As small business month is quickly approaching I was thinking how wonderful and vibrant a community Japantown San Jose is. There so many seasoned and new diverse small business owners here in the heart of Japantown. Classic Loot, Zonkey, Roy's, Santo Market, Taqueria Corona, Minato, Hukilau, Kazoo are among my families favorites. We have also enjoyed and welcomed new businesses too like Banne (yummy sourdough) and Furbaby Fancy petgrooming (the most posh and elite pet grooming experience) into our rotation as well! I should have just listed all the businesses here! So proud of the businesses that contribute to our community! read more

What a beautiful área!!! Absolutely loved strolling through this vibrant community for a few hours. This was my first time here & found so many stores, restaurants.such a nice to place to walk around. I loved that there's Benches you can sit on just about every block with a bit of history engraved on each bench. Super cute & clean town. Loved all the Art work. San Jose's Japantown is one of the last historic, authentic Japantowns remaining in the US. Definitely try to stop by & explore J town if you're ever driving through San Jose read more

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There's definitely a lot of history, community love, and shops and restaurants here. It's smaller than the other Little Tokyo in LA and Japan Town in SF (I think), but because we came around midday lunch time on a Tuesday after Fanime, not many stores or restaurants were surprisingly open? Maybe it's due to being after Memorial Day or because most of them were night time dinner service only restaurants. Either way it's much cleaner than Little Tokyo in LA and with less jump scares and trash everywhere. Easier to find parking and more affordable, in a sense, than Japan Town SF. Stopped by the Japanese grocery store and Santo Market while we were here. Fun to kill a couple of hours, I suppose. I just gotta come back here again when more things are open ! read more

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Japantown has some rich history and I am glad that I live close to two of the three remaining ones in the USA. A host of restaurants/eateries and local shops to choose from like Shuei-Do Manju Shop, Gombei, Aloha Fresh, Hukilau, Minato, and Santo Market. A nice place to walk around especially during seasonal festivals like Obon Festival, Beer Walks, Halloween, etc. I do miss Aki's Bakery, Classic Rock, Dobashi Market, and another shaved ice place. They are long gone from the area. read more

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A little small Japantown in San Jose which is filled with new apartment buildings and developments. I feel like this is a very small Japanese town that I have ever seen. There are some Japanese stores but it's a blend really of different ethnicities. I came here during the night but many of the stores and restaurants seemed like they were mostly closed. So it doesn't seem lively at night time. Maybe next time if I come back to San Jose I will come here during the day to see how it is. read more

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Great place to stroll, shop, eat, and appreciate history in San Jose. Did you know there are only 3 Japantowns in the country?! This is one of them along with SF and LA. Great area for a little gift shopping with artisan crafts on Jackson and lots of restaurants to enjoy especially if you like Japanese cuisine. FYI that Santa Market only offers service by window now. read more

Japantown San Jose - The first Shiseido store on the mainland! - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

Lovely neighborhood to explore in the South Bay. Warm friendly merchants have time to chat and build rapport- it's old school that way. Nice restaurant selection, great Japanese grocery store and shops that feature kawaii fun, kimono under things and dish ware. I wish I had time for the museum. read more

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This is a special little neighborhood, rich in history (hiding in plain site, but you have to know to look), and great restaurants (and a few fun shops) read more

Love coming to this Japantown in Downtown San Jose! I have been here countless times!!! Known for its Dynamic lively Dining Scenes, the busy streets full of tourists, Japanese Culture Gift shops, Arts Galleries, Clothings, Japanese Musics, Market, and Museums, this Japantown has been one of local favorite which often brings many people of all ages together in all kinds of occasions. Beside their unique cultural bookstore, bakery, ice creams, and desserts, this Japantown also showcasing some of the many different awesome artworks, Lovely paintings, and the beautiful garden full of plants and various flowers everywhere!!! I found myself often visiting this place for its Delicious Japanese food, fascinating vintage arts, and definitely its amazing atmospheres!!! It is Truly an unforgettable experience for many years to come! read more

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Town?....mmm, more like a few blocks on a main street with few Japanese businesses. Appears most Japanese businesses left due to rent increases and unsupportive city planning to sustain Japanese culture in San Jose. Go somewhere else, this isn't it for any Japanese experience. read more

My family and I were able to eat and see the sights, and had a wonderful experience! We haven't been here in a while, and there were a lot of new places to check out. Although we didn't get a chance to see them all, we plan to do so next time! read more

