Sukiyabashi Jiro is not only one of the best sushi restaurants in the world, it’s also one of the hardest to get into. The tiny Tokyo establishment was a destination of choice for Barack Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during Obama’s visit back in April, and it was also featured prominently in the documentary, “Jiro Dreams Of Sushi,” inspiring sushi fans from around the world to seek out a seat at the counter. We spoke with three foodies who have traveled to the sushi mecca and eaten Chef Jiro Ono’s 20-course omakase menu, which costs around $300, or 30,000 Japanese yen. Here is their best advice on getting a reservation at Sukiyabashi Jiro (all emphasis ours). When I went, booking was not especially difficult as such, but I had to go with a Japanese speaker (a friend who lives in Tokyo came with us, so that was not a problem). I had my friend who lives in Tokyo call and get some intel. I found out that they start taking reservations the first of the month, the month prior to when you want to go.

As I was going to be there in March, I would need to call on February 1st. can you cook sushi rice in a steamerSo on February 1st Tokyo time, I had my native Japanese speaker friends mobilized to call — a couple people in Tokyo, and one in New York. best sushi to order on weight watchersThe line was busy for FOUR DAYS. how to make sushi rolls bbcBy the time they got through, of course all of March was booked. food delivery hotlines in metro manilaOf course, this made me even more determined to score a res. buy sushi roller

After a few other desperate attempts failed, I finally had my hotel concierge in Tokyo call. buy sushi seaweedThey got me in, but to the Roppongi branch, not the original one in Ginza.sushi q online coupon For Jiro, the official rule is that you should call in the first day of each month to reserve for next month’s seating. However, most people that I know who got reservations are through local Japanese people who know the restaurant well, or they have some industry connections. Concierges from prestigious hotels may be able to help, but not always. Personally, I also have to book through a Japanese friend who is a regular here and so I can’t attest to the level of difficulty to book a seat at Jiro as a new customer, especially from overseas. One thing I do know is that they only take phone reservations.

In both of my visits, I had seen people (foreigners and local Japanese) who tried to walk in to grab a seat either on the same day or for future, and they would immediately turn them down and tell them to call instead.  So don’t bother to think you can just go to the shop and make a reservation in person. They won’t allow it to happen. I’ve visited Sukiyabashi Jiro three times. The first time I visited in 2008, I called and made the reservation myself. I spoke to them in Japanese, and explained that I ate everything without exception. I sensed reluctance on the phone. I made the reservation three weeks to the day. When I tried calling again in 2010 it was more difficult. There “wasn’t any availability.” I had the hotel concierge call and they were able to get three seats at the sushi counter. The same went for 2012. These reservations were made 3-4 weeks to date. Foreigners who don’t speak Japanese are known as gaijin, and may have a hard time getting a reservation at Sukiybashi Jiro or being served once they do.

Chef Ono doesn’t speak English and his son speaks very little, so bringing along someone who speaks fluent Japanese is not only highly recommended, but often necessary. Guests should also be aware that the meal may cost $300 (or more, depending on the exchange rate), but will last no more than a half an hour. Chef Ono encourages a fast pace with each bite size piece of fish coming out every minute or so. “My last meal lasted 19 minutes,” Goldberg told us. “The meal never felt rushed, but each slice of fish is bite-sized and as soon as I took a bite there was another piece of fish waiting.” “The experience was worth it in 2008, but I no longer think it’s the best sushi in Tokyo,” Goldberg added. Hayler agreed, saying that while his meal at Sukiyabashi Jiro was “objectively good,” it still did not compare to other sushi restaurants in Tokyo such as Sushi Saito, Yoshitake, Mizutani, and Sawada. And for those who love to Instagram their meals, feel free to bring along a camera.

“The restaurant, and chef Ono, have evolved very much from 2008 to 2012,” Goldberg told Business Insider. “In 2008 photography was discouraged. In fact, I remember Chef Ono reminding me to ‘eat quickly’ because it would affect the texture and temperature of the fish and rice. In 2012, Chef Ono encouraged photography — even posing and smiling with guests.”ONLY for Voyagin guests! 15% OFF Mobile Wifi Service when you travel in Japan! (Click here for more details) Sukibayashi Jiro is the first place to start when you want to discover the authentic taste of true Japanese sushi made in traditional ways! A reservation for the Roppongi branch of the Michelin-starred restaurant is all you need when coming to Tokyo! When anybody mentions Japanese cuisine, sushi immediately comes to mind. And what better place to eat sushi than at the most famous sushi restaurant in the world, Jiro! Sukibayashi Jiro was made famous after the movie ''Jiro dreams of Sushi''. Sukibayashi Jiro believes in serving its patrons only the freshest and most delightful sushi.

However, the restaurant is almost always fully booked weeks in advance thanks to its impeccable cuisine, and it can be difficult or impossible to get a reservation within a traveler's short period of stay in Japan. We will help you make a reservation for Sukibayashi Jiro at its Roppongi branch, the 2 Michelin Star restaurant so that you have the opportunity to try the best sushi in the world!The lunch menu costs 18,400 JPY per person for sushi only and about 25 000 JPY per person for sushi and sashimi (excluding the service charge and tax). The dinner menu costs 25,900 JPY per person for sushi only and about 30 000 JPY for sushi and sashimi (excluding the service charge and tax), but it is sure to leave you in awe of its humble yet exquisite morsels.When making a reservation for 3 or more people, you will need to choose in advance between a lunch/dinner with "sushi only" or "sushi and sashimi". For 1 or 2 people, you will be able to choose the menu at the restaurant. ************************************************************************************PLEASE CONFIRM with us the following items by including the answers in the message box when you book.1.

You are aware it's NOT their Ginza branch but Roppongi branch2. If you are booking for 3 or more people, you MUST choose the menu in advance. Please tell us if you prefer:- sushi only- sushi + sashimi3. Please let us know if you have any child(ren) in your group, and their ages4. Please let us know if you can agree to follow Jiro Roppongi's request not to wear any perfume since it will affect the taste of the meal.Please note we can't make a reservation without the confirmation.************************************************************************************Time slots for lunch: 11:30 AM or 1:00 PMTime slots for dinner: 5:30 PM or 7:30 PMClosed on Wednesdays***If you miss your restaurant reservation, you will be required to pay the course fee for each person who was not able to attend. We will send you a payment link for this fee. If your payment is not received, the fee will be automatically charge to your credit card account./destinations/japan/tokyo/197-sushiIf you'd like to make a reservation for the next 72 hours, please check out our last minute reservation page:http://voyag.in/2eKFRgp