San Jose’s Japantown (Nihonmachi) developed from where the immigrant Japanese first settled in Santa Clara Valley. More than a century following its humble beginnings, it remains one of the last three historical Japantowns in the United States.
Contact number: (408) 298-4303
Location: N. 5th Street & Jackson Street, San Jose, CA 95112
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KALEID (Greek for beauty and form) was borne out of San Jose’s Phantom Galleries (art in vacant storefronts & alternative spaces project) in December 2006. Over 60 fine artists and designers from the San Jose area make use of a 6,000 square foot retail space with individual exhibits that include painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry and textile art. The artists range from young and emerging, to seasoned and well-accomplished. All art work is for sale and may be taken with you at the time of purchase.
Contact number: (408) 271-5151
Location: 88 S 4th St, San Jose, CA
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A place to share the joy of Ikebana and get inspired
Contact number: 408.279.8342
Location: 580 N. 6th Street, San Jose, CA 95112
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Outdoor sculpture constructed from sandstone rubble of buildings destroyed in the 1906 and 1989 earthquakes. It resembles the serpentine spine of an giant mythological animal.
Location: 328 Lomita Dr. San Jose, CA, 94305
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Pottery gallery and store. Wheelthrowing classes.
Contact number:
408.295.5765
Location: 499 South Market St. San Jose, CA, 95113
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This popular city art gallery has a permanent collection of contemporary art, post-1980 pieces and catchy revolving exhibitions. You will also find an education center, bookstore and café that are all located in the restored historic wing of the San Jose Museum of Art. There are a couple of guided tours offered every day, as well as tours on the second Saturday of every month for the deaf and those with impaired hearing. A number of attractions reside close by, including both the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park and the Tech Museum of Innovation.
Contact number: 408 294 2787
Location: 110 South Market Street, San Jose, California , 95113
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The museum is one of the major attractions of History San José. In keeping with the theme of the historical park, it depicts life as it was in the Santa Clara Valley (now known as Silicon Valley) at the turn of the 20th century. The Portuguese Historical Museum is a replica of the first permanent império (Chapel to the Holy Spirit) built in San José circa 1915. It was constructed on the present site of the I.E.S. Hall on East Santa Clara Street and U.S. 101.
Contact number: (408) 808-1471
Location: 1650 Senter Rd, San Jose, CA 95112
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The Tech Museum of Innovation is housed in a massive building with all sorts of nifty exhibits and activities, including an IMAX theater, virtual bobsled ride and the Jet Pack Simulator. There are also some superb interactive exhibits, such as a giant earthquake table, a virtual rollercoaster ride and a ROV.
Location: 201 South Market Street, Downtown, San Jose, California
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History San Jose occupies an area of Kelley Park, near the city center, and retells the story of the city’s past and its importance within the Santa Clara Valley. Highlights of the museum include many historic and reconstructed buildings, a letterpress printer and the O’Brien’s Ice Cream Parlor, while an antique trolley provides free transport. There is also a candy store on-site.
Contact number: 408 287 2290
Location: 1650 Senter Road, San Jose, California
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As far as museums go, kids will love the Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose. There are fun hands-on activities and exhibits galore, including giant bubble blowing, large animal sculptures that can be clambered upon and educational displays investigating things such as how everyday things in the world work. The museum is a striking, purple structure located near the convention center and features an inviting lawn where parents may rest while their kids are playing. There is also a children’s art gallery on-site.
Contact number: 408 298 5437
Location: 180 Woz Way, at Auzerais Street, California
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