lad.
pretty handy advise to be fair!
Don't worry your carb loading so we are fine with you eating.
its 10:27pm in west yorkshire right now, im watching this with a bowl of beef chilli right now
I'd be interested in seeing a series out of this, where you slowly amp up the price ($20, $30, $40, etc) to later see where the sweet spot of money for value is
Median menu 🙃
Are you trying to kill Him 😂
PLEASE NO
Yes!
When you got that woman, I was afraid that you would use her influenza. Please stay true to your style. She is a lichen. Succubus.❤
I really appreciate you pronouncing place names clearly and showing the logos, in addition to literally ranking everything and giving recommendations on what to get. Really love the effort to actually make it helpful, rather than just general statements of "try ramen/udon/whatever in Japan" without any direction for the viewer
Thanks! Glad all the effort that we put in hasn't gone unnoticed! haha
Agreed! I'm starting to learn Japanese for a trip in a few years and it really helps.
@@abyk.r.7855 me too!!
Indeed. More and more tourists are coming to Japan these days, but some of them have no plan for dinner. That is unfortunate. I hope this video will help them.
A podcast and an episode within 10 minutes, what a time to be alive
Which podcast? I gotta check that out
@@sulIy the abroad in Japan podcast, you can find it pretty much anywhere, it's very good I definitely recommend!
Is it on youtube?
AIJ podcast is my daily routine during work
@@voon0502 do you only work 2 days a week? Lucky
I've been to Japan a month ago and there was something that shocked me: standard drinks (water, sometimes tea) are FREE. Coming from Italy, where even a water bottle in a restaurant can cost a lot, it was a great change of pace. Top it with cheap, fantastic food and you had me wishing I didn't have to go back.
Thats good to know.
Wait what ?? They charge you for water ??? Where I’m from if you’re thirsty you can simply go to any restaurant/cafe and ask for a glass of water even if you’re not eating there .
@@Soyboi0_0 Europe man, water's alway bottled, and in restaurant - always damn pricey
@@Maciej_von_Usedom Im from eastern europe and tap water is free. In some cases you have to specifically ask for it or they will bring you bottle water
@@pachycephalosauruslover14 Same in the UK
Chris went to be fit for an entire year, then filmed a video about food stuffed with cheese. I love it because that's how balanced is supposed to be!
Damn right! I don't work out to look fit, I work out to break even!
You were to bring balance to the force not destroy it!
Hi, some random Japanese uni student here. As a student, we're always on our budget. And yes, this video pretty much summarizes where we spend most of our time if we go out eat with our friends.
Do you go to Saizekiya?
@@erzsebetkovacs2527 Yea, its my favorite. You can get 2-3 dishes and wine and dessert for less than 1500 yen
@@yjarchives I do wonder how one dollar wine might taste there, so far from Italy.
@@erzsebetkovacs2527 about as good as box wine i bet haha
@@erzsebetkovacs2527 With such amazing cheap wine from Australia and South America, only Italians drink wine from Italy these days 😆
I'm actually surprized that during our two weeks in Japan we came in under budget. We ate well, but cheaply, we ate rice balls from 7/11's a few times - cheap & cheerful.
What was the total budget if you don't mind me asking
We raided 7-11 daily for the weirdest snacks we could find, plus filled our fridg-u with tobiko nigiri and salmon. 7-11 in Japan sells good food! We filled a basket of snacks and drinks and it'd be no more than 1100 yen.
I have multiple friends who visit japan and really food is actually the cheapest part of the travel so long as you aren't constantly eating at places shown on social media, and are more willing to eat at local places.
My sister just came back from a two week trip and said the same!
The food is never the cost in Japan even without thinking with a budget and even cheap restaurants are mostly good. Only when we went for Kobe Beef in Takayama it was very pricey (duh) :)
I forgot how much I liked Chris's slice of life style videos about Japan. Nice once in a while to see him go back to his roots for this kind of charming content and presentation.
@Hunter He made some Top 10s early like this along with some Early Natsuki Skits. His evolution truly started by JAJ videos and his video about Fukushima.
@@hunter7593 I suppose I mean content on mundane and daily aspects of Japanese life and culture vs. traveling, fitness, biking, love hotels, abandoned sites etc. which has been the main theme the past year. It reminds me of his humbler days in making what are trivial or everyday things to Japanese folks an interesting or fun topic to watch.
