We've had terrific experiences with Bangkok Food Tours and Istanbul Eats - - both were nighttime walking and eating tours with companies that have many options. I haven't found anything similar in Tokyo (one very limited tour that seems to go only to two places, wasn't very appealing). Any suggestions?

You could look at Yukari Sakamoto, who writes the well known blog Food Sake Tokyo. She and her husband offer food tours of Tokyo, though I've not booked one. It was slightly too pricy for me but if you have three or four in your group, would probably be worthwhile. They look really good.

Free tour guides who are fun to boot

http://tokyofreeguide.com/

Aloha!

HT, I do have a free guide for a day, very happy that we could get one. I thought a specialized, food oriented tour might not be appropriate for this service.

Yukari really is terrific. If she's available I'd go with her without hesitation.

Speaking of food in Tokyo, you cannot overlook Tsukiji for seafood. You can enjoy best sushi.
http://www.sushizanmai.com/
If you stay around tsukiji, they are recommendable
http://tokyotravelerhotels.com/ginza...iji-eki-minami
http://tokyotravelerhotels.com/ginza...-creston-hotel

Warm greetings again, FromDC; glad your Japan planning is progressing.

A well-travelled cousin and his wife and young family recently had a most enjoyable experience with the above mentioned Yukari Sakamoto. The gentlemen and his spouse are rather particular and discerning, so am confident any time you spend with Yukari will be time well spent. (So wish could give personal impressions of Yukari, but to date the Tokyo business trips have been primarily hotels, office buildings, airports.)

Concerning other cuisine options, will give another promotion to the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo (noticing your ongoing appreciation of her Bangkok sister on your profile page). My profile page review of my recent business stay at the MO Tokyo just barely touched on her dining and libation offerings. Numerous options await at that fine property; enjoy. (And am quite confident you will have a most satisfactory time staying at your stated hotel, Shangri-La, Tokyo.)

Savour your planning and should travels ever take you to our fine home of Singapore, honoured to assist with various suggestions. Warm wishes to you and all from San Francisco Bay Area,

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Glad everyone is enthusiastic about Yukari. We've made arrangements to spend a morning with her the day after we arrive. I'm sure it will be a great start! (We'll try to make it over to the MO during our stay).

How did you arrange for the tour with Yukari? I can't seem to find a link to that on her web page. We'll be in Tokyo mid October and that would be wonderful!

Ceezee, I emailed her at the following:

[email protected]

Very quick responses/replies

Thank you!

Is it true that food in Japan isn't very expensive? How about servings? Are really decidedly smaller than in Europe or USA?

blackthorn2, hai, satisfactory, depends.

It can be very inexpensive but you can spend a lot more if you choose.
Servings are smaller than America (virtually everywhere I've ever travelled, servings are smaller than America) but it also depends on what type of meal. Some dishes are intended to be ordered as part of a larger order. Dishes like ramen and okonomiyaki are generous as they're a filling single dish meal.

Arigatō gozaimasu for all your answers

Here is a good link to an overview of Tokyo dining.
http://www.luxeat.com/blog/tag/tokyo/
Don't forget Bento.com
http://bento.com/
Have a great trip