Chain restaurants targeting families are called “famiresu,” which provide many different dishes at reasonable prices. Old-fashioned small restaurants targeting mainly regular customers are generally called “shokudou,” which provide homemade dishes. There are other specialty restaurants featuring in one dish such as soba (noodle), or curry.

Instant foods are popular

When you go to convenience stores, you will find many different instant foods, including cup ramen, and ready-to-eat bento (lunch box), which are called “konnbini-benntou.” The most particular Japanese fast food will be onigiri (rice ball). If you want to have them warmed, a free warmup service is available.

Foreign fast food is also available

There are many fast-food chain stores in Japan, such as MacDonald, and Kentucky Fried Chicken. There are also restaurants, so-called “ethnic dishes” at specialized restaurants. Free green tea or water is served at any restaurant. You can order another cup of tea or water free of charge, but other drinks like coffee are not free.