Sukiyabashi Jiro, often hailed as the world's best sushi restaurant, has been stripped of its three Michelin stars. The decision, announced on Tuesday in Tokyo, is not due to a decline in quality but because the restaurant no longer accepts reservations from the general public.
A spokeswoman for the Michelin Guide explained that the restaurant is now out of scope for coverage, as Michelin's policy is to introduce establishments where everyone can dine. Sushi Saito, another three-star Tokyo restaurant, was removed from the latest edition for the same reason.
Jiro, famously featured in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi, has held three stars since the guide's first Tokyo edition in 2007. The restaurant, which seats only 10 guests, now requires diners to be regulars, have special connections, or book through luxury hotel concierges. Prices start at 40,000 yen (£285) per person.
Despite the removal, Tokyo retains its status as a culinary capital with 226 starred restaurants in the 2020 guide, more than any other city. Eleven restaurants hold three stars, three of them for the 13th consecutive year.
