Japanese consumers, weary of high food prices, can now dine reasonably

From Marina Kamimura
CNN Tokyo Bureau Chief

TOKYO, Japan (CNN) -- Have you ever heard someone say they paid dearly for eating out in Japan?

The complaints are common in Tokyo, which over the years has gained a reputation for being one of the most expensive restaurant cities in the world.

All that is changing, though, as sluggish economic times have left many diners reluctant to spend big bucks on food and forced some restaurants to take a cue from the world of fast food.

VIDEO CNN's Marina Kamimura takes a look at some restaurants that are drawing more Japanese customers Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

McDonald's caught the wave in Japan a while ago. The U.S. fast-food giant has been selling hamburgers to its Japanese customers for about 56 yen, or as little as 60 cents, during the past year.

But if diners still crave gold-flaked sushi, or hand-massaged Kobe beef, the expensive restaurants will be glad to serve it up -- for a price. Thankfully, consumers and visitors to Japan now have more choices.

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