Last month, we introduced to you our friendly neighborhood competition — the Battle of the ‘Burbs . After more than 500 votes, we’re happy to announce that our winner is Japantown. 🏆
This little town, or nihonmachi, is one of three Japantowns in the US — and today, we’re giving you a tour of this beloved neighborhood. 🎏
This beautiful neighborhood is full of history, culture, and fun things to do. | Photo by SJtoday staff
⛩️ Its early days…
Around 1890, Japanese Issei (first generation) pioneers migrated to Santa Clara Valley, joining the Chinatown community of Heinlenville . However, in 1942, Japantown’s growth came to a halt because of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. Following the return of Japanese residents in 1945, Japantown grew into the bustling + diverse community that it is today.
Along with its popular poke, Santo Market is a full service grocery store. | Photo via @foodieswithek
🍽️ Eat + drink
This neighborhood is known for being a foodie hot-spot, with historic establishments like Shuei-Do Manju Shop
+ Santo Market
still serving San Jose since the 1950s.
- Fuel up at the family-owned coffee shop Roy’s Station , which also serves as a great workspot with free wifi.
- Get your fresh fish fix at Okayama Sushi , or slurp up some award-winning noodles at Kumako Ramen .
- Satisfy your sweet tooth at newly-opened Pau Hana Shave Ice , or JT Express for some mochi ice cream or creme brulee cheesecake.
Cukui puts a spin on Bay Area sports team logos by adding some Hawaiian flair.
Photo by SJtoday staff
🛍️ Shop
- Represent San Jose with custom t-shirts and hats from Cukui , shop the newly-opened Coldwater for unique streetwear, or thrift trendy items from Classic Loot .
- Add some flare to your place at Plant Theory + Zonkey Toys , and grab your furry friend treats at Biscuits Pet Boutique .
- Find some fun Japanese American products at Nikkei Traditions , or specialty gifts like plates, books, and vases from Japan at Kogura Company .
🔍 Explore
There’s a lot to discover about Japanese heritage, history, and culture through various activities + festivals.
- The Japanese American Museum of San Jose offers “Hidden Histories of San Jose Japantown ” — a self-guided, augmented reality tour of the town.
- On Sundays, swing by the Farmers Market , or enjoy brews + music at the weekly Thursday Gordon Biersch Night Market .
- Enjoy a self-guided mural walk through many of the art pieces decorating Japantown’s buildings — mainly commissioned by Empire Seven Studios
. Its gallery can be found at Exhibit Jtown.
This large mural on the side of Exhibit J Town was done by artist Andrew Schoultz . | Photo by SJtoday staff
🏠 Live in Japantown
Japantown is a great, walkable neighborhood with many new housing complexes sprouting up — check out some of these rental listings.
- Starting at $2,750 for a 1BD, 1BA, Exhibit J Town is Japantown’s newest apartment building — decorated by local creatives .
- For $3800/month, this 1,200-sqft, 3BD, 2BA house in the heart of Japantown is newly-remodeled and features a red torii (Japanese gate) at the front.
- Sixth & Jackson Apartments is an upcoming luxury apartment building featuring studios and up to 3BD homes — join the interest list for opening updates
Which neighborhood should we explore next time? Let us know by emailing hello@thesjtoday.com.