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  • Japantown san jose
  • People inside the Japanese American Museum viewing exhibits of Japanese American history
  • The exterior of the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin with bright purple flowers
  • A beautiful mural title "Little Moment", Some say it's a wolf, a dog and even a dragon!
  • San Jose Taiko drummers performing for a crowd in the streets of Japantown
  • Shaved ice being purchased at Banana Crepe in Japantown
  • An image looking down Jackson Street, the main drag of Japantown, with the rolling east foothills in the background
  • An exterior view of the Japanese American Museum

Japantown

San Jose’s Japantown grew from the site where Japanese immigrants first settled in Santa Clara Valley. More than a century later, it remains one of the last three historical Japantowns in the United States. A popular spot for visitors and locals alike, Japantown offers a mix of eclectic boutiques, traditional shops, art galleries, museums and authentic eateries.

The traditional approach to making manju is still cherished in Japantown at Shuei-do Manju Shop. For fresh produce, visit the weekly farmers’ market, open year-round. For sushi enthusiasts, Kazoo and Minato serve as local favorites.

 

A such boat beautiful decorated with an elaborate assortment of sushi
Sushi boat from Kazoo

 

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose showcases a unique collection of permanent and rotating exhibits, chronicling more than a century of Japanese American history. Here, you can learn about the immigration of Japanese to America, their leadership in the agricultural community and their struggles during World War II.

 

People viewing artifacts on exhibit at the Japanese American Museum in Japantown
Japanese American Museum

 

Local Favorites

Different colored chocolate treats

Shuei-Do Manju Shop

Shuei-do was honored to have their manju served to the Emperor of Japan on his last visit to the United States.

cukui-store

Cukui

Rooted and grounded in art & culture. Recognized as a new genre in art and streetwear.