Japantown San Jose - MY SON HAD A GREAT TIME IN JAPANTOWN!!! - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

My second stop during Viva CalleSJ this past weekend was at the Japantown hub. SJZ Boombox Truck featured several bands performing live music throughout the day. Got to enjoy the sounds of Valley Wolf in the afternoon. Lots of crowds but that's expected during a special event. The setting is carefree and inviting. Various sculptures and murals offer an assortment of lovely public artworks for visitors to explore (I checked out Sheltering Wing at Heinlenville Park this past Sunday). Plenty of great restaurants and businesses in the neighborhood, including a Japanese grocery store/deli and an adorable gift shop (SJMade's Moment), my favorite spots being Jtown Pizza, Hukilau, and 7 Bamboo Lounge. read more

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One can refer to Japantown as J-Town or Nihonmachi (にほんまち) all have the same meaning. A bit of history back in 1912 the first established grocery store was Dobashi which open its door serving all arriving immigrants and creating a new community center for nearly 94 years before shutting down in 2006. From then on there has been a decline with several lease buildings and a well known San Jose tofu shop that has been in business since 1946 to 2017 not to mention JT Express, Banana Crepe and Seven Seas Sushi all within the past few years perhaps an increase in rent and a high cost of doing business in the Bay Area. J-Town is still lively and vibrant with all the cultural festivities and activities that has to offer. One can spend time shopping around a karaoke bar, arts & craft, a ramen shop and several Japanese restaurants serving authentic Japanese meals. Weekdays tend to be very slow it's more busier on the weekends with shoppers and traffic abound and parking can be a real challenge though one can park freely along 7th and 5th street right off Jackson that is if you don't mind walking a block or two in a surrounding residential neighborhood. read more

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The 5 star treatment for me here is pretty obvious because my ex wife brought me here in my 20's and my son was a lil' shaver. She opened a door of imagination that I thought wasn't possible..... I am forever grateful to you and Jp-town SJ. e. 1890's Historic Japantown is an amazing place to wonder and wander about SJ's local history really. Shops and local eats! Ramen, sushi, groceries! I have had the privilege to visit San Jose Buddhist Church and listen to a lecture and be a part of a community Q and A w/ the Teacher/Pastor/instructor? AMAZING. I was here for 19' Obon fest to be a part of the Taiko audience. Awestruck and amazed at the drumming program and rhythm. Last time I went to Obon was 2005 or 6' for Taiko, too. 1 of last 3 surviving Jp town In California. SF-SJ-LA, respectively. Go here and visit, if JP is your thing it's worth a stop. Enso#120 Jpt.153 Yr:#61 _Kansha= Gratitude read more

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I wish San Jose had more walk around spots like Japantown! But this is definitely one of my favorite hang out areas on a sunny day. Would love to see more shops open up and businesses growing around here. I always stop by Nijiya market last since I pickup the most items from there. It's also the only Asian mart in downtown so I love having japantown so local to me. I like that it's not heavy traffic here and you can always find street parking in or near the area. Also love the little historical markers and information set up along the street. read more

Japantown Artwalk - a cool contribution to the neighborhood Take a stroll through Japantown to admire the public arts of Murals and Art Boxes. Nostalgia by Francisco Ramirez is a crossover of Godzilla, Voltron, Ultraman and other Japan sci-fi monsters who stands guard centrally in heart of Jtown, corner of 4th and Jackson. My favorite mural is the TaikoCat and Friends by Yurika Chiba, go inside JT Express to see it, so kawaii. read more

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Did you know that San Jose has a Japantown? I did not, until a few months ago. I leaned that the Japantown in San Jose is one of the last three authentic Japantowns in the United States and has been a thriving community since the early 1900's. A friend brought me here to walk around and have dinner at Kumako, checking out groceries at Nijiya Market and window shopping at Zonkey. I love to explore. It's a little sparse and very small, just a few stores and restaurants, but the area was pretty clean and like a fun place to walk around. read more

I am very proud of the Americans of Japanese ancestry who are tough, resilient, hard working and believe in education. During the war , Americans of Japanese ancestry were put in interment camps and everything was taken away from them like homes , businesses and farmlands. Each and every one of them were either US citizens or legal residents. No crimes committed. Injustice such as this should never be repeated. There are restaurants which serve authentic Japanese food , a supermarket such as Nijiya, coffee shops, gift shops , Buddhist temple, Japanese American museum , Issei building .. I really enjoyed the Taiko performance including the Lotus group with the little ones playing Taiko on a special occasion. it's not very big like the China town in San Francisco makes it easy to stroll down the entire place in a few hours. read more

