Norovirus Can't Stop It Either: Japan's Michelin Two-Star "Mankitsu-ro" Closes for Three Days

▲ Mankitsu-ro posted an apology notice on its official website. (Photo / Screenshot from Mankitsu-ro's official website)

Reported by Huang Shiyuan / Taipei

Norovirus once ravaged Taiwan in March, but even Japan's Michelin two-star kaiseki restaurant "Mankitsu-ro" wasn't spared. On March 22, six men and women experienced vomiting and diarrhea after dining at Mankitsu-ro the previous day, showing symptoms of food poisoning. The Kyoto City government detected norovirus in five patients and four staff members, and ordered Mankitsu-ro to close for three days starting April 6 for disinfection.

Regarding the norovirus food poisoning incident, Mankitsu-ro also issued a special apology on its official website. The restaurant will closely monitor and strengthen employee health management to prevent such incidents from happening again.

Founded in 1722, Mankitsu-ro is a renowned kaiseki restaurant in Kyoto and has been awarded Michelin two stars for five consecutive years. Additionally, Mankitsu-ro is one of the rare restaurants in Japan that serves yūsoku ryōri, a type of cuisine traditionally served only in the imperial court.