$1,014,965Average Value$1,590Average Price per Sq Ft3Homes For Sale
A thriving Japanese cultural district in the heart of San Jose
Known locally as “J-Town,” San Jose’s Japantown is one of only three original Japantowns remaining in the United States. Japantown traces its roots back to the early 20th century when Japanese farmworkers and families moved to the city. “Most other [Japantowns] were taken over from the Japanese internment,” says Michelle Elliott, Coldwell Banker Realtor and longtime San Jose resident. “Some families whose ancestors were interned are still here.” Today, the area is a thriving district with diverse dining and entertainment options. “It’s kind of its own little walkable downtown area, but it’s a little quieter than downtown San Jose. It’s really unique,” says Jeff Hansen, a broker with Exp Realty who has worked in real estate in the city for over 30 years.
Now one of only three original Japantowns remaining in the United States.
Japantown is home to countless restaurants and shops for residents to enjoy.
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Honoring Japanese-American history and culture
In the middle of Japantown, Roy’s Station Coffee & Tea exemplifies the soul of the neighborhood. It was formerly a gas station owned by Roy Murotsune, a survivor of Japanese internment. “Roy’s children and grandchildren turned the old gas station into a local coffee shop, so the property has been in the family for three generations,” says Elliott. “That family has been a staple in the community.” The café is a social hub, as is the Northside Community Center, which provides lunches five days a week as part of the senior nutrition program. Neighbors can also meet at the Japantown Farmers Market on Sundays and the neighborhood’s houses of worship, like San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and La Luz Del Mundo Church. J-Town is also home to the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, which preserves and shares the Bay Area’s Japanese American culture.
Japantown Farmer’s Market is a favorite Sunday tradition in Japantown San Jose!
Grab a drink at Roy's Station Coffee & Teas in Japantown.
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Japanese cuisine and shops on Jackson Street
Japantown offers residents and visitors a lively atmosphere and dynamic nightlife, and its restaurants draw people from across San Jose. In the business district, the wide, two-lane streets in front of commercial buildings have room for sidewalks and street parking. Shuei-Do Manju Shop serves sweet and savory Japanese baked goods, and Okayama Sushi is a cozy spot for fresh seafood. Several spots also serve authentic Hawaiian food, like Aloha Fresh, known for its poke bowls. Jackson Street is home to eclectic shops, art galleries, karaoke bars and Nijiya Market San Jose Store, which supplies the area with groceries. Colorful murals encompass the sides of some commercial buildings.
Japantown is home to countless restaurants and shops for residents to enjoy.
Okayama Sushi is a local favorite of residents in Japantown.
Nijiyama Market has everything you need when it comes to groceries, sushi, and deli items.
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Getting around San Jose
J-Town is very walkable, and many streets have bike lanes. It borders State Route 87, also known as the Guadalupe Parkway. Buses stop on Taylor Street, taking passengers to Good Samaritan Hospital, Civic Center Station and other spots around the city, and the light rail line stops on nearby First Street. J-Town is about 2 miles from the San Jose train station, where residents can hop on the Amtrak or Caltrain. It’s also just a few blocks from San Jose Mineta International Airport and the nearest hospital, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. Between all the convenient transportation options, the neighborhood can get noisy. Motor vehicle theft is an 8 out of 10 according to the CAP Index. The overall crime score is 6 out of 10, slightly above the national average of 4.
Hop on the light rail at First Street for an easy commute from Japantown.
Japantown offers bike lanes throughout the neighborhood for easy and safe cycling.
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Historic Victorians, Craftsman bungalows
J-Town’s flat, gridded streets leave room for parallel parking and bike lanes. Neighborhood roads are lined with telephone wires and tidy lawns. “There’s a pretty good mix of bungalows and some historic homes in the outskirts of Japantown,” Hansen says. Ornate, 19th century Victorians and early 20th century Craftsman bungalows can be found here, with prices ranging from around $1.1 million to around $2 million. These homes are on the smaller side, usually with 1,500 to 2,500 square feet of space. Japantown’s wide range of residences also includes condos ranging from $578,000 to $825,000 and multifamily homes priced between $1.2 and $1.6 million. Townhouses cost between $800,000 and $1.19 million; homes built after the year 2000 tend to cost more. However, most residents rent; one-bedroom apartments start at about $2,000 monthly.
Japanese American Museum dedicated to preserving the history and culture of Japanese Americans.
Townhomes and apartments are common in the densely populated neighborhood of Japantown.
