647048 Mon Aug 24 08:20:46 -0700 2009 5 45 Japan 0 4972354 I'm returning to Japan for the final seven months of my contract. That means I only have seven more months to eat there! In all the years I've lived in Kansai, I've never eaten at any kappo places, but I'm planning to fit some in before leaving. On my list so far are: Momen (in the Namba/Shinsaibashi area) Kahala (Umeda area) I've never tried making reservations at these types of restaurants--does anyone have any suggestions on how to do so? I don't have the benefit of a concierge, and I could ask Japanese friends for help, but I'd rather do it myself (I'm not very fluent, but I can get by in Japanese). I'm wondering specifically about how many months in advance I should call. I'm pretty flexible, and as long as I can get in before March, I'll be golden. Are there any other kappo places in Kansai (Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto areas more specifically) I should add to my list? Mon Aug 24 08:20:46 -0700 2009 55178 prasantrin 1 5098845 I am planning to be there in Dec 09 and heard so much about Momen and Kahala but was unable to locate their contact or address via google. Can you help to put it up here for all ? Thanks Tue Oct 13 00:37:21 -0700 2009 4972354 1115908 crazytravel 2 5101373 Found KAHALA Restaurant Kishimoto Building 2F 1-9-2 Sanezaki-Shinchi Kitano  Osaka City 530-0002 Tel : 06-6345-6778 But for Momen, only Tel : 06-6211-2793. If anyway found the address, do share. Tue Oct 13 20:09:08 -0700 2009 5098845 1115908 crazytravel 3 5101673 Momen only has 9 counter seats and I've read that though they practice "no first timer" policy, people have gotten in without proper introduction from regulars. Now that they have been awarded two Michelin stars, I'd imagine that it'd be one tough reservation to get so I'd call NOW. Here is their address: 大阪府中央区心斎橋筋2-1-3 Osaku-fu Chuo-ku Shinsaibashi-suji 2-1-3 Wed Oct 14 00:08:27 -0700 2009 5101373 226923 kikisakura 4 5101735 May I ask how you go the info about the stars? I've looked online for info about 1- and 2-star places, but haven't found anything. Just the 3-stars. Chubby Hubby went to Momen just by getting a reservation through the concierge at his hotel, I think. Wed Oct 14 03:04:13 -0700 2009 5101673 55178 prasantrin 5 5102247 Here you go: http://namba.keizai.biz/headline/1010/ Momen's "No Ichigen-san" policy isn't written on stone so people have gotten a reservation simply by calling on their own. However, that was prior to them getting two stars and I can't think of a more affordable two star restaurant especially for dinner. So, it might be a really good idea to call before the guide hits the bookstand in two days. Wed Oct 14 08:21:53 -0700 2009 5101735 226923 kikisakura