Phenomenal. Yes, you have to make reservations and they may take a while but it is 100% worth it. You can also order takeout out but it has to be in advance. I cannot recommend this place enough. The ambiance and experience are something to feel in person and watching the dishes being prepared with such precision was fascinating. The sushi is so fresh and just melts in your mouth. What a gem, truly thankful for being able to dine here. I also ordered Unagi but I ate it before I could snap a photo! Lol, it was yummy! read more

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We made the trek (about a 2-hour drive) to try dinner here only to be met with a paper sign posted on the door that said reservations are booked until the end of the year! Wait, what? The worker was nice about it, but because they don't have a website, how were we supposed to know? We also usually try to make reservations ahead of time, but because there was no website, we figure it's a first come, first serve kind of spot. That's our bad for making that assumption, but now that I'm reading other Yelp reviews, this seems to be a years-old customer service issue. But it makes sense, since exclusivity seems to be part of the business plan (i.e. small/limited seating, reservations only). Must be working for them. Didn't work out for us though, at least in the moment. So even though we didn't try the food (I'm sure it's likely amazing), it sucked to make the drive out here. Pro tip: call first --months ahead before you plan to go here and make a reservation! After just reading some of the reviews, I learned you can do take out but must order ahead of time. Not sure how much more ahead of time. So calling would also be a good idea here. Honestly, the amount of work to just get info, a reservation, and ultimately a meal here is starting to feel cumbersome. I'm not sure I'd want to try making the effort again. We did turn a lemon situation into lemonade and instead had dinner at Ken's House of Pancakes, and they never disappoint! Had we eaten at Takenoko, we would've missed out on Ken's oxtail stew, which was listed as part of the day's special menu items, and it was one of the best meals we've had in Hilo. So, it all worked out. read more

初めてお伺いしました。ネタ新鮮でお値段リーズナブルで、ハワイ島ヒロに旅行の予定を立てられたら、予約をして行ってみてください。予約の取り方は1日のハワイ時間午前0時に電話を入れて留守番電話にメッセージを残します。翌日以降に折り返しの電話が入れば希望の日時を伝えて予約します。おそらくハワイローカル電話番号が必要です。 read more

Takenoko Sushi - 寿司メニュー - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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The BEST sushi in Hilo town. My friends had an extra spot and I was able to join them for some divine sushi. Sushi was fresh and high quality. The inside was semblance of a tucked away sushi bar from a busy Japanese alleyway, intimate setting with around ten seats. My friends told me it's a family establishment, and the staff was super nice like going to an aunty's house. Service was impeccable and they were kind to let me do take out before I left. The take out was neatly packaged with ice packs. Not sure about reservations since I came with friends but super highly recommend if you're looking for a sushi spot to chow down. read more

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Food is always fresh. Service is always polite and efficient. Since it's a small restaurant, it's always quiet, relaxing, and very clean. A gem when you can't get to Japan but want authentic sushi. read more

Service friendly, sushi an adventure ,fresh,delicious ,creative and not expensive. Been there many times and recommend highly. Reservations long waiting list .family owned sushi venue authentic from Japan. BYOB also. .ambience bright and clean all seating at counter bar .Rate it 5 star and best sushi bar in islands. Love the Chef who is a porsche fan with gold 911 parked outside read more

We went there to eat sushi and found out they no longer make sushi. I think they need to change the name of the restaurant because it's misleading. read more

Simply the best you will find in Hilo and probably the whole state! Fresh, delicious, perfectly prepared! Can't say enough good things! Try the Hamakua mushrooms and broiled salmon! read more

Many years later and I just want to report back that this place is still elite and serving the best sushi in Hawaii. That is all.

