First Date Awards and Statistics 2022 (in Tokyo)

Recently I was scrolling through twitter and saw the Japanese phrase “初デート (First Date)” trending. At first I thought it was either referring to people’s first date experiences or a name a of new drama. It turned out to be about “The First Date Awards“.

The “First Date Awards” are awards specifically awarded to restaurants for being used as locations for first dates. The premise of these awards is that while there is a lot of information about choosing restaurants for various events or occasions, there is hardly any information on where to go for a first date. The critera for choosing a location for a first date is different from a birthday, anniversary or an usual date. Not only do you need to factor in the taste of the food, you need to factor in the restaurant’s atmosphere, location and price range. (<– I don’t know about you but I factor all of these things when I’m simply going out to eat by myself.)

Recently dating applications have become popular amongst millennials and Gen Z and the opportunities to go on a dinner date  with someone you don’t know have increased dramatically. Therefore these awards were established with the aim of assisting individuals find a good place to dine for their first date.

This post is separated into two parts:

1. First Date Statistics.
2. First Date Awards (skip to this part if you just want recommendations)

First Date Statistics

The statistics are from a survey conducted by the dating app “Dine”, which was conducted from February 13th to 18th 2022.
4585 people completed this survey (2665 Men , 1919 Women).

I have added some comparisons I found in similar studies done in the USA. I would’ve preferred to compare these results with Australians but it seems there isn’t much research into what actually occurs during first dates – most research focuses on ideals.

59% of men completely pay for the first date  (62% in 2021)
30% of men pay more (33% in 2021)

50% of women do not pay at all (51% in 2021)
34% of women pay less (37% in 2021)

||Compare|| In a separate study done in 2021 by Hao Wu, Shanhong Luo et.al  of 480 South Eastern college students (179 men,  301 women) in the USA, women reported (in their actual experience) that 85% of men completely pay on the first date / 3% of men pay the majority and that 2% of women pay the whole amount  / 0.8% pay of women pay the majority.
Similarly, men reported  (in their actual experience) that 84% of the time they pay completely for the first date/ 6% pay the majority and that 2% of women pay the whole amount / 0% of women pay the majority.

The study also found that “the majority (63.2%) of the sample expected the male partner to pay for the entire first dates while almost nobody expected the female partner to pay anything”.

Expectations weren’t explored in the Dine (Japanese survey) but in a separate survey by Soldi in 2021 ,(316 respondents – unmarried women aged 20-39 years old) 24.4% of respondents wanted men to pay completely for the first date, 30.4% would prefer if men paid more on the date if they are able to, 27.2% would like to split the cost but they would prefer it not to be evenly, 13.3% would prefer to split the cost evenly, 2.8% would prefer they (the woman) pay more.

A key difference in these surveys is that Dine didn’t target the survey to a specific age group, whereas the American study focused on college/university age students.

Observation : The older the man is, the more likely he will cover all the costs for a first date.

Observation : More women would prefer to go on a cheaper date where the man pays for everything,  than to go on a expensive date where the bill is split evenly.

From the graph:
5% prefer the option that if the restaurant is 7000 yen per person , both men and women pay 7000 ,
37% prefer the option that if the restaurant is 5000 yen per person , the man should pay 7000 yen (5000+2000) and the woman pay 3000 yen,
58% prefer the option that if the restaurant is 3500 yen per person, the man should pay for both.

||Compare|| In the same study mentioned above (in 2021 by Hao Wu, Shanhong Luo et.al) a interesting observation was made based on their survey results:

“We did observe a significant sex difference for expected payment of the first date and subsequent dates. Namely, women expected a significantly less payment from the male partner for both first and subsequent dates than men did. This suggests that while in reality women apparently often let their male partners pay for date expenses, women do prefer a more shared approach for dating expenses; this was especially true for subsequent dates. However, even though women were more willing to share dating expenses, it was by no means an even split between the two partners”

The preferred budget for a first date per person , for women and men, is between 3000-5000 yen
||Compare|| In contrast, according to a survey done by Survey Monkey/Money in 2017 (4447 respondents), In America 43% of Men prefer a budget of 50-99$ and 47% of Women preferred a budget of $25-49.

