As one of the most vibrant and historic neighborhoods in San Jose, Japantown is well known for having a distinct character and personality. The art of the area aims to preserve this rich history.

The Japantown Artwalk will take place Aug. 12 from 6pm-10pm, and admission is free. Local shops and restaurants will stay open late to accommodate attendees. As popular as the art is, the food attracts a fair share of visitors to the neighborhood, too. And with good reason. Restaurants range from traditional Japanese food to Ethiopian and Hawaiian fare.

Japantown has a fair number of art galleries spread across the neighborhood, all specializing in different mediums. Just a couple interesting places to visit include: glassblowing studio Wonderworks and Infuse Glass Studio, which in addition to selling glass pieces also offers classes and workshops. There are also many galleries with in house artist like James William Moore Photography and John Barrick.

Outside of the galleries, art work can be easily found thanks to the Japantown Mural Project. The entire area has become a canvas for both local and famous artist alike. So far, 50 local artists have transformed barren walls into a celebration of history and culture. A few of these impressive works can be found on Sixth and Jackson Streets in the heart of Japantown.

Unable to make the trip? A collection of artists and their works are featured here.