San Antonio, December 19, 2025

Shiro Japanese Bistro, a popular sushi restaurant in San Antonio, is set to close temporarily from January 5 to January 19, 2026. The hiatus will allow its chefs to travel to Japan for culinary enrichment, with one chef training in a two-Michelin-starred kitchen. The restaurant plans to reopen on January 20, 2026, promising enhanced offerings for its patrons. During this closure, Shiro’s sister restaurant, Yozora, will remain open to serve customers.

Shiro Japanese Bistro in San Antonio to Close for Culinary Growth

San Antonio, Texas – Shiro Japanese Bistro, a well-respected sushi restaurant located along the scenic San Antonio River Walk, has announced a temporary closure from January 5 to January 19, 2026. This break will allow two of its chefs to travel to Japan, where they will enhance their culinary skills and gain invaluable experience. One chef will stay longer to train in a two-Michelin-starred kitchen, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. The bistro is set to reopen on January 20, 2026, ensuring that diners can expect renewed creativity and expertise in their favorite dishes. While Shiro is closed, its sister restaurant, Yozora, remains open to serve customers.

Purpose of the Hiatus

The primary goal of this temporary closure is to allow the chefs to dive deep into Japanese culinary traditions. They will have the opportunity to visit various local eateries and participate in hands-on cooking experiences. By immersing themselves in Japan’s rich culinary landscape, these chefs will return with fresh insights and techniques that promise to elevate the dining experience at Shiro. This proactive approach demonstrates a level of dedication that resonates well within the entrepreneurially spirited San Antonio community.

Background of Shiro Japanese Bistro

Opened in 2020, Shiro Japanese Bistro quickly established itself as a culinary gem, attracting devotees with its authentic Japanese cuisine and creative sushi offerings. Chef and founder Grey Hwang has already made a mark in the industry, being recognized as a semifinalist in the Best Chef: Texas category for the prestigious 2025 James Beard Awards. Such recognitions underscore Shiro’s significant impact on San Antonio’s expanding culinary scene and illustrate how local entrepreneurs are continuously striving to innovate and excel.

Alternative Dining Options During the Hiatus

While Shiro takes its well-deserved break, there are various dining alternatives for sushi lovers in San Antonio. Yozora, Shiro’s sister restaurant, will continue to welcome patrons. Additionally, food enthusiasts can look forward to new ventures, such as Takumi Japanese Restaurant & Bar, which is set to open in the Alamo Ranch area in January 2026. This expansion of dining options not only benefits the customers but also highlights the resilience and growth of the San Antonio small business landscape.

Community Response

The decision to temporarily close Shiro has largely been met with understanding and support from the San Antonio community. Many diners appreciate the restaurant’s commitment to culinary excellence and eagerly anticipate the elevated offerings that will greet them upon reopening. This community support reflects the dedication of local businesses to deliver high-quality service and innovation, crucial elements for fostering a thriving local economy.

Contact Information

For more information or inquiries, customers can visit Shiro Japanese Bistro’s official website or follow their social media channels for updates. The restaurant is conveniently located at 107 W. Jones Ave., San Antonio, TX 78215.

About Shiro Japanese Bistro

Shiro Japanese Bistro is celebrated in San Antonio for its authentic Japanese cuisine and innovative sushi creations. Since its inception in 2020, it has quickly become a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

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Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER

The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.