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Next to DT Willow Glen, the most clean, safe, walkable urban community in SJ with lots to offer. Very family-friendly with casual dining places and a few small shops. Good place to meet up with friends that won't break the bank for acceptable quality coffee/tea, Japanese food and groceries, Hawaiian, pizza and beer, wonderful shaved ice and ice cream, Mexican, Korean, and soon to open deli sandwiches. Lots of higher-end hair salons and barbers. Cute and trendy clothing thrift store. Resident here with mixed experiences. Great multi-cultural neighborhood with weekend festivals including a large annual lowrider art and car show, Halloween party with a kiddie disco and Thriller dance mob, and other cool events. BIGGEST nuisance has been the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian church on Sixth st that keeps the property values stabilized. Their huge congregation hijacks the parking every weekend and often weeknights. They contribute NOTHING to the community except constant loud noise with chanting, children yelling and crying, OUTDOOR processions including drumming, and high-pitched, exaggerated wailing during funerals. Exorcism is part of their religion so wouldn't be surprised if that ritual goes on as well. Blame the city for using emotion rather than logic and lack of due diligence before accepting them here, well this is SJ. Only now is the business community regretting the decision. This church and the schizos walking around screaming and throwing things during the weekdays are the biggest barriers to neighborhood improvement. read more

I lived in JT for 8 years it was so beautiful for the first 6 it became really rough lots of break ins and attacks. The community became really dangerous lots of lockdowns. I've had police come on many occasions looking for people who are running from police. Not to mention all the helicopters that are constantly flying over your home day and night. After stay at home orders were in place I decided it's my time to leave. The neighbor is very connected and they used to have great events and then they stopped. I hope it changes and gets cleaned up because it really is a beautiful community. read more

This Japantown in SJ, along with two other Japantowns, are the last of their kind in the U.S. Landmarks such as the Japanese American Museum and San Jose Buddhist Church are standing testimonies of Japantown's legacy and history. They remind us of the great effort and diligence that Japanese immigrants and Japanese Americans undertook to build a community to call their own and to preserve Japanese culture and tradition. Besides the strong nolstagia and historical presence that can be felt in this neighborhood, Japantown also has a place for the arts, with a dance studio, theatre companies, and a place that offers taiko lessons! Along with that, there's markets, restaurants, and gift shops that offer interesting finds. While this specific Japantown is smaller than the one in SF and it attracts less tourists, I would still recommend paying a visit here. Take a trip back into history at the Museum. Afterwards, shop at Nijiya Market and Santo Market for snacks and groceries. Indulge in sweets by paying a visit to the Manju shop and JT Express. If not, for entertainments sake, spend your time browsing at Kogura Company, Nikaku Animart, etc. to find fascinating knick-knacks and wonderful gifts. Finish off the day by stuffing your face with Japanese food at Kaita or Gombei. If you're not craving Japanese cuisine, switch it up by eating Korean food at Omogari or get your poke from Aloha Fresh. Overall, historical remnants combined with some modernized elements, good food, and great vibes equates to a wonderful destination to stop at! read more

Don't underestimate Japantown because it is small...there is a lot of history if you take the time to browse signs with more information on the history of this location. Check out the awesome murals as well. They also have a good collection of restaurants, I am still working my way through them. ;-) read more

If you like Japanese food, crepes, mochi ice cream, manju, or an artistically printed t-shirt, Japantown should be your next stop! These are the establishments that capture my attention: Gombei Minato Hukilau Santo Market Banana Crepe Jimbo's Shuei-Do Manju Shop Cukui For those of you who are familiar with the ENTIRE line-up, it is obvious that there are WAY more restaurants to choose from! I've listed the one's that I frequently visit, but don't hesitate to give the others a chance. I'm sure I haven't even scratched the surface. Overall it is definitely a nice stroll for the family. Most of the hot spots are off of Jackson St., so you pretty much take your pick as you are walking down the strip. Parking has improved with the parking lot on 6th St., but you do have to pay a couple of bucks to secure a parking pass. Conclusion: Great location, great eats, and great treats! "I'LL BE BACK!" read more