Weekends and Night dates are there preferred time frame for first dates.
In the 2021 survey, Friday and Saturday nights(89%) were preferred.

Bistros and Bars, followed by French and Italian cuisines are the preferred first date restaurant locations/cuisines for both men and women . Family restaurants are off the table for both genders.

Both men and women prefer to sit at a table for a first date. The next preferred options were counter seats and private rooms.

45% of Women/ 74% of Men in their 20s want to meet in front of a station for their first date
26% of Women/ 18% of Men in their 20s want to meet in front of the restaurant for their first date
29% of Women/ 8% of Men in their 20s want to meet at the table of a restaurant for their first date

32% of Women/ 46% of Men in their 30s want to meet in front of a station for their first date
27% of Women/ 23% of Men in their 30s want to meet in front of the restaurant for their first date
41% of Women/ 31% of Men in their 30s want to meet at the table of a restaurant for their first date

28% of Women/ 43% of Men in their 40s want to meet in front of a station for their first date
18% of Women/ 23% of Men in their 40s want to meet in front of the restaurant for their first date
54% of Women/ 34% of Men in their 40s want to meet at the table of a restaurant for their first date

Awards

The awards are split into 4 different types

• Overall Grand Prize
• Casual Division
• More than 5000 yen division
• More than 10000 yen division

These were the winners for 2022. *Currently these awards are only for restaurants in Tokyo.

Selection Criteria:

The award-winning restaurants were selected from amongst approximately 400 restaurants in Tokyo selected as suitable for first dates on Dine, a dating application that facilitates more than 15,000 first dates per month.
1. the number of times the restaurant was actually used on a first date
2. reviews (food, atmosphere, customer service) from customers who used the restaurant on a first date

Overall Grand Prize

EBISU 燻製 APARTMENT CAVE

Tags: Casual, Smoked food
Location : Daikanyama [map link]

You can enjoy a full course meal of carefully selected smoked dishes at this swank hideout with no signage. You’ll find yourself returning for the wonderful smell of smoked meat.

Rating

Atmosphere : 4.9 , Food : 4.5, Service : 4.7

User Comments:

“The course was just right and very tasty! The counter where we were guided to was very stylish! We appreciated the seating arrangements where there were two empty seats between parties (instead of sitting directly next to another group) Thank you very much for providing us with a place to dine!” (Woman in her 30s)

“The service of the staff was good, they were very attentive and explained the menu items in an entertaining way. The food and drinks were very tasty” (Man in his 20s)

“Even if I don’t come here on a date , I’ll go again alone! The food was very nice and the service was good” (Woman in her 30s)

茶茶Ryu-rey

Tags: Casual, Japanese
Location: Aoyama [map link]

A classy, modern Japanese cuisine  hole in wall restaurant located in South Aoyama. Away from the hustle and bustle you can enjoy obanzai (traditional Japanese food category) and delicious alcohol in a relaxed atmosphere.

Rating

Atmosphere : 4.9 , Food : 4.5, Service : 4.5

User Comments:

“The ambiance of the restaurant was wonderful, and the semi-private seating option allowed us to relax and enjoy our meal! I was impressed by the courteous service from all the waitstaff. The food was delicious and I would definitely want to visit this restaurant again. Thank you! (Woman in her 20s)

“The food was delicious and the atmosphere was great. There was a wide variety of alcohol, and we appreciated the staff’s advice on what suit our dishes. Thank you very much! “(Man in his 30s)

“I was satisfied with the atmosphere, the taste, and the price. It was a wonderful restaurant that made me want to come on a regular basis” (Woman in her 50s)

Na Camo guro

Tags: More than 5000yen, Duck
Location: Naka-Meguro [map link]

