632435 Sun Jun 28 22:08:33 -0700 2009 4 45 Japan 0 4814115 Hello, I will be in Japan on business for a couple of weeks from mid-July and would love to get your your restaurant recommendations. Are there any restaurants in Ginza, Shiodome or Shinbashi, where a lone (female) diner can enjoy a relatively quite meal? I am staying in the hotel near the Higashi Ginza station and speak Japanese. Thanks!! Sun Jun 28 22:08:34 -0700 2009 22199 yuko 1 4814714 Hi yuko, You might consider Sushi Mizutani; I had a wonderful time there, and the Sushi there has become my current favorite. :) http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/508418 Mon Jun 29 08:12:29 -0700 2009 4814115 113442 exilekiss 1 5118296 I figured I should post my dining experience from my July trip. I did not get to Sushi Mizutani, my only rec. from the posting, but ate quite well, all thanks to Bryan H. Of all the places that I had gone, I will list only some that were notable. 1. The most memorable place without detailed memory - Sasagin. Amazing sake selections (and good food from what I can remember....) How did I get myself so drunk? Why do I have multiple dents on my camera?? Hmmmm. Luscious uni and yuba dish. Cash only. 2. For beer Lover - Bulldog: Yes, I know, it is a pub without much ambiance... but I was quite happy with the great beer selections (who knew you could get Speakeasy beer in Japan) with typical pub grubs. Pizza and marinated octopus were both good, but the company even better. 3. For a quick meal - Ippudo: I know, it is a chain restaurant and now has a location in NYC, but I did go there twice during my 2 weeks trip as it was walking distance from Marriott Ginza and for a solo diner, it was a good place to grab a quick, tasty dinner. 4. Place for entertaining a foreign visitor - Ninja Restaurant. Yes, that's right. Ninja restaurant. Gosh, where do I begin? Very theme-parky and over the top, to say the least, but I was quite amused nonetheless and enjoyed my visit, just so that I can talk about it years and years ahead about the time I was entertained like a foreign visitor. Besides, where else could I get those appetizers of crackers shaped like shuriken? Besides, I can totally see my in-laws from Indiana loving this place. 5. Reasonable unagi in Ginza - Chikuyoutei. Again, I picked this place due to the proximity to my hotel. Not the BEST unagi ever in my life, but enjoyed it quite a bit. Yet another good place to dine alone. in Ginza 6. Big Disappointment - Ginza Bairin. Mediocre tonkatsu. Total waste of money (2,600 yen for hire-katsu). Tue Oct 20 15:51:37 -0700 2009 4814115 22199 yuko 2 5118793 Hey Yuko, Did you dine alone at all of the above-mentioned? When you did fly solo, did you encounter any problems or were the restos fairly accommodating? Tue Oct 20 19:55:43 -0700 2009 5118296 234190 BaronDestructo 3 5119005 I've dined solo at Ippudo (counter), Chikuyoutei (small table) and Ginza Bairin (counter), all of which were accomodating. I think Sasagin would be fine too to sit at the bar counter, as long as the reservation is made in advance, BUT I am not sure how non-Japanese speaker would fair. Although I was at Bulldog with others, I would consider going there alone (and just watch out on some creepy men trying to hit on you! Haha). i would treat Ninja restaurant like taking people to Benihana for a friend's birthday or something. Tue Oct 20 22:29:52 -0700 2009 5118793 22199 yuko