1

You might get more replies on the flyer talk forum.

2

thanks - I'm actually not quite sure though which forum you mean. Is this a Thorntree branch?

3

thanks a lot! hadn't heard of it, but will post the question there as well.

4

There are probably similar threads there already. The demographic is a bit different to TT.

5

Without wishing to state the obvious, you could also ask on chowhound, if you haven't already.

Having said that, they will usually expect you to do some of your own research, narrow down a list of places that might interest you, read the relevant reviews, and then ask about those specific places.

Also, it is Kaiseki not Kaiseke.

Have a great meal!

6

thanks for the replies. Tokyo_girl, good point, hadn't really considered the demographics. For me a lot of people who sort of grew up traveling-wise with LP (including myself) are now traveling a bit differently (I can happily combine some backpacking and camping with some days in a nice hotel and with some great food), and feel that LP still caters to that - the sections on high-end places in LP guides actually seems to have been growing. In other words, I think there's a good number of thorntree users who are able to and don't mind spending a bit more during their travel. Your point is taken, though - maybe people on flyer talk are on average a level up in terms of spending power. A keyword search on Tokyo and Michelin-level food didn't yield any recent entries though

And yes, acc, maybe chowhound is the best avenue to explore further, and will make a point to use the correct term (Kaiseki)...
I actually don't feel like I was being lazy - spent quite some time in various forums looking for some advise on specific lunch options. I've had very good experiences with the LP thorntree forum in the past to find some very personal (unpublished) advise, though, hence tried to here as well.

7

You are quite right that the TT user is older and richer than in the past.
The number of people living in Japan that contribute regularly has decreased. There used to be a number of people working for banks etc that posted who no longer seem to be posting.
The expat demographic that used to post as regulars and who have time to suss out the Michelin restaurants has decreased - in part perhaps because of the economy, in part because of doubts about the education system for kids, in part because of doubts about being here long term with potential for radiation concerns. Probably the biggest factor is more companies are moving to Sing & China - at least anecdotally.

Tokyo_B and Richard SF are probably two of the best bets for posters who know this kind of thing. I'm content with seeking out cheap Thai, Indian and Korean. :)

8

Umamidearest - it's refreshing to know there is still some high culture here!

Sound advice.

9

Haha, thanks!