Japanese Menu

Chiba-ken of Hawaii is known for several signature rolls that keep guests coming back. The Rainbow Roll, with its colorful array of fresh fish layered over a California roll base, is consistently one of our most ordered items. The Caterpillar Roll, finished with thinly sliced avocado, is another crowd-pleaser. For those who enjoy heat, the Spicy Tuna with Cucumber Roll is a must-try — our spicy sauce has exactly the right balance of heat and flavor.

From the sushi bar, standout specialty items include the Negi-toro Roll featuring fatty tuna with green onion, the Fire Cracker Ball for adventurous palates, and the classic Tuna Avocado Roll that showcases the quality of our fresh tuna. The Spicy Hamachi Roll, made with yellowtail, is another perennial favorite among regular guests.

If you are visiting for the first time and unsure what to order, we always recommend asking Chef Koji for his recommendation based on the day's freshest ingredients. His suggestions are never disappointing and often introduce guests to items they might not have tried otherwise.

Yes, Chiba-ken of Hawaii does offer several vegetarian-friendly options. On the sushi side, vegetarian rolls include Kappa Maki (cucumber roll), Ume Maki (Japanese plum paste roll), Vegetable Roll, and Kanpyo Maki (sweet dried gourd roll). These rolls are made fresh and offer authentic Japanese flavors without fish or meat.

For appetizers, vegetarian guests will enjoy our Edamame (salted steamed soybeans), Cold Tofu (Hiyayakko), Tofu Salad, Potato Salad, and the refreshing Sunomono (vinegared cucumber and seaweed salad). The Agedashi Tofu (deep-fried tofu in light broth) is a beloved Japanese classic that vegetarians often enjoy.

Our kitchen team is happy to accommodate dietary preferences where possible. We recommend informing your server of any dietary restrictions or preferences when you are seated, and we will do our best to suggest appropriate dishes or make suitable adjustments. Please note that our kitchen handles fish and meat, so guests with strict dietary requirements should inquire about potential cross-contamination.

Chiba-ken of Hawaii takes great pride in its sake program. We import our sake directly from Japan, ensuring authenticity and quality that you cannot find with domestically produced alternatives. Our sake selection features both seasonal specialties and year-round offerings that pair beautifully with our Japanese cuisine.

Because sake availability varies seasonally and we regularly update our selection, pricing and specific bottles are listed on our in-restaurant menu. Our staff is well-versed in sake and can provide recommendations based on your taste preferences — whether you prefer dry and crisp junmai, fragrant ginjo, or the richly flavored junmai daiginjo style. We also offer sake served warm (atsukan) or cold (reishu) depending on the style and your preference.

For guests new to sake, we are happy to walk you through the menu and suggest a pairing that complements your food choices. The right sake can elevate a sushi or sashimi meal in the same way a fine wine enhances a Western dining experience. We encourage guests to explore and enjoy the wide world of Japanese sake.

Our Teishoku set meals are among the best value options on our menu and are especially popular during lunch service. Each set meal comes with steamed rice, miso soup, and a side salad, offering a complete and satisfying Japanese meal at a very reasonable price. We offer four main teishoku options: Chicken Katsu (breaded and fried chicken cutlet), Chicken Karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken), Tonkatsu (breaded pork cutlet), and Tempura (assorted lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables).

These set meals represent some of the most classic Japanese comfort food dishes and are prepared with the same care and quality ingredients as everything else on our menu. The Chicken Katsu Teishoku in particular is a perennial favorite among both Japanese cuisine newcomers and experienced diners alike.

We also offer special combo platter sets including the "Ichikawa" and "Chiba" platters that feature a selection of nigiri sushi, making them a great way to sample a variety of our finest fish at once. These combination platters offer excellent value and are perfect for guests who want to explore multiple elements of our sushi bar in a single meal.

Chiba-ken of Hawaii offers a thoughtfully curated wine list featuring selections from premier wine regions across the United States. Our white wine offerings include elegant Chardonnays from Columbia Crest, A to Z, and Rombauer Vineyards, along with a crisp Pinot Grigio from Francis Coppola, a refined Sauvignon Blanc from Duckhorn Vineyards, and a Dry Riesling from Chateau Ste. Michelle — all excellent companions to sushi and lighter Japanese dishes.

Our red wine selection features standout bottles including Merlots from Red Diamond and Beringer, Pinot Noirs from Samantha Star and Domaine Serene, and a range of Cabernet Sauvignons from producers including Chateau Souverain, Silver Oak, Caymus, and the celebrated Opus One from Napa Valley. These bolder reds pair well with our grilled meats, tonkatsu, and heavier kitchen dishes.

For guests who prefer something lighter and specifically Japanese, we also offer Ume Wine (plum wine) and Sangria as specialty beverages. Our beer selection includes Japanese brands Kirin and Asahi on draft, plus Sapporo, Heineken, Budweiser, and Bud Light by the bottle. Our friendly staff is happy to recommend a beverage pairing that complements your meal selections.

Our kitchen produces some of the most beloved dishes on the menu. The Japanese Rib Eye Steak at $18.50 is a showstopper — tender beef prepared in Japanese style with a savory sauce that perfectly captures the umami flavors characteristic of Japanese cuisine. The Grilled Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar) is another prized kitchen item, offering a wonderfully rich and flavorful cut of fish that regulars specifically request when it is available.

From our yakitori (grilled skewers) selection, the Kisarazu Gyoza — crispy pan-fried dumplings inspired by the Kisarazu region of Chiba Prefecture — are a delicious nod to the restaurant's Japanese roots. Sauteed Scallop and Asparagus is a refined and popular dish that showcases the freshness of our seafood. Nabeyaki Udon, a hearty hot pot of thick wheat noodles in a rich broth with assorted toppings, is especially comforting and popular during cooler evenings.

Among deep-fried items, our Seafood Tempura is a standout — lightly battered and fried to a perfect golden crunch, it is a quintessential Japanese preparation that highlights the natural sweetness of fresh seafood. The Goya Champuru, an Okinawan stir-fry featuring bitter melon, tofu, and pork, is a local Hawaiian-Japanese fusion dish that adds a unique and culturally significant option to our menu.