If you, like many other viewers of Jiro Dreams of Sushi, had been planning a trip to Japan to eat the world-renowned creations of sushi chef Jiro Ono, you're now out of luck. The famed restaurant is no longer open to the public, leading to its exclusion form the latest Michelin gourmet guide.
Tokyo's Sukiyabashi Jiro, the 10-seat restaurant that was the focus of David Gelb's 2011 documentary, was found to have been excluded from the guide after earning three Michelin stars each year since 2007, the first year the guide was published in the city.
"We recognize Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope," a Michelin Guide spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. "It was not true to say the restaurant lost stars but it is not subject to coverage in our guide. Michelin's policy is to introduce restaurants where everybody can go to eat."
Opened in 1965, Sukiyabashi Jiro has been noted for its exclusivity. Those hoping to secure a reservation have needed to either be a regular patron, book through a luxury hotel, or have special connections.
The restaurant's guest list include Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Katy Perry and Barack Obama, who said the spot served up "the best sushi I've ever had in my life."
On its website, Sukiyabashi Jiro says it is "currently experiencing difficulties in accepting reservations" and apologizes for "any inconvenience to our valued customers," adding, "as our restaurant can only seat up to 10 guests at a time, this situation is likely to continue."
Tokyo's Sukiyabashi Jiro, the 10-seat restaurant that was the focus of David Gelb's 2011 documentary, was found to have been excluded from the guide after earning three Michelin stars each year since 2007, the first year the guide was published in the city.
"We recognize Sukiyabashi Jiro does not accept reservations from the general public, which makes it out of our scope," a Michelin Guide spokesperson told Agence France-Presse. "It was not true to say the restaurant lost stars but it is not subject to coverage in our guide. Michelin's policy is to introduce restaurants where everybody can go to eat."
Opened in 1965, Sukiyabashi Jiro has been noted for its exclusivity. Those hoping to secure a reservation have needed to either be a regular patron, book through a luxury hotel, or have special connections.
The restaurant's guest list include Hugh Jackman, Anne Hathaway, Katy Perry and Barack Obama, who said the spot served up "the best sushi I've ever had in my life."
On its website, Sukiyabashi Jiro says it is "currently experiencing difficulties in accepting reservations" and apologizes for "any inconvenience to our valued customers," adding, "as our restaurant can only seat up to 10 guests at a time, this situation is likely to continue."
