San José’s Japantown is one of three remaining historic Japanese communities in the United States. While the local business district, just north of downtown San José, is small (bounded by First Street to the west, 8th Street to the east, Empire Street to the south, and Taylor Street to the north), it is one of the most unique neighborhoods in Silicon Valley for its mixture of history and modern culture. Try to visit during the popular Obon Festival in July, when the streets close for the weekend to celebrate this traditional Japanese summer festival with food, arts, and performances including the popular Japanese municipal taiko drum group, San José Taiko .
These are some of the best things to do in Japantown all year round.
Visit the Japanese American Museum in San José
The mission of the Japanese American Museum of San José (535 N. 5th Street) is to collect, preserve and share Japanese-American art, history and culture. The museum’s small collection has photos and memorabilia of early Japanese families who settled in the Santa Clara Valley and showcases the challenges the community faced over the years, including the forced incarceration of Japanese-American citizens during World War II. World. The museum hosts regular talks and events.
Visit the Japanese temple and garden
Stroll the grounds of St. Joseph Betsuin Buddhist Church (640 N. 5th Street) to see the authentic Japanese temple architecture and garden design.
Get your Japanese food at local Japantown restaurants
Local favorites Gombai, Minato, Okayama, Kazoo, and Sushi Maru offer a mix of traditional and unpretentious, homey Japanese food at affordable prices.
Eat traditional Japanese sweets
The family-owned Shuei-Do Manju store makes traditional Japanese sweets, manju, and mochi – be prepared to queue on weekends and during local festivals. For Hawaiian-style shaved ice, sweet and savory crepes, check out Banane Crepe.
Get fresh and natural Japanese food
Shop for handmade artisan tofu at San Jose Tofu Company and Japanese groceries (many organic) at Nijiya Market.
On Sundays (8:30 am to noon) visit the Japantown Farmers Market (enter Jackson Street between 6th and 7th streets). Some vendors specialize in Asian products.
Shop for Japanese pottery and gifts
The local Nichi Bei Bussan store presents a wide selection of traditional and unique Japanese ceramics, household items and gifts.
Taste a taste of Hawaii
Many of California’s Japanese American families have strong ties to Hawaii, as the Pacific Islands were the first port of entry for many of them to the United States. Nikkei Traditions, Hukilau Restaurant, and Banana Crepe feature Hawaiian-inspired gifts, food, and snacks. Ukulele Source sells handmade Hawaiian ukuleles and can help you organize lessons if you are interested in learning this Hawaiian art.
Browse modern shops and art galleries
In recent years, a new generation of fashion stores and art galleries have been welcomed into the community, including Cukui Clothing & Art Gallery and Empire 7 Gallery. Bring your four-legged friends to Biscuits, a trendy pet supply store and boutique. Check out the quirky and colorful pet outfits, including kimonos for dogs.
Have a coffee at Roy’s station
Stop by Roy’s Coffee and Tea Station, a family-owned coffee shop built on the pre-WWII Mobil gas station of community elder Roy Murotsune. The modern vintage café features roasted Verve coffee from Santa Cruz and teas from Satori and Teance, based in the Bay Area. The store has an attractive outdoor patio and is a popular neighborhood hangout.
Have a drink at the local dive bars
Locals and downtown college students flock to 7 Bamboo, one of the Bay Area’s best karaoke bars, and Jack’s Bar to watch sports and enjoy Happy Hour specials.
