$998,305Average Value$693Average Price per Sq Ft8Homes For Sale
Japantown offers festivals, family businesses and convenient commutes
Locally known as J-Town, Japantown is a historic San Jose neighborhood that combines a vibrant restaurant scene with easy commuter access. The community’s walkable core along Jackson, Fourth and Fifth streets highlights local dining, family-owned businesses and cultural attractions. Neighbors stay connected and celebrate the area’s history through regular festivals and annual events. Japantown also has quick access to major highways, public transit and Downtown San Jose, keeping the community closely tied to the rest of San Jose and the Silicon Valley. Residential streets offer diverse architecture, from historic homes to contemporary high-density housing.
Japantown borders downtown San Jose but maintains a calmer residential feel.
The neighborhood is home to many locally owned restaurants and shops.
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Explore historic homes and modern condos at varied price points
Most residential streets have early to late 20th-century homes with unique architecture. You’ll find bungalows and ranch-style houses next to Spanish Revivals, Victorians and Craftsman-style homes. The community also has a lot of contemporary infill housing, high-density apartments and mid-density condo communities.
Most residents are renters, but the area still attracts homebuyers with its price points. “This is a good place to settle into in the downtown area,” says real estate broker Rob Roham with Compass. “It’s more affordable than most parts of Silicon Valley.” Condos can range anywhere between the mid-$500,000s and the low $900,000s, while townhouses sell between the upper $800,000s and roughly $1.2 million. Single-family homes usually stay between $1 million and $1.8 million. “Between West Taylor Street, First Street, Route 87 and Coleman Avenue, there are all kinds of architecturally beautiful homes at price ranges you often can’t find elsewhere,” says Realtor Lizzeth Flores with Infinite Real Estate Group. “If you were to pick up one of those homes and put it in the Rose Garden area, it would be well over $2 million.”
Condos and apartments are common new developments in this area.
The area has many types of historic homes from the early to mid-20th century.
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Popular restaurants line Japantown’s downtown-style corridor
In the heart of the neighborhood, Jackson, Fourth and Fifth streets are lined with restaurants, cafés and shops, as well as many attractions featuring traditional Japanese architecture. “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, broker with eXp Realty. Still, the corridor is very popular and stays busy on the weekends. “If you go there on a Friday night, you should expect a bit of a wait at most of the restaurants, but it’s definitely worth it,” Flores says. Some of the top restaurants include:
Minato Japanese Restaurant, a family-owned favorite for sushi, udon soup and steamer baskets
Omogari, a hole-in-the-wall spot serving Korean stone pot dishes
Hukilau, a cozy diner serving authentic Hawaiian fare
Sushi Maru, a laid-back Japanese restaurant known for its sushi conveyor belt
Shuei-Do Manju Shop, a traditional Japanese confectionery shop that regularly sells out of its sweets
For shopping, boutiques like Nikkei Traditions and Cukui sell handmade gifts, art and clothing. You won’t find major grocery chains here, but spots like Santo Market are the go-to for groceries and cookware.
Check out locally owned stores, like the Nikkei Traditions gift shop.
Try handmade mochi at Shuei-Do Manju Shop.
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Museums, markets and festivals highlight local culture
Japantown is a hub for cultural attractions. Throughout the year, people visit the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, which preserves and shares the Bay Area’s Japanese American history and culture. The Japantown Farmers Market is open every Sunday from May to October, allowing vendors to sell locally grown produce and homemade artisan goods. The community is also known for its annual festivals, including:
The spring Nikkei Matsuri festival, which highlights local artists, community organizations and cultural clubs
The summer Obon festival, where you can watch traditional dance performances and drum shows
The autumn Aki Matsuri festival, which features a vendor fair, martial arts demonstrations and traditional Japanese dishes
The Japanese American Museum of San Jose is dedicated to preserving local history.
The Japantown Farmer’s Market is a favorite seasonal Sunday tradition.
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Commuting is simple with freeways, public transit and downtown nearby
The neighborhood is very commuter-friendly. The area borders state Route 87, which offers direct access to downtown San Jose. Drivers are also 1 to 2 miles from the Highway 101-Interstate 880 interchange. “Getting out into the Silicon Valley is really easy with the highway intersection right there,” says Realtor Olympia Pistalu with Compass. VTA bus stops line major roads, and two light rail stations are along First Street.
While most people commute by car or public transit, walking around the neighborhood is convenient. Local restaurants, cafés, shops, cultural centers and parks are all within a short stroll. Many downtown destinations are also within biking distance. On a low-traffic day, you could reach Saint James Park or San Pedro Square in less than 10 minutes.
Hop on the light rail for an easy commute around the city.
You can use the bike lanes throughout the neighborhood to reach downtown San Jose.
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Some students can walk to Muwekma Ohlone Middle School.
Preschools and San Jose public schools are easily accessible
The neighborhood is part of the San Jose Unified School District. Students are within a short drive or bus ride of their assigned schools, but some kids walk or bike to Muwekma Ohlone Middle School in neighboring Hyde Park. There are also several preschools in Japantown.
How traffic and noise levels shift from busy days to quiet nights
Noise and traffic levels fluctuate throughout the day. Streets like Jackson, Empire and East Taylor stay active during the day as cars travel to and from the highway and people explore restaurants and cultural sites. However, the neighborhood doesn’t have much nightlife, so evenings are calmer. “It just has a more residential look and feel, which can make it a more desirable choice than living downtown,” Roham says. Festival weekends are the exception. Traffic congestion usually increases, and street parking temporarily gets tighter.
