Saigon Japan Town (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Saigon Japan Town?
What makes it 58% Kids-Friendly: Kids may enjoy early-evening lantern spotting, photo scavenger hunts, and tempura dinners, but alleys become crowded with bar patrons after dark and offer no play zones or child facilities.
Positives:
- Cultural atmosphere: The paper lanterns and wooden facades offer a mini-Japan experience.
- Kid engagement: Interactive scavenger hunts keep kids entertained.
- Compact layout: Everything is within a few alleys, ideal for short visits.
Challenges:
- Narrow alleys: Streets can get crowded after 6 pm, so keep children close.
- Limited seating: Popular restaurants may have small dining areas; arrive early to get a table.
- Weather exposure: There is little shade; bring sun protection or an umbrella.
What is Saigon Japan Town?
- A hidden neighbourhood of intertwining alleys in District 1 that recreates a compact Japanese quarter
- A concentration of Japanese-run bars, izakayas, ramen shops and sushi counters behind traditional wooden facades and noren curtains
- Red-and-white paper lanterns, bamboo accents and rows of sake barrels evoking the streetscapes of Tokyo and Kyoto
What is so special about Saigon Japan Town for with kids?
- Stroll through lantern-lit alleys safe for kids
- Enjoy family-friendly Japanese dishes
- Let kids pick snacks at mini grocery shops
- Engage children with a fun photo scavenger hunt
- Compact area perfect for short visits
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 1-2 hour visit lets the family stroll the lantern-lit alleys, dine, and browse shops without tiring younger children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Saigon Japan Town
Early-evening alley stroll:
Walk through lantern-lit alleys before crowds arrive.
Tip: Start around 5 pm to enjoy cooler temperatures and space to roam safely with kids.
Casual Japanese meal:
Share ramen, udon, or tempura at family-friendly restaurants.
Tip: Try Sushi Tiger for kid-sized portions and mild flavors; ask for high chairs if needed.
Browse Japanese snacks:
Explore mini grocery shops with mochi, Pocky, and green-tea treats.
Tip: Let each child pick one snack; set a budget of VND 50,000 per item.
Photo scavenger hunt:
Give kids a list of lanterns, wooden signs, and noren curtains to find.
Tip: Print or write the list in advance; reward the winner with a small treat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Saigon Japan Town
- Visit early: Start at 5 pm to avoid crowds and heat.
- Make reservations: Call ahead at Sushi Tiger or Izakaya Kamura for a guaranteed table.
- Use mobile payment: Many shops accept e-wallets like Momo or ZaloPay for quick transactions.
Reviews of Saigon Japan Town
Carla Roberts
Nice place to walk around in and grab a bite of authentic Japanese cuisine (there are dumplings, bbq, ramen, sushi etc). There are some bars here too, with some offering more than beer 😉
Ong C
Travel Cafe Eat Drink - Malaysia & Asia There's a small Japanese street or they called it a Japanese town with lots of Japanese eateries and some are owned by locals. Looks like this place is more lively at night as many shops are still closed
Petr J
A really nice place to visit. We went during the day to explore the shops and try some food. I imagine it’s much more spectacular at night, thanks to the vibrant nightlife, so it’s definitely worth a try. However, during the day it doesn’t offer as many options.
Stephen Kelly
Love this area of District 1, way better than where most tourists go. I'm 11 days into a month long stay. My 5th month long vacation in Japan Town in past three years. Affordable accommodation. Great restaurants and coffee shops keep me coming back.
Billie Price
Wow what a fun little spot. Great food and everyone is so happy. The bars are very fun and the girls love to joke around and have a drink with you. A lot of beautiful women around for you to meet and spend time with. Everyone seems so happy. The restaurants have amazing Japanese food. The ramen was delicious and tempura 🍤 prawns and scallops were a real treat!
When is the best time to visit Saigon Japan Town (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam)?
Visit during the dry season (November to April) to avoid heavy rain. Even in the rainy months, carry umbrellas for sudden showers.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Alley stroll | VND 0 |
| Family meal | VND 900,000 |
| Japanese snacks | VND 200,000 |
| Total Estimated | VND 1,100,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Saigon Japan Town
Address: 8A Thái Văn Lung, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000, Vietnam
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About Saigon Japan Town
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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