7 Terrific Things To Do In Little Tokyo, Manhattan

We’re not denying you can find delicious Japanese fare all over NYC, but what you may not know is that Manhattan’s East Village is home to probably the closest NYC comes to having its own Little Tokyo neighborhood.

Little Tokyo is roughly enclosed by East 10th and St. Marks Place between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, and contains many gems filled with Japanese groceries, snacks, prepared food, teahouses, gift shops, and more. Plus, there’s even karaoke!

Here are some of the best things to do in Little Tokyo, Manhattan:

1. Grab a tea at Cha-An BONBON

Serving Japanese teas and desserts since 2004, Cha-An BONBON is a tucked haven and perfect for lovers of tea and Japanese treats. Resembling a little piece of Japan with its wooden tables, tatami benches, and washi-paper lamps, Cha-An features not only matcha and senchas from Japan, but an extensive list of teas from all over the world as well.

Cha-An also specializes in desserts, and while some are traditionally Japanese, they also blend the tastes of Japan with sweets of the West.

238A E. 9th St.

2. Pick up a little treat at T-swirl Crêpe

T-swirl Crêpe began thousands of miles away on the shores of Japan where they perfected their 100% gluten free rice flour batter before bringing it to the U.S.–and we couldn’t be happier that they did! Whether you’re a sweet or savory person you can’t go wrong with any of there crêpes (though in our opinion you can’t go wrong with the strawberry Nutella option!)

19 St Marks Pl.

3. Pair a fruity drink with a Banh Mi at N25 Nitro Tea

N25 Nitro Tea is actually a collaboration between them and My’s Banh Mi. So that means not only can you order a deliciously refreshing drink, such as the Passion Fruit Nitro Fruffee, you can also pair it with a Banh Mi! And that sounds to us like the perfect lunch.

27 St Marks Pl.

4. Dig into Japanese hot pot at Kimura

Kimura is a Japanese restaurant specializing in motsunabe–a traditional Japanese hotpot composed of a rich broth made of beef or pork intestines. Hotpot isn’t the only thing you can dig into here, though. Kimura also serves sushi, a wide selection of Japanese beer and sake, and traditional Japanese snacks.

31 St Marks Pl.

5. Head underground to sip on sake at Sake Bar Decibel

Sake Bar Decibel is an underground sake bar offering a large list of varietals along with Japanese snacks such as takoyaki, ebi shumai, and kurobuta sausage. They host happy hour from 6 – 7 pm during which time they offer $6 Sapporos, $8-9 cocktails, $38 lychee martini pitchers, and discounted sake!

240 E 9th St.

 6. Peruse the beloved Asian grocery chain H Mart

Beloved Asian grocery chain H Mart has several locations sprinkled around NYC, and one of them is in Little Tokyo! Head here to peruse a broad variety of Asian groceries, everyday essential needs, and upscale products.

39 3rd Ave.

7. Belt out your favorite songs at Sing Sing

Sing Sing exudes grungy, dive bar vibes but we can’t deny it’s a damn fun karaoke spot. You don’t need to book a private room to sing though you can if you tend to get stage fright–though in our *expert* karaoke opinion the drinks will loosen you right up in no time! This is the spot to show up, order a sake bomb, and start belting your pretty little lungs out.

9 St. Marks Pl.

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