Tokyo

Guidebooks
Although TimeOut guides have been the books of choice for big cities, for Tokyo it was rather disappointing, especially as far as maps and directions are concerned. Still great for selection of restaurants though. Lonely Planet proved to be a better choice for Tokyo, with more detailed maps and good suggestions for walking tours, as well as valuable directions in Japanese that can be shown to taxi drivers in lost-in-translation-crises.
Still, the People Watching walking tour in Shibuya suggested by TimeOut, if done on a Sunday afternoon - when rockabillies and other wacky performers gather in Yoyogi park and do their thing - is priceless.

Restaurants
Gonpachi. 1-13-11 Nishi-Azabu, Minato-ku, Roppongi station (+81 557710170). Open until 5 a.m. daily, but still it is recommended to make reservations. This is a real must-go. Amazing food (at least to the taste of one who's been accustomed Sao Paulo-style Japanese food), rustic yet funky ambiance, good albeit at times awkward service.

Azumitei. 03 5524 7890. Closes at 11pm. Specialty is the typical dish where you "fry" very thin pieces of top quality beef and vegetables in boiling water.

Maisen. 4-8-5 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. +81 3470 0071. Delicious pork (the black pork is particulary tasty) in a very light, crispy batter - also present in excellent tempuras and croquettes.

Clubs
Alife. 1-7-2 Nishi-Azabu. 57852531



Hotels
Akasaka Avanshell
Park Hotel