How to Eat Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner in Tokyo with Just 5,000 Yen to Use

When traveling in Japan, the highlights include beautiful scenery, historic streetscapes, and, of course, the food.

But many wonder—how much can you enjoy Japan on a limited budget?

The truth is, with a bit of planning, you can savor Japanese food culture from morning to night, even on a budget of 5,000 yen or less.

You can, for instance, save money by having breakfast at your accommodation and splurge a little more on lunch or dinner with uniquely Japanese meals—the options are endless!

If you’re wondering how to make the most of Japan’s food scene without breaking the bank, this article introduces a wide variety of recommended spots for breakfast, lunch, and dinner to match different price ranges.

Feel free to mix and match from the list to create your very own foodie itinerary.

Dining prices in Japan: morning, afternoon, and evening

In Japan, it’s common for restaurants to offer different menus and price points depending on the time of day. In general, prices increase as the day progresses: cheaper in the morning, slighlty pricier at lunch, and more expensive at dinner.

In the morning, you’ll typically find light breakfast sets such as toast and coffee, or rice balls with miso soup. Most morning menus are reasonably priced around 500 to 1,000 yen, offering excellent value.

At lunchtime, more substantial options like teishoku (set meals), donburi (rice bowls), or one-plate lunches become common.

At lunchtime, you can expect to spend around 1,000 to 1,500 yen at average restaurants, and many establishments offer lunch-exclusive deals, making it a cost-effective time to dine out.

In the evening, meals tend to be enjoyed alongside alcoholic beverages.

In places like izakaya (Japanese gastropubs), bars, or casual restaurants, diners often order several small dishes and enjoy drinks at a relaxed pace — which tends to result in a higher overall bill.

The cost of dinner at such places range from 3,000 to 5,000 yen, but with the right choice of restaurant, it’s possible to enjoy an evening meal affordably.

By selecting restaurants based on the time of day—morning, afternoon, or evening—you can efficiently and enjoyably explore the diversity of Japan’s food culture.

Recommended morning spots in Japan: easy and affordable breakfast options

Even if you want to start your day with a leisurely breakfast, it can be surprisingly difficult to find restaurants open in the early morning. Many places don’t open until around 11:00 AM for lunch service.

However, in major tourist areas like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Asakusa, you’ll find a number of cafes and teishoku shops offering breakfast starting as early as 8:00 AM.

Asakusa: “Ume to Hoshi”

Located in Asakusa, “Ume to Hoshi” is a unique restaurant specializing in umeboshi (pickled plums) from all over Japan.

The must-try item here is the “ ‘fuwa fuwa egg’ breakfast set meal” (Fluffy Egg Breakfast Set), served exclusively from 9:00 to 11:00 AM.

The highlight of the set, the fuwa fuwa egg (fuwafuwa meaning airy and fluffy), is a modern take on an egg dish once eaten during the Edo period, with an incredibly soft and jiggly texture.

It’s served with glossy, perfectly cooked white rice made in a traditional iron pot, using a blend of premium rice varieties: Kumanomai (Kumano rice), Tsuyahime, and Nanatsuboshi—from Wakayama, Yamagata, and Hokkaido prefectures, respectively.

Shinjuku: “Shinshūya”

Quick, tasty, and affordable—these three qualities define the classic tachigui (stand-and-eat) soba. “Shinshūya Shinjuku minamiguchi” in Shinjuku is a popular spot that draws a crowd even in the morning.

One of the highlights is the “Morning Set,” which comes with soba noodles, rice, a raw egg, crunchy tenkasu (fried tempura bits), soba dipping sauce, and a drizzle of tendon (tempura rice bowl) sauce.

Despite the generous portions, the set is priced at just 520 yen (tax included), making it an excellent value for money.

Asakusa: “MISOJYU”

“MISOJYU,” a shop dedicated to Japan’s beloved staple—miso soup—is one of Asakusa’s most popular spots, often drawing long lines.

Starting from its 8:00 AM opening, you can enjoy their “Breakfast Set,” which includes miso soup, onigiri rice balls, a half-boiled seasoned egg, and Japanese pickles.

MISOJYU’s miso soup is crafted with health-conscious ingredients, primarily organic vegetables, offering a flavor that appeals to all generations.

As a specialty restaurant, MISOJYU also features creative and unexpected combinations of miso soup ingredients you won’t find elsewhere.

