'Little Japan' in Saigon

In the early 2000s, Japanese individuals flocked to HCMC to work and live, forming a vibrant expat community known as 'Little Japan'.

'Little Japan' in Saigon

Twenty years ago, Alley 15B on Le Thanh Ton Street (District 1) had only a few Japanese eateries. Across from this alley were upscale apartments where Japanese professionals and entrepreneurs resided. Over time, numerous eateries sprouted up to serve Japanese expatriates, forming a 'Little Japan' right in the heart of the city.

Later, HCMC also saw another smaller Japanese community living on Pham Viet Chanh Street, Binh Thanh District. This area is closer to factories in Binh Duong and Dong Nai provinces.

Today, 'Little Japan' has expanded into a 300-meter street along Le Thanh Ton, connecting with Thai Van Lung, Thi Sach, and Ngo Van Nam streets. Dining establishments line the main road, tucked away in every corner. The street's specialties include Japanese cuisine, sake bars, cafes, hotels, convenience stores, spas, and massage parlors. Signboards with pictorial characters, red lanterns, and wooden doors transport visitors to a place reminiscent of Japan.

The ambiance of 'Little Japan' in Saigon is a stark contrast to the bustling streets of Western and Malay districts. Instead of the noisy and crowded scenes with diners overflowing onto the streets, 'Little Japan' offers a tranquil atmosphere where passersby only hear the gentle sounds of footsteps, conversations, and welcoming invitations. Behind closed curtains, the sounds of cooking, dining, and laughter remain secluded, creating a serene environment.

Most establishments in 'Little Japan' are owned by Japanese individuals. While some owners are permanent residents of Vietnam, others still reside in Japan and entrust Vietnamese managers to handle business operations.

According to Diệp Nhật Huy, a 21-year-old chef at a ramen shop in Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton, many of the eateries in 'Little Japan' are run by Japanese chefs who bring their expertise from Japan. They not only manage the restaurants but also impart their culinary skills to local staff.

The dining spaces in 'Little Japan' exude a simple and cozy ambiance, deeply infused with the cultural essence of Japan. Unlike some upscale Japanese restaurant chains in the city, which boast extravagant decor and lavish settings, the eateries in 'Little Japan' prioritize simplicity and warmth over grandeur.

Stepping into a ramen shop during dinner hours, diners may hear the slurping sounds of noodles, accompanied by the sizzle from the kitchen behind the bar counter. Despite the formal dining etiquette observed at the table, the Japanese have a unique noodle-slurping culture, considering it an expression of enjoyment. This cultural practice is deeply ingrained, with many Japanese individuals adopting it since childhood.

Long-term Japanese residents in Ho Chi Minh City often choose to reside in the vicinity of 'Little Japan'. Many opt for affordable housing options, such as serviced apartments within hotels or condominiums. These hotel rooms are designed like mini apartments, equipped with amenities like kitchenettes and refrigerators, priced around 500,000 VND per night.

Eateries in the Japanese quarter adhere to specific opening hours based on the residents' daily routines. According to a hotel receptionist on Lane 6C2 of Thai Van Lung Street, Japanese locals typically wake up around 6 a.m., with company shuttles taking them to Dong Nai or Binh Duong. They return home around 7-8 p.m., dine out until around 10 p.m., and then head back to their rooms. Those working in the city center usually only visit for lunch. On weekends, they often gather with friends at bars.

Japanese residents in Vietnam often dine at nearby eateries. They work from morning till night, still dressed in their shirts until they finish eating, as revealed by a restaurant staff member.

Exploring the Japanese corner in Saigon offers different experiences depending on the time of day. During the day, the quiet streets are popular spots for sightseeing and photography. Lunchtime eateries typically operate from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 'Little Japan' starts buzzing around 5 p.m., with continuous 'Irasshaimase' greetings echoing through the narrow alleys. Most eateries are open until 10 p.m., while bars may stay active until 1 a.m.

Today, 'Little Japan' also boasts a variety of international culinary options including Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Thai, and Western cuisines, catering to the diverse tastes of Japanese residents and tourists.

Source: Spiritual Insights/ Vnexpress

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Reference: Travel Handbook by Mytour