Activity Overview
Take your kids to a different kind of cultural weekend experience at Japantown. California has three remaining Japantown's in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose. The Japantown in San Jose is deemed as the most authentic Japanese neighborhood with a museum, restaurants, and grocery shops. It is located near Downtown San Jose so the next time you find yourself in the area, drop by this side of town and explore what this section has to offer.
Things to Do
- Bring your family for a walk down the neighborhood starting at Jackson St. It is only a three-block walk so you can go here on a Saturday or Sunday morning. Check out shops selling Japanese merchandise - from Hello Kitty to cute trinkets - as well as grocery stores where you can get authentic Japanese food products.
- Go on a Japanese food trip for lunch. Get the family shaved ice cream, sushi, ramen, and bento boxes. You'll find the best (and tastiest!) food in restaurants here run by Japanese families living in the area.
- If you happen to visit during the second weekend of July, catch The Obon Festival and enjoy cultural shows along with Taiko drumming and Odori dance.
Japantown Insider Tips
- After a day of shopping and eating, don't miss to drop by the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.
- If you want to eat freshly made tofu, go to the small market early in the morning.