Opened in 1978, Japanese Village Plaza was a community effort meant to assist in the revitalization of the neighborhood after a period of decay. Since its inception the mall has brimmed with shops and eateries—most of them small business owners—though a few local chains have joined the ranks. While shopping is a must at this outdoor mall, don’t leave the cherry blossom lined area, without sampling a few street snacks. Join the constant line at the Mitsuru Café’s sidewalk window for a taste of imagawayki (freshly griddled red bean cakes), takoyaki (meaty dumplings on skewers) or mitarashi dango (rice flour dumplings). Across the way at Mikawaya, there’s freshly made mochi for sale—small, handheld rounds of ice cream or gelato wrapped in chewy, pounded rice cake. After filling up on sweet treats, head out for a day of shopping alongside the iconic yagura (tower) and wood-accented buildings inspired by architecture common in rural villages in Japan.
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