If you’ve ever visited Japan—or plan to—you might wonder:
“What do Japanese people actually eat for lunch?”
The truth is, lunch in Japan is surprisingly diverse. But one thing is clear: most people want something quick, affordable, and tasty.
Let’s take a fun look at the typical lunch choices of people in Japan!
■ Popular Lunch Categories in Japan
(Based on trends from major Japanese surveys such as Mynavi News)
Here are the most common lunch categories you’ll find:
- Japanese food (set meals, grilled fish, karaage fried chicken, ginger pork)
- Chinese food (fried rice, mapo tofu, stir-fried dishes)
- Ramen
- Udon & soba
- Gyudon (beef bowl chains like Yoshinoya)
- Curry rice
- Western-style dishes (hamburg steak, omelet rice)
- Italian (mainly pasta)
- Fast food (McDonald’s, etc.)
- Café-style lunches (sandwiches, salad plates, etc.)
In most cases, lunch costs around 700–1,000 yen ($4.50–$6.50 USD).
More details: https://japan-life-blog.com/archives/169
■ What Men Often Choose
For many men, hearty meals are the go-to options:
- Gyudon (beef bowls)
- Ramen
- Udon or soba
- Chinese set meals
Gyudon chains are extremely popular because they are cheap, fast, and filling.
And recently, these restaurants offer much more than beef bowls:
- Curry
- Set meals
- Pork dishes
- Seasonal bowls
Some people eat at these places almost every day because the menus are surprisingly diverse.
■ What Women Often Choose
Women’s lunch choices tend to be more varied:
- Café lunches
- Family restaurants
- Pasta
- McDonald’s and other fast food
- Lighter or healthier meals (salad bowls, etc.)
You don’t see many women eating inside gyudon restaurants simply because the customer base is mostly men, and some feel shy entering alone.
But they are completely welcome—no need to worry if you want to try it!
■ “Izakaya Lunch” Is Also Popular
Many Japanese izakaya pubs serve lunch during the daytime.
Typical dishes include:
- Grilled fish set meal
- Karaage fried chicken
- Chicken nanban
- Sashimi set meal
These are usually affordable and very popular in business districts.
■ Many People Choose the “Cheap Option” Over the “Best Option”
Of course, good flavor matters—but when it comes to everyday lunch, most people prioritize:
“Cheap, fast, and convenient.”
Since lunch is a daily expense, it’s common to look for:
- Gyudon chains
- Udon chains
- McDonald’s
- Shops offering ¥500–¥700 meals
Affordable restaurants are always busy on weekdays.
■ Big Cities Like Tokyo Offer Endless Choices
In cities such as Tokyo or Osaka, the number of restaurants is enormous.
Some people enjoy changing lunch spots every single day because there are so many options.
No matter your taste or budget, you’ll never run out of choices.
■ When You Visit Japan, Try Eating What the Locals Eat
Many visitors focus only on sushi or traditional Japanese food.
But the real, everyday lunch culture is built on:
- Variety
- Affordability
- Speed
If you want to experience authentic Japanese daily life, try eating at the same places office workers go.
You might discover a whole new side of Japan!