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I have been in Tokyo for a month and compared to California known as America's prime vegetable and fruit growing region, I am finding much, much lower prices on vegetables in Tokyo.  Some are 3 times lower.  Strawberries are in season  and the prices here about the same as in Silicon Valley.  

lettuce quality and variety is not as as good as in California.  I could never find frisee here and green leaf lettuce is smaller.  

Haven't been to the US since Covid and I know there's been a spike in food prices recently but to be honest I've never found US food prices to be particularly cheap when comparing it on a like for like basis. 

Originally Posted by: Fyretigger

Rinshin, I’ll be in Japan for 3 weeks starting Thursday the 16th (my first trip). Do you have any restaurants you would particularly recommend in Tokyo or Kyoto? In both cases, we are staying near, and to the east of the imperial palace complexes, but will be traveling throughout the cities. We are also in the Nagano area for 3 days. The rest of the time we are in ryokan with included kaiseki.

We are leaving for California tomorrow.  There are so many restaurants everywhere that it would be very easy to find something that may appeal to you.  Unlike years ago, some of the better restaurants may be reservations only.  What we are finding is that many restaurants and izakayas are closing much earlier than pre covid which is not good.  Tokyo used to be a city that never slept, but not now  since covid.  Use Tabelog or google to read restaurant reviews.  They are having issues with not enough service workers now esp for hotels and restaurants  since covid.  So many places had to cut back on business and they cannot hire quickly enough with huge tourist numbers coming in to Japan now.  Lots of pent up demand.  Have a good time.  

Originally Posted by: Rinshin

We are leaving for California tomorrow.  There are so many restaurants everywhere that it would be very easy to find something that may appeal to you.  Unlike years ago, some of the better restaurants may be reservations only.  What we are finding is that many restaurants and izakayas are closing much earlier than pre covid which is not good.  Tokyo used to be a city that never slept, but not now  since covid.  Use Tabelog or google to read restaurant reviews.  They are having issues with not enough service workers now esp for hotels and restaurants  since covid.  So many places had to cut back on business and they cannot hire quickly enough with huge tourist numbers coming in to Japan now.  Lots of pent up demand.  Have a good time.

Thank you so much for the advice. You probably won't see this until you get home, but very best wishes for safe travels.

If you have a time, try going to Okachimae for anything goes shopping.  Many food items and very good prices.  There are lots of yelling to get customers's attention.  Close to Ueno.  That is where many Japanese go to do New Year's Day cooking shopping for many traditional things.  

kyoto also has one similar but smaller and higher prices.  

spend a day wandering around Tokyo Station inside.  It is endless stores and restaurants and PEOPLE! 

to me, Shinjuku is getting seedier and becoing a magnet for younger generation, school break etc.  check out Ebisu area.

 Fun shopping for household items are at Tokyo Hand.  You will find them in various locations.   You will hit cherry blossom season, but stay away from Harajuku.  Too crazy packed.  Instead head down to Meguro station or Gotanda and head toward Meguro River.  Much less crowd and cherry trees by the river all along. 

Hahah, We are now looking forward to peace and quiet of our yard in California.  And cooking again after getting some produce.  Before leaving I made 4 different soups and froze in portions anticipating lack of produce upon return.