This store has such a unique selection of items in soooo many different AND unique categories. The entire place is a hidden gem within a hidden gem. They have ceramic goods, kimonos, karate and martial arts equipment, Japanese home goods, decorations, fabric, kitchenware and so much more!! The staff is also very friendly and helpful, answering any questions and even sharing stories about the various items! read more

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Every time I've come here over the years, their employees have been incredibly friendly and helpful!! They have a beautiful selection of Japanese American items as well as traditional apparel perfect for Obon and some fun things for kids to play with or even learn about Japan!! I also love their handcrafted items that are made by local vendors and gorgeous, unique Japanese/Asian style of fabric!! Things are pretty reasonably priced and I truly appreciate that since this is a family owned store that has been in their family for I believe three generations now! arlene and her team are always amazing!! She is such a historian of San Jose, and Japan town itself!! I will continue to come here year after year! And get a coffee down the street at Roy's coffee station!! read more

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So many wonderful things in this shop! Traditional, modern, & colorful clothing, dishes, art supplies, housewares and much more. It's a must visit! read more

I stopped in for a b-day gift for my mom and found a lovely dish set. Pricing was reasonable for the set. I asked if they could gift wrap it and they charged $20 - TWENTY DOLLARS to gift wrap a basic square box. They said the gift wrapping paper is vintage. Well, it's vintage because no one is paying $20 to wrap a present and so you have the same rolls from decades ago, but I was in a rush so I paid it. The wrapping wasn't even anything special. My advise is to pick up a gift bag somewhere else and save yourself $17. read more

Explored around here during the Obon Festival with a friend around 5 pm! The place has so much Japanese wear from footwear, yukatas for men and women, and so much more. I was impressed to all the beautiful colors and patterns on their traditional wear. Spacious store that contains so much culture and history! The store was run by some sweet elderly women who gave us a mini history lesson! read more

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This place reminds me of Kogura but it's actually opened longer. Lots of Japanese wares. Everything is beautiful in here.

I am embarrassed to say that even with multiple visits to the wonderful Japan town of San Jose, I have missed this place! Numerous times! If you approach it from The main strip it looks like it's going to be relatively small but then you walk in and it's like doctor who's Tardis! Much bigger on the inside. That was actually the joke we said as we walked in because that's how it felt. What an amazing collection of Japanese everything. There was art, there was fabric (so much beautiful fabric), There were knick knacks, there were figurines, there were even rubber throwing stars! And the two sweet ladies who worked there, my goodness. What treasures. One of them told us the story of the koi fish which I will make you look up. The other explain to us how the store originated and even gave us some small origami helmets which were so cool. She even offered to show us how to make them but unfortunately we were running out of time at the parking meter lol. But this place was absolutely amazing. I wish we had more time to stay and explore. I've shared some pictures of the amazing things they have inside including the happiest wood carved Buddha that I hope has a new home at this point. Definitely a wonderful store and we will be back. read more

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What a treat to visit this store. Even though it says its a fabric store and kimono shop it offers way more items that are a feast to the eyes. They have various wares for the home, clothing and accesories. They have buddah pads and temari balls (intricate cat ball), japanese slippers, neck pillows, decorative Hagoita paddled and much much more. It is located near Jackson and 4th street next to a vintage style autoshop. I can't believe that this is the first time I've been here and it was surely a treat. The staff are nice and they give away origami which u can use as a book mark to all its costumers. The shop is a staple at Japan town and worth the visit for its history, merch and sunny ambiance. read more

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IMHO This gift store has been around for quite some time in Japantown, but this was my first visit here! I need to walk a little further down Jackson in the future! We were greeted immediately as we entered by Russell who kindly welcomed us and said he was there to answer any questions and to please visit the little museum in the back. My friend and I slowly meandered around checking out the beautiful displays of kimonos, dolls, toys, games, books, fabrics, etc. A lovely lady presented us with small origami folded hats to use as cute bookmarks! We both left with some gifts for ourselves and our family. Yes, I look forward to going back again! read more