I won a ticket to Japan paid $44 for tax or something airfare, used airline miles for hotel stay, $300 on the JR green pass, stocked up on grocery food, and only visited free sites. 8 days in Japan cost me like $500 total and I visited Tokyo Kyoto Osaka Nara and Hiroshima.
Allow me to add some context as a Japanese.
Firstly, Saizeriya is not only a restaurant but also a place where you can sit comfortably and spend long time with your friends at a low cost.
On the other hand, beef bowl restaurants like Sukiya are places where you quickly enter, eat, and leave, not suitable for lingering.
I have fond memories of going to Saizeriya with friends during my budget-conscious high school days and chatting for hours so it's sad to see it get a bad rap😢
Indeed, the taste may be inferior to other restaurants, but I think it's quite good for the price.
Besides, those who want to eat delicious Italian food shouldn't choose a cheap restaurant in the first place. In that sense, I recommend Saizeriya for those who want to experience Japanese culture and lifestyle (remember to order the Milan-style Doria🤤), but I wouldn't suggest it to tourists who just want delicious Italian food. For the discerning palate, I just recommend high-end Italian restaurants ;)
I’ve been to the Saizerya in Hong Kong and the food is actually really good for the price, it’s an amazing place to eat decent food on a budget
@@CalvinChengRox Exactly!🥰
Also Gusto good for the price hang out as long as you like get the drink bar and free wifi without log in
I'm Japanese too, but it's true.Saizeria is super delicious and fun to eat while having fun with friends.If you want delicious food, just go to an expensive restaurant.
I think in the Oregairu anime they ate at it together a few times, it looks like a really fun place to just chill with friends :)
Chris just sitting at the ramen place by himself, devouring the gyoza the moment the camera turns off. A classic in 2 acts! 😂
Even if you aren't on a budget, I think visiting McDonald's at least once on an international trip is worth it. I find it interesting how they alter their menus to cater to local tastes. Like Paneer Burgers in India, Shrimp Burgers in Japan, and even something as simple as having a salsa bar in Mexico.
There's something to this; you never know what might be different. Even on Guam, still in the US, though most of the fast food chains are basically the same as stateside, KFC features red rice and kelaguen, and offers fish during Lent.
I usually make sure I do this when I visit a new place for that very reason. It's just fun to see how one concept gets changed to fit another culture. I recommended hub British pubs in japan to a friend and got a weird look given both British, but it's just great to expirence what a Japanese take on the concept looks like. And to see what they have to do to bland British food to make it appeal to Japanese. Nothing says UK like some traditional British fried spaghetti! ♥️
Memexican here, McDonalds no longer has sauces in a bar. Fortunately, there are always some sort of hot stuff like habanero burguers, burgers with guacamole as well as the usual jalapeño sauce packs.
You're right, chain places have 'regional specialities'. KFC HK served lattice fries, not straight cut, and served mushroom fried rice. In 1986 I tried hot and spicy KFC in Singapore- took years to get a weaker variant here in Australia. McDonalds Germany versus Croatia was hugely different in taste
Macca’s in Japan is awesome! It always tastes AMAZING!! I’m from Australia and half the time you are lucky to actually get the food that you ordered 😏
Happy to see you recording the opening in front of Sendai Station. Sad to see you move to Tokyo, but excited for the new opportunities the move will allow you!
Sad to leave! But I know I'll be back a fair bit - especially to Tohoku!
As someone who got off the 18 hour flight to Japan and smelled the incredible aroma of coco ichibanya I can confirm that even 5 years later, I dream of he flavourful curry meal I had after that arduous flight. Thankfully you can also get your coco curry fix in the UK. :)
Wow i must try. I LOVE jap. Curry and have only seen coco in Thailand. However being in thailand it seemed overpriced at the time. Will give it a go in japan!!!
Where dude? I'm showing up :D
Flying to the UK just for that because it sounds amazing
There are two restaurants in Japan i'll never forget. One is a tsukemen restaurant near Shibuya, just OMG. And then theres a curry house in Nagahoribashi - Osaka that serves jet black curry made with squid ink! One of the most delicious things, especially with cheese the way Chris likes it! I hope theyre both still there after the pandemic!
船場カレーかな？
I would also suggest Okonomiyaki for a meal under 1000 yen - it's usually really affordable and delicious, as well as fun to watch the staff cook in front of you. After visiting Japan it's my new favourite Japanese food
Second this. Most days I prefer it to ramen lol. Either okonomoyaki is underrated or ramen is overhyped.
