Originally Posted by
CappuccinoAddict
I think the logic of many Japanese restaurants asking not to be included in the guides is the desire to not be inundated with tourists. They are already filled every night with regulars and would rather not deal with the influx is what I have read and surmised.
We had a chat with one of the 'invite only' restaurateurs in Tokyo and his rationale was somewhat similar. Low number of possible covers per night, wanted to support a regular clientele and weren't really equipped to deal with non-Japanese speakers. And they are still booked months in advance.