Originally Posted by
Sunnyhere
In the United States, one might typically start a date at a restaurant, continuing to a movie or dancing. If a certain comfort level is established, a dating couple might move to one of the partner's home; without any implied intimacy. The couple might feel comfortable snuggling in front of the TV, for a movie. They wouldn't necessarily feel comfortable doing that in the presence of others.
In Japan, single people often live with family members, which makes going to the privacy of "home dating" difficult. The love hotel option is always there, but there might be implied intimacy that's not yet appropriate. Extensive love hotel dating is a tad expensive, as well.
In Japan, is there something in between that I'm unaware of? Should one accept there is no middle ground? Perhaps going to a love hotel, without "implied intimacy" is possible?
First of all, Japan is expensive. Dating in Japan is VERY expensive. Even doing the cheap things.
When I was courting the Mrs. we went to shopping arcades, parks and tourist traps like Tokyo Disneyland or Universal Studio in Osaka. Most shopping complexes has a resturant level on the top floor that isn't that expensive where we talked for hours.
My interpretation of the Japanese culture is, they imply too much. Even mentioning a love hotel in the most innocent way, they get the hint, perhaps in the wrong way. If that is not your intention, don't even mention it.
Best of luck.