Japanese American Museum of San Jose

"Great little museum. The docents did a great job of showing us around and were very knowledgeable. It really added a whole other dimension that they were sansei (3rd generation Japanese immigrants) and spoke about their family experience in internment camps. It was a very emotional visit for me."

"Great historical museum! It's a moderate size facility with a vast amount of information and authentic displays of American Japanese history. There's a lot to see here so plan accordingly. Docent tours are also available. Beautifully and honorably done!"

"Clean and nearby JapanTown. The ticket menu says “Military Family Members Free” but should say “Active Duty Military: Free” since only the service member is admitted free, not their family members. Lost a star because of this. Aside from that, the museum is clean, items well described, and well organized. Excellent barracks display and farm equipment display. Heavy emphasis on FDR’s unconstitutional internment of US citizens following the “sneak” attack on Pearl Harbor. They showed case studies of three honorable US citizens of Japanese descent who filed lawsuits but lost their court cases because the FBI hid crucial evidence that they exhibited zero risk to the security of country prior to their internment. Politicians and the media should be doing all they can to prevent any U.S. citizen from being victims of this type of government conduct today."

"I had the wonderful opportunity to come to the museum as a school chaperone. I have been to the Anne Frank house in Amsterdam, but I didn't realize we had a local gem. I would put this on a list of "must visits" for anyone wanting to delve into WW2 history. We were able to see a replica of an internment camp home with real items in it. The docents were wonderful with the children. I think my husband was very curious and wants to make a return visit with us. Of course, a meal at a nearby local Japanese restaurant would make the trip complete."

"This museum is located in Japantown San Mateo. There’s street parking and they have a small parking lot. Tickets are $8 for adults and you are given a brochure and a map. Although the museum is small, it contains a lot of information and artifacts and explains the history of Japanese American in America. In the back, they have farm equipments and household items. It’s a very interesting and informative museum, check it out if you’re near Japan town!"