pancho_cisco

We will be going through Osaka in early June, en route to Mongolia and will be stopping off for a week on the way back.

Spent one day in Osaka two years ago and found the food fabulous (we live to eat), and Kobe was recently recommended for good dining.

Therefore, question: which city would you recommend we spend more time in?

We were thinking of booking at the Kobe Sheraton (on night coming in), moving to the Okura (as it is more central) and then going to Osaka at the Hilton or the Ritz Carlton both for proximity to JR station. Any thoughts as to alternative lodging?

And does anyone have any recommendations for restaurants in Beijing? We were very disappointed when we stayed there four days about two years ago -- our guides were completely food oblivious.

jmsvss

I can't answer your post directly but as another foodie I really appreciate www.chowhound.com
There are boards for each area/country.

Good Luck!

deptrai

In Kobe I always stay at the Crown Plaza (formerly Shinkobe Oriental Hotel). It's conveniently located adjacent to the Shinkobe Shinkansen station and Shinkobe Oriental City. I'll be there again next month. It's also a 15-20 minute walk down the hill to Sannomiya where there are plenty of excellent restaurants. Let me know if you want a Kobe Beef recommendation. I've been to several and finally found the best.
The Hilton in Osaka is fine...suggest executive level room.

atravelynn

No help on your question. But what's going on for you in Mongolia?

euclid

Deptrai,

I will be in Kobe for three nights in March and would love a recommendation for a great kobe beef restaurant. We are staying at Maiko Villa Kobe, near the bridge, but will be in and around meriken park, harborland, mosaic, etc. If you can recommend one with english menus that would be even better.
Also, if you are familiar with the area, is it a reasonable walk from where we are staying to the harborland area??

Thanks

deptrai

The best Kobe beef restaurant I've found is called Sakamoto. It's near the east exit of the Sannomiya JR station. I you like, I can e-mail you the name card which has a map on back. I also have a few pictures to direct you along the short walk. They accept Visa and are closed on Monday. Reservations essential since they only have about 10-12 seats. You can have your hotel make a reservation for you. Its a set meal...the only thing you really need to choose is fillet or sirloin (have your hotel relay your choice since they don't speak English). Standard portion is 150gr.

I've only stayed near Harborland once at the New Otani. I think the Kobe station on the JR line is nearest to Harborland. I believe its only 1 or 2 stops to Sannomiya station from there. I have a couple of maps of the area and know of a good Yakitori place nearby too. I have an English/Japanese menu from a Yakotori restaurant in Tokyo that I sometimes take with me to help ordering.

Hopefully your going at the end of March to have a chance to see the Sakura.

jmsvss

deptrai,
We will be in the Tokyo and Kobe areas in Apr/May and would be very interested in an email regarding the Kobe restaurant and the Tokyo yakitori. First hand recs are always best in my book.

[email protected]

Thanks,
Suzanne

euclid

Deptrai,

I would gladly accept any and all info you have, especially maps.

[email protected]

What is the Sakura? We will be there March 26-28.

Thanks again,

Bill

deptrai

Bill / Suzanne,

I sent you both details on Sakamoto.

Maps & more to follow.

Sakura is the cherry blossom. You have a good chance to see them at the end of March.

Dave

jmsvss

Thank you!

underpants11

hey Dave - likewise would appreciate the reco's you've been sharing - my wife and i are heading over in early April.

[email protected]

Also, any tips on choosing Ryokan's would be appreciated. I've been told that when we arrive in a new city the best way to find one is to go to the train station - is there anything we should look out for - are they all similar standard/ price etc?

Thx

KimJapan

Just like hotels, ryokans vary widely in standard and price. Toward the end of this thread http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35101078 I posted some detailed information about the differences.

Any good place will require advance reservations.

underpants11

great stuff Kim - thanks.

hogar

Hey Dave,
Could you also send me directions/info. on Sakamoto's. I will be Kobe this weekend 23 March. I would like to try the Kobe beef. I am here on business for 30 days and have been enjoying seeing as many sights as possible. Two things off the list this weekend. Shinkansen and Kobe Beef. Loving the food over here.

[email protected]

Thanks for your help.

hogar

Dave,
You could also send to [email protected]

deptrai

Since I was just at Sakamoto last week I'd thought I would post an update to answer questions some of you have asked me.

I confirmed they are open for lunch.

Our meal for 3 people (2 standard 150g dinners and my 300g dinner) with only 2 beers total between the 3 of us came to exactly Y28,000.

It was cold and snowing lightly in Kobe Thursday morning. It was so cold I opted to take the subway back to the hotel (Y200) instead of walking it 20 minutes.

jenjenkay

deptrai:

can you possibly email me the back of the card? i'll be there in a couple of weeks and would love to try that restaurant!

[email protected]

thanks!

WillJame

Pancho, as to the original question about Kobe or Osaka for a week--I'd suggest Osaka for easier access to Kyoto. Even better, I'd suggest a base in Kyoto from which to do day trips to Osaka and Kobe.

deptrai

jenjenkay,

Sent you an e-mail with all the details a couple days ago.

Dave

am1878

We two females are traveling to Kobe Jan 13 for 11 days. I was going to make Kobe our base and travel to Osaka and Kyoto. SOmeone below had suggested making Osaka the base. It just looked so much easier and cheaper in Kobe. Comments please. Also does it get that cold in January, I am used to Northeast snow, etc. Have discount to stay at Crowne Plaza but have read you have to keep jumping on subway to go downtown. Is it uphill to return from Sannomiya. Also looking at Chisun Hotel Kobe. Have to reserve another room for 2 students meeting us 1/16 thru 1/21, does any place give you discount for longer stays or bringing in more people?