Is Sukiyabashi Jiro Worth It?

Rocket News 24 has posted an article with a opposing view on whether or not Sukiyabashi Jiro is worth the money.

They wrote:

Last week, President Obama and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had dinner at Sukiyabashi Jiro, considered by many to be one of the best sushi restaurants in Tokyo, if not the world. 

It’s certainly the most famous sushi spot on the planet thanks to the 2011 documentary “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.” The three-star Michelin restaurant is located in the basement of an office building near the Ginza station, with a modest wooden counter and only 10 tables in the entire establishment. 89-year-old master chef Jiro Ono serves a tasting menu of roughly 20 courses, for a total of 30,000 Japanese yen (just under $300). 

But some people question if the experience is actually worth the money. 

While there’s no question that diners are eating some of the freshest and most perfectly prepared fish available, the meal is often rushed. The Michelin Tokyo Guide warns “don’t be surprised to be finished within 30 minutes.” That’s the equivalent of spending 1,000 Japanese Yen — or $10 — per minute.

If I had an extraordinary corn crop year, I would seriously consider a meal at Sukiyabashi Jiro, even at ¥30,000. But, the article states that non-Japanese people have difficulties in securing reservations and even being served. This is not due to any prejudice, but to the language barrier. That is off-putting.

I was perfectly satisfied with the sushi I had at a sushi restaurant near the Tsukiji Fish Market in 2010. It was the best sushi I ever had and it was only a fraction of the cost of Sukiyabashi Jiro.

To read more, go here.