1000 yen is "cheap", I'm so jealous that westerners are so lucky to have good currency 😂
@@DenLim123 Average price of lunch is going be $10-$15 USD for your typical white collar worker
I returned to the U.K. from Japan 8 months ago and I genuinely think about Okonomiyaki almost every day. It’s so so so nice and Japanese restaurants in the U.K. just don’t offer it.😭 I’d try make it myself but I just know it won’t taste the same. Miss it so much. Definitely something not to miss trying if you go to Japan.
@@ahirusaru lol are you gonna give up before you try to make it?
I'm actually in Japan now and I was interested in cheap options of sushi. Thank you, Chris. Your face was very "do not cheap out on sushi", you might have saved my life
@@Raansu there are also authentic Indian restaurant opening around tokyo now dunno if they survived covid though.
Sushi and cheap shouldnt be together unless you want to be down with the cramps. Go to an 'obanzai' instead (nice informal little filling dishes with some beer or highballs) or get some ramen.
@@greatninja2590 The number of Indian curry restaurants is rather increasing. Three have opened in my neighborhood.
Saizeriya is great for the price.
No one expects it to be authentic Italian cuisine at that price.
It's perfectly serviceable and reliable, in my experience.
Yeah I genuinely love Saizeriya!
I’m litterally dying right now, this all looks so delicious. I dont have a job and i cant afford much food and i cant imagine how nice it would be to eat all this everyday. Japanese food is all so delicious and i hope one day before i die that i can simply go to enjoy the country and its delicacies 😭😭😭
8:17 “we’re the only ones eating” he says while over his shoulder there is someone scooping up spaghetti!
Even cheap japanese food looks amazingly delicious to be fair. Great job on the vid as always.
Even the pizza?
@@jUQMtDmf It's debatable whether or not that pizza is even food lol.
@@lucadipaolo1997its cheap, just down it and be on your way 😉
This why i love Japan, they make the food just like the same as the photo show at entrance/menu.
Before you walk in the shop you know what you would get.
@@vedbergsmagicalworld I would avoid Saizeriya if I can. Other than it is cheap, there is nothing good about it.
Watching you from day one this video felt truly nostalgic. Can't explain why but there is that old Abroad in Japan style with all new tricks. Made me emotional. Love to you Chris, great content as always.
I've been watching this channel since 2016 and this is the first time I've heard him mention most of these places. I never realized how many different local restaurant chains Japan actually has.
You will see them literally on every corner in tokyo.
What? He talked about all of this with Connor in their "Underrated" and "overrated" things in Japan. He shit on Saizeriya at least twice before this video is out.
theres plenty more he could have included also, probably wanted to keep a few secret so they dont get to over run yeah lol
Hi Chris, just wanted to say a big thank you for your videos. Since my partner first booked our trip to Japan early last year, I found your channel and have been following religiously since. We returned from our 2-week trip there yesterday. I have an open mind to food and willing to try most, so Japan did not disappoint. We made a point of avoiding anything considered western style and the up-market restaurants, I even tried horse, but Fugu eluded me, did try the curry bread, great snack food. Have never eaten so much raw fish, and the way it was presented made it so hard to eat, each meal was a piece of art. Our very short tour started in Fukuoka and wandered up towards Tokyo, whilst there is still so much to see and experience in the south, we plan on rectifying this next year with another visit, free travel this time and about three months long. I now understand why you stayed there.😁
This video came out just in time for our trip to Japan and we tried a few of the suggestions. Coco ichibanya has been a huge hit with us so far!
As a redeeming quality for Saizeriya and the other family restaurants; it's a good fit if you're on a holiday with some picky (Western) eaters and they want some semblance of familiarity. Our group had a few that were no fans of fish nor tofu. The ramen, curry and gyudon was making us feel like salty greasy balloons. Options become limited... Saizeriya to the rescue! The beer was decently priced, so that helped smooth things over for those not entirely satisfied with the choice. ;)
everybody should enjoy their trips how they choose, but i really cant imagine taking an almost full day of flight, being transported to an entirely different place from what you're used to, with so many new things, and instead you ask for the IHOP cheese pizza lol.
Also, when I went (almost a decade ago by this point) the quality really was not as abhorrent as you showed it. Seems like they massively undercooked the pizza.
The 'hamburg steak' was pretty decent actually.
@@atticusmars Haha yeah I fully agree, but this was a 3 week trip. We had more then enough opportunities to experience good food - this happened on the lazy "let's actually not do 25K steps today" days, where you just stay near the hotel/BnB.
