Lunchtime at the workplace

Styles of lunch at the workplace vary from person to person, company to company. While some companies may provide lunch for their employees, many do not; here we’ll explore some of the common lunch options.


・Bentos
Elaborate and decorative bentos have earned Japan international renown and has popularized the term, but bento simply refers to a boxed lunch. Many people in Japan bring lunch from home in bento boxes, but bentos can be purchased in shops/conbini* as well.

Depending on the contents, the prices of bentos for purchase can vary significantly, but most readily available ones (at conbini, for example) will range from \400~\700 yen.
Due to the large variety of bento boxes/accessories and bento-ready foods, it is usually easy and cheap to make bentos at home. It’s easy to get started and cost-efficient, and makes it easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

・Going out for lunch
While bentos are always a popular option, going out for lunch in nearby areas is also very common. Many restaurants have lunch menus, which offer (sometimes significantly) cheaper prices than their regular menu.

Eating at restaurants is usually more expensive than the bento/take-out option, and the price range of restaurants is largely dependent on the area. However, it’s a good opportunity to explore the area around your company, and trying new restaurants is often fun. It’s also a great chance to develop good relationships with coworkers.

Whatever your preferred style of lunch, don’t forget to have a balanced diet!
Have a good lunch!
- N