A restaurant that specializes in duck dishes , using the finest duck .  A relaxed place that resembles a hideaway bar

Atmosphere : 4.7 , Food : 4.8, Service : 4.7

User Comments:

“I enjoyed the detailed explanation of the dishes and the restaurant’s appreciation for duck.  The alcohol was also great. I will visit this place again.” (Woman in her 30s)

“It was my first time at this restaurant but the staff were very friendly and made me feel comfortable. I was very satisfied with the appearance and taste of the food” (Woman in her 20s)

“I was impressed with the appetizers that had various herbs and spices. I would like to visit again and drink the wine! ” (Woman in her 20s)

フミーズグリル

Tags: More than 5000yen, Bistro
Location: Hiroo [map link]

Since it’s establishment in 1996 this restaurant has been a haven for food lovers not excluding foreign residents in the neighborhood. The meals will make you feel like you’re dining at home.

Atmosphere : 4.8 , Food : 4.6, Service : 4.7

User Comments:

“The food was delicious and the service was wonderful.  The Chef who prepared food in front of us was very funny, and I was impressed by the staff’s English ability at the entrance of the restaurant. The fireplace on the 2nd floor was also impressive”  (Woman in her 30s)

“All the waitstaff were very nice and helpful. The explanations of the menu items done by the staff,  their smiles and care were better than those that work at high class hotel restaurant. Of course the food was delicious, I will visit this place again” (Woman in her 20s)

“The ginko and autumn leaves were attractive to see with the meal. The rice was soft and delicious. I had a very pleasant experience and I hope I will be able to come here again. The staff were very considerate and helpful, I’m very thankful towards them!” (Woman in her 20s)

Best Division Award Winners

Casual Division

石塀小路 豆ちゃ 横浜 (Mamecha Yokohama)

Cuisine: Japanese
Location : Yokohama [map link]

Located on the 7th floor of Lumine Yokohama which is directly accessible via Yokohama Station. You can enjoy Kyoto’s elaborate “Obanzai” meals at a reasonable price.

EBISU 燻製 APARTMENT CAVE (Grand Prize)

Cuisine: Smoked food
Location : Daikanyamacho

cafe＆dining ballo ballo 渋谷

Cuisine : Cafe
Location: Shibuya [map link]

Located in the basement of Tokyu Hands, a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. A casual Italian café with sofas for eats, creating  a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.

Cheese Tavern CASCINA

Cuisine : Cheese
Location: Ebisu [map link]

A must go for cheese lovers! An Italian restaurant where you try cheese from around the world! You can enjoy your first date at this restaurant without hesitation

茶茶Ryu-rey

Cuisine : Japanese
Location: Aoyama

Chano-ma 横浜

Cafe
Location: Minato Mirai [map link]

Located in a unique red brick warehouse, the cafe is designed to look like a modern tea room , it also has wonderful hospitality.

椿サロン 銀座 (Tsubaki Salon Ginza)

Cafe
Location: Ginza [map link]

Here you can enjoy hot cakes made from carefully selected, additive free ingredients from Hokkaido. The cafe is located near the station but it has a relaxed atmosphere for a date.

Trattoria Godereccio

Cuisine : Italian
Location: Daikanyamacho [map link]

A classy hideout in the middle of Ebisu and Daikanyama. You can enjoy wine and various seasonal dishes while relaxing in the spacious seating.

Nakameguro 燻製 apartment (Nakameguro Kunsei Apartment Restaurant)

Cuisine : Smoked food
Location: Nakameguro [map link]

A swanky hideout in a residential area. The stylish restaurant has various domed dishes which are perfect for a date. The smoked cheese tofu is highly recommended.

ニクアザブ 西麻布 (Nikuazabu Nishiazabu Main Store)

Cuisine : Yakiniku
Location : Nishi-Azabu (map link)

A reasonably priced yakiniku restaurant with a casual atmosphere. The course meals are recommended

PaZZLE DINING-BAR

Bistro
Location: Azabujuban (map link)

A dining bar in Azabujuban where you can enjoy wine and bistro meals.  The courses are recommended.

