Japanese fast food

Eating out in Japan doesn't always have to be costly. If you're looking for some quick, inexpensive food while you're on the go, Japan has an exceptional variety.

In terms of fast food, there are of course the many burger chains introduced from America. These are relatively the same as their origins, but there are some differences that make them worthwhile to sample. Some meals you'll find unique to Japan, like a hamburger smothered in teriyaki sauce, or a vegetarian-friendly nori and sprouts-filled burger with buns made of rice. There are also Japan-original fast food chains, which each touts their own specialties. Some are all-natural, some have unique sauces, and some have double-bacon double-egg double-patty portion sizes that will astound even those from the land of the Supersize.

One thing that sets these fast food restaurants apart from others however is their seasonal and limited items. It's somewhat of a Japanese tradition to have seasonal fruits or themes that are available for a short time only, and they make no exceptions in fast food. Summer brings unique menus to burger restaurants, like a taco sandwich on Indian nan bread and mango-flavored desserts.

But if you want to sample completely Japanese fast food, look no further than your local train station. Catering to on-the-go businessmen are the quick and easy Japanese food restaurants. You'll easily find them in, around, or even on the platform of a train station, but they are widespread around towns too. These establishments usually offer a long counter and bar stools, or in some cases, no seating at all in a stand-and-eat fashion.

These restaurants might specialize in certain types of cuisine, such as only soba, or carry all sorts of traditional Japanese food. Some chains are famous for their gyu-don (beef strips on a bowl of rice), others curry or tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets). Although you pay for your meal via a vending machine ticket, most of it is completely handmade by the cooks. As a bonus, most restaurants will give you a side of soup and all the refills of rice you can handle, for a fast, cheap and delicious meal to leave you satisfied.

• What to eat in Tokyo: Food Culture in Tokyo