Ootoya is hands-down my favourite cheap chain restaurant in Japan. Home-style, affordable food with very little over 1000 yen (most way cheaper than that) for a set meal with rice, pickles, fish or meat and a bowl of miso soup. Never had anything other than a great meal there.
Ootoya and other Teishoku places are amazing
I second that. Ootoya is the best. The variety of dishes is overwhelming and surprisingly, everything is perfectly delicious.
@@quirelll And as an added bonus they have the nectar of the gods, melon soda, in their drinks bar!
@@linalmeemow unfortunately I hate melons. I know, I'm one of the few.
@@quirelll Me too, but melon soda doesn't taste like melon!
One of the things I like the most about Chris' videos is the effort he and his team put in making all the information well explained: price ranges, availability, suggestions, quantity of food, opinions, names of places etc. Congrats! And thank you! :)
We can going to Japan to make our video..
his only weakness seems to be cheese. we can prob fool him into eating wood if it's covered in enough cheese
"By the second time I was fine. By the third time I was in love."
THIS! On my recent vacation to Tokyo I got takoyaki from a little place in Ikebukuro. It was my first time trying it and for some reason I expected it to be crisp all the way through, like a Yorkshire pudding. I was quite surprised and taken aback at how gooey and delicious (not to mention still piping hot after the 10 minute walk back to my hotel) it was on the inside. I would now eat it every day if I could. For anyone put off by the idea of eating octopus: raw octopus is just really, really, really chewy. Cooked octopus on the other hand has a consistency closer to bacon. For three whole days I ate Takoyaki from that place for dinner.
I also visited a Mos Burger while I was over there and to be honest Chris, you've done a bang-up job of lowering people's expectations of it. The Tobikiri Cheese Burger I had was really rather nice even though it had onions in it: I've grown up absolutely despising onions and yet Mos Burger has somehow, against all the odds, found a way to make them palatable even to someone like me. You have to give them credit for that.
Also McDonalds Japan is legit not only for the awesome and delicious Samurai Mac, but for having chicken McNuggets as a standard item on the BREAKFAST menu.
Thanks ... coming to Japan in September and I can’t wait to try everything ! Mike from Ireland !
Hey, a throwback kind of episode that actually got me to click on it. Japan is all about lunch sets so midday is the time for some real food bargains.
Preach! The scenic episodes got old quick.
@@gizmoat17 Felt like he was holding himself back from his usual brand of humor and honesty during those episodes, the mountain village one didn't even feel like a video from him. It is boring when all we get is 'pretty scenery' shots and 'yum its all delicious and super comfortable'.
Glad to see Chris back at his favorite Coco Curry! Really takes us back, like a magic 🍛
Coco curry: the secret ingredient is crack 😂😂😂
CoCo Ichibanya is so good! The one chain restaurant I thoroughly enjoyed eating at in Japan. (Mos Burger was not it for me.)
Just want to say thank you Chris for all your videos, I grew up in japan and am finally able to visit again 8 years later and your videos helped me feel less home sick.
Honestly this channel is one of the best things I have discovered on youtube.
I've just booked a trip to Japan for next year, never been and a somewhat picky eater so was worried about possible food issues. But you've just helped me relax - I'd eat almost everything you picked up, and seeing how widespread a lot of it is, and how cheap (£6 for a massive bowl of udon, soup and chicken is insane!) has really helped me get into the spirit of my future trip
When you come, you should try going to some supermarkets as well. Everyone says the convenience stores are great but don't forget the supermarkets. They are usually cheaper and have way more options.
There is nothing bad in Japan.
I'll always stand by Saizeriya as affordable but still pretty delicious meal when you visit Japan! It's not as bad as Chris said!!
it's true, for the price it's quite good, Chris's Saizeriya hate is a bit unjustified considering the quality of pasta and pizza you usually get in Japan for 400-600 yen. For those who dont't know, the average Pizza here costs around 2000 yen
I grew up in small town Iowa. Visited Japan after college and had ramen for the first time. Loved it. I moved out to California recently and was excited to try the wider selection of food in the area, including some ramen restaurants.
$20+ for a bowl of ramen... Guess I'll learn to make it myself if I really want ramen again.
@Hunter It was never an option at restaurants nearby, and the "asian isle" was a super small section tucked away in a corner at the grocery store. You'd have to really want it if you want to eat ramen where I grew up. And I never really wanted it that bad. Ramen isn't exactly a mid-western dish :D
It just blew my mind that something that is basically cheap street food in Japan (yes, there are fancier options) is exclusively high price items here in my part of California.
