Of the several restaurants in Japantown, this is one of the most authentic, and it is the only one with tatami rooms. The waitresses wear kimonos and the sushi chefs are always engaged in some sort of banter. All give great service. Guests can eat solo at the sushi bar, or it can be a great place for larger parties. Lunch specials are great, and there are a huge variety of Japanese appetizers available for dinner. Go for the Eel Donburi.

If you crave excellent teriyaki delights, then Minato Japanese Restaurant is the place for you. It specializes in teriyaki and the spare ribs are locally famous. Also try the Teriyaki Mackerel or the Salmon. The decor is traditionally Japanese and the gracious and efficient waitresses are an added bonus. Lunch plates go for less than $10, and there are a variety of steamer baskets and donburi bowls. A pleasant and playful atmosphere predominates.

If you can imagine the combination of a Japanese Teppan restaurant and a sports bar, then this place is it. It contains an area for regular dining, as well as an entire room for Teppan dining, that is, where they cook the meal at your table right in front of you. Dinners include Teppan steak or Shrimps, filet mignon and several other traditional Teppan meals. Or, if you are more adventurous, try some of the specials like the Lobster Dinner. And, if you prefer living on the edge, go hang out in the sports bar.

Offering a wide range of Japanese preparations with a nod towards classic izakaya preparations, Dan Izakaya in West San Jose makes for a great option if you're hankering for a tasty, authentic Asian grub. An izakaya establishment is an equivalent of the neighborhood watering hole where patrons come for a quick after-work drink. The elegant eatery is filled with dark wood furniture bathed in just the perfect amount of light. The drink list here is impressive, featuring a good many Asian drinks - Japanese beers, sojus, sakes, sochus and some variations of soju-based cocktails as well. To complement these authentic, exotic libations, there's a prolific menu of traditional Asian small plates, comprising of sashimis, sushis, salads and a long section of grilled veggies, meats, poultry and seafood items, of which the grilled and salted squid comes highly recommended. Finish these gorgeous meals with the signature neo-Japanese desserts like green tea ice cream and tempura banana sundae, you wont be disappointed. All in all, Dan Izakaya makes for a great dining destination.