16 Outstanding Lunches for 1,000 JPY or Less in Tokyo Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Guide-

Update-date: Jun 05 2020

Author: SAVOR JAPAN

Categories: Tokyo

16 Outstanding Lunches for 1,000 JPY or Less in Tokyo

There are many restaurants in Tokyo that are highly rated by foreign tourists, and serve great lunches for 1,000 JPY or less. This time, 16 popular places that are great for those coming to Japan for the first time will be introduced.

See full listings of restaurants found in and around Tokyo.

1. Kaikaya By The Sea

"As if you're by the sea" is the motto of this restaurant. It is a place where you can enjoy fresh seafood like in a seaside restaurant, even though it is near Shibuya, one of Tokyo's busiest commercial districts. It is an izakaya (Japanese pub) where you can enjoy food and sake (Japanese alcohol), but they are also open for lunch, and serve creative Japanese dishes at reasonable prices. The recommended lunchtime dish is [Maguro Nakaochi Tenkasu Tamago Nokke Mori], priced at 930 JPY. It is a great way to enjoy sashimi made from high-grade maguro (tuna), such as Pacific Bluefin maguro, Bigeye maguro, and Southern Bluefin maguro, at reasonable prices.

Kaikaya By The Sea

Open: [Monday - Friday] 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Food L.O. 10:30 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] 5:30 pm - 11:30 pm (Food L.O. 10:30 pm, Drinks L.O. 11:00 pm)
Closed: None
Address: 23-7, Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

2. Harajuku Gyoza-ro

The best place to have gyoza (dumplings) in Shibuya and Harajuku right now is Harajuku Gyoza-ro. It is a cozy gyoza eatery in the backstreets, about a 10-minute walk from Harajuku Station. The key to its popularity is its reasonable pricing. Its specialty dishes, fried and steamed gyoza, are just 290 JPY a plate! Both fried and steamed gyoza are available with or without garlic, which is appreciated by customers who are concerned with the smell. A bowl of rice and soup can be added for just 180 JPY.

Harajuku Gyoza-ro

Open: 11:30 am - 4:30 am (L.O. 10:00 pm on Sunday)
Closed: None
Average price: 1,001 JPY - 1,500 JPY
Address: 6-2-4, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

3. Menya Musashi Shinjuku Main Branch

The favorite fast food of Japanese people is, of course, ramen! The Shinjuku Main Branch of Menya Musashi, which has been in operation for more than 20 years, is one of the most famous ramen shops among countless others in Tokyo. The restaurant is named after Miyamoto Musashi, a master swordsman who was famous for using 2 swords, because the "double soup" with a combination of stock made from chicken and pork bones, and another made from seafood - such as bonito flakes and dried sardines, is the key to its flavors. It's recommended to try their [Kakuni Ramen] or [Kakuni Tsukemen] with stewed cubed meat, both of which cost 900 JPY.

Menya Musashi Shinjuku Main Branch

Open: 11:00 am - 10:30 pm
Closed: None
Average price: From 900 JPY
Address: 1F, K1 Bldg., 7-2-6, Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

4. Udon Maruka

This is a Sanuki udon restaurant in Jimbo-cho, a popular area with many stores that sell rare and old books. "Udon" refers to thick noodles made with flour and salt. It is a traditional Japanese fast food. There are regional variations of udon, with Sanuki udon (created in the Sanuki region of Shikoku) distinguished by a soft surface texture, combined with a chewiness that is referred to as "koshi" in Japanese. Enjoy the basic [Kake Udon] (420 JPY) - the best way to taste the flavor of Sanuki udon - with additional toppings, such as chicken and vegetable tempura. Omusubi (rice balls) that are only available at lunchtime for 120 JPY are also popular.

Udon Maruka

Open: [Monday - Friday] 11:00 am - 7:30 pm (L.O.) (closes when all the udon are sold out)
[Saturday] 11:00 am - 2:30 pm (L.O.) (closes when all the udon are sold out)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays, Beginning and end of the year
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, New Surugadai Bldg., 3-16-1, Kanda Ogawa-machi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

5. Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Kitaoji Rosanjin was a famous Japanese artist and gourmand. This restaurant that serves authentic Japanese cuisine is owned by a grandson of the first head chef at Hoshigaoka-Saryo, a legendary restaurant that Rosanjin sponsored. From grandfather to grandson, their family has been filling the position of head chef at this restaurant for 3 successive generations. Lunchtime is the best time to visit, as you can enjoy real Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. There is a wide selection of "teishoku," which are set menu items. Some examples include the [Ni-zakana Teishoku] and [Shio-yaki Teishoku] (800 JPY each) - made from simmered and grilled fish respectively - as well as the [Yanagawa Nabe Teishoku] (900 JPY), which is loach stew - a traditional Tokyo dish.

