The trains inbound from the outskirts of Tokyo, by comparison, are far more peaceful – empty, even.I can’t say I haven’t taken a brief nap on the overhead luggage rack of an inbound last train to Roppongi before – guilty as charged.The first and last trains are like tides – both signal a high-water mark of traffic, people, and energy.If you want to meet a partner for the night, it’s crucial to keep this in mind.Whether their night was a success (drinking with their friends) or a feat of endurance (watching the clock until the boss stops drowning them in shochu and forcing them to listen to rude jokes), the transition to last train usually has people in a good mood.
Everybody living more than a couple stops away from the night time destinations knows they have to either go home around midnight, or stick it out until 5am.Okay, so it might be a little more than an hour but the idea is the same.The cities (especially Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, Roppongi, and other major stations) are bright and loud with the sound of laughter and lively conversation as people are emptying into the streets from finished nomikais (drinking parties), dinner dates, social obligations, and some unlucky overtime shifts.Right next to it, there is a smoking area, and another newer smoking area closer to the koban outside the station exit.This area is great for meeting people who are either taking a break before leaving for home, after arriving, or after missing their last train.