Around Japan

Bourbon Street Location: Roppongi Tel: 03-3478-8473 Style: American - Cajun ¥¥¥	This is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. First and foremost, the food is amazing. My personal recommendation: Cajun Grilled Swordfish. If you have room, don't miss the Jambalaya. Your chef and host Sohan hails from Louisiana and is an icon around the Roppongi area. He's always ready with a recommendation for the undecided and a good joke to go with the wine (which is also quite nice). Even though it is enormously popular, he keeps the dining experience intimate with seating for about 16 - 20 people max. I've only been a few times (seems it is always full when I call) so call a couple of days ahead to ensure your spot.
Tonchan Location: Roppongi Tel: coming soon... Style: Japanese - Okonomiyaki ¥	Looking for a super clean, quiet restaurant? Then don't go to Tonchan! It is a tiny, greasy hole in the wall that serves up cold beer and Okonomiyaki - just my kind of place! If you visit me in Japan, I will probably take you here first. Most of us Westerners think of sushi when we think of Japanese but this place will show you a tasty alternative. And, it does include audience participation - the grill is on your table and you do the cooking. Free beer for my friends who flip the okonomiyaki correctly the first time. There's no website for this hole in the wall and even Japan's premiere dining website (Bento.com) does not list it (what do they know?!). But, it's not hard to find...It's 3 minutes walking from the famous Almond (Roppongi Crossing) directly across the street from the Citibank (on the same side of the street as Friday's). Or you can just call them (once I dig up the phone number!)
Suzhi Zanmai Location: Roppongi Tel: 03-5771-2440 Style: Japanese - Sushi ¥ (The 'King' of Tuna!)	Sushi Zanmai is where me and the boys meet Friday night...It is simple, tasty sushi with combos starting at 980 ¥! It doesn't get much cheaper than that! I usually go for the dinner combo which still comes in under 2000 Yen - by Tokyo standards, a real bargain. There are two shops in Roppongi and many more around Tokyo. The newer shop is just next to Don Quixote (the K-Mart of Japan) and caters to the people stopping off before or after bar hopping in Roppongi. The host greets you with a smile and a loud irrashimase as you enter...The other shop (near the crossing) is a bit more subdued - good place for after hours munching...Both are open 24 hours...You never know when you might wake up in the middle of the night craving some uni...
Fonda de la Madrugada Location: Jingumae Tel: 03-5410-6288 Style: Mexican ¥¥	In my humble opinion, this is Tokyo's best Mexican restaurant. My favorite menu items include the seafood ceviche and the carne asada. On the side, the beans are simply amazing and the homemade tortillas remind of Aunt Juanita's kitchen when I was a kid. From the outside, the restaurant looks modest in size, but once you enter and head downstairs, the place opens up into a very open underground Mexican Villa (kind of reminds of the Pirates of the Caribbean ride at Disneyland). The mariachi band are authentic Mexicans (goatees and all) and just like the ones in Ensenada are really interesting the first 2 or 3 times that you visit the restaurant but get a bit annoying after a while. I find if you don't make eye contact, you can avoid a visit to your table.
La Fiesta Location: Roppongi Tel: 03-3475-4412 Style: Tex-Mex ¥¥	This is Tokyo's second best Mexican food. Located in the heart of Roppongi, it's a bit easier to get to than making the trek to Fonda. The food is pretty good (I recommend the Chili Relleno) but they lose a bit of authenticity by with their American style tacos... The margaritas are tasty but cost a pretty penny. At ¥1280 per glass, you might want to stop off at Gas Panic for a pre-dinner drink if you want to save a few bucks. If you're in Roppongi and have a hankering for Mexican food, it's worth stopping by...But if you want to make a special night of it, make the trip to Fonda.
Chinese Cafe Eight Location: Roppongi, Ebisu and Akasaka Tel: 03-5414-5708 (Ropppongi) Style: Chinese ¥¥	Love this place....This has to be the cheapest and best Peking Duck in the city. Don't expect much from the atmosphere...It's always a bit crowded and expect to share a table with others. But the food is really good and you can sample dozens of appetizers for a few hundred yen. The shop in Roppongi (the only one that I have been to) has some very interesting decorations...Just check it our and you will know what I mean. I've not been to other branches, but my girlfriend tells me the Ebisu store is a bit more civilized than the Roppongi shop...

Sport

Canyons Outdoor sports tours and lodging Minakami, Gunma, Japan	Located in Minakami (Gunma prefecture) Canyons offers rafting, canyoning, mountain biking and more. The lodge is reasonably priced and well maintained. You can even bring your own barbecue and grill some steaks next to the river.
Tokyo International Adventure Club Outdoor sports, social activities	The Tokyo International Adventure Club is a group of like minded individuals who enjoy outdoor sports and the occasional party. Activities such as cycling, hiking, mountaineering, rock climbing, snowboarding and skiing are just a few of the many things you will find at this club.
Don Morton's Half-fast Cycling Cycling, social activities	If you like cycling (with an occasional beer) or beer (with occasional cycling) then you really need to get on Don Morton's Half-Fast cycling mailing list. Don and friends meet every weekend for rides and have figured out some very cool routes around the city. Check out their site for more information and keep cycling!

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