Sushi Minato — Restaurant in Asahikawa

Do not welcome foreigners. The waitresses speak above average English, but turned their back away once we answered we don't speak Japanese.

They keep questioning us how we could make a reservation without speaking Japanese (although I explained I can read menus and understand food items if they speak in Japanese), when we answered AE Concierge. They stopped questioning but still showing an irritated face.

There are a la carte menu options, but when we made reservation they only let us pick the course menu with more expensive choices.

There was a fly in the appetizer and we called them up to the private room to ask and they yelled at us instead.

Super impolite, never experienced this in Japan. Super low level of services - no explanation in food serving, didn't take away finished plates, didn't help turning on air conditioner etc. Charging service charge amounting to 20000 JPY (5 people dining and the 8% service charge is about 20000 JPY!!!) but they leave us alone in the room without even turning on the A/C , nor they give us a glass of water or tea. Not even a simple thank you when we pay the bill and finished the meal.

If you do not speak Japanese, you may want to consider not having a meal here. Utter...

Had a wonderful time last night! Tried many kinds of sushi that’s not commonly seen in omakase restaurants in the US. The grilled hokkigai was really impressive!

There are a few low starred comments about foreigners which we noticed shortly before going. We had a different experience.

First, reservation is probably required. The restaurant puts on 满席 sign, meaning fully booked, for both counter and dining room last night. It is common for a popular sushi place to be fully booked for a while; we reserved 6 weeks in advance.

Second, knowing a bit Japanese would be helpful if not essential to the experience. My partner’s Japanese was pretty rudimentary while I only knew the 50 sounds; we were able to order drinks just fine, phew! Helping a lot is that both of us are avid sushi fans so we know the names of the fish by sound, but I doubt you’d need that to enjoy.

Overall, a lovely experience. We are both awed by how much work the chefs were able to handle, processing omakase menus and dining room orders at the same time. A feast for the eyes (and of course...

Didn’t know a reservation is needed. I’m from Singapore. Apparently they don’t welcome foreigners. The lady at the door greeted me with ‘reservation??’ I asked if they have table for 2 and I didn’t know a reservation was needed. She was about to close the door and turn her back on me after she said ‘reservation only’ (not even waiting for me to reply).

She mentioned next reservation was only at 7pm and they have to wait for the customer. I even asked if we can eat quickly as it was only 6.20pm and the place was EMPTY. I told her again we will eat a quick one. She just said ‘reservation only’. She didn’t smile or look friendly. I was very upset.

I love Japan very much but she created and left such a negative...