Japantown tree-lined streets are lined with comfortable ranch-style homes.
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Walking to Ryland Park and Columbus Park
Residents of Japantown can frequent Ryland Park, a small, urban green space with a playground, pool, athletic courts and a dog park. Nearby Columbus Park is an expansive public space with landscaped rose gardens and long, paved bike paths stretching parallel to the Guadalupe River.
Columbus Park is home to a large encampment of people experiencing homelessness. In September 2024, city officials began clearing the site in an attempt to begin major renovations on the park, according to local news reports.
Workout stations are available at Ryland Park.
Ryland Park has one of the best public pools in the community.
Your dogs will love the grass at Ryland Park.
Your kids will love the playground at Ryland Park in San Jose.
Your children will have fun on the playground at Ryland Park in Japantown!
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Students attend San Jose public schools
Students may attend Grant Elementary School and Muwekma Ohlone Middle School, both of which are rated C on Niche. San Jose High School is rated B. Both Muwekma Ohlone Middle and San Jose High offer International Baccalaureate programs.
Grant Elementary School nurtures a learning environment for all students.
San Jose High School is a selective public magnet school that was founded in 1863.
Muwekma Ohlone Middle challenges and encourages children to learn.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cooper Gaines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Columbus Park
Ryland Park
Basketball
Dog Park
Grills
St James Park
Picnic Area
Playground
Raymond Bernal Jr Memorial Park
Baseball/Softball
Grills
Picnic Area
Guadalupe River Park
Backesto Park
Baseball/Softball
Basketball
Grills
Transit
Airport
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International
7 min drive
Subway
Japantown/Ayer Station
Bus
10th & Taylor
Bus
Taylor & 10th
Bus
Taylor & 1st
Bus
1st & Taylor
Bus
Taylor & 4th
Bus
Taylor & 7th
Japantown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Japantown, San Jose sell after 18 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Japantown, San Jose over the last 12 months is $6,800,000, up 1411% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
First time on the market! Single-owner starter property with incredibly low HOA adjacent to Japantown. Primary floor showcases rich walnut floors throughout with recessed lighting and bright windows allowing ample natural light. Open kitchen includes custom cabinetry, luxurious quartz countertops, and a stainless steel appliance set complete with a gas range. Walk-out balcony for morning coffee
Welcome to this exquisite residence in the heart of vibrant San Jose. This elegant home offers an ideal blend of style and functionality across approx 1,280 sq. ft. of living space. Two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, each designed with comfort and sophistication in mind. As you enter, stairs usher you to a sunlit main living area adorned with Brazilian Cherrywood flooring, setting a warm
Welcome to 647 N 2nd St, San Jose a beautifully remodeled 4-bedroom, 4-bath home offering 2,129 sq ft of stylish living space on a rare 6,394 sq ft lot in the heart of downtown. From the moment you enter, you'll notice the thoughtful upgrades and open layout. The gourmet kitchen is a chef's dream, featuring high-end appliances and modern finishes. Two conveniently located bedrooms and bathrooms
Through immense murals and a collaborative relationship with Empire Seven Studios, Exhibit is something of a local landmark. The cultural eclecticism and creative prosperity of JTown are refined in residential microcosm in our Silicon Valley home where the everyday theme is unconventional, and our exemplary shared spaces include an open art gallery, a sleek workshare loft, and a feng shui sky
Sixth & Jackson is a sophisticated apartment community located in the heart of historic Japantown in San Jose. Luxury amenities include a rooftop lounge with unbeatable views of downtown, a fully equipped 24-hour fitness center, a hammock lounge, and versatile work spaces. Apartment homes are stylish and modern, with keyless entry, in-home washer and dryer, quartz countertops, gas range stovetops
Fountain Plaza is now leasing!Welcome home to Fountain Plaza Apartments in San Jose, an Instrata Lifestyle Community, providing vibrant decor and Spanish-influenced design lend a traditional vibe, while tech-savvy details and beautiful landscaping keeps things modern and always relaxed. Fountain Plaza is the perfect Silicon Valley lifestyle providing a truly tailored living
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Cooper Gaines,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
9,535
Median Age
38
Population Density
25 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.1%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
13.6%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$136,162
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$160,583
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
93.6%
College Graduates
53.2%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
21.4%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
71.7%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
17''
Average Winter Low Temperature
43°F
Average Summer High Temperature
82°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
91/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
82/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
58/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