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This is a wonderful store for Japanese items. It is about the only store I've found that carries Japanese fabric. The quality of the fabric and pattern choices are exactly what I was looking for. I sew for a boutique and the fabric was perfect. In the past, I have purchased dishes and serve ware here. They have many beautiful choices. This store has a private parking lot, which is very rare for businesses in Japan Town. I highly recommend this store. read more

I stopped in here during a work trip to San Jose. There are only 3 cities in the US that have a Japantown so I knew I wanted to make the most of this visit, and was so glad to stumble into this store. The store has a variety of Japan-related gifts, kimonos, books and has a small little museum area in the back about the history of the neighborhood. I bought a vintage book about Japan's economic rise in Western consumerism. What made this visit special is that I spoke to the owner, Arlene, for almost an hour and she shared her family's unique history. Her family was held in a WWII internment camp and her father recorded one of the only films of the experience, and the film is now preserved by the Library of Congress. She showed me her family's vintage store ads, and photos of her family, and how important it is to them to preserve and share their part of Japanese-American history in the area. Truly a beautiful visit, and would make it a priority to go again when I'm back in town. read more

This was my first time visiting Japantown and found this great store with so many Japanese items. Arlene, the owner, showed us how to fold origami hats that can be used as bookmarks. I was curious about how a kimono is worn and Miko spent time dressing me in a kimono and explaining each step. There was another lady there that was nice. I came out with knowledge about the kimono and Japanese style and with a beautiful tsuzumi pillow. I highly recommend this gem of a store! read more

Lots of stuff. Make them your Bei. PS. Warning. I tried on a Vietnamese hat and I got rice. read more

Josh asked if I visited the other 2 Gift shops when I asked josh if he's toys other than those on shelves. Can you imagine this kind of peace in a clerk in Japantown? I definitely will return to buy more stuff. read more

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With my sister's wedding coming up, we needed to find an obi and accessories for our Obaasan's kimono. Called on Wednesday to see if they had appointments for Friday. Arlene quickly got back to me, letting me know a sales associate would be available to help. Rachel was absolutely amazing. Not only did she help us find everything we needed, she took the time to show us how to properly put the kimono on, which is much easier than trying to YouTube it. An hour later we left with all the missing pieces and felt very comfortable with how to put it on. I really appreciate all the time and energy they put in to helping us. read more

So much merchandise and you can tell this is authentic, Japanese stuff but so expensive =( I really wanted to get these socks that has a special spot for your big toe so you can wear flipflops with them but the ones I wanted were...a tad too much...booo! Maybe I'll get them next time. =) The owner of the shop was kind but he hanged around you like a fly to a light. It was really uncomfortable. I know that we were the only customers around and customer service is an important thing but at least let us breathe. =( The experience would have been so much more enjoyable. However, there are a lot of neat things in this shop. The place is colorful and vibrant. It was cute and full of culture. From the tea sets to the decorated chopsticks, and the kimonos and origami paper, this place can really come to life with its rich colors. I may come back and purchase a pair of chopsticks for my cousin, since she's into things like that and the pair of socks...hopefully I won't be treated like I was going to steal next time. =/ ...well that was how I felt...maybe he was just trying to be helpful. Idk...-_-' read more

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First time in the Nichi Bei Bussan store. It's in SJ Japantown and store full of stuff from Japan. Japanese flip flops flip flop socks fans martial arts stuff in glass cases martial arts badges Japanese tea pots kimonos fans origami books etc, etc. no taiko drums/sticks, No food/snacks. read more

