Japantown (San Jose)
Japantown (San Jose)
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A quaint neighborhood with Japanese restaurants, shops and other attractions.
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261 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
144 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
49
Average
32
Poor
10
Terrible
6
ilBuckeye
Arlington Heights, IL267 contributions
Apr 2022
This neighborhoods better days seem to be behind it. We visited on a Tuesday afternoon and there was frankly not a lot to see. There were a few benches with historical stories. The Buddhist temple exterior was beautiful. Not really any shops to speak of. There were a few restaurants but we weren't ready for dinner.
Written April 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marta E
El Paso, TX887 contributions
Jul 2018 • Solo
The other 2 are in LA and San Francisco> I originally came here to visit the Japanese American Museum which is well worth visiting. I also wanted to eat here but was so disappointed to learn the most restaurants close between 2 and 5 in the afternoon. I did go to the Okayama Restaurant, the Asian grocery store, and to the Vintage Clothing Store. LEarned alot from reading the stories on the stone benches from the former Japanese American residents! I also wanted to visit the shrine but there was a sign informing visitors that it was closed due to a private event. I was invited to return the following weekend of July 14 and 15 for the Obon Festival but since the place is pretty small I would think it would be very crowded for this event. Maybe if I return
Written July 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lorichloe
Phoenix, AZ20 contributions
Oct 2018
Fun shopping experience... very traditional items, rather than touristy. Great food is also plentiful! Just DO NOT GO ON MONDAYS!!!! Most of the businesses are closed.... We did that, but knew we had to get back :-D
Written November 6, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrannyGo55
San Jose, CA14 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Most people do not know but San Jose is a Sister City to Okayama Japan. I previously said Okinawa-wrong! Yes our Japantown is small but do not be fooled it is packed with unique gift shops you would be hard pressed to find anywhere else. Most shops and food are on Jackson St., but the side streets have some too, you just have to know where to look. Origami, ceramic sushi dishes, lotus bowls, ceramic sake sets, paper umbrellas, kimono's are there to be found. These are just a few items that can be found if you know where to look. As for food? I have eaten at most of the restaurants and cannot remember one I did not like. Most restaurants have pictures or displays of their food. You can actually eat fresh made tofu but you will have to hunt for the small market that still prepares it. Old school Japanese people sometimes come across as harsh, I ought to know I grew up here. Keep small children in control at all times, if not, well you’ll find out. Try not to take offense, it is just part of the old culture to scold children not with their parents. Also to scold parents who fail to keep children on a tight leash. In the tourist shops, do not touch anything even if you intend to buy or you might get a scolding. If you get scolded - smile - you just witnessed part of the old-world strict culture. Ha! Ha! Ha!
Written April 10, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Irontak
Goleta, CA45 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
There are three Japantown's remaining in California, SF, LA and San Jose. The last of these is the most authentic of them all. It truly is a community. Quiet streets not choked off with chains or cheesy Hello Kitty infused stores-but real gift shops like Nichi Bei Bussan, a store with anything Japanese and the warmest people you can meet. Shave ice, ramen, grocery store everything you want in a Japantown. Not as crowded as Mitsuwa either.
Written August 30, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
asolare2000
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Mar 2016 • Family
I believe San Jose Japantown is one of three Japantowns in the USA and perhaps the smallest of the three. This area only covers perhaps 12 square blocks at most although the area is starting to spread out.
The neighborhood is home to mostly locally-owned restaurants. The only time I recall a "big box business" being there was the old Blockbuster Video which has since closed. Japantown is perhaps the only place where you can find two or three businesses dedicated to the ukulele too!
The restaurants mostly serve Japanese cuisine but there's also a Mexican restaurant and a Chinese place along Jackson street. I am usually in the neighborhood for food and often end up at Minato Sushi or Hukilau (Hawaiian food). I also buy the fresh tofu at San Jose Tofu (really good when freshly made!!) As most establishments are locally owned, many of the owners are retiring. As such, if you have a favorite in the neighborhood, try to enjoy it now for they may not be around much longer.
The neighborhood is home to mostly locally-owned restaurants. The only time I recall a "big box business" being there was the old Blockbuster Video which has since closed. Japantown is perhaps the only place where you can find two or three businesses dedicated to the ukulele too!
The restaurants mostly serve Japanese cuisine but there's also a Mexican restaurant and a Chinese place along Jackson street. I am usually in the neighborhood for food and often end up at Minato Sushi or Hukilau (Hawaiian food). I also buy the fresh tofu at San Jose Tofu (really good when freshly made!!) As most establishments are locally owned, many of the owners are retiring. As such, if you have a favorite in the neighborhood, try to enjoy it now for they may not be around much longer.
Written March 15, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsDDO
Bellingham, WA118 contributions
Apr 2013 • Solo
I went to Ukulele Source at 599 N. 5th and enjoyed learning and talking with the owner...and over to Roy's Station Coffee and Teas for a fantastic special blend of ice tea and... on to Hukilau for really great poke salad dinner. This area is peaceful, full of interesting people and shops, good restaurants. Not the sort of place with exotic buildings or whatever you might imagine, just a variety of interesting places. Things to note, like the rows of beautiful koa wood ukuleles hanging, or the 1954 Coke machine in Roy's, and so on. Relax there after a busy day in downtown San Jose by just driving northeast a bit.
Written April 26, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Connector437886
11 contributions
Jul 2019
We come down to Japantown once a week for the farmers market and sushi! We love the shaved ice as well!
Written August 6, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
525valerieh
Land O' Lakes, WI8 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Fun place to shop and dine. Almost like being in Japan. Only negative is getting there. The neighborhoods you go through to get there are full of. homeless people.
Written July 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Esther G
San Jose, CA21 contributions
May 2019
My Daughter lives about 3 blocks from Japantown so naturally we get to visit this area very often. I found it to be both peaceful and Vibrant. Their Festivals, Restaurants and community gatherings are wonderful are a living testament of their Culture which is based on "Respect." My daughter's friend by the name of James Nagareda wrote a book titled The images of America SAN JOSE'S JAPANTOWN, which I recommend a must read before you visit this beautiful place. Check the Senior Living Center so you can get an Idea how this beautiful People treat the Elderly. You will not be disappointed. Thank you, Esther Gonzalez
Written June 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingJapantown (San Jose) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Japantown (San Jose)
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- Restaurants near Japantown (San Jose):
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- Attractions near Japantown (San Jose):
- (1.40 mi) Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
- (1.92 mi) Children's Discovery Museum
- (0.68 mi) Japanese American Museum of San Jose
- (1.57 mi) The Tech Interactive
- (0.62 mi) Shuei-Do Manju Shop