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
Are you familiar with the Japantown neighborhood?
to let others know what life in this neighborhood is like.
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Japantown
US
Homicide
4
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
4
4
Burglary
6
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
6
4
Larceny
7
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Japantown Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Japantown, San Jose sell after 31 days on the market compared to the national average of 57 days. The median sale price for homes in Japantown, San Jose over the last 12 months is $905,000, down 18% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Rarely available loft at Mariani Square in the heart of Japantown. This one-of-a-kind home blends industrial chic style, urban living, and a nod to the areas cannery past. Exposed brick, wood ceilings, and metal beams pair with high ceilings and large windows that bring in great natural light. The living space is big and open with an updated kitchen that works well for everyday living and
Rare loft-style condo just steps from the vibrant heart of Downtown San Jose and within walking distance to San Jose Marketplace. This stylish thoughtfully designed space, blends modern comfort with urban sophistication. Soaring ceilings create an impressive first impression as you enter the open-concept living area, an inviting space ideal for both everyday living and entertaining. The kitchen
Located in the heart of Japantown, this beautifully designed 2004 built end-unit townhome offers 1,344 sqft of living space with 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Thoughtfully laid out, this home features a highly functional and desirable floor plan filled with natural light—and opportunities like this rarely come to market in this community. The entry level welcomes you with soaring ceilings and
Own your own piece of Southern California for less than the price of a used car! This is a great 2.5-acre investment land parcel! It's located southeast of California city, in an area that is very popular for off-roading. This land is only 1 parcel over from George Blvd, which is a dirt road that connects to more developed streets. For a very low price, you can own your own land and use it for
Welcome to this beautifully refreshed top-floor loft-style residence, offering refined comfort, contemporary design, and an unbeatable location. Recently updated with a brand-new balcony, remodeled bathrooms, and a modern kitchen, this home is thoughtfully designed for effortless living. Inside, you’ll find granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, recessed lighting, custom built-ins, a
Two detached homes with separate utility meters on one lot. Property is less than 2 miles from Goggles future planned village site near SAP Center and Diridon Train Station (Buyer to Verify). Main house has approx. 1828 sq. ft. 4 beds / 2.5 baths. Back unit has approx. 654 sq. ft. 2 beds/1 bath. Use the back unit as an in-laws unit, home office or rent it out for additional income. Central Air
Own your own piece of Southern California for less than the price of a used car! This is a great 2.5-acre investment land parcel! It's located southeast of California city, in an area that is very popular for off-roading. This land is only 1 parcel over from George Blvd, which is a dirt road that connects to more developed streets. For a very low price, you can own your own land and use it for
Welcome to this gorgeous top floor loft-style unit! This former model unit has been recently refreshed with new paint, carpet, lighting fixtures, microwave and dishwasher. Soaring vaulted ceilings bring in natural light through the extra large windows. In-unit washer and dryer, secured assigned underground parking, Ryland Park and the Community Pool right outside your door enhance your ease of
Welcome to 682 N 9th Street, a light and bright home in the desirable Gardens at 9thvStreet community, where convenience meets quiet neighborhood charm. Inside, new wide plank floors throughout and paint create a bright, welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen features granite countertops, gas range, center island, and large walk-in pantry, ideal for daily living and entertaining. The living room opens
?? APN 228-390-11-006 | 213 Acres | Boron, CAUnlock potential in the heart of California’s mining and energy corridor with this 213-acre parcel strategically located directly behind Rio Tinto’s world-renowned Boron Mine—North America’s largest open-pit borate mine. This expansive landholding offers flat to gently rolling terrain, ideal for industrial, renewable energy, or mining support
Rare Japantown opportunity offering 3,303 SF across three distinct living spaces. The remodeled 2-level Craftsman (2,653 SF) features 5BD/4BA with two fully equipped living suites ideal for multi-generational families. The upper level impresses with a gourmet kitchen, quartz counters, a walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, a fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and French doors leading to a
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
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
Legacy Fountain Plaza offers an elevated living experience in the heart of San Jose’s vibrant Japantown. Our pet friendly community features a diverse selection of studios, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments and lofts designed with modern finishes like quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances. Each home is built for convenience with an in unit washer and dryer, while our resident amenities
Beautiful loft-style apartments on a quiet, tree-lined street nestled among craftsman and Victorian-style homes in the Historic Hensley District. Located in close proximity to VTA with access to popular downtown restaurants, San Pedro Square, concerts, SAP Center for Sharks games and SJSU. Easy access to major freeways (101, 280, 85 and 87) for an easier commute to work. If you've always dreamed
SPLIT THE PAYMENT! Reserve your new home by paying 50% of your security deposit now, with the remaining balance due before move-in.Additional photography forthcoming- Call with any questions!Discover this charming 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom property situated in a prime location at 80A George St. You'll appreciate the nicely-sized bedroom and updated bathroom. Benefit from the
Charming 900 sf One-Bedroom Apartment Home Near Japantown. The entire apartment building has been modernized with power upgrade to 400amp with dual mini split heating/cooling in each unit; The entire apartment building has water and drain re-pipe. Discover classic charm in one of the most desirable locations in San Jose, just moments from Japantown San Jose. This rare 900 sq ft apartment
Our home is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, located just steps from San Jose's Japantown. Perfect stay for short-term fully furnished stays: corporate housing, business travel, and travel nurses. Monthly rent includes all utilities (gas, electric, water, wifi), driveway parking, and all furnishings.
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