Last month, we introduced to you our friendly neighborhood competition — the Battle of the ‘Burbs. After more than 500 votes, we’re happy to announce that our winner is Japantown. 🏆

This little town, or nihonmachi, is one of three Japantowns in the US — and today, we’re giving you a tour of this beloved neighborhood. 🎏

This beautiful neighborhood is full of history, culture, and fun things to do. | Photo by SJtoday staff

⛩️ Its early days…

Around 1890, Japanese Issei (first generation) pioneers migrated to Santa Clara Valley, joining the Chinatown community of Heinlenville. However, in 1942, Japantown’s growth came to a halt because of the incarceration of Japanese Americans during WWII. Following the return of Japanese residents in 1945, Japantown grew into the bustling + diverse community that it is today.

Along with its popular poke, Santo Market is a full service grocery store. | Photo via @foodieswithek

🍽️ Eat + drink

This neighborhood is known for being a foodie hot-spot, with historic establishments like Shuei-Do Manju Shop + Santo Market still serving San Jose since the 1950s.

Fuel up at the family-owned coffee shop Roy’s Station, which also serves as a great workspot with free wifi.
Get your fresh fish fix at Okayama Sushi, or slurp up some award-winning noodles at Kumako Ramen.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at newly-opened Pau Hana Shave Ice, or JT Express for some mochi ice cream or creme brulee cheesecake.

Cukui puts a spin on Bay Area sports team logos by adding some Hawaiian flair. | Photo by SJtoday staff

🛍️ Shop

Represent San Jose with custom t-shirts and hats from Cukui, shop the newly-opened Coldwater for unique streetwear, or thrift trendy items from Classic Loot.
Add some flare to your place at Plant Theory + Zonkey Toys, and grab your furry friend treats at Biscuits Pet Boutique.
Find some fun Japanese American products at Nikkei Traditions, or specialty gifts like plates, books, and vases from Japan at Kogura Company.

🔍 Explore

There’s a lot to discover about Japanese heritage, history, and culture through various activities + festivals.

The Japanese American Museum of San Jose offers “Hidden Histories of San Jose Japantown” — a self-guided, augmented reality tour of the town.
On Sundays, swing by the Farmers Market, or enjoy brews + music at the weekly Thursday Gordon Biersch Night Market.
Enjoy a self-guided mural walk through many of the art pieces decorating Japantown's buildings — mainly commissioned by Empire Seven Studios. Its gallery can be found at Exhibit Jtown.

This large mural on the side of Exhibit J Town was done by artist Andrew Schoultz. | Photo by SJtoday staff

🏠 Live in Japantown

Japantown is a great, walkable neighborhood with many new housing complexes sprouting up — check out some of these rental listings.

Starting at $2,750 for a 1BD, 1BA, Exhibit J Town is Japantown’s newest apartment building — decorated by local creatives.
For $3800/month, this 1,200-sqft, 3BD, 2BA house in the heart of Japantown is newly-remodeled and features a red torii (Japanese gate) at the front.
Sixth & Jackson Apartments is an upcoming luxury apartment building featuring studios and up to 3BD homes — join the interest list for opening updates

Which neighborhood should we explore next time? Let us know by emailing hello@thesjtoday.com.