Araki　あら輝 - Tokyo Restaurant guide

Once is enough (Sun, Mar 25, '07): Pretty scary sushi place. No menu, no written price, no showcase for the fish. The chef looks pretty scary too - shaved head, fierce eyes, stone-cold expression. Atmosphere is quiet, stiff and serious...I was quite nervous the entire time. Reservation only and no walk-in. We went at lunch time but we had requested for the dinner menu in advance - 15,000yen sushi course. The friend who brought us there has eaten there a couple of times and has gained the chef's favour - which is apparently a necessity if you want to have a good time. You feel like you are obliged to please the chef by praising the food or giving a satisfied look everytime the chef hands you a sushi - he will look at you while you eat. His attitude shows that he thinks he is the best sushi chef ever. The ingredients are certainly top notch though. He said he won't compromise for anything but the best. Every piece of sushi is a wonder I have to admit. But then I have never paid so much for a sushi meal before. Maybe you can get similar quality with the same money elsewhere I am not sure. The location is very inconvenient. After a rather long train ride, we still had to take a taxi from the nearest train station. A lot a lot of loyal fans though, including celebrities. But for me, once is enough. If you want to try it, make sure you bring a Japanese friend who knows how to flatter and leave your camera cos no photos is allowed inside.