"It's the worst, " a sushi chef in the old Tokyo shopping neighborhood of Azabu Juban recently told his sole Sunday lunch customer.

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The most popular neighbourhoods for expats are Omotesando in the Shibuya ward, Azabu, Hiroo and Roppongi in the Minato ward and Daikanyama and Nakameguro in the Meguro ward.

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With a quietly chic decor warmed by wood floors and bistro-style tables, Vino Hirata (3456-4744) in Azabu Juban is a good choice for a quiet evening with a few friends.

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