Wednesday, January 7, 2009

WHERE TO STAY: In midtown Manhattan, the recently redesigned, and very sleek, Japanese-owned Kitano (66 Park Ave., 212-885-7000, http://www.kitano.com) offers a real Japanese experience. The Family Weekend packages (complimentary breakfast; rubber duck, cookies and milk for the kids; no extra-bed fee; maximum two adults, two children in one room) are $340 a night, plus taxes. Regular January rates start at $279 per room per night.

WHAT TO DO: If you stay overnight, you'll have time to take a $3 (one way) shuttle from Port Authority Bus Terminal (625 Eighth Ave., Gate 51, South Building) to Mitsuwa Marketplace (595 River Rd., Edgewater, N.J., 201-941-9113, http://www.mitsuwanj.com; click on "English"), the Japanese-themed mall on the Jersey side of the Hudson. Open daily (generally 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.), this complex features a huge supermarket plus Japanese specialty stores that sell just about everything, including toiletries, toys, tableware, even auto accessories. There's also an extensive food court, and 10 restaurants and cafes.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Muji (620 Eighth Ave., 212-382-2300; 455 Broadway, 212-334-2002; and 16 W. 19th St., 212-414-9024; http://www.muji.us). Kinokuniya (1073 Ave. of the Americas, 212-869-1700, http://www.kinokuniya.com). Cafe Zaiya (18 E. 41st St., 212-779-0600; 69 Cooper Sq., 212-253-9700; and inside Kinokuniya; http://zaiyany.com). Book Off (14 E. 41st St., 212-685-1410, http://www.bookoff.co.jp/en/info/kaigai02.html). Kyotofu (705 Ninth Ave., 212-974-6012; 144 W. 18th St., 646-336-8188, http://www.kyotofu-nyc.com). Takashimaya New York (693 Fifth Ave., 212-350-0100 or 800-753-2038, http://www.takashimaya-ny.com). Minamoto Kitchoan (608 Fifth Ave., 212-489-3747, http://www.kitchoan.com). Uniqlo (546 Broadway, 917-237-8811, http://www.uniqlo.com/us/store). A Bathing Ape (91 Greene St., 212-925-0222, http://www.bape.com/#/shop). Sakaya (324 E. Ninth St., 212-505-7253, http://www.sakayanyc.com).

-- J.G.