@Hunter get some good ramen out of a grocery store? I don't know what planet you're living in
Loving the synthwave you included for the ramen segment as a nod to your ramen shop set. Also really like the pixel art at the end of each segment.
Finally, the long awaited and teased (on your podcast) video about budget friendly dinner options. Let's see about these, I will be needing some budget options for when I come to Japan this summer :).
I actually loved Saizeriya when I studied abroad in Japan haha! I always got the hayashi rice with drink bar and it was a solid, reliable meal on the cheap. I'm a bit surprised you didn't mention the best Japanese McDonald's menu item -- the ebi burger! I would do a lot to get those made over here in the USA. Great video as always!
I loved Saizeriya as well when I lived there! I really liked the doria and creamed corn soup. He totally ordered the wrong stuff... LOL
When I was a student, Saizeriya's doria and drink bar were my study companions. Thank you for loving Saizeria.
im living here and I also love it once in a while :D shrimp doria and spicy sausage
@@michaelkedziur6986 That’s awesome! Have some for me!
As a student in Japan, I needed this. I'm mostly eating Matsuya or Hanamaru Udon or just cooking
I lived in Hakodate and got to see all it's unique places, which I understand can't be covered in short or passing visits, but I did work in a bar that charged ¥1500 for an entry fee which included 5 drinks, and every drink after that was ¥100 each, or for ¥3000 all you can drink until the bar closes at 6-7am. Then there was Lucky Pierrot, aka Rappii, an iconic local fast but great food restaurant to get baptised in Japanese quality fast food, not to mention the unique to that area kushiyaki-specialised old man, or the soup curry restaurant, or the best meat in town, there's just so many places to be seen and visited there....a small town that deserves more attention than just the Asaichi market imo :)
I love Chinese chicken burger
Coco Curry was pretty much the favorite for my father and I on our last trip to Japan (ate it almost for three days straight it was that good). For us the benefits were:
-you get a spoon to eat it with (easier for my father who really struggled with chopsticks)
-lots of variety, with vegetables, chicken katsu etc.
-menu super easy to point and order at (zero Japanese skills required)
As a broke university foreign exchange student in Japan, I would frequent the different family restaurants with my fellow ryugakusei. They became our favorite spots to hang out in. The Saizeriya brought back memories of going there with my Japanese boyfriend (at the time). One time he brought along his friend who loved Parmesan cheese so much he dumped a whole mound of it on top of his pasta. The same boyfriend took me to this amazing ramen place that only cost, like, 350 yen for a big bowl (this was nearly 20 years ago).
Chris I've been watching you for years now. Thank you for the endless hours of Japan-centric entertainment. Looking forward to many more years! Thanks again!
Coco curry was a bad decision for me when I went to Japan. Purely because it was so dam nice. We went for 3 weeks and I'm pretty sure we had coco curry on at least 10 of those days 😂 my favourite one being the one that had katsu chicken, with some chicken balls and shredded chicken in in the sauce. It was amazing. We also went around the time they had some special sauce on (think it was a season thing). The second time was just as bad too.
Coco ichiban is actually pretty good! It's only through sheer willpower that I said, enough Coco curry, gotta try other foods now... 🤣
It's the best. Not sure why Coco has not expanded around the globe yet with franchises.
@@terenceyuen4424 I'm pretty sure they have one open in London UK. Might have to take a trip to London to find it.
@@terenceyuen4424 There are lot of coco restaurants in thailand so yeah it does
Currently in Japan, I’m majorly blown away at how inexpensive it is with how high the quality is. 7-Elevens have incredible food for low cost, and even restaurants average about 700-1000 yen for a solid meal. Really quite reasonable overall
I am on a business trip to Japan while receiving a salary from an American company, but it is heaven.
I don't have that much money in the US, but I am rich in Japan because prices are cheap and the dollar is worth a lot more at the dollar-yen exchange rate. I think it's probably a similar situation for people who are on business trips to Japan from Australia.
I agree it is way cheaper than europe, usa canada, et to eat out!...ok you can also spend 500 dollars..up to you.
@@madsoreamo when your big in japan! Haha
I am blown away by how affordable eating out can be in Japan...
Also, love the pixel art ranking system!
It really is bittersweet watching videos like these.