Japantown San Jose - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

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Japantown in San Jose is enjoyable and approachable. Unlike the Japantown in San Fran, you can easily drive here and park, as long as you have parking meter money ready. 6th Street between Taylor and Jackson is where I usually park. It's also not horribly far from the light rail stop on 1st Street. There are a number of interesting shops like Nichi Bei Bussan where I got my futon, a museum, and of course, places to eat. The association puts together festivals and other activities, though I've never managed to be there at that time. read more

Japantown San Jose - It doesn't remind me much of Japan with the wide streets, but it's pleasant enough. - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

This review is long overdue for many many years. I have been coming here for 40+ plus years. Stores have come and gone as have the restaurants. Check out Shuei-do the manju shop it's been there forever. I hear they have tasty peanut butter manju. There are a number of festivals throughout the year to attend Nikki Matsuri in May and Obon festival 2nd weekend in July. If you need a cup of coffee, tea or sweets go to Roy's station on the corner of 5th and Jackson Streets. On Sundays they have a farmer's market so check it out. read more

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One of the last Japan towns in the country. Many wonderful stores and events (mainly over the summer). Worth going to and supporting. read more

Went here a few months ago as part of my boyfriend's to do list during our trip to San Fran. We found street parking and made our way up and down the street that made up Japantown. We passed a couple of different stores and restaurants along the way with some of them closed for the day since we got to this part of town late. We did stop into a store or two filled with collectibles as well as a market and looked at a menu for one of the restaurants. We were close to eating around this area, but wanted to make a couple more stops before eating dinner for the night. I just wished there was an event of sorts for us to attend while we were down there. read more

Honestly whenever I'm near the area, I like stopping in. It's so much more accessible than SF and still has some of the greats. First of all if you want to the get the best manju in the Bay Area you have to come to San Jose. There's is also a great handmade tofu shop. They also have plenty of restaurants, a grocery store and plenty of traditional holiday celebrations making this an active Japanese community. I enjoy visiting here because it's quaint and approachable and easy to get around. Don't forget to bring some change to feed the meters. read more

Japantown San Jose - Main Street - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

Friendly, small town feel just minutes from the hustle and bustle of downtown. Great assortment of eateries at very reasonable prices. (Note: Nearly all of these Japanese restaurants do NOT charge for a bowl of rice or hot green tea with your meal. Remember that the next time you go elsewhere.) Two grocery stores (Santo Market and Nijiya) have all the necessities, as well. Nichi Bei Bussan and Kogura's are nice, family-owned shops for housewares, gifts, and traditional sundries. The loss of a star is for the parking issue now that the one parking lot is being converted to mixed-use condos. There on a Sunday? Stop by one of the two churches in Japantown: Wesley United Methodist Church and San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin --both on 5th St. read more

It's one block of shops and restaurants, most of them closed on Sundays. I would not make this a day trip destination but a side adventure if I'm in the area. read more

I wish we could clone japan town and have it proliferate the entirety of san jose. let me be clear, japan town is the cheap place to live, the best place to get good food, coffee, and is the cleanest part of san jose. they have some pretty chill spots and amazing second hand and indie shops to go peruse while you're chilling. It's also great if you're a history buff and want to get that game on. There's budhist shrines and a zen garden too if you want to culture yourself as well. read more

This nihonmachi is small compared to Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. I didn't really see any center and it's basically two blocks of street. It's fun to read the history of nihonmachi and they even have a chess bench. I saw Nijiya supermarket, nail salon, manju shop, Japanese and Korean restaurants, shaved ice place and even a shop for Sparky. $0.25 for 15 minutes street parking. It's really hard to see the time available @ the parking meter since the glass was foggy =( I love Japantown =) read more

Japantown San Jose - Local Flavor Near Me - San Jose, California

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It's a pretty small area, much less bustling than the sf Japantown. It seemed like the only popular shop open today was Roy's station coffee and tea. I guess on a Tuesday afternoon many of the shops were closed so it was pretty dead. I went into the Japanese market to explore around. It's a pretty cute store and has some Japanese snacks, so I picked up a pack of matcha pocky. Theres plenty of metered parking close by, and a few blocks out theres even free street parking! Perhaps I'll return some other day when there are events going on in Japantown or there is a particular store/restaurant I was to visit. But, on a normal day, it doesnt seem like theres much to see. read more

