🍱 The Real Price of Food in Japan (2025 Edition)

Having shopped at local supermarkets and markets all over Japan for many years, I’ve seen how food prices change with seasons, regions, and global trends — and how locals adapt.

So… Is Japan Really That Cheap? Let’s Take a Look.

Many people still imagine Japan as a “cheap” country.

But ask anyone who actually lives here, and you’ll hear something like this:

“Prices are about 30% higher than ten years ago…

and portions keep getting smaller.”

Welcome to stealth inflation — where prices stay the same,

but packages quietly shrink and bags get puffier every year.

Below is a realistic snapshot of food prices at discount supermarkets in Japan

(the affordable side of grocery shopping, not luxury stores).

(Exchange rate: ¥150 = USD $1)

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🥩 Meat

Chicken is the most common protein in Japan — affordable, versatile, and everywhere.

• Chicken (per 100g): ¥100–150 ($0.70–1.00)
• Pork (per 100g): ¥90–130 ($0.60–0.90)
• Beef (imported, per 100g): ¥190–250 ($1.30–1.70)
• Beef (domestic, per 100g): ¥500–1,000 ($3.30–6.60)

Japanese wagyu isn’t an everyday food.

It’s more like “special occasion” or “birthday-level luxury.”

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🐟 Fish

Japan is surrounded by ocean — yet fish is no longer cheap.

Yes, the irony is real.

• Tuna (per 100g): ¥400–1,000 ($2.60–6.60)
• Bonito (per 100g): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)
• Horse mackerel (3 fish): ¥500–800 ($3.30–5.30)

Fresh sashimi still tastes amazing.

Your wallet, however, may feel slightly less enthusiastic.

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🥕 Vegetables

Vegetable prices in Japan change dramatically depending on season and weather.

• Daikon radish (1): ¥150–250 ($1.00–1.70)
• Carrots (3): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)
• Potatoes (5): ¥300–400 ($2.00–2.60)
• Onions (3): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)
• Cabbage (1 head): ¥150–300 ($1.00–2.00)
• Lettuce (1 head): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)

When bad weather hits, social media fills with people complaining about

a ¥600 cabbage.

This is not a joke — it happens every year.

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🥚 Eggs

Once upon a time, eggs cost ¥100 for a pack of ten.

Those days are long gone.

• Eggs (10): ¥200–350 ($1.30–2.30)

The good news?

Japanese eggs are high quality, safe to eat raw, and have rich, bright yolks.

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🥤 Drinks

In Japan, people usually buy large bottles at supermarkets — not convenience stores.

• Water (2L): ¥100–200 ($0.70–1.30)
• Cola (1.5L): ¥180–200 ($1.20–1.30)
• Milk (1L): ¥200–250 ($1.30–1.70)
• Orange juice (1L): ¥200–250 ($1.30–1.70)

Convenience stores are everywhere — but they’re not where locals buy bulk drinks.

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🍫 Snacks (The Most Sensitive Topic)

Snack prices haven’t increased much — but the contents have mysteriously vanished.

• Potato chips (55g): ¥100–150 ($0.70–1.00)
• Chocolate (123g bag): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)

Same price.

Less food.

Japanese people call this “stealth price increases.”

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💡 The Takeaway

These prices reflect discount supermarkets like OK Store or Gyomu Super.

At premium stores such as Seijo Ishii or Kinokuniya,

prices can easily be 1.5–2× higher.

In Japan, grocery shopping is a skill.

Locals know exactly which store sells chicken for ¥98 —

and yes, they’ll walk an extra ten minutes to get it.

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🇯🇵 Final Thoughts

Yes, food prices are rising.

But Japan still stands out for:

• Cleanliness
• Food safety
• Consistent quality
• Convenience

You may spend a bit more than you expect —

but you rarely feel cheated.

Everything works as promised.

That, in a way, is the real meaning of “Japan quality.”