Ishibashi is fully booked to 15 April (possibly even further into April as of today)
, wanted to try the Ojiya . I managed to cancel the booking at Ryugin, gutted about it, wanted to try it so badly. However, the strict criteria that they sent over once booking was confirmed put my partner off.
Just a snippet of some of the criterias, in exact words for the benefit of anyone thinking of a meal at Ryugin:
- For both men and women we strictly do not allow any perfume, as the dishes have very sensitive scent. Even if there is one person in the group with perfume on them, we will not show them to the table. In this case, we will ask the guests to proceed with payment of the cancellation fee and also will be asked to leave the restaurant.
- No photos can be taken other than the courses. You cannot leave your seat or stand up to take photos (including anniversaries).
- Strictly no videos taken inside the restaurant.
- While you are seated, please do not use your phone unless it is for camera use. Please limit your usage of your phone of playing games, using the SNS and browsing the internet as much as possible.
Being respectful, I had to cancel the reservation in view of these.
I managed to find another alternative, Hiyama. It is located in Nihonbashi.
It is true that the more traditionally run establishments will only accept bookings from locals/hotels or guests that speaks Japanese. Thankfully I am staying at a hotel with a good concierge which I guess the establishments are more readily to accept the bookings if it came from them.
Thanks!