Shinjuku: “Ochazuke Onigiri Yamamotoyama”

Located inside JR Shinjuku Station’s EATo LUMINE shopping complex, “Ochazuke Onigiri Yamamotoyama” is a new concept from “Yamamotoyama,” a tea and nori (seaweed) purveyor established in 1690.

Thanks to its long-standing heritage, the shop serves top-quality ochazuke (green tea poured over rice) and onigiri (rice balls) made from premium ingredients in both flavor and quality.

The menu combines time-honored Japanese fast food traditions with modern touches, offering unique and creative dishes. You can enjoy them from 8:00 AM in the in-store eating area.

Asakusa: “FRUITS PARLOR ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE444”

Just a 12-minute walk from Asakusa Station, “FRUITS PARLOR ASAKUSA YOROZU CAFE444” is tucked away in a quiet residential neighborhood and serves up an array of fruit-filled sweets.

Starting from 7:00 AM, the cafe offers its signature “Mixed Fruits” pancakes—a luxurious dish piled high with seasonal fruit.

The thick, fluffy milk pancakes have a soft, chewy texture, with a delicious balance of buttery sweetness and a hint of salt. The fruits change with the season, so each visit offers something new and delightful to enjoy.

Naka-meguro: Onigily Cafe

At “Onigily Cafe,” you can enjoy the” Onigiri Breakfast Set (with Miso Soup)” made with rice from Saku City, Nagano Prefecture—chosen for its flavor even when cooled.

The set includes miso soup and your choice of two rice balls from 19 different fillings, all for an incredibly reasonable 660 JPY (tax included).

Not only is the rice carefully selected, but the seaweed is free of additives and the seasonings are gluten-free—making this a nourishing, feel-good breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice satisfaction.

Budget lunch recommendations: set meals with outstanding value

In Japan, lunchtime often centers around the classic teishoku—a set meal typically composed of a main dish, rice, miso soup, and small side dishes.

These meals are not only nutritionally balanced but also deeply satisfying. Here are some great spots where you can experience this uniquely Japanese lunch culture.

Ginza: “Taketomijima”

Located just steps from the GINZA SIX shopping complex, “Taketomijima” is an Okinawan restaurant known for its hearty lunch offerings.

One of the most popular choices is the “Little Okinawa Set Meal”, which lets you sample several iconic Okinawan dishes all at once—gōyā champurū (bitter melon stir-fry), melt-in-your-mouth rafutē (braised pork belly), and delightfully chewy Okinawa soba noodles.

Each dish is carefully prepared, with flavors that are not overly strong, yet rich in umami—reminiscent of the authentic taste of Okinawa.

It’s the kind of lunch that stirs your sense of wanderlust and makes you feel as if you’ve taken a quick trip to the islands.

Shinjuku: “Shuzen Honohomare Nishi-Shinjuku”

“This is the perfect set meal—just like something out of a picture!” That’s the feeling you’ll get at “Shuzen Honohomare Nishi-Shinjuku” a restaurant known for serving truly ideal Japanese set meals.

With the concept of being “a restaurant where rice takes center stage,” their lunchtime highlight is the “Grilled Salted Fish Gozen Set.”

The fish, simply seasoned with salt, is slowly grilled over charcoal, resulting in crispy skin and tender, fluffy flesh.

The rice, cooked in a traditional iron pot, is fragrant and has a remarkable texture. Each grain is distinct and flavorful, complementing the grilled fish perfectly with every bite.

Shibuya: “ŌSAKA Kitchen TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA”

While the word “set meal” may conjure a specific image, there’s actually a wide variety of styles. At “ŌSAKA Kitchen TOKYU PLAZA SHIBUYA” in Shibuya, the lunch set meal pairs okonomiyaki and yakisoba—with rice—an unexpected combination for many.

However, this trio is a common sight in Osaka, and in fact, Chef Yamada, who helms the kitchen at the restaurant, hails from Osaka himself.

The main dish, okonomiyaki, features batter mixed with yamaimo (grated yam), giving it a fluffy, light texture.

It’s topped with Kinmon Sauce—a sweet and tangy blend specially sourced from Osaka—offering an authentic taste straight from the region.

Akihabara: “Steak and Japanese beef Matsuya Seinikuten”

Located within walking distance from both Akihabara and Ueno, “Steak and Japanese beef Matsuya Seinikuten” is known for its hamburger steaks made with 100% domestically sourced Japanese beef.

The freshly cooked patty is served sizzling on a hot iron plate, so you can enjoy its full flavor right at your table.