When I sold my house, I didn't have room to bring many things. As I was working out what I was taking in my car, I couldn't take my shiki futon--the mattress. I didn't have the kake futon, the comforter because it seemed rather excessively expensive at the time. Now, I'm soon to move into a new place with no bed of any kind. I visited this store to order both shiki futon and kake futon. Of course, the style I wanted was at the higher end. With tax, over $1000--that's a lot for a twin set--more than a western-style queen-sized mattress and box springs set. Mind you, these are hand-made. I didn't ask but I wonder if the fabric is dyed by hand also. I suppose not. It was too intricate and regular but anything is possible with a disciplined mind and steady hands. They had an alternative color of the shiki futon, but I wanted the dark blue set, and the pattern was attractive without being floral. I was treated well by the staff, and they had to call to make certain that what I wanted was available. There was some delay due to a temporary shut down, but they assured me that they would be ready in just a few weeks. Update 2014.07.15: I got two voice messages today to call the store because they didn't know which fabric I chose--and they had not ordered the products. It's been 13 days. Just like a clam ready for a plate, I was steamed. When I was in the store, we went over the color choices multiple times. If there was a problem with the color choice, why didn't someone call me within the week they took my deposit of half the money? When I talked to someone, they gave me various reasons for the failure. I tried to be understanding, but I kept repeating "13 days", because the product was likely going to take 3 or 4 weeks anyway. Extending that time another 2 weeks was miserable, since I have no furniture at the moment. I literally am sleeping on the floor. I asked for a refund of my deposit. I would go buy a western bed for less and be okay with it somehow. Finally, I talked to Arlene, and she explained about o-bon festival. I understood. I'm Japanese. I know about the preparations and the distractions. She apologized and I accepted. When she talked to the company, by some miracle, they said that they could probably ship the two pieces by Friday (this is Tuesday) and the store would probably receive them by Wednesday. That actually seems about the time frame I initially expected. I hope it's true. read more

This is the best example of old japantown that you'll be able to find and also one of the more traditional fashion shops in the area. Parking is street only but in japantown that just means you might be block ish away instead of right in front of wherever you are going. If needs must there is a city owned lot over by jackson and sixth. This is a large store with a hundred plus year old history of serving the community. As such it has quite the range of stock. While they do sell bolts of cloth-including silk-they will also custom make shirts and kimonos to order or to fit. They also have a range of the better sort of gifts-not a lot of cheap ticky tacky, more traditional cultural items (if you are into calligraphy this place has you covered), Aikido , Kendo or other japanese martial art rigs, japanese language books and materials (if you were wanting to learn more about japan this wouldn't be a bad place to start) and a whole lot more. The counter in back is kind of a tribute to the family's history, and is totally worth a look. If it's open, the owner is in so if you have a complaint or something to say bear in mind that it might not be a clerk you are mouthing off to, and even if it is the owner is right within hearing distance. Also if you made a purchase they'll prolly remember you. Pricing especially for the clothing can be higher than elsewhere but hey you are getting a kimono custom made to order . Taking that into consideration it's cheap really. Other items range all over the map price wise, it just depends on what you are looking for and what's on sale at the moment. Bargains can be had from time to time and it's always worth a look. read more

Very cool stuff w/ lots of nifty things I wanted to buy a gi, just to play around w/. Unfortunately my gf said no. Oh wells, I'll play karate when I'm older read more

Impressive! I stopped in not too many days before Christmas and during my last trip to San Jose. This was one of the few times that I came to the Japantown area. I was so pleased that this store was open during this visit. I'd passed by a number of other times but it didn't appear open. That's OK. I was just looking forward to visiting. So this was awesome. I walked in and wasn't sure what to expect. The only store that I'd been to that had the word "Bussan" in it was in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles. It was a store full of all kinds of Japanese items: tea cups, tea pots, ornaments, paper lanterns, shades, utensils, books, paintings, porcelain dolls, various ceramics, small children's toys, some Obon festive decorations, music, etc. So, I wasn't sure if that was what I was going to see at this store. I saw that but also a lot more that wasn't at the Los Angeles store. I found kimonos, gi's, other traditional wear, and home goods. I was so impressed. I wish I could have taken a kimono with me but there was no way that I could pack it or afford it on this trip. The last kimono that I received was one that was gifted to me from my Bachan, grandmother. It was made of Japanese silk and has such a colorful pattern on it. I wish I could find something like that in an adult size but in my size and length, I guess it's just assumed that I'd be an adult and would be married already. So, you won't find things that are as colorful and fun. Still, their items were beautiful and I wish I could create my bedroom with their futons and what not. I wished my Mom was with me to see this shop. She would have loved it as much as me. read more