DID YOU KNOW? In the US, there are only 3 Japantowns in existence. They are located in San Francisco, Los Angeles and our very own local city, San Jose. Over the years, this community has experienced tough times, where there was a question of whether our J-town could survive economic ups and downs and the dwindling Japanese population. It appears that J-town has survived and is a flourishing, newly vamped up community. In part, it's the growing population due to mini communities being built up around J-town, that has provided businesses with many more patrons. Of course, you will also find the longtime loyalists still making their appearances. It encompasses a short, 3 block area, but there is everything here from: restaurants, dessert stops, a coffee shop, grocery stores, nail and hair salon, clothing stores, Japanese pottery, anime and gifts, and of course, the SJ Buddhist Church. MY J-TOWN FAVORITES! *Always during the 2nd weekend in July ~ The Obon Festival. A weekend of Japanese cultural food, displays, booth games, Taiko drumming and Odori dance of over 1,200 participants. I used to perform every year and enjoyed all the energy of the people (and still do). *Shuei Do Manju Shop ~ Sweet rice flour confection with red or white bean centers. *Gombei Restaurant ~ They don't have sushi here, but it's still one of my favorite, authentic Japanese restaurants. Nothing fancy; just good food. *Kogura & Nichi Bei Bussan ~ Japanese pottery, papers, books, kimonos & gifts *Banana Crepe ~ Great Crepes and refreshing drinks. *Omogari ~ Korean restaurant *Roy's Station ~ Coffee hangout *Grocery Stores ~ Nijiya & Santo Markets. Nijiya is larger, but Santo Market is a nice Mom 'n Pop store with homemade specialty items & deli. What's not to love about this compact, cultural gem! read more

This cute little section of San Jose is so special to me. It contains a combination of traditional shops, clothing stores, and authentic Japanese restaurants. I always feel so content and at home here (except when I get a gnarly $40 parking ticket. Remember to feed the meter people. Lol). Anyway, this is a great place to walk around with people or eat a quality meal. You can also browse ukulele shops or visit their historical museum. In addition, make sure you visit for Obon weekend, which occurs in the middle of July. There, thousands of people gather to dance to Japanese music, wear their yukatas, and consume a ton of food and shave ice. Love this place! read more

It's my hood. Definitely getting noticed by a lot of people now. Cool shops are popping up! Getting gentrified is ok but I was worried for a little bit. I don't want JT to be comparable to a busy supermarket either! So I read and read. The community actually would refuse a major chain store if they want to grow roots here. They like mom and pop stores more. Roys Coffee is a perfect example! Recently Orange Crush popped up and is getting all the attention in the hair dept. I have to try them one of these days. It's a small area on Jackson and I love walking from my place to all these shops. I feel safe and I enjoy seeing the locals. read more

I've been to this Japantown a couple of times. It's smaller than the one in SF, but it's got a nice array of restaurants and stores. I've been to Tsugaru for dinner and Jimbo's for mochi and ice cream. Both definitely worth checking out. The roommate's also picked up treats for me from Shuei-do manju shop. If you love mochi and manju, you have to stop by this store! This past Halloween, we took the roommate's nephew trick or treating here. Not sure what time the festivities started, but we got here around 5pm and the stores still had plenty of candy. Plus, they had some great entertainment: a band, dancers, a giant dinosaur! A very fun place to take your kids for Halloween. A very cute and charming Japantown. read more

- where I find Green Tea Kit Kats - where Roy's Station Coffee and Tea is I have no business here unless it's for the above mentioned. I seem to have developed a pattern; whenever car is inoperable, take Light Rail to Japantown. I did not eat out 2 weekends ago however, I spent $15 on candy alone. A lot of the business establishments here are not opened 7 days a week so call ahead to confirm. It's not a huge strip and isn't comparable to San Francisco however, it's perfect for me. The market is all I need. I always come out poorer, like when I shop at Whole Foods. Quality over quantity. If you see me check-in, that means I still have not bought a car yet. read more

I recently heard that there are only three Japantown in the US. LA, SF and SJ. This means a lot so it is really awesome for us to have two in the Bay Area. SJ Japantown is small, it is honestly just 1 block of business and shops. It is still worth a trip and check out the mochi shop and supermarket. read more

I came to Japantown for the Obon Odori festival,which was on the small side, but it is worth coming here just to visit the stores here and appreciate the art and architecture.There is a Japanese prodcts store that sells many Hawaiian CDs as well, a Japanese grocery store with lots of great snacks and drinks,and of course, lots of Asian restaurants--and a few Mexican ones as well.This is a good neighborhood to come to if you are visiting san Jose. read more

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