Planning your meals while traveling in Japan can make a big difference in your experience. Japan has clear peak hours for lunch and dinner—especially due to work culture—and knowing when to eat can save you time, stress, and even get you better service.
🏢 Average Working Hours in Japan
Most full-time employees in Japan work from 9 AM to 5 PM, with a strict 1-hour lunch break from 12:00 to 1:00 PM.
🍱 Lunch: Avoid the Noon Rush
If you’re traveling, try not to eat lunch between 12 PM and 1 PM. Here’s why:
- This is the busiest hour for restaurants—office workers flood into cafes, ramen shops, and convenience stores.
- Popular places often have long lines or may run out of their best dishes.
- Staff are often overwhelmed, and seating can be hard to find.
📌 Best time for lunch:
🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🕐 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
🍜 Dinner: When Do Japanese People Eat?
Most people in Japan start dinner from 6 PM onwards.
- Restaurants usually open their dinner service at 5 PM.
- Between 5:00 and 6:30 PM, you’ll find shorter wait times and often better service.
- Peak hours are 6:30 to 8:00 PM, especially on weekends.
📌 Best time for dinner if you want to avoid crowds:
🕔 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
🕣 After 8:00 PM (though some restaurants begin closing)
📝 Quick Tips for Tourists
| ✅ Do | ❌ Don’t |
|---|---|
| Eat slightly earlier or later than locals | Go to lunch right at 12 PM |
| Check restaurant opening hours | Assume all restaurants are open all day |
| Make reservations for dinner if possible | Walk into a busy izakaya at 7 PM expecting a seat |
🌸 Final Thoughts
Timing your meals smartly in Japan can turn a good day into a great one. Whether it’s ramen, sushi, or a other restaurant—avoid the lunch rush and start dinner a bit earlier to eat like a savvy traveler.