Saigon Japan Town: What to Do, Eat & See in Little Tokyo

Saigon Japan Town is an unexpected portal to another world right in Ho Chi Minh City’s busiest metropolis. Tucked away from the roaring motorbikes and towering skyscrapers of former District 1, this enchanting enclave affectionately known as Little Tokyo offers a slice of authentic Japanese culture, cuisine, and calm. At GTrip, we believe the best travel experiences are found in these unique cultural pockets, and this is our ultimate guide to exploring every nook and cranny.

Overview of the Saigon Japan Town in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: Le Thanh Ton Street and Thai Van Lung Street in former District 1.

Saigon Japan Town, also known as "Little Tokyo", is a quaint enclave in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Established in the 1990s to serve the Japanese expatriate community, it has grown into a cultural hub for locals and tourists alike, hosting over 300 Japanese families that keep its authentic charm alive. Strolling through its lantern-lit alleys, you'll encounter wooden storefronts, noren curtains, and bilingual signs, creating the feeling of walking down a serene street in Kyoto or Tokyo. The neighborhood offers a peaceful, clean retreat from the city's usual hustle and bustle.

Saigon Japan Town charms visitors with lantern-lit alleys, traditional architecture, and authentic cultural vibes in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City

Top things to do in Saigon Japan Town

While the "eat" part of "eat, pray, love" is certainly the main event here, Japan Town offers so much more than just a fantastic meal. This neighborhood is an experience for all the senses, a place to wander, discover, and simply be.

Wander through atmospheric lantern-lit alleys

The true charm of Saigon Japan Town lies in its narrow, lantern-lit alleys, especially 15B Le Thanh Ton and 8 Thai Van Lung. By day, the streets are calm and serene, letting you admire the slate tiles, wooden latticework, and elegant noren curtains. At night, the alleys transform as hundreds of red and white paper lanterns glow, casting a warm, magical ambiance. The soft sounds of geta sandals, mixed conversations in Japanese and Vietnamese, and lights spilling from shoji screens create an enchanting scene. Alley 15B buzzes with restaurants and bars, while Alley 8 feels quieter and more residential.

Savor authentic ramen, sushi, and izakaya dishes

Little Tokyo is all about food, authentic Japanese cuisine in every alley. Ramen here is a revelation, such as creamy Tonkotsu to Shoyu, Miso, and Shio, often customizable with chashu, ajitama, or different noodles. Sushi and sashimi are top-notch, from casual bars to premium spots like Sushi Saito, while Menya Kokoro serves rich mazesoba and tsukemen. Izakayas offer a lively, local vibe with yakitori, karaage, edamame, gyoza, paired with Sapporo or sake. Don’t miss street eats like Takoyaki, comforting Udon or Japanese Curry Rice, and desserts such as mochi, matcha ice cream, or fluffy Japanese cheesecake.

A culinary haven in District 1, Little Tokyo offers authentic Japanese flavors, making it a must-visit for food lovers in Saigon

Discover hidden graffiti and photogenic spots

Little Tokyo blends traditional Japanese charm with striking modern street art, creating some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most photogenic spots. Alley 15B Le Thanh Ton is the hub, where graffiti contrasts beautifully with serene storefronts. For photography, focus on low-light shots with wide apertures to capture the glowing lanterns and bokeh. Zoom in on details like noren curtains or steaming ramen, and use the vibrant graffiti walls for edgy portraits. Narrow alleys act as leading lines, drawing the viewer’s eye and adding depth to your images.

Experience the feeling of tranquility on the streets in the early morning

While the evening buzz is enchanting, early mornings in Japan Town offer a completely different kind of beauty. Around 7 or 8 AM, the alleys are calm and nearly deserted, save for a few locals starting their day. You’ll see shopkeepers sweeping the front of their stores, chefs unloading fresh ingredients, and the soft aroma of coffee drifting from cozy kissaten coffee shop. The peaceful stillness allows you to truly appreciate the details of the wooden facades, hanging lanterns, and quiet rhythm of daily life. It’s a serene, authentic moment, perfect for those who want to experience Japan Town before it comes alive at night.

In the early morning, Japan Town reveals a calm, authentic charm, offering a peaceful contrast to its lively nighttime energy

Best time to visit at Saigon Japan Town

Choosing the best time to visit Saigon Japan Town really depends on the experience you're seeking. The neighborhood offers two distinct personalities: one for the day and one for the night.

• Daytime (10:00 AM - 4:00 PM): A daytime visit is ideal for those who want to explore in peace. With fewer crowds, it’s the perfect time for photographers to capture the architectural details, graffiti art, and empty alleyways without obstruction. Many restaurants are open for lunch, offering a more relaxed dining experience than in the evening. This is your best bet for a stroll and a deep appreciation of the area's unique design and atmosphere. Keep in mind that some smaller izakayas and bars may be closed, as they primarily cater to the evening crowd.
• Evening (5:00 PM onwards): The evening is, without a doubt, the prime time to experience the vibrant energy of Japan Town. This is when Japan Town comes alive, lanterns glow, izakayas fill with chatter, and the air fills with the aroma of delicious food. This is the best time for dining, soaking in the magical atmosphere, and taking those iconic lantern-lit photos. The peak dining hours are typically between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM, when the alleys can get quite crowded. If you have your heart set on a specific popular restaurant, GTrip recommends making a reservation in advance to avoid a long wait.

How to get to the Saigon Japan Town

Located in central District 1, Little Tokyo is easy to reach, centered around Le Thanh Ton and Thai Van Lung Streets.

