So let’s get this straight. We’re supposed to be out revving up the economy, while continuing to observe the prescribed “Three Cs” rule? No crowds, closed spaces or sitting in close proximity? That surely precludes many of Tokyo’s very best eating places.
Are we expected to shun those wonderful restaurants shoehorned into basements or crammed on top of each other in tall, skinny multistory buildings? And what about all the superb one-counter sushi specialists, the elbow-to-elbow ramen shops, the buzzy izakaya taverns?
Thankfully, a growing number of places boast a few outside tables, or are keeping their dining room windows ajar. Now the state of emergency has been lifted and we’re allowed to dine until 10 p.m., this could be the perfect time to head out and support some of our favorite operations, before they get too busy again.