Buzz
The alley at 15B Le Thanh Ton acts like a magical gateway, leading us into the beautiful cherry blossom world amidst this bustling Saigon.
A haven for the most authentic Japanese-style eateries
When one thinks of Japan, the impression goes beyond the serene and gentle landscapes to the rich palette of distinctive flavors. Since the establishment and growth of the Le Thanh Ton Japanese quarter, the familiar Japanese dishes have become almost complete in this place. From takoyaki, okonomiyaki to sushi, ramen, udon... The flavors may not be as perfect as in their place of origin, but locals spare no effort to infuse the soul of Japanese cuisine into these dishes, easing the homesickness of the natives.
Sakura no Takoyaki Shop – The go-to place for renowned Japanese snacks.
A ramen joint designed in true Japanese style that you can easily spot from the outside.
Notably, every store in this neighborhood is adorned with a distinctive Japanese flair: Warm wooden tones, fabric curtains, hanging lanterns... All exuding a tranquil, gentle, and cozy ambiance, quite different from the bustling streets of Saigon.
Situated in the city center, this petite Japanese quarter is a hub for over 70 small businesses.
From eateries offering delicacies from the Land of the Rising Sun, preserving the authentic flavors almost in their entirety...
...to charming dessert spots like the renowned shaved ice parlor and the easily overlooked but irresistibly delicious petite pastry shop...
...and even Japanese-style bars.
We set out quite early, so the sun still cast its gentle rays on the untouched awnings, patiently waiting for the bustling hours to unfold.
Beyond being a hub for businesses, this neighborhood also serves as the residence for over 300 Japanese individuals currently working in Vietnam. As a result, the atmosphere here is not noisy but rather serene and tranquil.
Exploring 1001 ways to capture the essence of life on Japan Street, Le Thanh Ton
Certainly, apart from immersing in the distinct ambiance of cherry blossom land, Japan Street is the perfect spot to immortalize moments through photography. Every corner radiates beauty, tenderness, and an unmistakably 'Japanese' charm. Strike a pose, and let the camera do its magic.
The storefronts boast a sleek and modern design.
Amidst the tranquil Japanese neighborhood, there are even houses constructed with serene wooden charm.
In this serene Japanese district, a remarkably cool graffiti wall, fondly named the Harajuku Wall, adds a touch of vibrancy.
Gaze upward, and you'll witness red lanterns adorned with Japanese characters hanging gracefully from one end of the alley to the other. When night falls, they illuminate, creating a bustling miniature Tokyo. Unlike other lantern types, these cylindrical red paper lanterns are the distinctive hallmark of the Land of the Rising Sun.
Rows of lanterns commonly seen in Japanese movies.
Spotting these elevated red lanterns bearing the inscription 'Japan Town,' we discovered that Saigon harbors its own fascinating haven.
After exploring the entire area, we couldn't help but wonder why a slice of Japan manifested in the heart of Saigon. In truth, we jestingly speculate that in the past, a Japanese gentleman fell in love with a graceful Vietnamese lady, leading to marriage, establishment, and the creation of this charming street. It's all in good fun, but perhaps, like other distinctive neighborhoods scattered across Saigon, Japanese visitors find solace here, a place they've crafted out of affection and longing for their homeland.
If it weren't for the familiar sight of vertically parked scooters or Vietnamese signage, we might have thought we had wandered into a city somewhere in Japan.
Best Time and Spot to Explore the 'Saigon's Japan'?
The Japanese Quarter on Le Thanh Ton Street is, of course, nestled right along Le Thanh Ton Street. This is also the chosen workplace and living space for many Japanese individuals. Less than 2 km from Le Thanh Ton, whether you venture into Alley 15A or 15B, navigate through smaller streets like Thi Sach,... you'll easily come across bilingual Japanese-Vietnamese signs and Japanese residents strolling about.
The district is always bustling with people coming and going.
While many know this area as Japan Street on Le Thanh Ton, it's not exclusively accessible from this road. To enter the neighborhood, you can approach from various directions as the alleys connect. For the most convenient access, park your vehicle on Thi Sach and stroll into Alley 15B on Le Thanh Ton or Alley 8 on Thai Van Lung. The alley twists and turns, some parts may be dim due to tall buildings blocking the sun, so it's advisable to visit between 8 am and 4 pm when the sunlight is at its best, perfect for capturing timeless photos.
You can enter Japan Street from Alley 8 Thai Van Lung and park your vehicle nearby.
Some alleys may appear dim even when we explored in the morning.
If you prefer discovering nightlife, visit after 5 pm when Japan Street on Le Thanh Ton lights up, and all establishments are open. During this part of the day, with the bustling crowd, exercise caution regarding your personal belongings.
Welcome to Le Thanh Ton's Japan Street!
Japan Street on Le Thanh Ton is a distinctive feature of Saigon, unlike any other place in Vietnam. This neighborhood has introduced a gentle breeze into the hectic pace of Saigonese life, providing locals an alternative with friends whenever life feels too rushed, and offering homesick Japanese travelers a taste of familiarity in their journeys.
Mytour Golocal is a blogging program that showcases beautiful destinations across Vietnam. It's an excellent opportunity to promote local tourism. For each qualified article, you'll receive 800,000 VND and a chance to become a Mytour Contributor. Details about the program can be found at: https://www.Mytour/vi-vn/golocal
