Brah wrote: I think there is an Ashoka in Ginza, there was some famous place verses ago that was ok but as usual over hyped. The Moti mainstays are good as is Samrat, agree with raja to skip Taj (one is across the street from a Samrat in Roppongi). I'm pretty sure the original Roppongi Moti is still there, on the road that leads to Shibuya and not far from the big police station, they can give directions.
You said "We're going to be based" - are you moving there?
Agree re the Udon, I only have udon when under the weather or in tenpura udon; not much for curry udon but katsu curry is pretty good. Japanese curry in general is good but different than other curries, and you get tired of it quickly as it's everywhere.
Moving to Tokyo?.... lol!
I've done that twice, and three times here. I'm just about burned out on Asian postings. There is only so much more of this upheaval I'm willing to accept.
What I'm planning it a c5-6 day trip up there later this year. I haven't been back in 20 years. My wife has never been. I used to live on the Akasaka side of Roppongi (a bit like er, Bugis/Tanglin) albeit it in a tiiiiiny apartment , but for this trip I thought Shinjuku more practical, dynamic, and representative.
It's early days on the planning side but I was thinking...
- Meiji Shrine
- Yoyogi Park on a Sunday, if all the DIY bands turn up as they used to
- Ginza, Mitsukoshi etc, and Ginza-dori for the smell-the-YYYen (on our way to McDonalds) experience.
- Shinjuku
- Probably not Roppongi, I left that scene behind long ago ;;
- A KO sushi-sashimi meal (really not that hard to find there, even on a budget)
- an authentic shabu-shabu/sukiyaki meal
- Something like Moti's. I.e. the curious elevation of a cuisine, via it being interpreted by the Japanese.
- You could argue the same, re: and IF Jonny Rockets and Tony Roma's still exist there. Best burger and ribs anywhere on the planet.
So many aspects of the JP experience remain impenetrable, so I'm hoping to revisit things I used to enjoy, and try and give my wife as best and enjoyable an insight as possible during our brief trip.
Much will end up
ad hoc I'm sure. But since you also lived there, can you think of anything else to add to the list, any major 'themes' I've missed out...?
p.s. Our flights go into Haneda... what a relief...!
But never say never! It wouldn't be the first time I've had similar expectations demolished, so I try hard to keep a completely open mind!
