for the next time we're in japan

i'm using this post as a log to remind us of some of the tasty places we ate at, places we sleeped, and stores we visited while in japan. because half the time i didn't know what the name of the place we were at even was, i'll update this as i remember more:

• zaboten (tonkatsu)
• kyoto, teramachi - mr young men (okonomiyaki)
• kyoto, gion - izuju (sushi)
• kyoto, near the bridge - kappa (izakaya)
• kyoto, i have no idea where - eric's oka-san's house (if you want a *ton* of food)
• tokyo, marubiru - the soba place
• tokyo, central - yakitori places under the train tracks
• tokyo - the shabushabu place
• tokyo - the sukiyaki place
• tokyo - the robata place
• tokyo - the piano bar (drunkard's alley) near shibuya
• nara - the izakaya recommended by concierge-san who captured our hearts

also, some shops not to miss:

• kyoto - ippo-den (tea)
• kyoto, higashinotoin dori - paper store
• kyoto - chopstick store
• tokyo, asakusa - sake-tasting place
• nara - harushika sake

and finally, places to stay:

• kyoto, central - hiiragiya (ryokan, wait on you with utmost attention, but expensive)
• kyoto, central - hotel okura (super-luxurious, western-style, book online for great rates)
• kyoto, gion - gion hatanaka (ryokan, quite modern)
• tokyo, ginza - mitsui garden (smaller rooms, but super modern)
• tokyo, kudan - hotel grand palace (super friendly staff, nothing too fancy)
• tokyo, asakusa - sadachiyo (ryokan with good location, but sorta smelly)
• nara - nara hotel
• koyasan - ekoin temple
• kinosaki - tsutaya (ultra friendly with great crab)

things to do next time:

• hokkaido
• osaka
• ninaji, ryoanji, kinkakuji (temples in kyoto)