Are you planning a family trip to Japan and wondering about the food budget? Hi, I’m a mother of three living in Hokkaido.
When traveling with a family of five, dining costs can add up quickly! Recently, we compared two popular Japanese dining styles: an Izakaya (Japanese pub) and Conveyor Belt Sushi.
The price difference was shocking—over $45! Here is our real-life report.
The Izakaya Experience: Tsubohachi
We visited “Tsubohachi,” a famous Japanese-style pub (Izakaya). While Izakayas are great for trying many small dishes, the cost for a large family might surprise you.
Total Cost: 10,561 JPY (approx. $70 USD) (This was after using a 1,000 JPY discount coupon!)
We ordered Japanese fried chicken (Zangi), french fries, and 7 rice balls to fill up the kids. We also added “All-you-can-drink” soft drinks for everyone.
One thing to watch out for at Izakayas is the “Table Charge” (Otoshi).
It’s a small fee per person that often comes with a tiny appetizer.
For a family of five, these hidden costs can be quite high!
The Budget King: Uobei (Conveyor Belt Sushi)
On the other hand, our usual go-to is “Uobei,” a popular conveyor belt sushi chain.
Last month, we ate until we were completely full, and the price was much lower.
Total Cost: 3,950 JPY (approx. $26 USD)
The price gap was a whopping 6,611 JPY (approx. $44 USD)!
Why is sushi so much cheaper for families?
- No Table Charge: You only pay for what you eat.
- Free Green Tea: Hot tea is provided at every table for free.
- High Volume, Low Price: Most plates are around 110–150 JPY.
A Great Experience for Kids
Even though the Izakaya was more expensive, our kids loved it!
It was their first time in that kind of lively atmosphere, and they had a blast ordering different snacks.
It was a valuable cultural experience for them.
However, as a mom managing the household budget, I realized that “Sushi is definitely the winner for daily life.”
Summary: Tips for Your Japan Trip
If you want to save money while traveling in Japan:
Choose Conveyor Belt Sushi for a high-quality,low-cost meal.
Try an Izakaya at least once for the unique atmosphere, but be mindful of the table charges and drink costs.
Official Websites
Check their menus here (Japanese only)
・ Tsubohachi (Japanese Izakaya)
・ Uobei (Conveyor Belt Sushi)
Extra Tip for Beer Lovers!
If you are visiting Hokkaido, you must try our unique local craft beers! I’ve also reviewed the famous “Abashiri Beer” from Hokkaido here:👉 Hokkaido Craft Beer: Abashiri Beer Review
English
コメント