I fell in love with Japan on my first visit, though now, I'm not sure when I'll be returning. Also, I ate decent food during my visit, but I hate that I didn't know of most of these places, then.
This gives me good feelings and brings back awesome memories, but I hate that I can't be there this time tomorrow or anytime soon. 😢
I was on Holiday for 2 weeks last month and being from the UK I was actually surprised how affordable food and drinks were. Everything was freshly made, tasty and extremely good value.
I actually miss it, Eating out here in comparison is super expensive and the complete opposite.
Excellent list Chris. In the 20 years I’ve lived here in Japan, I have made good use of most of these on multiple occasions. One more to add, for those in the Nagoya sphere of influence, is Komeda Coffee. Well-loved by older Japanese, this Nagoya based establishment kind of a ‘coffee house’ themed family restaurant, serving not-that-tasty coffee BUT reasonably priced and tasty sandwiches and desserts. (I live in Mie-prefecture, and they’re everywhere.) Oh and the “Morning Set” is super cheap, and a good introduction to Nagoya breakfast culture. 🍞 🥚 ☕️
i’ve heard that old people go there for the coffee, young people go there for the desserts.
Love that place it’s comfy vibe too
Komeda has expanded nationwide, it's not just in the Tokai region. And it's popular among all ages.
コメダを紹介するなんて…なかなか日本通だね。笑
The pictures on Komeda Coffee's menu list are fraudulent. The actual food is bigger and more numerous than the pictures. And delicious.
Managed to get a round trip to Japan next spring for under $900. I'm scared but excited for my first overseas trip and I'm hoping videos like this help me and my friend have an awesome but cheap trip.
When I lived in Japan I ate an obscene amount of Cheese Gyoudon from Sukiya, it's sooo damn good for its cost.
I had a similar experience except with katsudon. There was this small take-out store that sold various donburi and karaage. They had no joke MOUNTAINS of karaage piled up in the back of the shop. So I often got katsudon with a varying amount of karaage. Maybe not the healthiest food, but boy was it ever delicious! 🤤 That was where my undying love for karaage began.
The #1 thing I want to experience in Japan is the Sukiya cheese gyoudon. Hell, if I ever go to Japan, I will beeline straight for the nearest Sukiya the second I get off the plane.
I've only been in Japan about two weeks but the hanamaru udon in my local aeon has become a fast favorite. ridiculously good for so cheap
Several restaurants have done the shaken-up fries with seasoning here in the states so those are pretty ancient. Neat to see it surviving somewhere!
Always nice to remember that one doesnt have to break the bank to eat well in japan. I'm so excited to go this year, and the thing I'm most excited for is food. With it being a rough year so far financially, its great to be reminded of the affordable options. You and Nick do such a good job showcasing food, bravo!
Anthony Bourdain always recommended the street food because it's always cheap.
You know, it's rather apt that I'm sitting down enjoying ramen from my fav ramen place, when I saw your video about Japan's food.
Ca-Tu-Ya is my go-to. The pork cutlets are thicker and fattier than Coco. The bread batter is simply magical. The pork miso soup is sublime.
It's a bloody celebration!
This is an absolutley wonderfully timed video.
I'm going to Japan for 2 months this coming summer and I've been thinking about food on a budget. Thanks for all the help Chris!
The cheapest you can live on is probably instant food. But where's the fun in that.
When I was in Japan I had lunch and snacks on the go. Then half the time I went out to eat for dinner and half the time I went to the local supermarket where I bought ready made food. It was cheap (esp at the end of the day) and very tasty! My hotel had a microwave so I could even heat up stuff. While I was there I picked up breakfast for the next day as well (onigiri or sandwiches often). It worked really well for me!
7ELEVENなどのコンビニで買って食べるのもオススメです🤗
日本の夏は暑いです。とても湿度が高いので、歩くだけで汗だく☀️😵💦になります。
なので出来るだけ夏は避けた方がよいですが😅、、、。
暑さ対策をして日本を楽しんで下さいね🤗🍀
Can't wait to get back to Japan again! I had two very affordable backpacking trips there, and would do it again in a heartbeat
The first time I was in Japan now, this was in the early 90s. Mcdonald's and KFC were my lifeline for about a month till my friends showed me where the good places to eat were. But you can get good food that won't cost you an arm and a leg. Great video
I wouldn't even say saizeriya is particularly good value. The portions are tiny, you get way more value at random non-chains run by old ladies serving you gigantic portions of udon. Funnily enough I did go there once with people from Italy and their reactions made it worth it, haha.
