New Year's in Japan (Tokyo & Kyoto)... lots of questions

Ah yes, New Year's in Japan...I'm having trouble finding a good place myself, have just called several places, all closed. Perhaps Robb and Yukari both have the right idea - dinner at Daidaiya and then a visit to the local shrine!

tokyodrinkingglass in Japan

satsumaimo truck

I think that when it starts to get colder, you'll be able to find them everywhere, even in the city center. If you're into wandering around a bit, take a look in those open-air mom and pop vegetable stores. In late-autumn/winter, they frequently start roasting their own, on a little make-shift burner that looks a bit like a garbage can. Just let your nose lead the way.

tokyodrinkingglass in Japan

live squid....elsewhere in japan? in new york?

Does it have to be live squid? I went to a place that specializes in "live" octopus in Osaka called Takojaya. The tentacles actually did grab your chopsticks, even several minutes after their, um, separation from the body.

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Tokyo Restaurants - Language Barrier

I agree with Robb on this. If you have a guide, the Tsukiji outer market can be a lot of fun (and far less touristy). The fact that you'll be able to ask your guide what all the fish and dried/packaged goods are is a plus as well. There are loads of places to get tasty, inexpensive lunches, especially if you're open to things like donburi. One interesting place called Ao Sora (3541-3804) serves pressed sushi you can order and eat on the go.

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Cocktail Prices

The only Higashiya I know of is actually a wagashi cafe, but I believe that drinks at the Star Bar are similar to those at NY Bar.

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Shochu fans?

Thanks, guys! I'll check this stuff out and report back.

tokyodrinkingglass in Japan

Shochu fans?

Anyone out there with recommendations for great shochu bars in Tokyo, especially places that serve shochu cocktails?

I'm much more of a sake person myself, so any suggestions would be appreciated!

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Michelin Osaka/Kyoto

It's definitely coming out, should be in October. I interviewed Jean-Luc Naret, Michelin's director, about it in the spring.

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Your favorite place(s) at Jiyugaoka?

What a coincidence! I was just looking for Jiyugaoka spots myself. Hardly ever venture out there but I was considering checking out this place. Looks quite cute:

http://www.lasluces.net/

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Tokyo restaurant with best service?

I'm so sorry to hear that, Steve. But I'm sure things will turn around for you soon. I think everyone's feeling the pinch right now. How's the photography going?

Take care and hope to catch up with you sometime,
Melinda

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Aronia de Takazawa

Hi there, that article was written by a friend of mine, a WSJ journalist with a good palate (a good home cook as well), so I'd trust what she's written. I believe she enjoyed the meal a lot but wasn't as blown away as she'd expected to be after going through all of drama of getting a reservation.

Still, I'd love to try it. How much was it for lunch (with wine, I'm guessing)?

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Tokyo restaurant with best service?

Thanks, guys! very helpful. I'm really just trying to see what "service" means to people here, in light of Tokyo's reputation for excellent service. Everyone just assumes, for example, that all the high-end restaurants come with outstanding service, but that's not necessarily the case -- depending on the individual consumer's criteria.

I became interested in this idea after reading the book Service Included (which Robb kindly lent me).

Steve, how have you been? Hope all is going well!

tokyodrinkingglass in Japan