Posts - Me Time Japan

Uncovering the Best “Old School” Ramen Shops in Japan

Me Time Japan Team | November 8, 2025

Ramen is a world-famous noodle dish and certainly a must try food in Japan! Many ramen lovers in Japan say, “the best way to know the local culture here is to try their ramen.” All over the world, we can find fine and casual ramen dinning, but ramen in Japan remains different with these other places. One of the reasons international ramen tastes different from the Japanese ramen is the water. We spoke with a Japanese master/chef from a popular Japanese ramen shop opened which opened a few new branches in New York a few years ago. The master/chef said “it’s very unfortunate that we aren’t be able to produce … arrow_forward

50 Me-Time Ideas from Japan for Mindful & Relaxing Moments

Me Time Japan Team | October 18, 2025

Whether you’re at home in Japan or abroad, there are countless ways to enjoy your own company. Here, we share 50 real-life “me-time” ideas from Japan—perfect for inspiring your solo moments, helping you relax, find joy, and bring a mindful touch to your day. Food & Drink Solo Outdoor & Active Entertainment & Creative Cultural & Mindful Experiences Luxury & Personal Growth arrow_forward

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Me Time Matters: The Secret to Thriving in a World That Never Stops

Me Time Japan Team | August 30, 2025

Life can get overwhelming—and that’s exactly why making space for a little me time matters. It’s not about being selfish. It’s about staying grounded, healthy, and clear-headed. In this article, you’ll find gentle prompts and reflections to help you make the most of your alone time—however that looks for you. Q: I really enjoy eating alone. Is there anything I should watch out for? A: Eating alone can be a quiet joy. It gives you full control over what, when, and how you eat—something many people find calming. Still, when you’re on your own, it’s easy to eat faster than usual or overeat without realizing it. You might forget to … arrow_forward

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Solo Travel: Five Essentials for a Great Trip

Me Time Japan Team | August 1, 2025

Traveling alone has a way of changing you. Without the usual distractions, you’re free to follow your own rhythm—whether it’s lingering at a café, chasing the sunset, or simply sitting still and soaking in a view. Solo travel isn’t just a break from routine; it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, reflect, and find joy in small moments you might otherwise miss. This “me-time” is more than a luxury—it’s a gift to your own well-being. Secrets to Making the Most of Your Solo Journey Set a Clear Purpose for Your Trip Your first solo journey can feel a little overwhelming—new places, unfamiliar sounds, and the occasional hiccup along the way. … arrow_forward

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Our Choice for the Best Korean-Japanese BBQ In Japan

Me Time Japan Team | June 30, 2025

Yakiniku means grilled meat in Japanese, and Yakiniku restaurants can be found in every restaurant row in Japan. There are approximately 20,000 yakiniku restaurants in the country. Some specialize in premium brand-name beef such as Kobe and Matsusaka beef, while others specialize in offal and game meat. There are All-You-Can-Eat buffets, as well as conveyor belt yakiniku, just like conveyor belt sushi! These days, the yakiniku trend keenly focuses on the dizzying variety of sauces. Many restaurants choose specific sauces depending on the particular type of meat that they serve. In addition, it is not unusual for customers to be served at least four or five different kinds of sauces. And there are … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

Learning to Eventually Thrive in Your Alone Time

Me Time Japan Team | May 27, 2025

In this article, we explore ways to maintain mental health of those living the solo lifestyle. One of those methods is seeking help though psychotherapy and approaching it from an American perspective, which appears to be more open and progressive. Japan is seeing a surge of suicides among women and young people during the pandemic, according to a recent news report. There is a dire need for mental healthcare, including therapy, especially for those who are socially isolated or living alone and have limited social interaction with the outside world. In comparison to the U.S., it is not as common for the Japanese to seek help from a therapist. There is still … arrow_forward

Life Style Japanese Diaspora

Uncovering the Thriving Food Culture in South Korean Society

Me Time Japan Team | May 11, 2025

Korean dramas and movies, which have gained popularity globally, often feature scenes of meals, which stimulate the viewers’ appetite. If you search online for “Korean drama meals,” you can easily find recipes to recreate meals that have appeared in popular dramas. Many books have been published on this subject. We also see that people are flocking to Koreatowns around the world and paying a visit to South Korea in search of authentic gourmet meals. Why do Korean dramas and movies often feature dining scenes? We can find part of the answer in 『続・韓国カルチャー　描かれた「歴史」と社会の変化』written by Junko Ito. Her book examines social changes through entertainment in South Korea and provides detailed explanations … arrow_forward

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You’ll Never Grow Weary – Me Time Izakaya Hopping Guide in Tokyo

Me Time Japan Team | April 29, 2025

If you’ve always dreamed of traveling to Japan and can’t wait any longer for your friends to join you, Tokyo is a perfect place to jumpstart your solo travel adventures. You’ll never feel like a fish out of water among the other tourists that visit this food and drink culture hub each year. In addition, you will never weary of dining alone because the Japanese culture in Tokyo favors those who love to drink and eat alone! If you would like to enjoy a fun and non-intimidating solo night out, please head to our Tokyo favorites list below where you can enjoy a delicious dinner to relax, reflect and recharge. … arrow_forward

Me Time Guide Life Style

Ikigai in Action: Tama’s Secret to a Long and Happy Life

Me Time Japan Team | March 21, 2025

Our sister site, Me Time Japan in Tama, has been exploring the vibrant personalities of Tokyo’s Tama area since last summer. One common thread we’ve noticed in our conversations with them is “Ikigai.” Ikigai (生きがい) is a Japanese concept that represents one’s reason for being—the passion, purpose, or fulfillment that brings joy to everyday life. It’s the deep sense of satisfaction that comes from doing what you love, contributing to something meaningful, or simply appreciating the small moments that make life special. Each person we’ve met radiates a sense of vitality, and we believe it’s because they have found their ikigai. We invite you to step into their life stories … arrow_forward

Table For One Me Time Guide

The Taxi-Driver’s and Pro Solo Foodies’ Eatery Guide in Tokyo

Me Time Japan Team | February 8, 2025

Taxi drivers in Tokyo always know the fastest way to get to the train station or airport. They also know where the best restaurants are to dine. During our many taxi rides across the city, we talked to drivers about the best places to have Japanese B-kyu gurume—a unique Japanese style of B-class gourmet cuisine which is prized for its flavors. This cuisine is typically prepared in small restaurants, using local and relatively inexpensive ingredients. A complete meal here typically costs under 1500 yen (US$15), which better fits a driver’s budget. Here are our results of taxi driver B-kyu gurume restaurants in Tokyo, where the food tastes like you are transported straight to … arrow_forward

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