foodie going to japan...

i will be going to japan on March 30th i wanted to know if i should stay in osaka or tokyo?

i will be on a budget so which city is best for a foodie on a budget?my budget is $15max USD per meal...

also how much would it cost for a typical train ride to tokyo?

i will be going to japan on March 30th i wanted to know if i should stay in osaka or tokyo?

Depends on what interests you, and your budget.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2164.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2157.html

i will be on a budget so which city is best for a foodie on a budget?my budget is $15max USD per meal...

You can get reasonable meals for that price in either city. I wouldn't say "foodie" meals, but certainly reasonable. Perhaps you will be better off, paying less for two of your meals and increasing budget for one. In general lunch is more economical than dinner at many restaurants but it depends what you are after.

also how much would it cost for a typical train ride to tokyo?

From Osaka?
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4006.html

If you are on a budget consider an overnight bus.

Some useful information for you:-
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2028.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2028_food.html
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2410.html

There is a wealth of information on japan-guide worth reading.

Enjoy your trip!

I have been to both Osaka and Tokyo and I can say that they are both excellent places for food. If you want cheap, you could go to Sapporo, but no one would want to travel there that time of year! Besides, if you stay in either city you will be able to see the cherry blossoms. Osaka is cheaper than Tokyo, but not that much, if we're talking about food, anyways. Yes, Osaka is famous for their okonomiyaki, but okonomiyaki is all over Japan.

$15 per meal can you a lot, unless you plan on eating at restaurants all the time. I recommend going to supermarkets or convenience stores when you can, you can get all sorts of great Japanese food for a decent price. Like $8 for a donburi meal set. Even excellent sushi!

They say the sushi is better in Tokyo, however, for the non-Japanese palate, Sushi around Japan would generally taste the same, however, it is the best Sushi anywhere on earth! Even in supermarkets, they will reduce the price on sushi for 25~50% at the end of the day, and it will still taste amazing.

Don't forget to buy and try some unique snacks when you can! Trust me, if you really look for options, you can easily spend $20 a day on food.

And are you talking about trains from Osaka to Tokyo? The shinkansen would take about 3 hours, and cost $170. Or did you mean from Narita to Tokyo? In either case, check the Hyperpedia website to find out. You should also inquire about the JR rail pass. However, there are cheaper ways to travel around Japan (such as bus). You HAVE to visit Kyoto if you plan on seeing both Osaka and Tokyo!

If you are looking for some super-unique ultra gourmet food, you can find it like you would anywhere else. Just ask about restaurants, there are many high-end restaurants in Tokyo selling haute Japanese gourmet cuisine. But meals there will cost way more than $15!

If you're looking for restaurant recommendations in Japan, bento.com would work (yes I know it's called bento but it has restaurant reviews!). Sunnypages is decent for Tokyo.

There are lots of interesting markets to go through too.

A good rule of thumb is to go to the place with the longest line at lunch time!

thanks for all the responses I'll most likely be going to tokyo and life in the JGH HOStel in japan it looks interesting

can you guys recommend me some must have food in tokyo, no sushi please

recommended Food in tokyo,

-Monja yaki (okonomiyaki tokyo style) $7-8

-assorted Oden at Seven-Eleven $7-8

-real Ramen (soup needle) $10

-Curry and rice (japanese style) $10-15

-shabu-shabu, depends but like above $20(lunch)-$50(dinner)

- melon soda $2

- tonkatsu (fried polk) and rice $12-20

- soba noodle $10-15

During lunch hours (11:00-14:00) at most of the restaurants offer lunch menu for less. Price range would be $8-15 where you are allowed to pick up your favorite.

Otherwise, at any convenience store they sell your luch (dinner) box for $7-10 around the clock. Do not underestimate the foods at convenience stores here.


Prices all include 5% tax already. No chips anywhere. So it won't be tough to survive with $15 per meal in tokyo.

Don't forget one of my favorite cheap eats in Japan; Katsudon!