Tokyo Time Saving

Tue 2009/12/01 12:50 JST
 by 
Danny Choo
 20
14653 views

One way to save time if you live in Tokyo. Go to lunch at 11:30 before
everybody else does or you will be waiting a long time for food - just
like we did today because we didn't manage to get out early enough. Go
earlier than 11:30 though and you will find that most places have not
yet opened.

通常は11:30ぐらいお昼に出かける。理由は待たなくても座れるし、すぐ出してくれる。今日は遅くお昼に出てしまい、長く待つ事になった。

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  • Shibuya246
    Shibuya246 in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan (Registered on 2009/03/17)
    CEO, Advance Partners Japan
    http://www.shibuya246.com

    Thx for the tip Danny. I'm waiting in line right now. Been here for 20 mins already.

    Tue 2009/12/01 14:05:44 JST (ID #744982)
    reply to Shibuya246's comment
  • LadyUsada
    LadyUsada in Kansas (Registered on 2009/10/26)
    artist, graduate!, substitute teacher
    http://ladyusada.deviantart.com

    I ran into this very problem while studying abroad in Kanazawa this past summer. Class just happened to get out at 12:00, and it was heck to try to eat anywhere. Even Family Mart was packed full with businessmen and women on break. XD

    Tue 2009/12/01 14:45:22 JST (ID #745001)
    reply to LadyUsada's comment
  • Fish
    Fish in USA (Registered on 2009/05/12)
    Student, Computer Science

    opened? Really! that's interesting. I thought most would open around 10AM for customers

    Tue 2009/12/01 15:19:27 JST (ID #745011)
    reply to Fish's comment
    • kerukelvin
      kerukelvin in Singapore (Registered on 2009/11/26)
      Student,Business IT (eCommerce)

      In my area it opens from 6am to 3pm. (merging breakfast with lunch)

      I went to Japan and what we did was just to go to the konbini to grab a bite, since all the lunch areas are packed. Thanks for the tip danny!

      Thu 2009/12/03 22:33:08 JST (ID #745618)
      reply to kerukelvin's comment
  • e-jump
    e-jump in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/12/22)
    Engineer by weekdays, Hikki by weekends
    http://ejump.wordpress.com/

    In Japan, the sn goes up at 5am.
    Even Kaname had a hard time to get accustom wit the sun while he was in Singapore.
    11am lunch in Japan is just about right for us in SEA

    Tue 2009/12/01 15:39:36 JST (ID #745017)
    reply to e-jump's comment
  • Bakkou
    Bakkou in Australia (Registered on 2009/04/01)
    Student

    Getting in and early is always the best way, who likes waiting in lines anyway?

    Tue 2009/12/01 16:09:47 JST (ID #745022)
    reply to Bakkou's comment
  • 808armada
    808armada in Hawaii, Japan, Betelgeuse (Registered on 2009/08/30)
    TSS RICOH
    http://www.808armada.com

    It's a double edge sword, actually. If you do manage to get in early they would still be setting up and you have to wait a little while the grill gets to temperature. THEN you have to wait as they cook your food. So it really all depends on the restaurant. ^_^

    Tue 2009/12/01 17:28:44 JST (ID #745033)
    reply to 808armada's comment
  • Makku
    Makku in Tokyo (Registered on 2009/05/31)
    3D artist and graphic designer
    http://www.tokyoluv.com

    I know some people who skip lunch and go to pachinko instead, then grab soba in 15mins at 3pm

    Tue 2009/12/01 19:58:08 JST (ID #745068)
    reply to Makku's comment
  • tish
    tish in S'pore (Registered on 2009/11/17)
    A.C.E
    http://tishfire.blogspot.com/

    I've seen long queues outside some Japanese restaurant while having holiday in Tokyo.

    Tue 2009/12/01 21:41:54 JST (ID #745084)
    reply to tish's comment
  • Cutkillavince
    Cutkillavince in Kr, Nl, Fr (Registered on 2008/01/18)
    MI Manager, Blogger and Newswriter
    http://cutkillavince.com/

    And if you want to save even more time, skip the lunch ^^

    Wed 2009/12/02 01:28:46 JST (ID #745131)
    reply to Cutkillavince's comment
  • Smooth Operata
    Smooth Operata in Wisconsin, USA (Registered on 2009/10/28)

    Thanks for the info, Danny.

    Wed 2009/12/02 01:33:21 JST (ID #745132)
    reply to Smooth Operata's comment
  • tune-in-tokyo
    tune-in-tokyo in Vancouver, BC (Registered on 2009/03/20)
    Cinematographer
    http://tune-in-tokyo.com

    packing a bento saves even more time and money... and it's most of the time much more healthy to make your own. Luckily I have a wife who loves to cook.

    Wed 2009/12/02 04:16:47 JST (ID #745170)
    reply to tune-in-tokyo's comment
  • bookindian
    bookindian in East Cali-Land mountain retreat (Registered on 2009/06/24)
    master of woodchop
    http://www.bookindian.wordpress.com

    eat a BIG breakfast and goto "lunch" at 1400 :D

    Wed 2009/12/02 11:13:41 JST (ID #745275)
    reply to bookindian's comment
    • bookindian
      bookindian in East Cali-Land mountain retreat (Registered on 2009/06/24)
      master of woodchop
      http://www.bookindian.wordpress.com

      oh yeh, BIG breakfast is 2 - 3 eggs mash-up with mushrooms, green onions, slice red or green peppers, YUM !!

      Wed 2009/12/02 11:16:01 JST (ID #745276)
      reply to bookindian's comment
  • Leo
    Leo in San Francisco Bay Area (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Email & Network Support/Administration
    http://badger11.animeblogger.net/

    I go to lunch at 1pm. After getting at work @ 6 AM. I snack through the morning. But still am hungry at 1pm/ It's usually when the phones die down enough so I can sneak out

    Wed 2009/12/02 11:44:25 JST (ID #745289)
    reply to Leo's comment
  • Reltair
    Reltair in California, United States (Registered on 2009/06/13)
    College Student
    http://www.projectsaber.com

    I always try to grab lunch early, otherwise I end up waiting for 20-30 minutes and I HATE waiting.

    Wed 2009/12/02 17:11:32 JST (ID #745359)
    reply to Reltair's comment
  • funkywoodjam
    funkywoodjam in Texas (Registered on 2009/05/20)
    Computer Monkey and Internet Douchebag

    I run in to the same problem when I try to go to lunch at Noon. I usually opt to go later, around 1 or 1:30, which significantly reduces the crowds. Is that an option in Tokyo?

    Thu 2009/12/03 00:42:29 JST (ID #745418)
    reply to funkywoodjam's comment
  • Loggins
    Loggins in Tampa, FL (Registered on 2009/08/19)
    Slave

    I don't wake up till a little before that time so...I never have a problem with lunch lines.

    Sat 2009/12/05 02:41:26 JST (ID #745773)
    reply to Loggins's comment
  • pariah
    pariah in Internet (Registered on 2009/06/17)
    Freeter

    I would take home made cooking over outside food any day, nothing beats a lunch that was hand made by a loved one. Healthier and much more convenient than waiting line, unfortunately, I don't have a partner that can cook for me.

    Tue 2009/12/08 15:26:08 JST (ID #746996)
    reply to pariah's comment