Extremely Cheap - Japanese Bento

From what used to be over 700 Yen

to as low as 298 Yen!!

A slowdown in economy has taken effect on department store. "People spend less", "there are very few shoppers", "fewer people go to department store" ... these slumber conditions force department stores to take a new strategy to draw customers attention by introducing extremely cheap bento. In the case of department stores, these bento are like lost leader, made not to make profit but mainly to attract customers to come.

A staff in charge at the department store said on an interview that "the more we make these bento, the less profit we make ... we can actually lose mony... but we have to do it as a strategy to bring customers back".

Following the same strategy are convenient stores and chain stores, like Seiyu (which is now owned and run by Walmart), where they introduce good quality bento at a very cheap price.

In the past I used to tell friends that food in Japan is expensive, well.... that may not be the case now, if you buy these bento. They are indeed extremely cheap for such a quantity and quality - consider they are made and sold in Japan!

Watch a video below (in Japanese) about how department stores in Japan fight the battle of surviving through bargaining bento boxes :

http://www.fnn-news.com/news/headlines/articles/CONN00158685.html

Food In Japan Is Not Expensive

There is an image among foreign visitors that travelling in Japan, especially Tokyo or major cities  here, costs a lot of money and that food are expensive here.  Well, that is not certainly true, because nowadays there are choices for those who know where to go.   

Like elsewhere in the world, meals are expensive if you eat at the Hotels or restaurants in high rise building.   So here is my recommendation:

1. For the best Sushi & Sashimi

Shimbashi is known to locals here as the place for you to find good sushi and sashimi.   You can get fresh, delicious and reasonable sashimi, mostly from 75 Yen! (that is less than a $1! each).    Best of all it is located at a very convenient place, just off the station. 

http://www.uogashi.jp/shop_10.html

Take a ride on the JR Yamanote Line, and go to Shimbashi station. Look for Uogashi, name of the chain (kaiten) sushi, just as you Exit the Main Gate.   

Also check photo (left) or print it if you like and show to the Station Master for help.   There are other chains of Uogashi, if you like to check, click below and just click at the shop name and check for maps.    Unfortunately they are all written in Japanese.

​http://www.uogashi.jp/​

2. For Other Local Food

In Tokyo and other major city, any major stations are connected to or have department stores nearby.   Go to these stores such as Takashimaya, Seibu, Tobu, Mitsukoshi and walk to the Basement Floor where they sell various take-out food.  Some major department stores also have eat-in place.   If you are particular about freshness, visit just before the peak hour at lunchtime or dinner time.   If you are more curious about getting the best value, visit just before the closing hour, a few minutes before 8 pm.    However, i recommend that you do not purchase any raw food such as sushi/sashimi at this late hours because they are no longer fresh.    

3.  There also restaurants and cafe that offers special discounts during rainy days.    Yes, here locals tend to stay put and avoid going out/eating out during rainy days, so giving discounts is their way of pulling the consumers to come.     Hm, but i don't think our stomach should wait for rainy days :D !

Enjoy!