Been trying to get a reservation here forever. They never answer their phone, or return messages. The answering machine just says full for reservations. Yet when you try to walk in they only take reservations and tell you to call. read more

Quality sushi here. No idea how to get reservations, but I was able to order takeout by visiting them in person and ringing their doorbell. As we read in other reviews here, the takeout order needs to be made two days in advance, to be picked up at 5pm only, so that's what we did. When we returned two days later to pick up the order, to take and eat at the beach, the person who'd earlier taken our order asked if we were locals (we're not). The takeout was packaged extremely well -- with some ice packs accompanying the sushi. I'd advise you to order more than you think. I ordered the omakase sushi, and could have eaten two orders. Not that one order is too small, but that it's so good you just want to eat more! read more

Thank you so much for the impeccable food, resolved craftsmanship and delightful service as always, always, always. You are just as I remembered if not better and more profound in my ever grateful memory. I am honored and humbled to have dined with you again; the kindness you consistently bestow truly parallels your uni and toro and I am thrilled I was able to introduce someone I adore to all of it and more tonight. Thank you for welcoming us! I am so pleased that you are still operating in my hometown. Missing restaurants here has never been an issue until I discovered Takenoko many years ago. And even with all the Nobus and Japan adventures, I have thought of you often. If I ever experience love in separation, this might be it. Until we meet again, a fond supporter :) read more

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I called for takeout on a Tuesday (when they were closed) and asked if they were able to do takeout for Thursday. They kindly got back to me that they were able to do Thursday lunch, unable to provide the dinner option until Friday. Pickup for lunch was at 10:45am. They came out with a box containing both omakases + an extra order of bluefin tuna. There was an ice pack on top of each tray. The omakase included 6 pieces of tuna hosomaki, as well as bluefin, salmon, tuna, crab, octopus, hamachi, another white fish I couldn't pinpoint, umi, shrimp, and 2 tamagoyaki. We took the takeout to the Liliuokalani gardens and ate there. It was lovely! I'm sure the sit-down omakase will be even better with the chef right in front of you, but in the absence of another option, the takeout was a great option. read more

Takenoko Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Best sushi in town $$$$ for sure Family operated so service is amazing Very cozy and relaxing place to enjoy your meal. By reservation only read more

If and that's a big if, you can get a reservation this place is money. Best sushi on the Big Island and at a reasonable price. It's a small setting with an 8 seat setup at the sushi bar. It's also BYOB so bring in your favorite drinks. I normally get the omakase which is priced around $55 then I add on additional pieces depending on what my mood is. Fish is always fresh, rice is perfect and the portions are just right. Service is great, a true family business and is always fun to make friends with people sitting next to you. read more

Takenoko Sushi - Unagi handroll - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Takenoko Sushi is hands down THE best sushi place in Hilo! Takenoko's is a small intimate sushi restaurant with only 8 seats but has the best service and high quality food. Reservation is highly recommended as the wait list is fully booked months in advance. I've only been here twice, but I can honestly say it's my number one go-to spot for fresh authentic sushi. I love my nigiri sushi, but Takenoko's has really gotten me out of my comfort zone to try new things. Aside from your standard toro, salmon and ebi nigiri, they offer unique types of seafood nigiri that you probably don't really see anywhere else, Such as: * Anago (Seawater Eel) * Ankimo (Monk Fish Liver) * Hirame (Flounder) * Hotaru Ika (Firefly Squid) * Sakuradai (Red Snapper) and even wasabi on vanilla ice cream! Who would've thought to make that a combo? They also offer BYOB, so feel free to bring your favorite drinks to pair with your food! I wish I got her name, but the waitress that helped us today (Monday, March 27) from 6:30-8pm was very helpful and nice! We asked about the Monk Fish Liver out of our curiosity, and because of her recommendation, my husband and I have come to love it! If you have the patience and the budget, I would highly recommend going to Takenono Sushi! read more

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Nowhere in the business info did it say that we needed reservations to eat here. We drove almost an hour to find reservation only sign on the front door and no one to even answer a phone call or door knock. This is horrible customer service especially when we are looking at supporting local businesses in our vacation. read more

