Shop Japantown

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What We Love: Japantown is a great place to shop for unique gifts and knick knacks. The district boasts an amazing selection within just a couple of blocks. You can find collectibles, toys, ukuleles, and home goods. All that walking and shopping is going to make you hungry so you will of course need some sushi from Sushi Maru or if the weather is getting cold and you need a warm up try a hot bowl of ramen at Kumako Ramen.

District Tips: Japantown is deeply rooted in history! Check out the Japanese American Museum and look for the history waypoints along the strip. It is definitely worth noting that the district is home to some very long standing family businesses including the Nichi Bei Bussan gift shop that has been in business for an incredible 100+ years, Kogura Co. in business for 95 years, and the Santo Market in business for 77 years and serving some fantastic poke.

Kid Fun: Make a game of seeing how many Japantown facts you can learn from the landmarks along the street. Then grab a pizza at Jtown Pizza and some mochi from Shuei-Do Manju to take home as a treat.

Celebrating as a Couple: Do some window shopping and explore the neighborhood then grab a bite to eat and a drink at Shabu Time.

For district information and events visit the Japantown Business Association. Support Japantown by purchasing one of their beautiful pins.

Small Business Spotlight

Shop, Dine, and Play in Japantown

Where to Shop

Biscuits (223 Jackson St.) This niche boutique offers organic and natural products for your dog and cat. They carry Orijen, Acana and The Honest Kitchen Dog and Cat food as well as many USA made treats and products.You will also find a wide range of toys and collars.

Classic Loot (570 N. 6th St.) They take great pride in showcasing the incredible talents of artists, makers, and vintage curators in their shop, providing them with a platform to bring their passions to life.

Kogura Company ( 231 Jackson St.) This family-owned store has been in this location since 1934. You will find a wide range of Japanese gifts from all ages including Neon, Origami, Books & Bells, Tanuki, Maneki-neko, Good Vibes and more.

Nichi Bei Bussan (140 Jackson St.) Nichi Bei Bussan has been a family-owned and operated store for over 100 years, and part of San José's Japantown for over 60 years. You will find Japanese handicrafts, gifts, martial arts supplies, fabric, futons, and consignments.

Nikkei Traditions (219 Jackson St.) Nikei Traditions was founded in November 2001 with the intent of sharing Japanese American and Asian American Contemporary Arts, Crafts and gifts. Since that time, they have grown to expand their inventory to include multicultural and diverse products with Asian American and API themes expressed by artists and crafters. They carry a wide range of contemporary clothing, books, music, and handcrafted art.

State Of Grace (221 Jackson St.) Taki Kitamura started State of Grace tattoo in 2002. After 20 years, Taki reflects on how the tattoo shop has integrated into the community and the importance of being involved in your neighborhood.

Ukulele Source (599 N. 5th St.) Specializing in handcrafted 'ukuleles from Hawai'i, they carry a variety of 'ukuleles in all price ranges, accessories including cases, strings, tuners, stands, instruction books, and DVD’s and CD’s featuring various 'ukulele artists!

Local Art Finds

Empire Seven Studios / San Jose Walls (525 N. 7th St.) Established in 2008, Empire Seven Studios (E7S), is an urban contemporary art gallery and creative studio advocating for local/global artists by creating opportunities and providing a safe space for creatives.

MOMENT Japantown (208 Jackson St.) This cute little store is great for unique gift finds like stickers, pins and stuffed animals. Step inside and you will find a set of four dynamic micro-retail spaces sharing one large retail storefront footprint in the heart of Japantown.

Cukui (229 Jackson St.) Cukui’s streetwear and art is rooted from a melting pot of ethnic cultures, tattoo artists, and graffiti heads. They pride themselves in creating hand drawn illustrations and producing them in limited edition designs.

SJ Headliners (210 Jackson St.) A go-to local spot for headwear from various sports teams and streetwear brands. They are also the official retailer for the San José placemark t-shirts and merchandise!

