Whether you love it or hate it, you probably have it. A way more relaxed version without the normal date pressure, day dates are great in Tokyo since you can avoid the crowds and the higher prices. Be warned though: no sharing hammocks! Just remember the middle of summer is not fun in Tokyo, and no one wants be a sweating mess for their first dateβso check the temperatures.
The homemade lemonade is really good and beers are available too, depending on your need for dutch courage be it for the date or Mario Kart. If you want to impress, a Michelin lunch is the perfect way make the most effortless of efforts. You see my logic right? You can choose from a variety of affordable Japanese and European restaurants across the cityβbut remember lunch sets are usually only on weekdays.
Bonus: even if the date sucks, at least you both got great food right? I salute you. Here are some options to tone down or ramp up the date, depending on how afraid of commitment you are. After drinks in a nice bar to test the water, you can head up until 10pm to see Tokyo in a very romantic light.
If you want to do dinner, okonomiyaki is the perfect choice. With an endless variety of ingredients it can suit pretty much everyone, and you can eat different ones or share, so bonus points for flexibility.
The best part, though, is that you can mix and cook it yourself at the table, so it provides the all-vital distraction. Especially if the nearby family get stuck in to help you cook, as usually happens to me. There are plenty of places to choose from, but the best is Monja Street in Tsukishima Monjayaki being a version of okonomiyaki.