Takenoko Sushi - Here's a friendly heads up - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Excellent quality fish. We ordered takeout as their reservations are full. We got the omakase for 2 and it was reasonably priced at around $50 per person. We are at the nearby park (3 min drive away) and it was perfect! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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We called a few days ago looking for a table for dinner not knowing that there're fully booked from December to June 2020. We were super bummed but after reading more reviews we found that they do take-out as long as you order 24 hours in advance. The woman on the phone said it was 9 pieces for $50 and after reading the hype and knowing the wait we decided to do it. We ordered 2 orders of the omakase and when we picked it up there were 18 pieces in each (nice little surprise). Not a fan of sea urchin and still am not but everything else was amazing. It's a small restaurant so book your reservation before you book your plane ticket. If you're staying in Kona.....yes, yes it's worth the drive. We were staying in Hilo so it was a quick trip. My advice: order the omakase and order a few additional pieces of the blue fin tuna, you won't regret it. Take the to-go order to one of the many beaches and enjoy a meal that matches the view in quality. For those who say it's not worth the price: I live in Boston and this is better than the best Omakase restaurant in Boston (O ya). So please don't be negative if you can't get a table. Remember the glass is half full, call them a day in advance, and do an omakase to go. read more

Takenoko Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Excellent quality! RESERVATIONS are a MUST (about a year out). Personal service and did I mention QUALITY fish! Great menu! I tried the hamachi sushi, spicy poke salad, buttered scallops, and Ume Honey with vanilla ice cream (yum)! EVERYTHING was exceptional!!! read more

My friends consider me a regular here. But I really enjoy the atmosphere and food is top notch always. I'm down to try new items when in season but always stick to my favorites and it's always consistentancy that I love. read more

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Bad service It said fully booked til 12/2022 Even Tables still available there, no one seat. Old lady came said it fully booked. So bad read more

Staff was friendly and accommodating, food was immaculate. The fish quality and sushi rice was amazing

Hands down the best sushi I have ever eaten. Basically perfect chawanmushi. Vanilla ice cream with wasabi. This is my favorite restaurant of all time! read more

Amazing service and food. The best of the best! Seating is limited but it's because of their attention to their customers! You won't be disappointed! read more

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By far one of the most expensive sushi bars I've been. But at least I can say it was worth the price. The atmosphere of the place is nice and the staff is friendly. The fish was fresh and delicious and it was the first time I tried fresh grounded wasabi. We had the omakase which is where the chef prepares whatever nigiri he desires to feed you. All the fish was fresh and didn't taste too fishy. One thing I like was the fresh wasabi. It wasn't too hot not too much flavor. We got the vanilla ice cream with fresh wasabi on top. That was surprisingly delicious. It complemented each other so well. If you wanna try an intimate sushi experience I must say you need to try this place out. However you would have to reserve because it read more

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If I had to put two words to describes takenoko sushi.. it would be IN...wait for it because the next word involves camping in the forest... TENTS. Yes folks, this place is the most legit place I have had in this place called Hilo. The waitlist is stupid crazy though because its booked for the entire year... so the chance of you being able to eat here is like 1-10,000 because they open for booking in June so... right place right time :( JK GUYS you can order to go. Ordering to go: You have to order the day before and definitely let them know what you want. My girlfriend and I spent 100$ roughly and that stuffed us like a turkey. Yet also made us cry like new born children at the same time because the taste was amazing. Food: We ordered the Chef Choice Sashimi and the Nigiri special including two extra ordres of the Blue Fin Toro and Yellow Tail. The nigiri special set was pretty legit and they also include some extra stuff when you order after a certain amount. The prices are pretty crazy, but I hear the chef handpicks all his fish from Japan so I mean... it tastes pretty much delicious. The qualities of fish were super good except the mackerel in the chef choice. That was the only fish I wasn't feeling. The only reason I didn't give this bad boy 5 stars was because that exclusive business makes me want to eat this place again, but I don t think they mind not having the business. This place is definitely explosive, but holds back limiting the space available for people to enjoy. As always, I definitely support this place in the road of sushi greatness! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Chef choice, nigiri set and blue toro top right - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

