5 Best Japanese Fast Food Chains to Get Your Money’s Worth – Hamburger Steaks, Gyoza, Gyudon, and More Await!

First Kitchen is a Japanese hamburger chain mainly found in the Kanto region, but with around 70 stores in total around Japan. Their main focus, in addition to the 11 varieties of hamburgers and sandwiches, is on their pasta range (from 590 JPY (incl. tax)*). You should definitely try the First Classic Burger (550 JPY (incl. tax)*) with its umami flavor. The 100% beef burger has the added flavor of kombu (kelp) dashi and is sandwiched in a tasty bun flavored with a hint of soy sauce. Also popular is the Flavor Potato fries range (200 JPY (incl. tax)*). Choose your favorite from a range of tastes like salt, consomme, and butter with soy sauce. If you’re eating in, you get free rein at the Dip Sauce Bar where you can customize your meal with ketchup, cheese sauce or avocado sauce.

*Price including tax when you eat in (10% tax)

Gyudon is a Japanese fast food staple, made from thinly-sliced beef and onions simmered in a salty-sweet stock and piled on top of a bowl of rice. Matsuya is a large-scale gyudon chain that has more than 1,000 restaurants in almost all prefectures of Japan. What makes it different from other chains is the free miso soup you get when you eat in. On the menu, you'll find the classic Gyumeshi (320 JPY for a regular bowl (incl. tax)*), as well as dishes like yakiniku or hamburger steak that come in a set with rice, salad, and miso soup (from 600 JPY (incl. tax)). You order by buying a food ticket at the ticket machine when you go in.

*Some shops offer Premium Gyumeshi (380 JPY for a regular bowl (incl. tax)).

Soba noodles are a popular Japanese fast food often eaten while standing. Fuji Soba is a well-known chain in the capital with more than 100 restaurants in central Tokyo. Usually open 24 hours and located close to stations, they are an easy place to make a quick stop at in between sightseeing stop. Their hot and cold noodles (both from 310 JPY (incl. tax)), and katsudon (pork cutlet rice bowl) (500 JPY (incl. tax)) are popular choices here. Touches such as firming up the noodles in cold water and the use of sauces made with fresh dashi stock means you can enjoy cheap, delicious soba that doesn’t cut corners.