• By motorbike or ride-hailing app: Grab, Be, or eco-friendly XanhSM are the easiest options. A ride from Ben Thanh Market costs approximately 15,000 - 30,000 VND by motorbike or 40,000–70,000 VND by car. Type “Japan Town,” “15B Le Thanh Ton,” or “8 Thai Van Lung” into the app. Parking in the alleys is limited, so ride-hailing is most convenient.
• By taxi: Choose reputable companies like Vinasun or Mai Linh for reliable, air-conditioned comfort. Just tell the driver “Thai Van Lung” or show the address on your phone.
• By public transport: Buses stop near Le Thanh Ton and Hai Ba Trung. With Metro Line 1, get off at Opera House Station and walk 5 - 10 minutes through a scenic downtown route.

Located in District 1, Little Tokyo is easily accessible by motorbike, taxi, or metro

Other attractions are famous in Ho Chi Minh City

One of the best things about Saigon Japan Town is its prime location in District 1, making it a perfect anchor for a day of sightseeing. After immersing yourself in Japanese culture, you can easily explore some of the city's most iconic landmarks.

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Just a short walk from Japan Town, this broad, pedestrian-only boulevard is the modern heart of the city. Flanked by beautiful colonial-era buildings, luxury hotels, and trendy cafes, it comes alive in the evening with locals and tourists alike. At one end stands the grand Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and at the other, you get a view of the Saigon River. It’s the perfect place for an evening stroll after your Japanese dinner.
• Ben Thanh Market: Approximately a 10-minute walk or a very short ride from Japan Town, Ben Thanh Market is Ho Chi Minh City's most famous and historic market. After enjoying a serene Japanese lunch, you can dive into this bustling hub to shop for souvenirs, textiles, coffee, and local snacks. It offers a perfect, energetic contrast to the tranquility of Little Tokyo and is a quintessential Saigon experience.
• Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): A significant historical site, this palace was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It remains frozen in time, a fascinating relic of 1960s architecture and a poignant symbol of the end of the war. It's about a 15-minute walk from Japan Town and offers a deep dive into Vietnam's modern history.
• Tan Dinh Church: Known as the "pink church," this stunning Gothic-inspired Roman Catholic church is one of the most eye-catching buildings in the city. Its vibrant pink facade makes it an incredibly popular spot for photos. Located in District 3, it's a short taxi or motorbike ride away and provides a beautiful splash of color and architectural wonder to your itinerary.
• Chinatown (Cho Lon): For another immersive cultural experience, head to Cho Lon in District 5. As one of the largest Chinatowns in the world, it’s a sprawling, energetic area filled with traditional temples, bustling markets like Binh Tay Market, and incredible Cantonese cuisine. It offers a fascinating comparison to the compact, orderly nature of Japan Town.

Thanks to its prime District 1 location, Saigon Japan Town is a perfect base for exploring nearby landmarks like Ben Thanh Market

Useful tips for visiting

To make your visit to Little Tokyo as enjoyable and smooth as possible, keep these essential tips from the GTrip team in mind.

• Be respectful: First and foremost, remember that these narrow alleys are residential streets, not a purpose-built tourist attraction. People live and work here. Keep your voice down, especially late at night, as sound travels easily and can disturb the residents. Be mindful not to block doorways or residents' paths when taking photos.
• Secure your belongings: While Japan Town is generally very safe, the alleys can become extremely crowded during peak evening hours. As with any crowded area in a major city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. Keep your wallet, phone, and camera secure to prevent opportunistic pickpocketing. A crossbody bag worn in front of you is a great choice.
• Bring cash (Vietnamese Dong): While many of the larger restaurants and hotels in the area accept credit cards, a significant number of the smaller, more authentic izakayas, ramen shops, and street food stalls are cash-only. To avoid disappointment, it’s always a good idea to have a sufficient amount of Vietnamese Dong on hand.
• Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking! The charm of Japan Town is in its hidden corners and narrow, sometimes uneven, alleyways. Leave the high heels at your hotel and opt for comfortable sneakers, sandals, or walking shoes. Your feet will thank you.
• Learn a few Japanese phrases: You are in a Japanese enclave, after all! While not required, making a small effort will be greatly appreciated by shopkeepers and staff. A simple 'Arigato gozaimasu' (Thank you very much), 'Sumimasen' (Excuse me/Sorry), or 'Konnichiwa' (Hello) can go a long way in showing respect and enhancing your experience.
• Check opening & closing times: Be aware that many establishments in Japan Town close for a few hours in the afternoon, typically between 2 PM and 5 PM, to rest and prepare for the dinner service. Always double-check the opening hours of a specific restaurant you want to visit to avoid showing up at a closed door.

Follow GTrip’s key tips: stay respectful, keep valuables safe, bring cash, wear comfy shoes, learn basic Japanese phrases, and check opening hours

The Saigon Japan Town is a cultural phenomenon and a testament to Ho Chi Minh City's incredible diversity. It’s a journey within a journey, offering a moment of zen, a feast for the senses, and a look into the vibrant Japanese community that calls this city home. Every corner of Little Tokyo delights the senses the taste of fresh sushi, the glow of lanterns, and the charm that lingers long after you’ve left. It’s a place where the precision and tranquility of Japan seamlessly blend with the warmth and energy of Vietnam, creating something truly unique. Saigon Japan Town is waiting to be explored, and with this complete guide from GTrip - Vietnam Travel Agency, you’re all set for an unforgettable adventure.