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.

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.

This boutique/ cultural center in historic Japantown celebrates Japanese American culture through curated gifts, local art, and heritage items. You can expect to find everything from origami paper and ceramics to modern accessories.

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.

Inspired by a 1984–86 project documenting the lives of Japanese American farmers in the Santa Clara Valley, the museum was founded in 1987 by gathering family histories, photos, memoirs, and archival materials. These artifacts were featured in the award‑winning book Japanese Legacy: Farming and Community Life in California’s Santa Clara Valley.

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

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.