Shinjuku Kappo Nakajima

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 2:00 pm (Course L.O. 1:00 pm / Teishoku L.O. 1:45 pm) Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm (L.O. 8:00 pm)
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays, Beginning and end of the year, Obon
Average price: [Lunch] Teishoku: 800 JPY / Course: 5,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Nichihara Bldg., 3-32-5, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Map
More Details

6. Beer & Cafe BERG

Beer & Cafe BERG is a restaurant in Shinjuku that you can casually drop by any time between 7:00 am - 11:00 pm. Its specialty, [BERG Dog] (304 JPY), is a recommended item offering a juicy sausage with aromatic and crunchy buns. [Wrap Sandwich (chicken or pastrami)] (367 JPY) with plenty of vegetables and chicken topped with sesame sauce is also recommended. [Hot Dog Lunch] that comes with a hot coffee or soup for 525 JPY is another good deal.

Beer & Cafe BERG

Open: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm (L.O.)
Closed: None
Average price: From 313 JPY
Address: B1F, LUMINE EST, 3-38-1, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

7. Bongo

Onigiri (rice balls) is one of the most popular fast food items in Japan, beloved by people of all ages. Bongo is a rare onigiri specialty restaurant that has been operating for 58 years. At this restaurant, you can sit at a counter like in a sushi bar and order from the 55 different types of onigiri available. They range from standard options like shake (salmon) and yaki-tarako (grilled cod roe) (250 JPY each), to luxury onigiri like sujiko (salmon roe) for 550 JPY. You can also ask for 2 ingredients to be put into 1 onigiri, or even for the amount of ingredients to be doubled!

Bongo

Open: 11:30 am - 00:00 am
Closed: Sunday
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 2-26-3, Kita Otsuka, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

8. Buta Daigaku

Buta Daigaku is a restaurant that is particularly popular among businessmen in the Shimbashi area that targets reasonably priced restaurants. The menu consists just of the [Buta-don] (priced from 500 JPY), which is available in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes. This is a mouth-watering pork bowl with thick cuts of pork that are cooked in a special sauce before being served on top of steaming hot rice. The extra large option (1,020 JPY) has so much pork that you may find it hard to finish!

Buta Daigaku

Open: [Weekdays] 10:30 am - 9:45 pm (L.O.)
[Saturday] 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 4:30 pm - 8:15 pm (L.O.)
Closed: 2nd Sunday of odd-numbered months
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 2-16-1, Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

9. Musashiya

Western cuisine that has been adjusted to suit Japanese tastes is commonly known as "Yoshoku". Musashiya is a popular yoshoku restaurant that was opened in 1885 (more than 130 years ago). Their signature menu item is [Napolitan] (650 JPY), which is a standard yoshoku dish of spaghetti fried with ketchup. It is a satisfying dish, with plenty of spaghetti and the sweet aroma of ketchup. [Omurice] (700 JPY), consisting of rice and eggs fried with butter and ketchup, is another must-try.

Musashiya

Open: [Monday - Friday] 10:30 am - 7:00 pm
[Saturday] 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
Closed: Sunday, National Holidays
Average price: 501 JPY - 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, New Shinbashi Bldg., 2-16-1, Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)
Source: hitosara (Japanese)

10. Teniwoha

This is a yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant that serves Japanese Black wagyu beef from Kyushu, which is one of the highest grade of beef in Japan. [Juicy Hambagu Lunch] (1,000 JPY) is a popular lunchtime dish. It is a voluminous plate of food consisting of a 200g juicy hamburger steak made from ingredients that were carefully selected by meat specialists. For those who want their fill of yakiniku at lunchtime, the [Teppan Kalbi Yakiniku Lunch] (1,000 JPY) is recommended. High-quality kalbi meat that's full of umami (Japanese savory taste) is grilled on an iron plate until it is piping hot.

Teniwoha

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
[Weekdays, Saturday, National Holidays, Day before National Holidays] Dinner 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
Closed: Sunday
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Ichigo Akasaka Gochome Bldg., 5-4-9, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Map)

11. Sushimaru

This is a sushi restaurant in a fabulous location, at just a 2-minute walk from Central East Gate of JR Shinjuku Station. Everything about the interior, from the counter seats to the zashiki-style seating, has that traditional feel that you would expect of a sushi restaurant. However, it is not an expensive restaurant that is hard to get into. There are many reasonably priced items for lunch. The [Ika-don] with fantastically fresh squid sashimi (850 JPY) and [Chirashi] (1,000 JPY), which is a traditional style of sushi, are dishes that you'll definitely want to try.

