Those curious about Japanese culture and gastronomy in HCM City should stop by Little Japan, an area surrounded by Lê Thánh Tôn, Ngô Văn Năm, Thái Văn Lung, Thi Sách and Hai Bà Trưng streets in District 1. There are more than 70 restaurants, spas and other businesses of the Japanese community there.

The small and quiet alley at 15B Lê Thánh Tôn St is packed with Japanese-style restaurants and stores with signs in both Japanese and Vietnamese and red lanterns hung in front of the restaurants.

Diners can find many Japanese specialties such as sushi, noodles and cakes, Daichan Ramen, bento, sakura, and vanilla & butter, with original ingredients and recipes, as well as experience business culture and the daily lives of Japanese people.

The farther visitors get inside, the more Japanese-style spas, tourism firms, galleries and rooms for rent can be found.

Located on an alley off the main street, at 8 Lê Thánh Tôn St, Utopia Café is a must-visit place as it is considered an information centre for Japanese tourists as well as a relaxation place for Japanese expats to read books, newspapers, magazines, novels and mangas. The café was opened in 2000 by Ebuchi Shinya and Sasaki Hideki. — VNS