BEER＆ 246 aoyama brewery

Beer Bar
Location: Aoyama (map link)

A restaurant that has a brewery attached where you can enjoy the high quality craft beers. Beer Pairings are also available.

Brooklyn Parlor

Cafe
Location: Shinjuku (map link)

A dining bar run by Blue Note Japan that combines music, books and food. Their dessert menu is also recommended.

焼鳥つかだ 中目黒 (Yakitori Tsukada)

Cuisine : Yakitori
Location: Nakameguro (map link)

You can enjoy the meat from the finest  chickens selected by connoisseurs from amongst 1000 Jittko Chickens from Miyazaki. Private rooms are available.

リザラン 新橋 (Lizaran)

Cuisine : Spanish
Location : Shinjuku (map link)

The restaurant specializes in Basque pinchos. The restaurant has three different areas that have different atmospheres. The counter seats are recommended for a date .

More than 5000 yen Division

東京和食 りくう

Cuisine : Japanese
Location : Ebisu (map link)

A classy hideout where you can eat fused Japanese and French meals. Along with the meals, you can enjoy pairings selected by an expert sommelier and alcohol taster.

TOKYO Whisky Library

Dining Bar
Location : Aoyama (map link)

A classy, hole in a wall, bar lounge that has more than 1200 whisky options to choose from. A perfect place for whisky lovers with a wide range of dishes available.

中目黒いぐち 恵比寿

Cuisine : Yakitori
Location: Ebisu (map link)

You can enjoy excellent yakitori made with fresh chicken

Na Camo guro (Grand Prize)

Cuisine:  Duck
Location: Naka-Meguro

フミーズグリル (Grand Prize)

Bistro
Location: Hiroo

Blu

Cuisine:  Italian
Location: Ebisu (map link)

A restaurant where you can feel the warmth from the wood. You can enjoy Italian meals, including seasonal seafood and vegetables along with recommended wines.

円居 横浜 (Madoy)

Teppenyaki
Location: Minato Mirai (map link)

A modern Japanese restaurant with a sophisticated western twist. A classy hideout where you can enjoy teppanyaki steaks.

焼鶏 輪-RIN-

Yakitori
Location : Roppongi (map link)

An authentic yakitori restaurant located on a back lane near Tokyo Midtown. The restaurant owner loves chicken and has his own special yakitori menu item which you can enjoy at a reasonable price.

焼肉白炭 (Yakiniku Byakutan)

Yakiniku
Location : Roppongi (map link)

A stylish restaurant where you can enjoy grilling high quality meat over charcoal.  All the seats are sofas, making it a comfortable experience.

Lounge1908

Cuisine: French
Location : Aoyama (map link)

A stylish French restaurant on Kotto-dori that puts emphasis on umami. Both lunch and dinner can be enjoyed casually.

More than 10000 yen Division

麻布十番 米ル (Grand Prize)

Cuisine: Japanese
Location : Azabujuban

Atelier 森本 XEX

Cuisine: Sushi/Teppenyaki
Location: Azabujuban (map link)

This restaurant was created by the Iron Chef Morimoto. It is loved by celebrities in Japan and from abroad. Teppanyaki and sushi can be enjoyed on separate floors.

御膳房 華魂和装銀座

Cuisine: Chinese
Location: Ginza (map link)

A modern Japanese restaurant with an elegant space. The restaurant has high quality Chinese Yunnan  dishes that feature carefully selected top-quality ingredients from Japan and China.

rece

Cuisine: Italian
Location: Nihonbashi (map link)

An aristocratic Italian restaurant that has a cave like entrance. The menu changes monthly. You can enjoy world selection of wines available.

RODEO hanare

Cuisine: Italian
Location: Ebisu (map link)

It is really hard to make reservations at this restaurant because it is so popular! The menu consists of only omakase courses.