My Experience Eating at McDonald's in Japan: From Happy Set to Eating Without Sauce
- Binh Nguyen
- Mar 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 24
In Japan, I don’t go to fast food places all that often. When we eat out, I usually pick local spots or small restaurants where we can enjoy good flavors and warm service. At home, my family prioritizes cooking and enjoying dinner together. But whenever we’re too busy or tired, McDonald’s is usually the first name that comes to mind—mostly because my son is a huge fan of the Happy Set (the Japanese version of the Happy Meal, often including a toy and sometimes a children's book).
He says he loves burgers, but honestly, he only takes a few bites before leaving the rest. The only thing he always finishes is the French fries, which he gobbles up—sometimes even snatching mine. What really gets him excited about McDonald’s is the toys that come with the Happy Set. It’s a smart move by McDonald’s to keep kids (and their parents) coming back. At this point, my son’s a total Happy Set fan.
Ordering at McDonald’s in Japan
There are several ways to order at McDonald’s in Japan:
If you're driving, just pull into the drive-thru, place your order, and take it to go within minutes. This method is widely used in Japan. Unlike in Vietnam—where most people ride motorbikes—the drive-thru isn't very practical unless you have a passenger to help carry food and drinks. That’s why in Vietnam, people usually park and dine inside.
If you walk in, you can either order at the counter or use the self-order kiosk, then pay with PayPay or a credit card—no cash required. It’s quick and convenient. (PayPay is a popular mobile payment app in Japan, similar to Apple Pay or Google Pay.)
The Happy Set – A Must for My Son
Every time we go to McDonald’s, my son orders the same combo: Cheeseburger + French fries. Occasionally, he switches things up with chicken nuggets, dipped in yellow mustard. But what he truly looks forward to is the toy that comes with the Happy Set.
In Japan, the Happy Set often includes a small book for children alongside the toy. Sometimes it’s an adventure story, other times it’s about science, life skills, or nature.
My son’s little bookshelf now holds nearly 20 books from Happy Sets.
I love how McDonald’s Japan adds a little learning to the meal. It’s not just about eating—it sparks curiosity and helps kids get into reading. If you go during a toy rotation, children may even get to choose the toy they want. Otherwise, they receive one at random—which occasionally leads to duplicates and a bit of disappointment.
Our family usually visits McDonald’s once or twice a month. Some months we don’t go at all. For me, that’s just enough: the kid is happy, and we parents don’t have to stress over what to cook or where to eat.
No Ketchup or Chili Sauce?
One thing that surprised me when I moved to Japan: McDonald’s here doesn’t have a sauce station like in Vietnam. No ketchup, no chili sauce.
People in Japan eat French fries with the salt already added—no dipping required. The burgers come pre-seasoned, and that’s enough. People here tend to enjoy food just the way it is, without adding much else. The same goes for pizza—people here eat it as is, without asking for sauces. My wife once said that adding ketchup or chili disrupts the balance and original taste of the dish.
Over time, I’ve adopted the same habit—fewer condiments, more appreciation.
Cost and Cultural Differences
McDonald’s is considered a fast, affordable, and widely accepted dining option in Japan. What’s more, McDonald’s is doing surprisingly well here:
In 2024, McDonald’s Japan reported 8,291 billion yen in revenue
Operating profit reached 48 billion yen, a record high
Net profit hit 31.9 billion yen, up 27% from the previous year
Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the performance hasn’t been as strong:
In 2022, McDonald’s Vietnam earned over 650 billion VND but still posted a net loss of nearly 100 billion VND
In 2021, the net loss exceeded 180 billion VND
Same brand, different countries—but the results really depend on how people eat, what they expect, and how well the brand fits into the local culture.
To make it easier to visualize, here’s a simple comparison of the cost for a full meal at McDonald’s vs. a typical ramen shop in Japan:
Meal Type | Estimated Cost |
McDonald’s set meal | 500 – 1,000 yen |
Ramen set (with sides) | 1,500 – 1,800 yen |
Clearly, for a quick and affordable meal, McDonald’s is a better deal compared to traditional options like ramen—which can cost nearly twice as much.
In Vietnam, however, fast food feels more like slow dining—people sit down, stay longer, and prices are far from cheap. Yet the appeal remains strong due to the ambiance, branding, and novelty. When I lived in Ho Chi Minh City, I probably visited McDonald’s two or three times a year—Vietnamese street food is just too good: bánh mì, cơm tấm, bún, phở, xôi… quick, tasty, and full of character.
Tips for Visiting McDonald’s in Japan
Self-order kiosks are available in English—very helpful for foreigners
You can order in advance via the McDonald’s Japan app and pick up later
Many branches offer curbside delivery to your car if parked in a designated spot
Drive-thru is fast, but going inside is often easier during peak hours
No ketchup or chili sauce is provided by default—though you can ask
Some locations have play areas for kids, especially on weekends
The iced latte here is surprisingly good—light, flavorful, and cheaper than most cafes
Final Thoughts
To me, McDonald’s in Japan is more than just a fast food stop—it reflects local values in eating, parenting, and how things are made simple and thoughtful for families. From flexible ordering and cashless payment, to Happy Sets with books and thoughtful toy selections—everything feels well-designed and intentional.
From just one simple meal, I’ve come to understand a lot about daily life in Japan. And if my son brings home a small toy or a book he’s excited to read, that alone makes it a meal well worth it—for both of us.
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