— So, is Japan really that cheap? Let’s find out!
Many people still think Japan is a “cheap” country.
But ask anyone living here, and you’ll hear the same thing:
“Everything costs about 30% more than ten years ago… and portions keep getting smaller!”
Welcome to the land of stealth inflation — where your potato chips stay the same price,
but the bag somehow gets puffier every year.
Here’s a peek at what “cheap” actually looks like at a discount supermarket in Japan (yes, this is the affordable side!).
🥩 Meat
Chicken is the go-to protein for most Japanese families — cheap, tasty, and found 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): ¥500–1000 ($3.30–6.60)
Japanese beef (wagyu) isn’t your Tuesday-night dinner — it’s “birthday level” fancy.
🐟 Fish
Japan is surrounded by ocean… yet fish isn’t cheap anymore.
The irony is real.
- Tuna (per 100g): ¥400–1000 ($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 like heaven — it’s just that your wallet might cry a little.
🥕 Vegetables
Japan’s veggies have mood swings. Prices change drastically with the weather and seasons.
- Daikon radish (1 pc): ¥150–250 ($1.00–1.70)
- Carrots (3 pcs): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)
- Potatoes (5 pcs): ¥300–400 ($2.00–2.60)
- Onions (3 pcs): ¥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, Twitter fills with people mourning their ¥600 cabbage. True story.
🥚 Eggs
Once upon a time, eggs were ¥100 for a pack of ten.
Those days are gone — inflation came for breakfast, too.
- Eggs (10 pcs): ¥200–350 ($1.30–2.30)
Still, Japan’s eggs are high quality — bright orange yolks that almost glow. Breakfast lovers rejoice!
🥤 Drinks
Buying bottled water? In Japan, people usually go for 2-liter bottles.
Pro tip: never buy them at convenience stores unless you enjoy overpaying.
- 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)
🍫 Snacks
Now, the most emotionally sensitive topic: snacks.
Prices haven’t changed much — but the content has mysteriously vanished.
- Potato chips (55g): ¥100–150 ($0.70–1.00)
- Chocolate (123g bag): ¥200–300 ($1.30–2.00)
Japanese people call this “stealth price increase.”
Same price, less joy.
💡 The Takeaway
The prices above are from discount stores like OK Store or Gyomu Super.
If you walk into a premium store like Seijo Ishii or Kinokuniya, prepare to pay up to double.
In Japan, smart shopping is an art form.
Locals know which supermarket sells chicken for ¥98 — and they will walk an extra mile for it.
🇯🇵 Final Thoughts
Yes, prices are rising.
But Japan still wins in terms of cleanliness, food quality, and convenience.
You might spend a bit more, but you’ll rarely feel ripped off —
because everything just works.
That, in a way, is the real “Japan quality.”