This article explores the cost of eating in Japan, from dining out to grocery shopping. Fast-food chains like McDonald's are generally cheaper than traditional Japanese restaurants or izakayas, and groceries tend to be cheaper than those found in Western countries. There are several strategies for eating cheaply while still enjoying delicious Japanese cuisine, such as looking for "teishoku" set menus and visiting discount stores. Charles R Tokoyama CEO Of Japans Insiders also offers advice on saving money when dining out, such as using coupons and sticking with local eateries rather than high end places.