No Rice Cooker in Japan? 4 Easy Ways to Cook Rice on a Budget

Just moved to Japan and bought a bag of rice — but don’t have a rice cooker?

You don’t necessarily need to buy one right away.

Depending on what you already have in your apartment, you can cook rice with a regular pot, a microwave rice cooker, or even inexpensive rice-cooking tools sold at 100-yen shops.

This guide explains four simple options, so you can choose the one that makes sense for your stay in Japan.

First: What Does “1 Go” of Rice Mean?

In Japan, rice is often measured in go (合).

1 go = 180 mL by volume, or about 150 g of uncooked white rice.

When cooked normally, 1 go of rice makes about 340 g of cooked rice.

That is enough to divide into several smaller portions if you are cooking for one person.

A common starting point for cooking 1 go of white rice is about:

150 g rice + 200 mL water

The exact amount may need slight adjustment depending on the rice and cooking method.

1. Staying in Japan for a While? Consider a Small Rice Cooker

If you plan to live in Japan for several months or longer, a small rice cooker may be the easiest option.

You do not need a large family-size model if you live alone.

A small cooker lets you make several servings at once and freeze the extra portions.

A simple routine is:

Cook → Divide into portions → Freeze → Microwave when needed

This means you do not have to cook fresh rice every day.

Small rice cookers are sold at electronics stores, home centers, and online in Japan.

Before buying one, check the capacity, functions, and electrical specifications.

2. Already Have a Pot? You Can Cook Rice Without a Rice Cooker

If you have a pot with a lid, you may not need to buy anything else.

For 1 go of white rice, a useful starting point is:

Rice: about 150 g
Water: about 200 mL

Basic method

1. Measure the rice.
2. Rinse it with water.
3. Add the measured water.
4. Let the rice soak for about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
5. Cover the pot and heat it.
6. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat.
7. Continue cooking until the water has been absorbed.
8. Turn off the heat and let the rice rest with the lid on before serving.

Cooking time varies depending on the pot, stove, heat level, and amount of rice.

If you are using a pot with its own rice-cooking instructions, follow those instructions first.

Good for:

• People who already own a pot
• Short-term residents
• Anyone trying to avoid buying another appliance
• Apartments with a gas or IH stove

3. Only Have a Microwave? Use a Microwave Rice Cooker

No stove?

You can still cook rice if you have a microwave and a container specifically designed for cooking raw rice.

In Japan, inexpensive microwave rice cookers are sold in household-goods stores and some 100-yen shops.

DAISO, for example, has listed a microwave cooker designed for 1 go of rice.

Important

Do not assume that any plastic food container can be used to cook raw rice.

Choose a product that specifically says it is designed for microwave rice cooking.

Follow the instructions for:

• Amount of rice
• Amount of water
• Microwave wattage
• Cooking time
• Resting time

These vary by product, so there is no single microwave time that works for every container.

4. Check 100-Yen Shops for Rice-Cooking Tools

If you want to spend as little as possible, check Japanese 100-yen shops.

Some stores sell inexpensive tools specifically designed for cooking rice.

For example, DAISO has sold both:

• A microwave rice cooker for one go of rice
• Rice-cooking bags designed to cook rice in hot water

A rice-cooking bag is different from a microwave cooker.

With the bag type, you put rice into the special bag and cook it in boiling water according to the instructions on the package.

You still need a pot and a stove or other suitable heat source.

Important

Products and stock change frequently at 100-yen shops.

Always read the package instructions instead of assuming that every rice-cooking product works the same way.

Which Option Should You Choose?

Staying in Japan for several months or longer?

Small rice cooker

Easy for regular cooking and batch preparation.

Already have a pot?

Cook rice in the pot

You may not need to buy anything else.

Only have a microwave?

Microwave rice cooker

Look for a container specifically designed to cook raw rice.

Want to spend as little as possible?

Check a 100-yen shop

You may find a microwave rice cooker or another inexpensive rice-cooking tool.

Cook Extra Rice and Freeze Individual Portions

If you are trying to save money and time, you do not need to cook rice every day.

Make several servings at once and freeze them individually.

For good-quality frozen rice, wrap or portion the rice while it is still warm and flatten it into an even layer.

Let the excess heat escape, then freeze it promptly.

When you want to eat it, reheat the portion in the microwave using a microwave-safe container or wrapping.

This makes simple meals much easier.

For example:

Frozen rice + natto + miso soup

Frozen rice + egg + vegetables

Frozen rice + chicken + miso soup

You can build a quick meal from ingredients you already have instead of buying lunch every day.

You Don’t Need to Buy Everything When You Arrive in Japan

Moving to Japan can become expensive if you buy every appliance immediately.

Start by checking what your apartment already has.

Have a pot? → Cook rice in the pot

Only have a microwave? → Try a microwave rice cooker

Planning to stay long-term? → Consider a small rice cooker

You can always buy more equipment later once you know what you actually need.

For someone living alone, a simple setup may be enough to cook inexpensive meals and keep food costs under control.

Safety & Practical Notes

This article provides general cooking information.

Rice-to-water ratios, cooking times, microwave settings, and results can vary depending on the type of rice, cookware, microwave, and appliance.

When using a rice cooker, microwave rice cooker, rice-cooking bag, or other cooking product, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the package or product manual.

Do not use ordinary plastic containers for cooking raw rice unless they are specifically designed and labeled for that purpose.

Product availability and prices at Japanese stores may change.