For context, my girlfriend and I are both Asians from USA, mid 20s. We have had 3 week trip around Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Sadly, what was noticeable all throughout this trip was, that we were seated right by the door with almost all the restaurants we have visited. Even the ones that were empty, or had guests in, or was empty then the later guests get seated way back in the restaurant. It didn’t matter if it was cheap izakaya, fine dining, or the simple cafes. We were always without any doubt just get seated right by the entrance. On our last day, I visited this cafe by Kabukicho, we were immediately seated right by the entrance, but a western couple right after us get seated way nicer alcove in the back of the cafe, which we couldn’t even see from our seat.
Just a food for thought, these experiences really left a sour taste in our mouth.
by chinzorego