That Mosburger!!

Highly recommended to me on my visit last week by a Brit who had lived a lot in the US and Japan but I havent gotten into one yet.

As far as kaiseki, I dont think Tawaraya has a restaurant for people not staying in the inn. We had an attendent assigned to our room for our stay. She was dressed in traditional Japanese wear. She and an assistant served us the meals on the table on mats in the dining area of our room. I think all of the meals are served in rooms there but Im not sure about that.

The Park Hyatt (Kozue) is in Shinjuku so that will be close to where you are staying. We have eaten at the Robuchon-Taillavant place and it was quite good. I think we were at the cheaper part, maybe that was called the Cave although it was in the chateau type building where the main restaurant is. Some other interesting places are kobe beef shabu shabu places and some of the chicken places which have different roast chicken bits on skewers which are wonderful. Birdland is a famous example of the latter but we couldnt get in there so the concierge sent to a place that she said catered to local businessmen rather than tourists.

I would like to second the suggestion of looking in the food sale areas of the large department stores. They are fantastic. In Shinjuku is the Takashimaya store which has a good food area. I really recommend also going to the store Tokyu Hands which is in the Takishimaya in Shinjuku. It is one one of the most unusual stores I have been to. Well worth a visit. The nicest food sale area in department store I have been to is in the Matsokoshi in the Nihanbashi area. It is unbelieveable. I sampled some nice green tea which I got there also. Also if you go there check out the pottery and such. On the 7th or 8th floor they have the art level stuff. Get to see a handmade bowl for $135,000.