"I've never really wanted to go to Japan. Simply because I don't like eating fish. And I know that's very popular out there in Africa." ― Britney Spears The fish was so fresh, it swam to the table. I could eat my body weight in sushi as long as I'm at Takenoko. As a person who is more recent in learning to appreciate sushi, I feel as if Takenoko has dunked me into the Jordan River and I was reborn. Praise the lord for Bluefin Toro! Takenoko is honestly probably the most on-demand eatery in Hilo. Right now (August 2016), they are already booked solid through next year. That's how badly people want to eat there. And let me tell you, it's for very good reason. Much like many of the upper echelon sushi restaurants that you might find in places like LA, New York, or Las Vegas, Takenoko gets fresh fish straight from Japan every day. Aside from the fact that places that do that are amazing already, to have someplace like that here in Hilo is basically unheard of. Unless you were going out and catching your own fish every day, I doubt that you'd be able to find a place with fresher fish around here. And even then, you still might not be able to! Certainly not with the variety of fish that you are able to order at Takenoko. My absolute favorite thing that I had when I dined here was the bluefin tuna, or "toro." I'd always heard about how amazing it was and how one fish will sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars at Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. Heck, I even wrote a research paper about the species once. But, I'd never gotten the opportunity to try it until now. After one bite of that fish, I immediately understood why it sells for those insane prices. It's insanely delicious! That, of course, did not take away at all from how good all of the other food there was. Being that I had never been there before, I went ahead and ordered the chef's choice, which is basically a selection of nigiri, all of which are different and selected by the chef to give the best variety of fish to try. Of course, you do have the option to switch things out for other fish as well. Every single nigiri that was served was executed perfectly, and had a taste that reflected that. For dessert, I tried the chocolate crepe cake, which, much like the fish, was flown in that day from a place in New York. It amounted to what was in essence a bunch of crepes stacked on top of each other and cut into the shape of a slice of cake. Each crepe did have chocolate creme on top of it to hold it together, though. Let me just say, it was the perfect way to cap off that meal. Very delicate and not too rich. It was great. To anyone that was maybe on the fence about making reservations for Takenoko, or was thinking about trying it for lunch, just do yourself a favor and get it done ASAP. The reservations from other people will just keep rolling in, so you'd might as well get it done quick! You really won't regret it. read more

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Amazing sushi!!!! But great other options as you can see in the photos below! Highly recommended! read more

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Those that know Hilo know that great food is tough to come by. There is maybe a handful of restaurants that would be considered upscale. It has been a long time coming but finally Takenoko Sushi has arrived. Takenoko is a very small restaurant which seats roughly 10 people max. You sit at a counter in front of a singular friendly sushi chef who will make you sushi as you order. The decor is simple but elegant, the service is impeccable, and the overall experience is delightful. But we cannot eat the decor so lets get down to the food. Every cut of fish that sushi master serves you is delicious. Each bite of fish is delicious. Whether it is the salmon, fatty tuna, or bay scallop, you know you are getting something fresh. And yes I can go on about how good the fish is, but to truly appreciate it, you will need to try it yourself. What I thought was even more impressive was that the chef actually gives you fresh wasabi, as in he grates a wasabi root in front of you. That has got to be as fresh as you get, and I have literally never seen that anywhere else. I will be putting up a few pictures for those who have trouble imagining what the sushi and wasabi is like. For those of you who are tempted now, let me offer you a little advice. This place only takes reservations, so call in early to get yourself a seat. You will be given a two hour time frame to finish your meal, so if your reservation is a 5pm, know that there is likely another party coming in at 7pm. You are free to order as you eat, so you do not need to order everything at one time. Finally, if you are ordering nigiri, know that the price you see on the menu is for each piece of nigiri (you are normally served 2 pieces); otherwise you will get a big shock when your check comes. read more

