Japantown, San Jose

San Jose’s Japantown, often called J Town, is a historic and vibrant neighborhood just north of Downtown San Jose. It’s one of only three remaining Japantowns in the United States, along with those in San Francisco and Los Angeles, and serves as a living testament to the enduring spirit of Japanese American culture.

Originally a hub for both Japanese American and Chinese American communities, J Town is home to several cultural institutions and long-standing businesses. The Japanese American Museum of San Jose showcases the community’s history and resilience, while San Jose Taiko brings powerful, traditional drumming to life. The beloved Shuei-do Manju Shop-famous enough to supply sweets for the Emperor of Japan during his 1994 visit-continues to delight visitors with handmade confections. Nichi Bei Bussan, a family business with roots in San Francisco dating back to 1902, stands as another cultural pillar, offering gifts and goods with a distinctly Asian American flair.

Fifth Street is a central artery of Japantown, home to two century-old churches-the Wesley United Methodist Church and the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin. These churches don’t just provide spiritual guidance; they also host local Scout groups and many of Japantown’s biggest cultural events. The community also gathers year-round at the Certified Farmers Market and rotating exhibitions like those at the Art Object Gallery.

Japantown isn’t solely defined by its Japanese heritage. Today, it also features a blend of cultures, with Mexican, Hawaiian, and Korean restaurants adding to the culinary and social mix.

A symbol of the neighborhood’s legacy is the Fifth and Jackson Landmark, which was strategically placed to be visible from San Jose’s City Hall. It honors the contributions of Japanese Americans in building the city and is part of the broader California Japantown Landmarks Project which also includes installations in San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Whether you’re visiting for a festival, a handmade manju, or a walk through a piece of living history, San Jose’s Japantown offers an experience rooted in community, tradition, and cultural pride.