Sushimaru

Open: [Weekdays, Saturday] 11:30 am - 11:30 pm (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 10:00 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm), Lunch 11:30 am - 4:00 pm (L.O.)
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 3-31-6, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo (Map)

12. Sandaime Kaien Kanda Branch

This is a popular Japanese restaurant with the feel of a hideaway for adults. For lunch, it offers a wide selection of basic Japanese teishoku, and is popular as a place to casually enjoy them. [Osashimi Teishoku] is the recommended dish here, priced at 1,000 JPY. It is a set centering on fresh seasonal sashimi, prepared by skilled chefs, along with rice, miso soup, salad, and Japanese pickles. It is very reasonably priced, with free seconds of the rice and miso soup. Hojicha (roasted green tea) or coffee is served at the end of the meal.

Sandaime Kaien Kanda Branch

Open: [Monday - Thursday] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 5:00 pm - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:00 pm)
[Friday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, Dinner 4:00 pm - 01:00 am (L.O. 00:00 am)
[Saturday, Sunday, National Holidays] Dinner 4:00 pm - 11:00 pm (L.O. 10:00 pm) *No lunch
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 700 JPY
Address: 3F, Uchi-kanda 314 Bldg., 3-14-7, Uchi Kanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Map)

13. Bora bora Tachikawa Branch

The resort beach-style interior of this restaurant enhances the enjoyment of the meal. The most popular item at lunchtime is the [Classic Loco Moco] (1,000 JPY), which is a standard Hawaiian dish. It is a fantastic dish consisting of a handmade hamburger steak made with 100% beef covered in a special gravy, with a large fried egg on top. Enjoy its spiciness, as it may get you hooked! If you want a slightly unusual flavor, go for the [Spam Loco Moco] (900 JPY), which uses spam ham from the US.

Bora bora Tachikawa Branch

Open: 11:30 am - 5:00 am, Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: B1F, Humax Pavilion, 3-7-5, Shibasaki-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo Map
More Details

14. Kasetsu Akasaka Branch

This is a popular restaurant with private rooms that's located in Akasaka, in the center area of Tokyo. Here, you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and traditional regional cuisine made with seasonal seafood procured directly from producers. It is particularly popular at lunchtime among locals, who come to enjoy authentic Japanese teishoku at reasonable prices. The most recommended item on the menu is [Tori no Karaage Teishoku (with rice and miso soup)] (500 JPY) that offers juicy karaage (deep-fried chicken) in a crunchy deep-fried batter. The lemon piece that is served with it enhances its deliciousness even further!

Kasetsu Akasaka Branch

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 2:30 pm, Dinner 3:00 pm - 5:00 am (L.O. 4:30 am)
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 500 JPY
Address: 4F, Rifa 2 Bldg., 3-12-13, Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

15. Shonan Shokudo

This is a stylish restaurant in a convenient location, as it's just 5 minutes by foot from Iriya Exit of JR Ueno Station. As its name suggests, it is popular for its wide selection of dishes made with fresh shirasu (young sardines) caught in Shonan, a coastal area in Kanagawa Prefecture. The dish that you don't want to miss here is the [Shonan Meibutsu Kama-age Shirasu-don] (800 JPY) - a rice bowl with [Kamakura Shirasu] that is truly a gift from the ocean.

Shonan Shokudo

Open: Lunch 11:30 am - 3:00 pm (L.O. 2:30 pm), Dinner 5:30 pm - 10:30 pm (L.O. 9:30 pm)
Closed: Saturday, Sunday
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 1F, APA Hotel Ueno Ekimae, 7-12-11, Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo

16. GABURICO Akihabara Ekimae Branch

GABURICO is a place where you can get your fill of meat dishes in Akihabara, the holy ground of various otaku subcultures. At lunchtime, you can enjoy shabu-shabu (sliced meat parboiled with vegetables) at reasonable prices with the [Tokusengyu & Biton Shabu-Shabu Lunch (with buffet)] at 980 JPY or [Collagen Biton Shabu-Shabu Lunch (with buffet)] at 880 JPY. The [Awaji-shima Stout Pork Curry] (880 JPY), with slow-simmered curry that perfectly fits the umami of high-grade pork, is also highly recommended.

GABURICO Akihabara Ekimae Branch

Open: [Sunday, National Holidays] 11:30 am - 00:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm, Lunch L.O. 3:00 pm)
[Monday - Thursday, Day before National Holidays] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 0:00 am (L.O. 11:30 pm)
[Friday] Lunch 11:30 am - 3:30 pm (L.O. 3:00 pm), Dinner 5:00 pm - 4:30 am (L.O. 4:00 am)
[Saturday] Lunch, Dinner 11:30 am - 4:30 am (L.O. 4:00 am) *Lunch L.O. 3:00 pm
Closed: None
Average price: [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Address: 6F, Chomp Chomp Akihabara, 1-13, Kanda Sakuma-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

16 carefully selected restaurants in Tokyo that will let you enjoy lunch for 1,000 JPY or less were introduced in this article. There are still many more wonderful restaurants in Tokyo! Restaurants that are a bit expensive at night may have reasonably priced lunch menus, so take a look around.

Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.