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Best sushi of my life. Now I haven't been to Japan, so I have a limited view, but given that the fish from Takenoko is shipped from Japan, I felt like I was able to taste a little slice of what Japan has to offer. We went here twice during our trip to the Big Island, and both my gf and I were blown away by the quality. First, my gf does not even enjoy raw fish, but she agreed that the pieces simply melted in your mouth and loved the experience. She was also very impressed by the freshly grated wasabi. I got the omakase which was simply amazing. A beautiful assortment of fresh, thick slices of fish that melted in your mouth with the soft, slightly vinegary rice. Each bite was a unique, complex series of flavors, and each bite just seems better than the last. The price is also very reasonable for the quality of the fish. The staff is super friendly Make a reservation. It's very difficult (it not impossible) to get a walk in, now that the word of this place is out. Enjoy this magical experience! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

Calling all Nigiri Sushi and Sashimi lovers... this is a MUST seek and feast while on the Big Island of Hawai'i!!! An intimate setting that serves 8 patrons per seating, offering warm exchanges with the chef while attentive skill is squarely fixed on each sumptuous morsel! Freshly graded root of Wasabi complements each prep without over powering the subtle delicacy of the fish served. Absent here are Nouvelle Cuisine variations that tend to fuse food cultures with lavish sauces and overdressed garnishes. The Unagi and Uni was particularly incredible, straight forward, off-the-chart freshness and quality overall - outside of Japan, this is as authentic as it gets! If/When visiting the Island for just a few days, I recommend the following: 1.) Secure reservations well in advance of your visit. Preferably, you're gonna want to share this dining experience with a few close companions - so, book the entire bar. 2.) This is a BYOB establishment, be sure to bring a couple of bottles of your favorite Sake in tow... and, do share with the chef. 3.) If this is your first Sushi outing, be adventurous and order Omaksae style (entrust the chef) - you won't regret it! Note; If there's a particular item that doesn't tickle the palette, the chef will happily make another Onolicious selection to accommodate you. Enjoy! read more

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Absolutely, by far, the best sushi I have ever had in Hilo or in Hawaii for that matter. Enjoyed the omakase for dinner and could not have been happier. Every bite was perfect. The staff is attentive and the chef is so friendly. Despite being a one man show, he puts so much care into each dish he makes and it shows. This place is not to be missed. Seating is very very limited, but it makes for a much more personal experience. Reservations are a must, but so worth it! Amazing, amazing, amazing! Went back for a second time and got the uni! I usually absolutely gag at the taste of uni, but whatever Chef Arashi serves at Takenoko has converted me. If you love uni, you have to try. I loved it so much I had to order 2! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Scallop nigiri - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Starting with the logistics, they seat a max of 8 people so you need to make a reservation if your dining in. They also do take out too if that is what you prefer. They also do not have a liquor license so its BYOB. I usually bring wine or sake and they provide wine glasses. There's usually enough parking in the parking lot. He also has the coolest japanese style bathroom, complete with full range of options a bidet can offer. The sushi is the freshest and best quality I could ask for at a sushi bar. This is exactly what I would imagine a sushi bar in Japan would be like. Everything I've gotten has been "melt-in-your-mouth" good. Personally my favorites are the Sake (salmon), Hamachi, Toro (blue-fin tuna), Saba (mackerel), botan ebi (sweet shrimp), unagi (fresh-water eel), anago (salt-water eel) and last but definitely not least, the hamachi kama. Those are definitely not the only things that are good, those are just my favorites so far. The sushi chef is also the friendliest and most humble man which makes the experience so much more enjoyable. read more

