DISCOVER THE JAPANESE QUARTER IN SAIGON

With its constant development, Saigon not only attracts domestic people but is also an ideal destination for many international communities. Among them, the Japanese community in Saigon has created a distinct neighborhood, where their culture and lifestyle blend with the vibrant life of the city. This article will take you to discover interesting things about the Japanese neighborhood, from unique cuisine to special cultural activities.

Little Japan Town - "Shockingly" beautiful Japanese street attracts young people.

Address: 8A Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1

1. General introduction about Little Japan Town

Little Japan Town is considered a miniature version of Japan right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. On a road of less than 2km, there are alleys located at the intersection of two busy streets Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung. Little Japan Town offers visitors a space full of Japanese culture, from architecture to cuisine, and many attractive entertainment activities.

2. Why is it called Japanese Town?

Little Japan Town is called "Japanese Town" because not only does it have unique Japanese architecture, but in addition to businesses, it is also home to more than 300 Japanese households. Wooden signs hang along the entire street, eye-catching red lanterns swaying in the wind or rolling doors with dark wood tones covered by fabric curtains,... All are decorated in a "very Japanese" style, making visitors admire and enjoy the Tokyo-like space in the heart of Saigon.

3. Japanese Cuisine

Japanese cuisine is famous for its sophistication and harmony in every dish.

From sushi, and sashimi to ramen, and mochi, ... all are available in this neighborhood. Not just simply eating and drinking, but each dish also contains a story, a philosophy of life that the Japanese want to convey. Even in the way of presenting dishes, the Japanese pay great attention to aesthetics.

4. Japanese shops and restaurants

A special feature of Little Japan Town is the presence of many quality Japanese shops and restaurants. Here, you can find traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, sukiyaki... In particular, Japanese cafes are also very popular and are designed in Japanese style, bringing a relaxing, peaceful, and cozy space.

Famous shops here.

Gyoza no Chikara

- Address: 8A/H1 Thai Van Lung

- Reference price: 30,000 VND - 100,000 VND

This is a gyoza restaurant that Japanese food lovers choose to enjoy when coming to Pho Nhat. In addition to gyoza, the restaurant also has many delicious dishes such as flying fish egg salad, and minced tuna rolled in seaweed with soy sauce.

Tokyo Moon Cafe Noir

- Address: 8A/1C2 Thai Van Lung

- Reference price: 30,000 VND - 100,000 VND

Tokyo Moon is a famous pastry cafe in Saigon's Japanese street. You can find delicious Japanese or Korean-style cakes here. In addition, you should also try the shop's famous Tokyo Moon Tea herbal tea. However, the shop has a rather small space, so it is quite limited if you want to find a place to sit for a long time.

Tokitsunada - Sumo Hotpo

- Address: 8A/A9 Thai Van Lung

- Reference price: 200,000 VND - 300,000 VND

The restaurant space is quite small and is decorated in a sophisticated and elegant way, true to Japanese standards. You can watch the chefs preparing the dishes in the open kitchen. If you come here, order chicken balls and fish rice to enjoy!

5. Cultural Activities

In addition to cuisine, the Japanese Quarter also organizes many rich cultural activities. Art performances such as traditional Japanese dance or karaoke also attract many participants. These activities not only help the Japanese in the neighborhood maintain their cultural identity but also help local people understand more about Japanese culture.

6. Take check-in photos with a Japanese-style space

The special feature of Saigon Japanese Street is the houses with bold Japanese architecture with dark wood tones covered with layers of fabric to create fluttering curtains. The surrounding space is also decorated with standard Japanese lanterns, reminding you of the alleys with a strong Japanese style.

With such unique beauty, you will find it hard to resist checking in unique photos at Saigon Japanese Street. In addition to checking in at buildings with Japanese architecture, you can also find a legendary white wall that is loved by many young people who come here to check in every day.

7. Opening hours of Le Thanh Ton Japanese Street

At each time frame, Japanese Street in District 1 has a different color. Specifically as follows:

During the day, the quiet neighborhood is a popular place for young people to take photos and visit. Restaurants usually open at noon from 11 am to 2 pm.

The Japanese Quarter starts to get busy from 5 pm with the continuous sounds of "Irasshaimase” (meaning "welcome”) echoing in the small alley. Shops are usually open until 10 pm, bars may open later, around 1 am.

8. Detailed directions to Saigon’s Japanese Quarter

Although hidden in an alley, the Japanese Quarter is still located on famous streets in the center of Saigon, so it is quite easy to find. You can use Google Maps to get the most detailed directions here. Besides, you can also use some of the following bus routes to visit the Japanese Quarter in Saigon.

- Bus route 03: Ben Thanh - Thanh Xuan

- Bus route 14: Eastern Bus Station - Western Bus Station

- Bus route 19: Ben Thanh - National University

- Bus route 45: District 8 Bus Station - Ben Thanh - Mien Dong Bus Station.

Conclude

Exploring the Japanese Quarter in Saigon is a journey to learn about the cultural diversity and lifestyle of an international community. From unique cuisine to rich cultural activities, this neighborhood is not only a place to live but also a bridge between two cultures. With potential for future development, the Japanese Quarter promises to continue to be an attractive destination for those who love cultural exchange.