Sushi - Poke - Ramen
A New Chapter at Tanuki's Den
Friends, the next evolution of our Humboldt sushi journey is here. We're thrilled to announce the start of our intimate dinner service, where every dish tells a story of dedication, heritage, and the love of craft.
Temporary Hours
Lunch: Saturday 12-4 PM
Night Time Dinner Hours
Wednesday to Saturday: 5:00 to 9:00 PM
À la carte menu only
Omakase temporarily unavailable
Reserve Your Seat at Our Table
At Tanuki's Den, we craft each experience with the finest ingredients sourced locally and globally. To ensure the highest quality and most authentic flavors, our menu changes nightly and features a mix of seasonal delicacies and rare, high-end ingredients.
Omakase Menu
Temporarily unavailable. Chef Jacob is recovering from an injury and omakase service will resume at a later date.
À la Carte Menu
Available Wednesday through Saturday. Our current menu features à la carte items sourced locally and crafted with care.
Private Parties
Book the entire Den for a party of 15 and we will create a menu to make all your needs and sushi dreams come true. We can go vegan, gluten-free and most likely find your favorite ocean treats. Price per person may vary per menu.
Give the Gift of Tanuki's Den
Share the experience of exquisite sushi and warm hospitality with your loved ones. Our gift cards make the perfect present for any occasion.
Purchase a Gift CardTanuki's Den – Sushi Crafted with Heart, History, and Humboldt Spirit
The story of Tanuki's Den began on the island of Kauai in 1999, where a serendipitous meal at Masa Sushi introduced me to the world of sushi under the guidance of Masa, a renowned sushi master. At first, Masa was hesitant about hiring me, but day by day, I returned, drawn by the art and skill of sushi-making. Finally, he welcomed me into his kitchen, and my journey as a sushi chef began.
"You're too big to do sushi."
Since those early days, I've spent over 26 years perfecting my craft, from the shores of Lake Tahoe at Yama Sushi, Mama Sake, Java Sushi, and Dragonfly Sushi, to the East Coast at Sticky Rice Sushi in Richmond, Virginia. I later returned to Hawaii to work at The Dolphin and helped launch its second location in Poipu.
My love for sushi eventually took me to California's wine country, where I opened two restaurants—Rocket Sushi and Sushinoma—before a life-changing fire led us north to Humboldt, where I started Sushi Blue in Blue Lake.
After five years, I decided it was time to create something personal and lasting in Humboldt. Today, I welcome you to Tanuki's Den in downtown Arcata, where we focus on seasonal, sustainable fish and organic, locally sourced vegetables. During the day, we serve sushi, sushiritos, poke, and ramen, and by night, we transform into an intimate 15-seat Omakase experience, with 8 courses crafted from my travels, training, and passion for Japanese kiseki-style dining.
We're more than a sushi bar—Tanuki's Den is where the Humboldt community gathers for an elevated sushi experience, blending tradition with my own twist. Coming soon, our a la carte family night will open our outdoor seating for up to 50 guests, inviting everyone to enjoy the art of sushi together under the Arcata skies.
Join us at Tanuki's Den, where every dish tells a story of dedication, heritage, and the love of place and craft.
Location & Contact
Hours of Operation
Lunch Hours:
Saturday: 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Dinner Hours - À la Carte Only:
Wednesday to Saturday: 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
We try to accommodate all our guests, but please note that we are a small restaurant and may not be able to accommodate large parties. We recommend making a reservation to ensure we can provide you with the best experience possible.