San Jose Japantown which is also called Nihonmachi or J-town is a Japanese-American inhabited area. The Japantown San Jose is vibrant and full of tokens from Japanese culture and lifestyle. It’s a popular hub for tourists. If you’re planning to visit the area, here are 7 ways to enjoy San Jose Japantown.
1. 7 Bamboo Lounge
Are you a fan of Karaoke? If you’re a fun person, I’m sure you are! 7 Bamboo Lounge is one of the best Karaoke bars in Bay Area. If you like a sophisticated crowd in a calm yet fun ambiance and good food with melodious songs, you should definitely give 7 Bamboo lounge a try. You’ll love it.
Information
- Name: 7 Bamboo Lounge
- Address: 162 Jackson St, San Jose, CA
- Website: https://twitter.com/7bamboolounge
2. Japanese American Museum of San Jose
Can you think about enjoying Japantown without knowing a bit about their culture and history? No! Japanese American Museum of San Jose is situated in Japantown and is rich with Japanese and Japanese-American history. The museum is the perfect location to spend a fun evening!
Information
- Name: Japanese American Museum of San Jose
- Address: 535 N 5th St, San Jose, CA
- Fees: Members: Free
Adults: $5
Seniors (65 and older with valid ID): $3
Students (with valid ID): $3
Children (under 12): Free- Holiday: Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day
- Website: http://www.jamsj.org/
3. San Jose Taiko Studio
Have you ever seen a Taiko performance? Taiko is a Japanese drums and dance performance. If you haven’t seen Taiko, you haven’t enjoyed the real power of rhythm! San Jose Taiko Studio arranges regular shows and performances and your Japantown visit can’t be complete without enjoying a show there.
Information
- Name: San Jose Taiko Studio
- Address: 150 S. Montgomery Street
- Phone: (SJT Office)
- Website: http://www.taiko.org/
4. Japanese Food
The best way to enjoy a place is to eat the local food! San Jose Japantown has a number of Japanese restaurants and vendors that offer authentic and delicious Japanese cuisine. You’ll find the most amazing Sushi and sea foods in there. This is something you shouldn’t miss at any cost.
5. San Jose Tofu Company
Have you ever tried Tofu? If you haven’t you definitely should, but first, visit the San Jose Tofu Company in Japantown. They make and sell the most delicious Tofu in that area. Their Tofu is handmade and if you visit the company, you’ll be able to see how they make and process Tofu!
Information
- Name: San Jose Tofu Company
- Address: 175 Jackson Street, San Jose, CA 95112
- Phone:
- Website: http://www.japantownsanjose.org/merch13.html
6. Farmer’s Market
Japantown San Jose has a beautiful farmers market. You can find the freshest vegetables, fruits, and flowers in there. If you’re a fan of Asian cuisines, you’ll find the special Asian ingredients in that market. The food items are not only fresh but they are also cheaper than your standard markets and super shops.
7. Shopping
Last but not least, Japantown is an amazing place to shop for authentic Japanese items! You can find Japanese clothes and fashion items, decorations and souvenirs in a number of different attractive shops. There you can find the perfect Japanese memento to take home.
Japantown is an exciting place. It’s different than anything you’ve ever seen. It’s not just a part of Japanese culture but it also is a part of Japanese- Americans. So, get rid of your inhibitions and give this place a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Have a good trip and travel!
