If you're a fan of Japanese culture, you can't miss Little Japan Town, a mini Japanese district in Ho Chi Minh City. Many young people flock here to capture virtual moments in the ambiance reminiscent of the Land of the Rising Sun. Join Visithcmc to explore this buzzing hotspot.

Little Japan Town

1. Overview of Little Japan Town

Little Japan Town is considered a miniature version of Japan right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Spanning less than 2km, it consists of alleys intersecting between the bustling streets of Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung. Little Japan Town offers visitors a space filled with Japanese essence, from architecture to cuisine and various enticing entertainment activities. With its rapid development, this Japanese district has become a favorite destination for the youth and Japan culture enthusiasts.

2. Why is it called Little Japan Town?

Little Japan Town is referred to as the 'Japanese district' not only because of its unique Japanese architecture but also because it is home to over 300 Japanese residents. Therefore, this area preserves the distinctive culture of Japan, especially cleanliness and tranquility. Moreover, the streets are adorned with signs, lights, and music in the Japanese style, creating a feeling as if stepping into a lively street in Tokyo or Kyoto.

2.1 Unique Japanese Architecture

Every street in Saigon's Little Japan Town boasts unique Japanese-inspired architecture, creating a sensation of being in a traditional Japanese village. From wooden signs hanging throughout the neighborhood to hanging bamboo curtains, characteristic rolling doors with earthy tones, or lanterns in white, red, and black hues swaying in the wind, all contribute to a serene Japanese atmosphere. Without bilingual Japanese-Vietnamese signs, you might mistake it for being in the land of the cherry blossoms.

Unique architecture in Japan Street

2.2 Japanese Shops and Restaurants

A notable feature of Little Japan Town is the presence of high-quality Japanese shops and restaurants. Here, you can find traditional Japanese dishes such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, tempura, sukiyaki, and popular Japanese-style cafes designed to provide a relaxing, peaceful, and cozy atmosphere.

While other foreign streets are usually vibrant and crowded, with customers spilling onto the sidewalks, Little Japan Town is the opposite. It offers a quiet and gentle ambiance, without the hustle and bustle; visitors only hear inviting greetings, footsteps, and light conversations. When you visit, you'll experience the warmth in line with Japanese culture.

3. How to Get to Little Japan Town

• Address: 8A Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: Open 24/24.

To reach Little Japan Town, you can use various means of transportation such as cars, motorcycles, or public buses. Although it hides within alleys, it's conveniently located in the famous central streets of Saigon, making it easy to find. Below are the transportation options:

• Personal vehicle: If you're arriving by this means, you can use Google Maps for detailed directions. However, Little Japan Town is a crowded area with limited space, so finding parking can be challenging. You can park on Thi Sach Street and walk from Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton or Alley 8 Thai Van Lung to reach Little Japan Street and admire its beauty

• Taxi: Another option is to use taxi services. Just provide the address 'Little Japan Town,' and the driver will take you to the right place. This is a convenient and easy option, especially for those unfamiliar with the streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

• Bus: In addition to the above options, the simplest and most cost-effective way to get to Little Japan Town is by using the bus. Some bus routes with stops near Saigon's Japanese street that you can consider include:

  • Bus No. 03: Ben Thanh – Thanh Loc

  • Bus No. 05: Cho Lon Bus Station – Bien Hoa

  • Bus No. 06: Cho Lon Bus Station – Nong Lam University

  • Bus No. 14: Mien Dong Bus Station – Mien Tay Bus Station

  • Bus No. 152: Trung Son Residential Area – Tan Son Nhat Airport

  • Bus No. 30: Tan Huong Market – International University

4. Capture Instagram-Worthy Photos with Japanese Vibes

Saigon's Japanese Street is a paradise for Instagrammers, offering thousands of beautiful photos and fantastic check-in spots that you can't miss. All you need to do is equip yourself with glamorous outfits, strike poses with a 'so deep' attitude, choose perfect angles, and ensure your photos rival those taken in professional studios. This place not only attracts young photo enthusiasts but also renowned individuals, photographers, fashion magazines, and more, all coming here to create stunning photos.

If you venture into Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton, you'll easily encounter unique graffiti paintings with a myriad of vibrant colors. Each painting carries its own meaning, but collectively, they form exceptionally beautiful and captivating artworks. According to local residents, about 2-3 years ago, this alley was rarely frequented, with walls covered in moss and age. However, since the introduction of graffiti art, the wall has transformed into an entirely new and popular check-in spot for young people.

In addition to checking in at houses with Japanese architecture or graffiti walls, you can also explore legendary white walls, a favorite spot for daily photo shoots.

During the daytime, the area is relatively calm as not many businesses are open. This makes it an ideal time to explore, take photos, and fully enjoy the Japanese atmosphere in Saigon.

5. What to Eat in Little Japan Town

When you visit Little Japan Town, you cannot miss the opportunity to savor exquisite Japanese cuisine. Little Japan Town is home to many Japanese families, so you'll enjoy authentic Japanese dishes prepared by Japanese chefs. Moreover, a large portion of the customers here are Japanese people living in Vietnam who come to rediscover the taste of their homeland. Restaurants and eateries in Little Japan Town promise to provide visitors with an excellent culinary experience.

