(01)
Ren Hayashi
Twelve years at a three-star counter in Ginza. Then, in 2017, eight seats of his own in Kyobashi.
(02) Biography
Ren was born in Tsukiji, the son of a tuna broker. He apprenticed at sixteen, spending three years only washing rice.
Kōen is named after the small park opposite the restaurant — a quiet space in a loud city. That is what he hopes the counter feels like.
Timeline
(03)2001
Apprenticeship
Three years washing rice in Tsukiji before touching fish.
2005
Sukiyabashi, Ginza
Twelve years at one of the world's most famous counters.
2017
Kōen opens
Eight hinoki seats in Kyobashi.
2024
Tabelog Gold
Score of 4.62, retained every year since.