Where to Dine

Aloha Fresh (225 Jackson St.) They are serving up traditional Hawaiian poke with fish that comes from Hawaiian waters and is flown here within hours of being caught - never frozen and never treated with carbon monoxide.

Hukilau (230 Jackson St.) Hukilau was founded by three guys from Hawaii who were homesick for the local-style food they grew up on and the relaxed and festive island feel You will be transported back to your favorite "plate-lunch" restaurant in small town Hawai'i!

Jack's Bar (167 E. Taylor St.) This down-to-earth bar is the neighborhood hangout: a place to watch the game, grab a beer, or catch up with friends.

Jtown Pizza (625 N. 6th St.) JTown is a classic neighborhood pizza joint, with a full bar, craft beer & wine. Open 7 days a week from 11am - 12am.

Kazoo (250 Jackson St.) Kazoo serves a variety of Japanese food including salmon skin rolls, spicy chicken hamachi, spicy hotate rolls, and seafood combos.

Kumako ramen (211 Jackson St.) Family owned since 2006! They’ve been voted Best of the Silicon Valley by Metro Magazine for 12 consecutive years, and Best Gyoza in the Silicon Valley by Wave Magazine.

Minato Japanese Restaurant (617 N. 6th St.) Family owned and operated, Minato Japanese restaurant has been serving San José Japantown since 1957.

Nijiya Market (240 Jackson St.) This neighborhood Japanese market has prepared foods such as noodle bowls, fresh sushi, and bento boxes alongside groceries.

Okayama Japanese Restaurant (565 N 6th St.) A Japantown staple, Okayama serves sushi, bento boxes, sukiyaki, teriyaki, and more.

Omogari (154 Jackson St.) You'll find great Korean food and gracious people who will welcome you with open arms. Food choices are labeled with Korean names and American descriptions, and a legend that will let you know how spicy your meal will be.

Roy’s Station Coffee & Teas (197 Jackson St.) They specialize in third-wave coffee. You will find house-made Thai tea and churro lattes alongside fresh-baked croissants and deli items from local shops. They have gift cards for the coffee enthusiast in any denomination.

Santo Market (245 E. Taylor St.) The family has been serving San José since 1946 specializing in Japanese, Chinese, and Hawaiian foods. They now feature fresh prepared foods including their popular poke, mochi, guava cake and BBQ.

Sinceretea (392 E. Taylor St.) They brew their teas daily with the finest organic loose tea leaves, combining them with quality ingredients such as fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, juices, and cream to create hand-crafted drinks and specialteas.

Sushi Maru (262 Jackson St.) Sushi Maru provides full-service, hassle-free sushi kiosks in retail locations across the country, bringing gourmet sushi into your everyday world. A delicious menu of rolls to enjoy, prepared daily by their skilled artisans.

Entertainment and Fun

Japanese American Museum of San Jose (535 N 5th St.) The Japanese American Museum of San José (JAMSJ) showcases a unique collection of permanent and rotating exhibits chronicling more than a century of Japanese American history.

7 Bamboo (162 Jackson St.) 7 Bamboo has been in Japantown since the 1950's. In 1984, the Umehara's introduced karaoke to San José and today the tradition continues. Join them for drinks and a long song list!

Jacks Bar (167 E Taylor St.) A great place for drinks and watching soccer. They have plenty of room on their patio to host events.

Heinlenville Park (North 6th & Jackson St.) This beautiful new park pays tribute to the rich Chinese history of the area and honors John Heinlen who helped shape the community. Be sure to check out the public art sculpture by Roger Stoller and walk the history path.

Services

The Coterie Den (169 Jackson St, San Jose, CA 95112) The Coterie Den is a Multimedia Creative Studio. We host events and offer Photography, Vocal Recording, Space Rentals, Podcasting, and Website Design Services. Our goal at The Coterie Den is to provide an atmosphere for creative individuals to make their dreams happen.

Proper Cuts Barbershop (131 Jackson St.) Founders Shawn and CR have created a popular destination for men's grooming services, focused on providing excellent customer service with a commitment to their craft.