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I really don't know where to start. The sushi chef said he had a restaurant originally in Oahu serving up to 100 people at a time but got tired and moved to Hilo.. This new sushi place is right next to Miyo's. We had a reservation for 1pm and as soon as we got there we got greeted by the sushi chef, "Irashaimasei!" It's a small sushi bar but it's cozy and elegantly designed. Cute neko figurines are seated in front of the bar and the friendly sushi chef was happy to answer any questions and/or take our orders. I had a couple sake(salmon) nigiri and some maguro (tuna) and let me tell you the pieces were HUGE! They were like almost an inch thick and you could hardly see the rice! Also, freshly grated wasabi! And even yamaimo upon request! Though the chef was eagerly taking orders from the other 5 there, he was swift and we only had to wait a couple minutes between our orders. The waitress gave us tea and water exactly when we were thinking, "ah I'm getting low on it." My boyfriend got the special of the day which was the negitoro bowl. For $12.95 the bowl was huge and the taste was soooo good, you won't even feel bad for paying that much. With the bowl he got shiro miso soup and it was nice and hot, just like the tea. Ohh the tea was nicely brewed too! When we were about done we were greeted with sake(rice wine) and were able to toast with the remaining customers there. Delicious sushi with wonderful company, what more can you ask for? Best dine in sushi place in Hilo, no doubt! Sitting up close and personal to the sushi chef is the best experience. Call in for reservations! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Negitoro bowl special - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

So glad we were finally able to eat here. The hubby and I love our sushi! We came here first thing for lunch...luckily they seated us without a reservation. Like others have mentioned, the restaurant is small and can seat 8-10 people. However, it was very clean and I loved the fact that it had AC! We ordered the following appetizers: Hamachi Kama (broiled yellowtail collar) and Mirugai Himo Ichimiyaki (broiled giant clam). Both were delicious. The Hamachi Kama was fresh and tender. Maybe would've been better if the skin was more crispy. I really enjoyed the Mirugai...so flavorful and tender. For sushi we ordered: Uni (sea urchin), Ikura (salmon roe), Botan Ebi (sweet shrimp), Hotate (scallop), Saba (mackerel), Umejiso Maki (plum w/ shiso), and a Chirashi Sushi. Fish was very fresh and high quality! So far the best in Hilo. Before leaving, we tried the green tea cheesecake. After a huge meal, the small serving of cheesecake was perfect. It was delicious and creamy...almost like ice cream. Overall, this is a wonderful sushi restaurant. My husband and I are looking forward to trying the omakase for dinner! read more

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During our first trip to the big island, we attempted three visit to eat at this restaurant that we found via yelp. 5 star ratings, how could there not be a single dissapointted customer? Answer; top class fish and ingredients flown in from Japan (they know a little something about sushi) and the impeccable sushi master behind the counter. I have been in the sushi business during almost my whole childhood life (grandma had a few different locations) so I believe I have a acquired taste for great sushi. The freshest of fish, the perfect pairings of sauces. The striking spicy taste of fresh wassabi made from wassabi root NOT the powder, and the clean refreshing palette cleaning miso soup made from scratch. Not heated from your distribution bags made for most sushi restaurants. These very minor details and the use of fresh ingredients at every step indicated that I was about to indulge myself in the greatest sushi experience ever. read more

Takenoko Sushi - Fresh tuna, halibut, white fish, salmon, fatty tuna. So fresh it melts in your mouth - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii

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Though located in a strip mall, this is not a "stop in" kind of a place. They require reservations (lunch or dinner) nearly a year in advance. There are apparently no reservations available for 2018. Perhaps it's time to move to a larger venue? read more

Small family owned local business. The best sushi you will ever have in Hawai'i guaranteed! Pam Mitsu and Kai run this place and work their tails off putting out a superb product! Gota love the Yelp snobs leaving one star reviews because they can't get in. Keep putting out the best sushi on the planet I love Takenoko! read more

Fresh Delicious And you get to watch the chef make your meal right in front of you! (Especially if you get the chef's choice) Need i say more? Best sushi place ever!!!! read more

Takenoko Sushi - Japanese Near Me - Hilo, Hawaii