Sushi Tokiwa

Sushi Tokiwa

A true hidden gem, Sushi Tokiwa is the secret sushi restaurant serving Honolulu’s finest omakase. Its entrance is located inside of Restaurant SUNTORY, tucked away in an unassuming nook behind the brilliant wine display. With just 9 seats arranged comfortably around the polished counter space, Sushi Tokiwa offers a classy, intimate setting wrapped around the most enticing omakase experience in Waikiki.

The Concept

Inspired by the beauty of seasonality, Sushi Tokiwa masters the harmony between land and sea when its ingredients are at peak freshness, resulting in a thoughtfully curated sushi omakase that regularly evolves in ways designed to delight the palate time and time again. Through a delicate balance of traditional Japanese preparations and sparks of inventive flair, each course is artistically crafted with quality you can taste and delivered with a level of service second to none. Drawing influence from the rich food culture of Northern Japan, we invite you to enjoy both regional and seasonal flavors infused in every bite.

The Omakase Experience

At Sushi Tokiwa, you’ll find true Edomae omakase-style dining, a nigiri sushi tradition originating in Tokyo during the Edo period (1603-1868). The omakase or “chef’s choice” style of dining presents the freshest seasonal ingredients with the chef’s own unique flair. Guests are fully taken care of by our culinary experts from Japan, who are proven to elevate exceptional ingredients to even greater heights.

The counter’s team of skilled Japanese chefs—Chef Kanto, Chef Makabe, and Chef Machino—bring their expertise from Hokkaido, one of Japan’s leading regions for fresh seafood. Both Chef Kanto and Chef Makabe trained at Sushizen, one of Japan’s most celebrated sushi establishments, founded by the esteemed Chef Tsutomu Shimamiya. Chef Shimamiya, an authority on Edomae-style sushi, is recognized as a Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Japanese government. Their training under his guidance ensures that Tokiwa continues to uphold the highest standards in sushi craftsmanship.

Sushi Tokiwa’s new offerings include the popularly priced $160 Hakushu meal and the indulgent $250 Tokiwa Special meal, both designed to highlight the finest seasonal ingredients and showcase the skill of the restaurant’s chefs. To further enhance the culinary experience, Sushi Tokiwa will also offer a range of à la carte add-ons, allowing diners to craft a personalized omakase meal.

The Sushi Chef, Takuya Kanto

Chef Takuya Kanto’s splendid sushi career includes 10 years behind the counter at Hokkaido’s Michelin-starred Sushizen as well as its high-end sister restaurant in the ritzy Ginza district of Tokyo, where he received his training from one of Japan’s preeminent Edomae-style sushi masters. Chef Kanto’s goal is to exceed all expectations when it comes to sushi and service, so that guests visiting Hawaii feel as if they are actually experiencing the quality and ambiance one would find in Japan. Read more about Chef Kanto here.

The Sushi Chef, Tomoya Makabe

Born in the picturesque seaside town of Otaru, Chef Makabe's voyage into the world of sushi began right after high school at Hokkaido's renowned Sushi Zen restaurant, accumulating 12 years of experience alongside Japan's very best. Inspired by the artistry, precision, & graceful movements of the sushi chefs he admired growing up, his personal sushi style is defined by an unwavering commitment to perfecting every detail of every piece he creates for his guests.