Simple Dating Advice for Japan

Posted on 11/18/2022 Last updated on 11/18/2022

Top Photo: lisa76さん on PhotoAC

(experiences as a foreign woman in Tokyo)

It’s a topic many are drawn to, especially those who plan on living abroad. Many people will experience dating life in some way, so I wanted to put together some simple tidbits for any readers who are curious about what the dating scene is like in Japan.

I’ve lived in both Gunma (the Japanese countryside) and Tokyo (the Japanese cityscape) so I have had a variety of experiences which I want to share. I will touch on topics such as meeting people, places that are commonly visited on dates, as well as advice on what to avoid or watch out for.

Meeting Potential Partners

Two of the most popular ways for meeting potential partners in Japan are meeting friends of friends as well as using applications whether they be dating or language exchange ones. Making friends in Japan is extremely rewarding as they provide a system of support. In my experience, after making friends, it’s very common for them to invite you to either events or outings with other friend groups which provides a good opportunity for expanding your friendship network or meeting potential partners.

In this day and age, applications are also a decent way to meet new people. I recommend Bumble amongst all of the dating applications as it is the one I have had the most positive experiences of. All of the partners I had met from Bumble were sweet and I never felt unsafe with them.

Rather than dating applications, language exchange applications, such as Hello Talk and Tandem are also good choices for meeting people either as friends or potential partners. Language exchange applications are recommended for those who want to start out a bit slower instead of jumping right into the dating scene.

Dating Spots and Activities

Japan is full of fun and beautiful places that could be used as potential dating spots. If you like alcohol as well as a more relaxed atmosphere, izakayas (Japanese bars) are a good date idea. They can be crowded but provide a fun loving atmosphere as you sit amongst other people also having a good time. You can sit and relax as you get to know your partner amongst drinks and plenty of food options.

Many izakayas have delicious food for an affordable price so for those on a budget, they are a solid location for a date. Or, if you like the idea of a place you can play games, there are many places you can play darts, billiards and table tennis all in the same building. This is a great idea for a date as it takes the pressure off of simply sitting and talking, if you are not a fan of the izakaya idea. These places give you the opportunity to have fun with your potential partner and can create a positive atmosphere.

Things to be Cautious About

While dating in Japan can be fun, there are many things to be cautious about as well. Japan, in general, is a fairly safe country. I can walk to the convenience store in the middle of the night with little unease but no country will be a perfect safe haven. With experience comes knowledge of various red flags to watch out for when meeting potential partners.

I talked about a couple popular locations for dating but one of the most important things to remember is try not to have a first date in a secluded area such as karaoke or their house. Many think of karaoke as a fun dating activity, which it is, but only after you have known the people for a while. Karaoke is a closed room with just you and your partner, so it is not recommended as a first date idea in case your partner has ill intentions.

The same advice goes for not visiting their house or inviting them to yours. If your partner invites you to their house right off the bat, it’s safe to assume they have a motive other than a simple date. It’s important to have fun on dates but it’s just as important to be cautious.

These experiences and advice may not be perfectly applicable for everyone but I hope that there is some information that could prove helpful for those of you who wish to come live in Japan and experience dating life. Traveling abroad is a wonderful experience on its own but it’s only natural that you may find yourself wanting to try going on a date or two. As long as you stay safe and have fun, it can be a rewarding experience.

Photo Credits:

Top Photo: lisa76さん on PhotoAC

Additional Photo by Yoshi.Yuさん on PhotoAC