Budget but nice food in Japan

I believe variety of food is one of the most significant features of Japan. You may fire back and say "my country is the best." Yes, probably you are right. I never say Japanese food is most diversified. But I would say we are unique if the question is about prices.

If you go to a top sushi-bar, it may cost you more than JPY 50,000 (USD 500). But if you go to a sushi-go-around restaurants, you can enjoy Sushi around JPY 3,000 (USD 30).

Actually, we don't go such a snob restaurants so often. We usually go to cheaper but relaxing spots, like the followings;

(1) TACHIGUI SOBA （立ち食いそば）

This is a standing-up-eating soba stop. There are many "TACHIGUI SOBA" spots in Tokyo and you can find it at each JR station. They serve soba noodle from JPY 200 (USD 2).

(2) CURRY SHOP （カレー屋）

Yes, you are right. Curry is Indian cuisine. But Japanese love curry. If you ask Japanese kids, more than half of them may answer "Curry!!."

You can find curry shops in train stations and downtown. Be sure to check prices before eating. There are fast-food style curry shops as well as authentic curry restaurants. The former one will cost you just JPY 500 (USD 5).

(3) Budget Izakayas (Japanese tavern) 

They are always packed with Japanese and it may be a bit difficult for non-Japanese to enter in. But they are extremely cheap. At some bars in Tokyo, a glass of beer cost JPY 50 (USD 0.5). 20 bucks are enough to be happily drunk with your stomach full.

(4) Discounted Bento (Japanese style lunchbox)

Most grocery supermarkets deal with lunchboxes and we often have it at the lunch time. If you go there just before their closing, they often discount remaining lunchboxes. So, you can enjoy nice night meals at the cheaper prices.

Even Sushi is sold at half price.