The establishments here usually open late, with lunch hours from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and becoming lively from around 5 p.m. Most eateries close at 10 p.m., but some bars may operate until 1 a.m. If you want to explore the beauty of Japanese Street in the early morning, it may be challenging to find open restaurants. Therefore, if you plan to enjoy Japanese cuisine here, it's advisable to check in advance and choose a suitable time to visit.

Below are some dishes you should try when you visit Little Japan Town:

5.1 Sushi and sashimi

Sushi and sashimi are famous Japanese dishes not only in Little Japan Town but also worldwide. With fresh ingredients and delicate preparation techniques, Japanese restaurants in Little Japan Town are sure to provide you with a quality culinary experience.

5.2 Ramen và udon

Ramen and udon are also popular Japanese dishes. You can enjoy various types of chewy noodles, flavorful broth, and diverse toppings at ramen and udon shops in Little Japan Town.

5.3 Bánh takoyaki

A must-try dish at the main shops is the takoyaki octopus ball. This popular street food is a staple in the culinary scene of the Land of the Rising Sun. Not only do the Japanese adore this delicacy, but it also captivates the taste buds of many Vietnamese. Priced affordably at only 20,000 VND for 3 pieces or 30,000 VND for 6 pieces, it is a budget-friendly option for students and young enthusiasts eager to explore Japanese cuisine.

Japanese takoyaki cake

5.4 Matcha and Mochi

Matcha and mochi are two indispensable desserts in Japanese cuisine. Matcha is a special type of green tea cultivated and processed using traditional Japanese methods. Mochi is a soft, round rice cake with a filling, made from glutinous rice flour. These unique and delightful treats are worth exploring.

6. Tips for Visiting Little Japan Town

When visiting Little Japan Town, it's important to keep a few things in mind for the best experience:

• The Japanese streets exude a peaceful and serene atmosphere, so it's essential to minimize noise and maintain order during your visit.

• This destination tends to be crowded on weekends and holidays, so consider choosing a suitable time to avoid large crowds.

• While exploring the culinary delights of Little Japan Town, prioritize personal hygiene and adhere to the regulations of each store or restaurant. This is necessary to maintain cleanliness and safety within the community.

• Keep valuables like bags, phones, and wallets secure to prevent theft, especially during peak hours.

• Due to the relatively small size of the Japanese streets, it's advisable to research parking options if using personal transportation

7. Other Emerging Japanese Streets

Apart from Little Japan Town in District 1, there are several other emerging Japanese streets in Saigon that are equally captivating and attract a large number of visitors, becoming popular spots for young people. Here are some newly popular Japanese streets to explore:

7.1 Oishi Town

Located in Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, just under 15 minutes by car from the city center, Oishi Town is an architectural complex with a distinctive Japanese influence. With 70% of the shops designed in small and charming light-colored wooden structures, adorned with Japanese signage, and complemented by bamboo, ferns, and typical Japanese plants at the entrance, it's easy to find authentic Japanese-style eateries. Oishi Town offers a variety of delicious dishes, including sushi, sashimi, ramen, takoyaki, prepared by Japanese chefs. Additionally, you can participate in unique culinary festivals featuring dishes from China, Thailand, Korea, Laos, Japan, and more. Enjoy weekends with family and friends, indulging in Japanese culture amid the greenery of Oishi Town, capturing picturesque moments at every corner.

Không những vậy, đến Oishi Town bạn còn có cơ hội tham gia những lễ hội ẩm thực đặc sắc với nhiều món ăn từ các nước Trung Quốc, Thái Lan, Hàn Quốc, Lào, Nhật Bản... Còn gì tuyệt vời hơn khi cùng người thân, bạn bè đến đây thư giãn vào những dịp cuối tuần, tận hưởng nền văn hóa Nhật Bản giữa không gian xanh mát của Oishi Town, thỏa sức check in sống ảo với những góc chụp đẹp hút mắt trong khu phố Nhật. 

• Address: 28 Thao Dien, Thao Dien Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City.

• Opening hours: 8 am - 11 pm.

• Price range: 15,000 - 300,000 VND.

7.2 Japanese Street in Binh Thanh

Despite being established only in the last 3 years, the Japanese street in Binh Thanh has become a hot spot eagerly embraced by the young generation, similar to Little Japan Town in District 1. Located about 3 km from the city center, along Pham Viet Chanh Street, it features around 14 restaurants, eateries, and accompanying services catering to the needs of the local Japanese community. Like the Japanese street in District 1, you'll be surprised by the architecture here, reminiscent of cherry blossom land, with transparent glass or thin fabric signs allowing a glimpse inside the shops, and eye-catching lanterns decorating the storefront. 

What sets these establishments apart is their diverse offerings, not only serving Japanese cuisine but also blending Vietnamese-Japanese, Chinese-Japanese, and Western-Japanese cuisines to satisfy the tastes of all diners. In addition to eateries, this area also provides other services such as Japanese convenience stores, laundry services, apartment rentals, etc., at relatively affordable prices compared to District 1, making it a popular residence for many Japanese expatriates. Japanese Street in Binh Thanh promises to be a fascinating cultural destination, offering you exciting experiences when visiting Saigon.

• Address: Pham Viet Chanh Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.

  Little Japan Town in Ho Chi Minh City has become a favorite destination for young people and those who love Japanese culture. With its unique architecture, excellent cuisine, and numerous attractive entertainment activities, this Japanese neighborhood provides visitors with memorable experiences. If you're a Japan enthusiast, make sure to visit Little Japan Town and discover the fascinating elements it has to offer."