True, Tokyo is not a cheap city like the rest of South-East Asia but you can stretch your Yen by observing the locals. The worse-kept dining secret is the obligatory set lunch offered at most restaurants around the city. Take your pick from the various fake and real lunch displays on the sidewalks. Don't be afraid to walk off the main streets around the railways stations. Figure on spending about Y1000-2000 for lunch. Of course, you won't find set lunches at ramen joints, kaiten (conveyor belt) sushi chains or vending machine restaurants. You'll want to reserve these for dinner. Otherwise plan to budget about Y2,500 for a decent dinner without drinks. If you really, really want to save money then convenience store meals are not bad. Those rice balls are healthy and filling.