Kobo at Higo : 604 South Jackson Street

Kobo (Japanese for “artist’s workplace”) is dedicated to showcasing artists and artisans from both Japan and the Northwest. Occupying the space of the former Higo General Store, it’s a spacious gallery housing beautifully curated contemporary art and craft. Frequent artist meet-and-greets ensure that the doors here are always open to something new. Stop here to admire the current exhibit, or peruse their book and gift section for unique Japantown souvenirs.
http://www.koboseattle.com

Momo : 600 South Jackson Street

A self-proclaimed “hapa” (Hawaiian for “Eurasian”) shop, Momo is filled with treasures old and new from all corners of the globe and with a distinct nod to Japanese aesthetics. Part clothing boutique and part consignment store, here you’ll find authentic French sailor shirts, Japanese tabi socks, locally made soaps, vintage jewelry and everything in between. Ask about the Spam collection behind the corner and you won’t be disappointed.
http://www.momoseattle.com/

Kaname Izakaya and Shochu Bar:610 South Jackson Street

Kaname Izakaya and Shochu Bar is a warm, cozy izakaya and shochu bar specializing in Japanese favorites. Their famous happy hour is a great way to try their vast selection of shochu cocktails and appetizers for small prices.Try their made-from-scratch ramen (available daily in limited quantities) with a side of gyoza, fresh sushi, or donburi heaped with meat and vegetables.
http://www.kaname-izakaya.com/

Historic Panama Hotel and Cafe: 6650 ½ South Main Street

Built in 1910, the Panama served as home for generations of Japanese immigrants and international travelers. Now a modern bed and breakfast with a charming and beautifully decorated coffee and tea shop in its lobby, it stands as a community meeting place and monument to Nihonmachi. The Panama continues to draw tourists from around the world eager to experience a part of history; the basement houses one of the few remaining sento  (traditional Japanese baths) in America, preserved since its closure in 1950 and available for viewing by tour (see page 21 for more).
http://panamahotelseattle.com/

Cullom Gallery : 603 South Main Street
Recently moved from nearby Pioneer Square, Cullom Gallery specializes in prints from the ukiyo-e masters of the 18th and 19th century, sosaku hanga and shin hanga  prints from Japan’s modern age, and contemporary prints by Japanese and non-Japanese artists who draw inspiration from traditional techniques. A welcomed newcomer to Nihonmachi, the gallery also offers print consignment, appraisal and consulting services.

Fuji Sushi : 520 South Main Street

Arguably one of Seattle’s lesser known sushi gems, Fuji artfully prepares sushi the way it was meant to be enjoyed: fresh, simple and flown in right from Tokyo. For dinner, try the bento special catered to your own taste with dozens of possible combinations.

Maneki : 304 6th Avenue South
As the longest consistently run restaurant in Seattle, Maneki has been serving Japanese favorites in a family-friendly atmosphere since 1904. While you’re waiting for your table, head to the bar and sample from the full food menu to get your appetite going

Tsukushinbo: 515 South Main Street
Nestled on a quiet block on the edge of Japantown is Tsukushinbo, a local favorite for Japanese homestyle cooking. There are no fancy sushi rolls or pretentious dishes here — just the freshest ingredients prepared with lots of soul. Their rotating daily lunch specials are hearty and filling while easy on the wallet. Dinnertime showcases a wide variety of sushi, noodles and more.

Uwajimaya : 600 5th Avenue South
A Seattle tourist attraction in its own right, Uwajimaya is the oldest and largest Asian grocery and gift chain in the Pacific Northwest with four locations in western Washington and Oregon. Stop by the Seattle flagship for nearly anything, from fish cakes to fine lacquerware. Stop by their deli and sprawling food court for your choice of cuisine representative of East Asia, or head to the seafood section for fresh fare that rivals Pike Place Market.

Kinokuniya: 525 South Weller Street
Anchoring Uwajimaya’s northeast corner, Kinokuniya Bookstore is jam-packed with Japanese and Chinese books, magazines, movies and music. The real finds here are the store’s well-curated section of English books on Japanese and Asian art and culture, the large section of Asian American literature, and a great selection of Asian fiction in translation. You can also get your kawaii fix with imported stationery and toys featuring Japan’s cute aesthetic.

Maekawa:  601 South King Street, Suite 206

Stop by this izakaya (Japanese pub) for a cold beer and the longest menu of small plates in town. You’ll find staples such as gyoza, fried rice and noodle bowls, but Maekawa’s specialties such as taro croquettes, kimchi fried squid and beef tongue really set it apart from the rest.

Fort St. George:  601 South King Street, #202
Just across the hall from Maekawa, sister restaurant and bar Fort St. George serves up hearty Japanese comfort food such as creamy omelets filled with ketchup rice, heaping plates of Japanese style curry and mounds of garlic fried potatoes. It has a full bar and some quite creative cocktails.

Ming’s Asian Gallery: 519 6th Avenue South

Seattle’s go-to source for fine Japanese antiques since 1966, Ming’s specializes in all kinds of Asian art spanning twelve countries over thousands of years. Located in the original location of Uwajimaya, their showroom is open to the public and houses treasures such as unique knick-knacks, fine furniture, sculpture, bronzes, porcelain, and textiles from Japan and beyond. Ming’s knowledgeable and dedicated staff takes several buying trips a year, bringing back one-of-a-kind finds. They also offer appraisal and design services and feature an ever-rotating array of special exhibits.

Pink Gorilla: 601 South King Street, First Floor
Pink Gorilla is the physical manifestation of every video gamer’s dream. Chock full of new and used, domestic and Japanese, and imported and retro games, gaming consoles and toys, it’s a spot not to be missed for its fluffy pink décor alone.

Nikkei Manor: 601 South King Street, First Floor
Nikkei Manor is an assisted living facility run by Nikkei Concerns, a nonprofit organization dedicated to elderly care. Nikkei Concerns has been a pillar of the Japanese American community in Seattle ever since it was founded 35 years ago..

Daiso: 610 5th Ave S.
Daiso, Japan’s most famous ¥100 store, is filled to the brim with goodies imported straight from Japan starting at only $1.50. From chopsticks and teacups to stationery and slippers, this authentic Japanese home-goods outlet is a must-see for its wide array of cute, practical and unique finds for everyday life.

Read an article "Signs of a Resurgence in Japantown" By Bruce Rutledge