Tripgirl here.

For those who have been helping me on our trip for next yr to Asia, many thanks!( Bill T, Walter, Kathie, glorialf and more!) So now I am back with more questions.

I am going to post three more times after this one and ask dining questions for each city we are visiting. This way I can keep them all in seperate files. I hope this is all ok with you.....

Being in the food business I have lots of contacts for dining. HOWEVER, I trust all you so much, I'd love your opinion on the best dining spots in Tokyo.

We eat anything and everything and would like to explore both small and quaint places as well as happening restaurants. All sushi recommendations are welcomed. We'd like one special dinner during our 4 night stay. Price is not really a factor, although nothing too, too outrageous.

But we want all Asian influenced food; no need for Italian, etc.

Atmosphere is important, but even if a place's decor is not the main feature, but the food is so good, you'd recommend it, please let me know.

Lunch and dinner recommendations are welcomed. Although we won't spend too long over lunch.

Thanks and I will post this same thread for Beijing, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

For sushi in Tokyo, I recommend Matsukan in Azabu-Jyuban. I think they serve sushi that's pleasing to the eye as well as the palate. I've been there many times, and they have never let me down. If you like tuna, their chu-toro is excellent. You should also ask what kind of tsumami they have. And don't miss out on the soup! Matsukan a small restaurant with about 15 seats and 3 small tables(seating 4 persons each). Not overly pricey in Japanese standards(8000 -10000 yen should do it). Seat reservations recommended.
Also I've heard of a ninja restaurant somewhere in Tokyo. Apparently it's a hit with the foreign crowd here. Can't give any guarantees about the taste, but it sounds kind of fun!
Bon Appetit!

yvette, i will staying in minato-ku late next month and would like to try matsukan. i think azabu is close to minato ku. the closets train stop for me is hiroo on the hibiya line.

how can i get to this place? also, do you choose your sushi, or is it serve on a platter with the chefs choice of the day, sort of like omakase.

i was also planning on going to edogin. have you heard anything about them?

Hi, Kuranosuke! Tried my best to find you a decent map in English, but no avail. Did find a map in Japanese, but it's still not very good. Sorry! http://jin3.jp/map/map-3-3.htm
the address: 3-7-5 Azabu Jyuban Minato-ku, phone no: 03-3455-4923
To get there, take the Namboku or Oedo Subway to Azabu-Jyuban Station. Exit no4. You will find yourself in front of a Wendy's burger shop. Take the Azabu-Juban Street (which runs between the Wendy's and Risona Bank) towards Roppongi Hills. If you walk about 2 blocks, you will see a bakery on the left. Turn left at the bakery and keep on walking. About 2 blocks ahead, you will come across a relatively wide street with cobblestones. Cross that street and keep on walking another three or four blocks. You will find Matsukan on the left side of the street. It looks like this from outside: http://jin3.jp/kameiten2/matsukan.htm
Mind you, it may be a little difficult to find but I would say it's worth it!
Is Edogin a sushi shop at Tsukiji? I've never been there. Do tell me if it's good!

Oh and I forgot to mention that they may have omakase menus, but I'm not sure. We enjoy sitting at the counter and choosing our own sushi.

One of the best views in Tokyo is from the Hyatt in Shinjuku. They have a very good Sunday Brunch at the New York Grill, about 8,000yen. It is an all you can eat apps and dessert buffet and you chooses the main course from the menu. You also get one glass of champagne (when they ask you if you want another one it sounds like it is complimentary but I discovered that it is not and boy can they make you bill increase!!)and a coffee.

The food is great, the service excellent and the view is not to be missed. Its on 47th floor or higher.

Tripgirl, just thought of another place you may be interested in. If you care for regional food, go to Little Okinawa (8-7-10 Ginza Chuo-ku phone:03-3572-2930 open 5pm to 3am(weekdays), to 12am(Sat,Sun, Holidays)). Okinawan food tastes quite different from the 'traditional' Japanese cuisine, and may be a nice break if you get sick and tired of everything being flavored with soy sauce! The restaurant is small and crowded, so you might have to wait a while for a seat.Also it attracts a younger crowd(which by the way tend to get plastered on awamori(Okinawan liquor))so if you are looking for a romantic/quiet/upscale dinner, this place is not for you. Still,(IMO)it could be an interesting culinary experience, and the stuff here is better than what I had in Okinawa.

yvette303 or anyone who knows: I am following this thread for my own trip and would consider you recommendation of the Little Okinawa. Will you please elaborate on what the Okinawa food is like and how it differs from other Japanese food? Thanks.

Tripgirl, have a good time. Looking forward to your trip report. I have seen postings about a restaurant called Edogin for great sushi (several branches in the Tsukjii fish auction area) and have it on my short list to try. Also, Punky144 started a post "Your Tokyo Restaurant Suggestions" before her recent trip (last post on that was 7/13/2004). You might want to review that posting. It was her birthday the first day in Tokyo and she wanted special places. Mealea had a recommendation for a really special place in the lush green hills in far west Tokyo near Mt. Takao, in Haqchioji (www.tokyo.to/ukai-toriyama/), about 45 min train from Shinjuku, called Ukai Toriyama. Must make reservations as far in advance as possible, it is apparently a destination restaurant for special occassions. I am considering this for next spring when their gardens are hopefully starting to bloom, so please post on it if you happen to go.

thanks all for your fabulous suggestions! all getting tucked away for our trip!!

I also found one of my Art of Eating magazines and found an issue devoted to Tokyo dining, so I have suggestions there as well.

Keep the suggestions coming, I love to have lots to choose from.

Thanks a mil everyone....

yvette: domo for the info on mastukan. i will go there, and with your good directions, i should have no problem finding the place.

emd: i will also be going to edogin. i believe they have one at tsukiji. i also have reservations at ukai toriyama in late oct. should have nice colors by that time. will report back on all three places.

Thanks kuranosuke! I am excited for you about your trip, you have some great things planned, and I await your reviews!

emd: maybe this will help?
http://www.virtualokinawa.com/about_okinawa/food/

Thank you for that site, yvette. It looks very interesting and is going on our list.