Located a few blocks north of City Hall, Japantown San Jose is one of only three historic Japantowns that remain in the United States, founded in the early 20th century after Japanese immigrant farmworkers arrived in Santa Clara Valley. Spend the afternoon strolling the neighborhood: Visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose; admire the 1937 San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin temple; browse the neighborhood’s many unique stores, including streetwear spot Cukui and the Nikkei Traditions gift shop; and refuel with coffee from solar-powered Roy’s Station and a sweet treat from Shuei-do Manju Shop. Then, savor a meal at Gobei, Minato or one of the many other local eateries and finish the evening at 7 Bamboo, the Bay Area’s oldest karaoke bar.
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Located a few blocks north of City Hall, Japantown San Jose is one of only three historic Japantowns that remain in the United States, founded in the early 20th century after Japanese immigrant farmworkers arrived in Santa Clara Valley. Spend the afternoon strolling the neighborhood: Visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose; admire the 1937 San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin temple; browse the neighborhood’s many unique stores, including streetwear spot Cukui and the Nikkei Traditions gift shop; and refuel with coffee from solar-powered Roy’s Station and a sweet treat from Shuei-do Manju Shop. Then, savor a meal at Gobei, Minato or one of the many other local eateries and finish the evening at 7 Bamboo, the Bay Area’s oldest karaoke bar.
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Coffee in a Gas Station
Roy's Station Coffee & Tea
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Roy's Station is a coffee shop in a former Mobil gas station, run by the owner's grandparents, in the heart of San Jose's Japantown. Serving Verve Coffee, Satori Tea, Firebrand Breads and more.
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197 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
http://roys-station.com/
(408) 286-2236
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San Jose
Cafe,Coffee
Roy's Station is a coffee shop in a former Mobil gas station, run by the owner's grandparents, in the heart of San Jose's Japantown. Serving Verve Coffee, Satori Tea, Firebrand Breads and more.
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Japanese Style Gifts
Nikkei Traditions
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Arts, crafts and gifts.
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219 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112
http://www.nikkeitraditions-sj.com/
(408) 297-7554
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San Jose
Arts, crafts and gifts.
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Stop for Sushi
Sushi Maru
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Casual, cozy restaurant in San Jose's Japantown that's family friendly and affordable. While the menu of high-quality sushi is pretty straightforward, there's a wide range of Japanese cuisine with plenty of teriyaki and tempura options, as well as a good selection of hot and cold noodle bowls with udon, soba or ramen.
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262 Jackson Street, San Jose, CA 95112
http://sushimarusj.com
(408) 998-8170
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San Jose
Japanese
Casual, cozy restaurant in San Jose's Japantown that's family friendly and affordable. While the menu of high-quality sushi is pretty straightforward, there's a wide range of Japanese cuisine with plenty of teriyaki and tempura options, as well as a good selection of hot and cold noodle bowls with udon, soba or ramen.
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Explore Japantown History
Japanese American Museum of San Jose
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The Japanese American Museum of San Jose offers a rich and immersive experience that delves into over a century of Japanese American history, culture, and resilience.
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535 N 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112
https://www.jamsj.org/
(408) 294-3138
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San Jose
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose offers a rich and immersive experience that delves into over a century of Japanese American history, culture, and resilience.
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Then Eat at a Historic Eatery
Minato Japanese Restaurant
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Minato is the oldest operating Japanese restaurant in San Jose and is a staple to hungry Bay Area locals. Since its opening in 1961, Minato has been serving up traditional Japanese dishes like chicken katsu, donburi, bento boxes, and udon, to name a few. A noteworthy addition to this beloved spot is that it was once featured in Anthony Bourdain's show, Parts Unknown, where the chef/television personality enjoyed lunch with Minato's owner Curt Fukuda. After a meal at Minato, it is an absolute must to check out Japantown's mom-and-pop shops, historical museum, and temple. minatojapaneserestaurant.com
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617 N 6th St, San Jose, CA 95112
https://www.minatojapaneserestaurant.com/
(408) 998-9711
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San Jose
Japanese,Sushi
Minato is the oldest operating Japanese restaurant in San Jose and is a staple to hungry Bay Area locals. Since its opening in 1961, Minato has been serving up traditional Japanese dishes like chicken katsu, donburi, bento boxes, and udon, to name a few. A noteworthy addition to this beloved spot is that it was once featured in Anthony Bourdain's show, Parts Unknown, where the chef/television personality enjoyed lunch with Minato's owner Curt Fukuda. After a meal at Minato, it is an absolute must to check out Japantown's mom-and-pop shops, historical museum, and temple. minatojapaneserestaurant.com
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Stay Nearby
Hotel Valencia Santana Row
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The vibe is old world Spain at the only hotel in San Jose’s preferred location, Santana Row. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, this upscale hotel is just a bit bigger than “boutique,” at 215 guest rooms and 17 suites. In addition to the rooftop pool, hot tub, and fitness center, there’s an on-site restaurant, a swanky full service bar, and outdoor service on the covered patio adorned with strings of lights in the evening. Free Wi-Fi.
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355 Santana Row, San Jose, CA 95128
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San Jose
The vibe is old world Spain at the only hotel in San Jose’s preferred location, Santana Row. Surrounded by shops and restaurants, this upscale hotel is just a bit bigger than “boutique,” at 215 guest rooms and 17 suites. In addition to the rooftop pool, hot tub, and fitness center, there’s an on-site restaurant, a swanky full service bar, and outdoor service on the covered patio adorned with strings of lights in the evening. Free Wi-Fi.