Originally Posted by
DCtrAAveler
Recommendations for a 'special occasion' restaurant? I'm traveling to Tokyo for the first time in July as part of my 40th birthday RTW, and will be in town for my actual birthday. I have little experience/knowledge of Japanese cuisine and its varieties, but am a relatively adventurous eater and am open to new experiences. I'd like something not overly touristy, but comfortable for non-Japanese speakers. I know 'traditional', 'authentic', and 'typical' can be heavily loaded terms, but a cultural as well as high-quality/interesting food experience would be nice. Thanks in advance.
The beginning of July is still fire fly season.
Since this is a special occasion, so long as you are prepared to put in an hour of travel time to and from Shinjuku to get there (the journey itself is inexpensive), it would be very hard to beat the Ukai Toriyama at the foot of Mt Takao. You should aim to be there for dusk as fireflies are released into the grounds during the first half of July. Reservation very much advised.
http://www.ukai.co.jp/english/toriyama/