To kick off our neighborhood spotlight series, we are celebrating Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month by introducing San Jose’s Japantown. This AAPI Heritage Month is especially significant as we remember Norman Y. Mineta, San Jose’s first Asian American mayor. Japantown in San Jose is one of the last three remaining historical Japantowns in the entire country.
It’s a great place to steep yourself in Japanese culture while bouncing between boutiques, art galleries and museums. Don’t miss the Japanese American Museum where visitors will learn, among other things, about early immigration of Japanese to America. Afterwards, enjoy a treat fit for royalty at the Shuei-do Manju Shop – this shop’s manju was served to the emperor of Japan on his last visit. Find more gems on a visit to San Jose’s Japantown.
Gombei is one of the finest restaurants in the neighborhood, as evidenced by how quickly the seats can fill up. This is the go-to spot for teriyaki, udon, hotpot and more Japanese classics.