This was probably the best little shop we found in Japantown. They have a huge assortment of very authentic items. I won't go to into detail and do the disservice of spelling everything wrong or not knowing what everything is called. The two women working the counter were incredibly friendly. They were having a small problem with the cash register (authentic old fashioned cash register) but they were handling it like champs and it did not affect our transaction at all. They even took the time to strike up a bit of friendly conversation! A++++ for this place because of authenticity, selection and customer service! read more

NBB was San Jose Japantown's first department store. It was great because it specifically served the Japanese-American community before and after the turbulent years around WWII. Today, it still does, but has a wider range of patrons which is great. It has everything from martial arts equipment, to dishes, art, toys, real Japanese futons, and more. It has a nice neighborhood feel to it. I remember when I was a kid, we used to go and get our rubber ninja stars there. To me, it's very nostalgic. It's still a family run establishment, so the people are really friendly and can help you find anything you are looking for. They can even special order stuff for you. read more

This is a great place, in San Jose's beautiful Japantown, for your Japanese traditional wear and Japanese karate needs. I came here for a visit with a friend of mine for yukata and kimono shopping. The clothing is pretty pricey but it's appropriate for the high-quality designs. The yukatas I wanted ranges from $60-$80+ so I wasn't able to purchase anything during my time there. If I save enough money, then I'd just buy one to wear when I'm out with my Japanese boyfriend. Despite the pricey clothing, it was just nice walking around and looking at the place. They have a mini-museum, containing old photos of Nichi Bei Bussan locations (such as one in San Francisco in the old days) as well as newpaper clippings, which tells a brief history of the story as well as the development of San Jose's Japantown. If you're in Japantown, then I suggest you guys pay these guys a visit and check out their beautiful clothing. read more

Cool store and super friendly staff! They have affordable karate uniforms and other martial arts thingies, as well as books and material and tchotchkes and all kinds of stuff I would really like to spend money on! The ladies there took care with my son to be sure he had a gi that fit properly for the martial art he is studying, they didn't just sell him the first thing that looked like it fit okay. I really appreciate considerate, caring customer service like that. I'll be back for my yukata next spring! read more

I love coming here, even if it 's just to browse. You can get fabrics by the yard here. There is also martial arts gear here, you can buy staffs, escrima sticks and I believe also gi's but I can't recall. Will update my review in the future with more details. #392 read more

This is a great place to pick up yards of lovely fabric in Asian motif prints. I just picked up a few yards of a pretty Hawaiian Trendtex cotton yesterday. The people who work there are very friendly. The woman told me about the Obon festival. Unfortunately I just missed it but I will check it out next year. She told me that you can learn the dance steps at the annex near the temple before the festival. The guy who cut the fabric for me was very courteous and careful not to damage it while cutting. I think this is a family owned business. I'm not against big corporations but I think it's nice to support local businesses. They usually carry special items you can't find easily at larger stores. They also have a nice selection of beautiful Japanese housewares that would make nice gifts. Some are very pricey but some are affordable. I wouldn't worry about the carcinogen warning sign that Rachel R. pointed out. Many stores that carry crystal, pottery, and even electronics will have the Prop 65 warning sign. This warning is required even when the risk is minimal. Sometimes a product is free of carcinogens, as far as the manufacturer knows, but they can't make a guarantee for a vendor they used for a part of the product. read more

I've been visiting this place since I was a child at least once a year, to check out the latest Obon items (kimonos, fans, etc.). It's always been a neat place to go to, and while things can get pretty pricey, a lot of the items cannot be found at many other stores. They have a little kids section with some simple toys and playthings, but nothing technologically advanced or anything like that. It's entertaining enough, but it's certainly not the place where you want to let your kid wander around in without your supervision. They also have a wide variety of books, fabrics, collectibles, and clothing. The customer service has always been fairly decent. The only problem I ever had was when I went in with a friend, and being fairly young, I guess the young cashier guy didn't think I was actually going to buy anything. I walked in with the intent to purchase a new folding fan (about 75-80 dollars) and when I asked to see one, he was like, "Oh, these are really expensive," before he took it out. It was just sort of rude, but I bought the fan none the less. If you're coming to purchase stuff for an Obon festival, come early in the year, say like around April-June to be safe. If you wait until July or August, when a lot of Obon festivals take place, things are really picked over already and the selection you are left with can be very limited. I'll likely continue to shop here. read more