With its rich, savory meat flavor, subtly sweet fat, and satisfyingly firm texture, the hamburger steak at this restaurant is a cut above the rest—offering a more refined take on a classic favorite.

Akihabara: “Gyūkatsu Ichinisan”

Originally gaining popularity through word of mouth, “Gyūkatsu Ichinisan” has become a beloved destination even among international visitors, with lines often forming before its 11:00 AM opening.

The signature dish is gyūkatsu (beef cutlet), coated in a fine layer of breadcrumbs and deep-fried to perfection. The inside remains rare, offering a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture that sets it apart.

The set meal comes with a heated stone plate, allowing diners to sear the meat to their preferred doneness—an interactive and flavorful experience that makes this restaurant a standout.

Nighttime picks with 5,000 yen to use: specialized budget-friendly dining and drinks

Evening is the time when dining options are at their most plentiful.

From vegan cuisine to restaurants specializing in regional dishes, the variety is endless—especially in major Tokyo neighborhoods, where the sheer number of eateries is staggering.

Here, we’ve gathered a selection of spots that offer diverse menus, enjoyable meals with alcohol, and excellent value for money—perfect for wrapping up your day of travel with a satisfying dinner.

Roppongi: #uni Seafood

If you’re craving sea urchin for dinner, head to “#uni Seafood” in Roppongi.

Their signature dish, “Fresh Sea Urchin Cream Spaghetti,” is a luxurious plate featuring a rich sea urchin sauce and a generous topping of fresh uni.

The springy, medium-thin fresh pasta clings beautifully to the sauce, offering a melt-in-your-mouth experience with every bite.

There are also plenty of small dishes perfect for sampling and comparing, like the “3 kinds of Small Rice Bowl w/ Sea Urchin, Oyster & Salmon Roe,” or the “Homemade Sea Urchin Cream Pudding.” It’s a dream dinner destination for uni lovers.

Shinjuku: “Kakekomi Gyoza”

“Shinjuku Kakekomi Gyoza” is a specialty gyoza shop where gyoza dumplings—originally from China—have taken on a uniquely Japanese evolution.

Open 24 hours and conveniently located in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district, the restaurant draws both locals and a large number of international visitors.

Their signature “Pan-fried Gyoza” are made with a seafood broth base using dried scallops, which is turned into a gelatin and mixed into the meat filling. The result is a juicy bite bursting with flavor the moment you sink your teeth in.

The thick, chewy dumpling wrappers are another highlight, offering satisfying texture and bite.

Shibuya: “OH! TORO KITCHEN”

For tuna lovers, “Fishmonger’s Kitchen OH! TORO KITCHEN Shibuya” is a must-visit specialty restaurant that never fails to impress.

Their “OH! TORO KITCHEN 8 Kinds of Tuna Sashimi Assortment” features ultra-fresh tuna, including not only melt-in-your-mouth ōtoro (extra fatty tuna), but also rare parts that are seldom seen on typical menus.

Each bite offers a unique texture and flavor, making for a luxurious experience that lets you truly indulge in every facet of tuna.

Shibuya: Cosme Kitchen Adaptation

With countless eateries representing a wide range of cuisines, Shibuya is a hub of culinary diversity.

A prime example is “Cosme Kitchen Adaptation,” located on the 7th floor of the Shibuya Hikarie shopping complex.

Not only does it offer a robust lineup of vegan and gluten-free dishes, but it also includes meat and seafood options—making it an ideal spot for diners with varying dietary preferences to share a table together.

One of their standout dishes is the “All In One Bowl,” which incorporates around 20 different vegetables. Every element, from preparation methods to seasoning, reflects the restaurant’s attention to detail.

Delicious, nourishing, and inclusive—it’s a place where everyone at the table is sure to leave with a smile.

Asakusa: “Asakusa Oden Otafuku”

“Asakusa Oden Otafuku” is a long-established oden specialty shop where you can relax and enjoy a comforting moment while soaking in the nostalgic atmosphere of Asakusa’s traditional downtown. Founded in 1915, it has been beloved for over 100 years.

The key to its rich flavor is the broth, carefully simmered with kelp and bonito flakes, then delicately seasoned with light soy sauce.

The broth seeps deeply into the ingredients while also drawing out their natural umami, creating a profound depth of flavor.

Classic items like hanpen (a fishpaste cake), daikon radish, and chikuwa stand out for their exceptional taste, making this shop a warm and nostalgic embodiment of Asakusa’s charm.

※Menu items, prices, and store details are accurate as of August 2025.