Thanks for the good review/rating of CoCo Ichi. I work there and it made me very proud and glad. I'm happy you liked it. ありがとうございました。またお越しくださいませ!
Great video, encapsulated exactly what I want to show friends and family who have not been to Japan as far as cheap food goes! There are enough videos about convenience stores, so it is understandable why you didn't add it!
The best Italian food I've had in Japan was in a little restaurant called Capricciosa in the B2 floor of Namba City Main Building in Osaka. It was more like 1300 yen, but given the rather favorable exchange rate that is still quite good.
We visited japan in march 2020 and I still remember the guy at the travel visa booth in the airport looking at me saying "a whole month in Japan, you must be rich".
When in fact we just stayed in cheap self checkin hotels or just straight up capsule hotels.
We never spent more than 20€ per night and we also were constantly on the move. If I divide my rent by days in the month it´s more expensive than staying in a self checkin hotel in Japan lol. Food was also super cheap, just don´t go to tourist traps.
I probably take my whole family to Japan next month so firstly really appreciated your Efforts to take a chance to risked these food for us in case of avoid horrible traps!!
全部美味しいから安心して❤
The way you mentioned the Michelin star ramen, and then the dude said "go fk yourself" and then the music keeps rolling, was pure class 😂
I practically lived off coco ichibanya last time I was in Japan. Such good selection (oh, and if you're used to spice then the 10 isn't too hot, but is definitely more heat than flavour, 5 was a perfect balance for me, while my partner settled on a 3)
Always a pleasure to see your work Chris well done. My brother and I will be traveling to Japan this summer and we have been watching your videos since the very beginning and can not wait to experience Japan.
One option people can look for are dried fish (himono/干物). Izakayas have them to be sure, but there are some smaller places that cater to salarymen and the like who just need a quick set meal for cheap. Look for a place that serves a teishoku (定食) as just a lunch special or right between when trains arrive and offices open. Often you can get something good and reasonably healthy for ¥1,000 or less.
Edit: Yayoiken is a dedicated one and they have an English menu if you need so.
The quality of your videos always impresses me, Chris. That curry looked heavenly
I could see a series of “worth it” type videos being very successful on your channel. Have a competition of similar foods at different locations with varying prices.
Number eight sounds *_perfect_* for me--udon, tempura, and affordability is a dream meal combination.
I was waiting for the conbini bento! That was such a lifesaver on long travel days in Japan
love japan...coming back in about a month! thanks chris for everyhting you share with us. keep going.
Honestly - after visiting the UK las month and eating "the best pizza in the region" according to reviews and our host - the pizza presented here still looks way better. I don't understand what Brits are doing to Pizza but hearing you complain about it makes me think it's probably good.
My friends and I really want to visit Japan sometime, and this is SUPER helpful for a group of budget tourists, so thank you!!
Almost a crime not to mention Torikizoku, a disease from which there is no escape. Travelling around Japan, just knowing this and Sushiro gave us a safe option to fall back on wherever we were if we were a bit tired and feeling unadventurous
I just spent 3 months in Japan. I broke my foot and had to rest for most of the time. All I did was eat and drink Japanese food and beer. I didn’t gain a single kilo. That’s how generally good Japanese food is.
Your videos are my guide for my trip to Japan. This gives me great ideas for my last few days this trip.
This video is really nice and wholesome! I like this small change of pace for a video.
I did a 6 week placement in tokyo a few years ago. Amongst other things, me and a friend set a goal to see who could work up to level 10 spice at Coco.
I was sadly beaten and could only reach level 8. My friend finished the full level 10 - appparently the first customer at the restaurant to do so. Mega proud of my boy! Probably burned a hole through the toilet a few minutes later though: no sacrifice, no victory or whatever 😂
Holy Christ hitting level 10 at Coco is an insane achievement. That curry is 80% oil at that point. I found 6 to be too hot to taste good already, and I topped out at 8. And that was NOT an enjoyable experience.
So obviously the longtime viewers will be familiar with it already, but I feel like conbini bento should have also been mentioned in the honorable mention bit. Let's be real, their bento's are just as good and just as cheap as the ones at the supermarket, but the staff at familymart will even warm them up for you. Talk about service! Also a little surprised there wasn't more mention of street food (specifically some of the many karaage stalls) as they are arguably some of the best value for money.
I think super markets are a little bit cheaper than conbini. Not by much and the option to let them heat them up for you is quite useful.
