Apr 16, 2017
Solo dinner choices in Japan
I wanted to ask everyone what your 'go to' place is for eating dinner on your own in Japan. Recently, I've gotten into the habit of just going to a McDonalds when it comes to eating on my own. This is not out of fear of new experiences, foods, language, or being on my own. It's just a lazy habit I seem to have fallen into. I'm looking for some new ideas, besides cooking at home.
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on Apr 16
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on Apr 17
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on Apr 18
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on Apr 18
@Jackson Agreed with the ramen thing. Definitely a solo job, even if you're with other people. Everyone just concentrates on the slurping. Yea, I can't say an all-you-can-eat option is something I'd typically go for on my own, but then again, perhaps a solo situation is the best way to concentrate on getting your money's worth!
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on Apr 19
I like going to cafes. When I first came to Japan, during study abroad, eating alone was so terribly daunting! But I often traveled alone, so I learned how to not care. I think as a female it's harder because ramen shops and standing soba places are almost always men. I transitioned into eating alone, by eating at cafes which are often designed for single seating. I've also been known to join the business men during lunch at the local parks eating bento. If you are looking to spend a good chunk of time, places with drink bar are great. Joyfull, Gusto, Royal Host, Flying garden(my favourite!!!) saizeria,...the list goes on.
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on Apr 20
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on Apr 21
@edthethe I do agree that cafes are good choices. As a guy, I have the opposite issue of going into a cafe alone when there are mostly ladies there (which is not a bad thing :D), but the food options are nice, a good variety of things, affordable, and usually the environment is nice and relaxing too.
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on Apr 21
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on Apr 21
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on Apr 21
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on Apr 25
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on Apr 25
I know that habit! Its a few years ago now, but I used to do the same. There was a McDonalds at my train station so it just seemed like the easiest choice. Now; a bit of a mix of what everyone else has said. I do try and go for somewhere with a drink bar though. I love cola but I only allow myself drink it a restaurant, so drink bar allows me catch up on my cola dose! I use area magazines sometimes too; in our area they are Moteco. They are like a directory of shops and services, but they usually come with coupons for most of the places they list - so I find a new place and have a discount coupon. Win-win!
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on Apr 26
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on Apr 26
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on May 12
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on May 12
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on May 16
Lots of good answers already, but I wanted to chime in. I prefer either cafes (like Joyfull) with drink bar - for when I have some time and want to do some thinking or studying, or a local place. The mom & pop places are really nice on weekdays when they aren't too busy and they'll often chat with you, if you're in the mood to chat with someone. (But as expected they always ask those same questions.) Ramen (or udon, soba, etc.) is great; okonomiyaki... is more awkward with your own teppan but alright when it's normal tables/bars. The non-chain donburi shops, if you can find a good one, are great. Yakiniku might also be strange alone.
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on May 17
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on May 24
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on May 25
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on Sep 14
I recommend Ichiran Ramen for solo dinner go-to place for a fine cold evening (or even hot!). The restaurant has its own separate spaces with dividers allowing you to 'concentrate on the taste of their delicious broth'. Otherwise, it is also a good place to linger on your thoughts whilst bulging up a fine dinner without spending more than 1000 yen. For me it is like a coffee shop experience with a little spice!
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on Sep 14
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on Jun 13
The Skylark restaurants in my area (Bamiyan, Gusto, Jonathan's) are my "go to" places for dining solo, although I would stay away from those on weekends. On weekdays, however, they are great - especially if I chance upon a seat by the window. I like Jonathan's the most because of their menu (looove their chicken dishes and desserts), and their drink bar serves drinks you won't see in the other 2. Yes, they may be family restaurants but I absolutely don't mind dining there solo - for as long as I get a good seat. Lately I've been doing most of my writing in those places rather than at home. For some reason I get to write more while I'm there.
23 Answers