Best store in Japan town EVER! Lots of cool stuff. I came here looking for a judo gi, and I fond everything else here too. The staff is super friendly, if you don't find what you're looking for, tell them and they WILL help you out. Amazing, and I didn't get attitude like I was bothering them, but instead got the store manager to make a special order just for me. Then ended up talking to her for like 40 minutes after about older Asian quality and craftsmanship. This is a MUST SEE kind of place, nothing I say can prepare for what you will encounter here. Every time I try to leave this place I get stuck looking or taking about another great product of their's. Love this place! read more

In SJ Japantown, had to find Obon dance accessories quickly like kachi kachi's and a sensu, folding fan. Not a large selection but did find them. Also have martial arts equipments, getas and zoris (wooden and brocade flip flops), kimonos and some beautiful kimono material/fabric to make kimonos, but more rayon then silk, also cotton for ukatas. Some cute japanese gift items also. Has their own parking lot. read more

nichi bei is a great and convenient store for kimonos, but their style is very old...like 90s to early 2000s old. some are also handmade and donated by several seniors from yu ai kai too! I love this store because of the traditional kid toys, kitchen ware, fabric and how to books etc. they sell. highly recommended if you're looking for kimono/yukata at a somewhat cheap price :) If you want something more modern look up yukata kimono market sakura online. read more

This store has a very nice variety of fabric! There are a lot of Japanese base items sold here. These items range from the little rectangle slippers to nun-chucks. The store is decorated all over. I believe there is a martial arts class here. Many types of martial arts books are sold here as well. read more

nichi bei bussan carries exotic and/or esoteric artififacts from japan as well as interesting items regarding japanese culture. they don't carry items you can easily find in a daiso or a supermarket (food, snacks, cheap knock-offs). highlights: an overview: -martial arts books, equipment, and magazines -japanese clothing (kimino, fans, socks) -japanese ceramics (tea pots, dishes, sake sets) -books, utensils on/for japanese cooking, culture -etc. buy: -sustainable sushi:a guide to saving the oceans one bite at a time(15.95) temaki: -some stuff may seem pricey but the items are genuinely japan made, not made in china (by child labor?) -had free rein to browser, no hassles..... read more

I'm still considering returning to this store to find a cute little happi-coat for one of my gf's daughter who seems to have an early interest for origami and the Japanese arts. This store has some really unique gifts, and some really cool reference books on Asian culture. read more

I needed a Kimono for a party and Yelp recommended this place. The staff was very nice and extremely helpful, including the owner. She showed me how to wear the Kimono and how to tie the Obi. Their stuff is relatively affordable depending on the quality that you want. If you want good quality, obviously it will cost you more. Anything you want that relates to Japanese culture, you will find it here. I'm glad that I found this place and very content with my first Kimono purchased. read more

If you have ever had a yen to visit Japan or be immersed in Japanese cultural beauty, run to this store. I am transported to Japan every time I go, and I go there a lot, almost every holiday, for any occasion requiring a gift, for THE most beautiful cards in San Jose, for lovely artifacts for home or office - or just go and browse. It is always a lovely experience. Karita Hummer read more

Great place! I sumo wrestler and I came in here to get a kimono. It fits perfectly and I love the sleeve pockets! I can keep my money keys and phone in there no problem. I also bought my judo gi here many years ago. The staff is extremely warm and friendly as well. Best place in Japantown. read more

This store has been in Japantown since the beginning of time, I believe. They carry martial arts goods, kimonos, happi coats, fans, hair decor, fabric, books, pillows, origami paper, etc...I went there as a kid and take my kids there. Its a weird time warp thing. I miss the owner Dave and seeing the different dogs he had over the years. They still have a resident family dog on site. this is a great family owned and run Japantown institution. read more

This place has a lot of authenticated things from Japan. I got these really cool socks that separate my big toe and keep my other toes together. They also have really great literature, can't wait to go back to see what they have in stock next. read more

Cute little Japanese shop at the outskirts of San Jose Japantown. Prices are...well, typical high Japanese prices. :P Lots of various trinkets and great stuff to outfit your house with, or give as gifts. read more