Japantown

I have only been to Japantown a handful of times. The main street, Jackson, is very small with shops and restaurants. All of the stores are owned by Japanese immigrants. San Jose's Japantown has quite a history. It used to actually be a Chinatown until the 1930's when it became Japantown. 

The first store I went to was Kogura Co. I met the owners, Carolyn and her mother Kogura. They gave me some of the history around how Japantown started, such as about the first stores and restaurants on the street like Roy's Station and Nichi Bei Bussan. They also suggested going to Minato's and Gombei for the best local Japanese food. Carolyn and Kougura were kind in allowing me to take photos for my blog.  They were interested in my Etsy shop and wanted my business card. Kogura Co. offers authentic Japanese stationery, gift items, chopsticks, pottery, books, and origami paper. I have always loved blue and white Japanese pottery. I bought a really cute book for my son called "Everyday Bento" to get more ideas for packing his lunches. 

Next door to Kogura is a really small Gallery shop called Petite Galleria. They carry high quality handmade everything! Petite Galleria is considered "The smallest boutique in the land! A testament to the Tiny House Movement". It is a gallery that puts committed artists on their path. "Where artists create inspiration with time and care". They carry art, jewelry, stationery, bath and body items, fashion, home, health, music, and fun button pins which would be fun to carry in my Etsy shop to go with party themes. My favorite piece of art in the boutique is #334182 by artist Jason McHenry.  All of his pieces are named by number. His art pieces all have mixed mediums. I especially liked that he incorporated Pantone chips into his piece. I love Pantone colors since I used to create color palettes from Pantone chips when I was in the fashion industry.  April, the owner who runs the gallery boutique, is also an artist and musician. She composes her own music and even does music videos. We chatted for awhile as she showed me around the gallery. She was super warm and friendly and even gave me a sample of some chocolate covered mango that she sells.  

My favorite hangout in Japantown is "Roy's Station Coffee and Tea". Roy's used to actually be a gas station in 1947 owned by Roy and Mike Murotsune. They have a great patio to hang out and enjoy delicious food and coffee. I decided to take a break from shopping and try their huge chocolate croissant which is always my favorite being a chocolate lover and all. They heated it up for me and it was delicious!

After enjoying the beautiful weather on the outdoor patio at Roy's my last stop was at Nichi Bei Bussan, a truly historic shop and museum. I had the owner Arlene tell the history of the store, her family, and Japantown. The store has been there since 1948, owned by her grandfather who originally owned a store in San Francisco during the big earthquake in 1906. The store carries Japanese gifts, stationery, fabric, and does consignment of Japanese costumes such as traditional Kimono's. 

This whole adventure day in our local Japantown inspired me to create more Japanese themed party items especially with the blossoms starting to bloom with our early Spring weather. I am looking forward to seeing the Sakura at Hakone Gardens next month, another Japanese place I love in the Bay Area. I think it would be fun to do a Origami and Sushi party invitations. I did this Japanese Tea Party invitation for my Etsy shop with cherry blossoms. About 4 years ago I also designed a Japanese themed birthday cupcake topper for my friend's mom who once lived in Japan. I really enjoyed doing this project since I love Japanese design. Here is to another successful adventure day in my hometown of San Jose.