Sukiyabashi Jiro. Ginza, Tokyo, Japan. July 2024.

To be standing at the front of this sliding door once seemed like an audacious dream. To be here, right here, where head of states, the famous and hopeless food romantics have gathered from around the world for one thing and one thing only, to experience the best sushi that exists on this planet by the legendary Chef Jiro Ono.

This restaurant that opened in 1965 is more of a zen temple with 10 counter seats, serving omakase style sushi, where a chef has dedicated his life to master and perfect his craft to a level that is regarded as the highest in the world of sushi making.

Reservation: Given the astronomic reputation of Jiro San and his restaurant Sukiyabashi Jiro, it is true that this is one of the toughest restaurants in the world to find a seat in. Reservation opens first of every month and is by phone call only. There are theories and speculations all over the web as to how one finds a place in here but to each their own. Reach out to know more.

 Price: 55,000 JPY (plus tax) per person. Cancellation policy is strict with no exceptions.

 Dress code: The guidelines to be admitted are very detailed. Guests are required to be dressed in formal clothing with collared shirts for men (no jeans or shorts) along with dress shoes. The restaurant has a strict policy of guests wearing absolutely no fragrance as it can interfere with the experience of other guests enjoying something as delicate as sushi.

Punctuality: The service starts right on time and it is smart to arrive at least 15 minutes early by taking the subway entrance to the Ginza station on the southeast corner of the Sukiyabashi crossing.

Impressions: Once admitted we were seated and Yoshikazu Ono, elder son of Chef Jiro san started displaying his mastery. Sushi is served at a fast pace and guests are expected to eat the sushi as soon as it is prepared to experience it at its optimum umami and temperature. The akami (lean tuna), Aji (jack mackerel) and the hotate (scallops) nigiri pieces were my favourites. It is not a casual dining place. The craft is taken very seriously and guests are expected to be respectful of the legacy of the restaurant.

 Every single sushi is exceptional with complex umami and rice that is cooked to perfection. The perfect bite, texture and temperature. It takes an apprentice about 3 years just to perfect the craft of rice making in the kitchen. The service lasts for about 25 minutes and 20 pieces of sushi nigiris are served.

Photography is prohibited inside, Ono San was very kind and gracious to agree to take a picture with us, which will always be one of the most important part of our memory in our gastronomic journey across the world.

We now dream again of coming back to this abode of World’s finest sushi at Sukiyabashi Jiro.