I'm definitely going to Hanbey as soon as I can. That looks like an awesome place! Overall awesome tips for someone, like me, who is about to move to Japan soon.
Marugame is really good. Shocked to see its an actual brand from Japan. always assumed it a brand just styled after Japan, but its obvious in hindsight on how different they operate compared to any other restaurant here. I instantly recognized in the opening seconds that it was marugame. they have such a vibe and its consistent world wide. damn.
I love the honesty of British people..
Compared to my hometown of Melbourne, I found Tokyo's food prices pleasantly affordable. Dinner in a fancy traditional sushi 'house' (because we had private rooms in what looked like a house) was AUD $110 with alcohol, and this was for three people. Very comparable to home. Admittedly we stayed in the less-trendy sumo district, so that saved us cash. One afternoon we were in Shinjuku and noticed prices for everything was double. We, being cheapos, took the train back across town for a late lunch.
Some honorable mentions, Ootoya is incredible set meals. Delicious.
There are many excellent Indian lunch buffets that clock in under 1k yen.
Near my old office in Jimbocho, we had a 1k yen yakiniku joint that was incredible. Meat and flame. Mission complete.
I think the coco ichi is my favorite as well. They really let you go crazy with the add ins in a way that won’t rip you off. Plus the sides are stupid cheap. 132 yen for a french fry.
Overall, you will find a ton of cheap and incredible places for lunch, so splurge on that meal and get a cheap dinner set at Ootoya.
I do love these kinds of videos where you spend less money but still have quality foods. 😅 I mean we are all struggling. Try to eat budgets.
You guys are so lucky man!!!
Here to say I’ve had coco curry at least 6 times on my 2 week trip in Japan and it’s been worth it every single time
Takoyaki is legitimately one of my all time favourite dishes, its surprisingly super creamy! But omg I thought I was the only one who had issues with it not cooling down.
@Hunter it's a joke dude.
Hey Chris, my boyfriend ordered level 10 spice at Coco Ichibanya by ACCIDENT. Wanted to let you know that he survived, and was drenched in sweat the whole meal. His words “spicy to the point where it wasn’t enjoyable” YOU’VE BEEN WARNED!
The pictographs for the spice level are spot on. Around level 7 it starts getting spicy without complimenting the flavor.
@@madhatter0082 I like spicy food and thought level 6 was already spicy to the point it ruins the curry. It's finishable, but not remotely enjoyable. 8 was pure torture. I can't even fathom trying a 10 let alone finishing it.
I'm planning a trip for August.
I wasn't shocked at the standard capital city hotel costs but I was shocked at how cheap food and alcohol seems to be compared to London.
* I shouldn't have watched this while high.
It is a fellow Londoner here
Anywhere is cheaper than London
@@donnyjay9046 hahaha in a way, but I guess Zurich and Dubai are taking their place. Also Paris seems at least on par.
@@donnyjay9046 Don't go to Norway in that case 😅
If you're alright with slumming it, I would highly recommend a tube hotel. I was able to find a tube hotel in the heart of Tokyo that was 10 dollars a day. It honestly was a pretty decent experience.
I was absolutely addicted to CoCo Ichibanya when I was there, I ate it like 6 times in 2 weeks...
Coco Ichibanya is my favorite without a doubt.
Went to Tokyo in 2019 with a modest budget (could only afford to go because I was treated to it by a friend who was hit by a car and spent their settlement money on a vacation for him, one other friend, and myself) and can vouch for most of these. Breakfast was always konbini food, but most major meals were whatever we came across. Conveyor belt sushi, ramen, and takoyaki were common go-tos, and food was never even close to the bulk of our spending as a result.
Only expensive food mistake we made was getting Domino's, but once we saw a Korean BBQ short rib pizza, we had to try it. It was good, but not ¥3,800 good.
The funny fact about Marugame Seimen is that they serve the infamous sanuki Udon from Kagawa prefecture but the company itself is not from Shikoku but based in Kobe, in Hyogo prefecture. This doesn't change the fact that it is the best franchised Udon restaurant in Japan and one of my favourite just like yours (I even used to work as a baito there for a while!) Highly recommended !
Thanks Chris this video is great. We had a Saizeria around the corner from us in Shanghai which wasn't too bad, especially considering what you pay, and we loved Sukiya in China, too bad we don't have much on film as we only started YT after moving to Dubai. Cant wait to try it in Japan soon😀