Yes, there’s certainly a quiet, almost lonely aspect to it. Like many places in Tokyo, there are a few people together, but at the same time they are very much alone.
I guess it’s a fairly common sight in cities all over the world, but it often seems more pronounced in Tokyo. That seemingly standard customer, empty seat, customer set up. With the only chatter coming from whatever inane variety show happens to be on the equally TV.
Yes, it was a very different feel from busier parts of the city/different times of the day. Winding down like that, however, would very quickly see my waist winding up!
This kind of worked to my advantage when visiting Tokyo for the first time last year. I never once felt out of place or awkward dining alone. Granted, I mostly ate ramen, but still. 🙂
One concern I have about visiting Seoul next year is the single diner stigma that happens there. I hear they’ll even refuse to serve you!
That’s a very good point. Never thought about it like that. But yeah, eating alone in Tokyo is very easy. No awkwardness at all. Just as it should be really.
I haven’t been to Korea yet, but I do hope it isn’t like that. From one extreme to the other eh?
Mags says
Nicely captured. I like the quietness.
Lee says
Thanks.
Yes, there’s certainly a quiet, almost lonely aspect to it. Like many places in Tokyo, there are a few people together, but at the same time they are very much alone.
Hans ter Horst says
I’m struck by the loneliness of the people in this shot as well, the big, crowded city can be a very lonely place.
Lee says
I guess it’s a fairly common sight in cities all over the world, but it often seems more pronounced in Tokyo. That seemingly standard customer, empty seat, customer set up. With the only chatter coming from whatever inane variety show happens to be on the equally TV.
Pauline says
Very cool! A real contrast to the noise and frenetic pace of city life. Love it. My kind of late night wind down.
Lee says
Yes, it was a very different feel from busier parts of the city/different times of the day. Winding down like that, however, would very quickly see my waist winding up!
Tom says
This kind of worked to my advantage when visiting Tokyo for the first time last year. I never once felt out of place or awkward dining alone. Granted, I mostly ate ramen, but still. 🙂
One concern I have about visiting Seoul next year is the single diner stigma that happens there. I hear they’ll even refuse to serve you!
Lee says
That’s a very good point. Never thought about it like that. But yeah, eating alone in Tokyo is very easy. No awkwardness at all. Just as it should be really.
I haven’t been to Korea yet, but I do hope it isn’t like that. From one extreme to the other eh?
Sandipon says
Correct me if Im wrong but isnt the title and theme inspired from Ed Hoppers work by the same name? BTW good composition here.
Lee says
Cheers!
Yes, as soon as I saw the scene Hoppers painting came to mind, so the title was an obvious choice.