Japanese in Honolulu

Tonkatsu, izakaya, udon, okazuya and Japanese chains.

Sushi · Japanese

Traditional sushi bar in Kalihi's Kokea Center strip mall; 2026 Hale ʻAina Best Overall Japanese Gold.

Izakaya · Japanese

Waikīkī izakaya on Seaside Ave featuring Hawaiʻi-sourced ingredients and an extensive sake list.

Japanese

Kapahulu tonkatsu specialist frying Kurobuta pork cutlets; long dinner lines are common.

Japanese · Plate lunch & local food

Takeout musubi and bento shop on Kūhiō Ave at the Aqua Pacific Monarch; part of a small Honolulu chain.

Shave ice & dessert · Japanese · Bakeries & malasadas

Century-old Kalihi mochi shop making traditional Japanese sweets; chichi dango often sells out daily.

Udon & noodles · Japanese

Osaka-based udon brasserie on Royal Hawaiian Center's third level with a long daytime happy hour.

Japanese · Fine dining

Honolulu outpost of the formerly Michelin-starred NYC yakitori bar; omakase-only at Aeʻo, Ward Village.

Poke · Seafood · Japanese

Fishmonger-run poke and sashimi counter inside Kekaulike Market; daytime only and often sells out by noon.

Udon & noodles · Japanese

Cafeteria-style Kuhio Ave udon shop with noodles made in view and a la carte tempura; lines are common.

Breakfast & brunch · Japanese

Brunch café relocated from Beach Walk to the Kōʻula building in Ward Village; added dinner service.