Top 5 Places for a Cheap Bento

A great way to cheaply try lots of different types of Japanese food is to visit a bento (Japanese lunch box) shop.  Avoid the expensive train station bento shops, and try these!  You will find the below in almost any area of Japan.

5. Tenya 天丼てんや

Tenya offers a wide selection of cheap tempura (deep-fried fish and vegatables) dishes.

tenya

4. Hotto Motto ほっともっと

A great bento shop, offering all sorts of food.

hottomotto

3. Any Convenience store

Throughout the day convenience stores will have bento boxes for a little as 310 yen.  Most types of Japanese food are covered, from curries to noodles.

conbini

2. Supermarkets in the evening

Make your way to a supermarket in the evening and you will see a bunch of heavily discounted bento boxes, such as sushi boxes.  They will still be delicious, so get there before everyone else!

supermarket

1. Origin Bento オリジン弁当

The king of cheap bento boxes.  Many items only cost 390 yen, and there are often special discounts. Most are rice based bento boxes.

origin

Find out exactly where to get a cheap bento new budget travel book!

Perfect for backpackers, budget travelers, families on a tight budget, students and those who are new to Japan.

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Published by Matthew Baxter

Matthew Baxter is a travel author living in Tokyo, the heart of Japan. Having traveled across the country for several years, without much money, he has built up an extensive knowledge of budget travel in the Land of the Rising Sun. He now writes professionally for several websites and publications, such as the Japan National Tourist Association, GaijinPot, Japan Visitor and All About Japan.