When people think of Paris, France, they often picture the Eiffel Tower sparkling at night, romantic strolls along the Seine, and the delicate flavor of a crêpe eaten beneath the gaze of Haussmannian buildings. Yet tucked away in the 1st arrondissement, steps from the glitzy Opéra Garnier, lies a different side of Paris, one filled with steaming bowls of ramen, cute manga shops, and the sweet scent of matcha-flavored everything. Welcome to Little Tokyo, Paris’s unofficial Japanese quarter, where the rising sun meets la belle vie.
Wait, Paris Has a Little Tokyo?
Yes, and it is absolutely glorious.
Although it may not be officially designated as a neighborhood on city maps, Parisians and visitors refer to the area around Rue Sainte-Anne and its neighboring streets, such as Rue des Petits-Champs, Rue de Richelieu, and Rue Thérèse, as Little Tokyo. It’s the beating heart of Japanese culture in Paris, with influences of Korean and Chinese culture. While this area is compact, what it lacks in size is made up for in personality and delicious eateries.
Little Tokyo has been slowly growing since the 1980s and 1990s, when Japanese restaurants and businesses began to inhabit the Rue Saint-Anne area, which had become vacant when the existing businesses relocated to the Marais. Over the decades, restaurants, bookstores, and specialty shops began to spring up, serving the growing Asian community and the Parisians who couldn’t get enough of Japanese cuisine and culture. Today, it’s a bustling district beloved by locals and tourists alike.
It All Starts with the Food
The primary reason most people visit Little Tokyo is the incredible food. Rue Sainte-Anne is lined with an impressive array of Japanese eateries, from humble canteens to sleek, modern izakayas. This street might be only a few hundred meters long, but it packs more umami than an entire arrondissement.
Ramen reigns supreme here. Locals know to expect a line outside Higuma, one of the original spots serving classic Tokyo-style ramen with steaming broth and perfectly chewy noodles. Just over on rue Richelieu, Kodawari Ramen (Tsukiji), styled like an old Tokyo back alley complete with fake utility wires and flickering signage, offers a theatrical experience with its rich, silky tonkotsu broth. Another crowd favorite is Sapporo, famous for its delicious ramen, Japanese curry, and large tempura prawns. Although the TripAdvisor rating is average, we thoroughly enjoyed our meals at Sapporo.
For sushi aficionados, Juji-Ya is a tiny and beloved restaurant known for its affordable and authentic bento boxes. For something a bit more upscale, Aki delivers ultra-fresh sushi and sashimi with impeccable style. The Aki enterprise also has several boulangeries, which are very addictive. We recommend their Yuzu Cornet and Melon Buns.
For fresh onigiri, try Omusubi Gonbei located just off Rue Sainte-Anne at 27 Rue des Petits Champs. This bustling onigiri-focused to-go establishment offers a variety of traditional and unique fillings, from tuna and mayo to tomato and olive. Expect to stand in line, which fortunately moves quickly.
Stop by K-Mart (yes, same name as the American big box store, but completely different), a well-stocked Korean and Japanese grocery store where you can find everything from Hello Kitty cookies to kimchi-flavored ramen to hard-to-find soy sauces. Upstairs, their home goods section sells origami paper, rice cookers, and tea sets so kawaii they practically beg to be Instagrammed.
A Diverse and Ever-Changing Neighborhood
Though dubbed Little Tokyo, the district has never been exclusively Japanese. Over time, Korean restaurants and Chinese shops have become an integral part of the neighborhood’s cultural fabric. It’s not unusual to find a Korean barbecue spot next to a sushi counter, across from a bubble tea stand operated by young Taiwanese baristas. This fusion of East Asian cultures gives the area a vibrant, layered character that keeps things culturally rich and exciting.
You’ll also notice how seamlessly the neighborhood blends with its Parisian surroundings. Haussmann buildings host tiny ramen joints. A classic French boulangerie selling macarons might be right next to a shop selling rice cookers. Locals casually chat in French while slurping soba noodles. It’s a beautiful cultural blending, where both identities are respected and celebrated.
When to Visit
Little Tokyo is lively year-round, but certain seasons add an extra layer of magic. Spring is perfect for sipping matcha while enjoying the cherry blossoms blooming in the nearby Palais Royal gardens. Autumn’s crisp Parisian days call for comfort food, and nothing beats a bowl of hot miso soup and a cup of hot green tea.
Lunchtimes and dinnertimes are always packed in Little Tokyo, so consider trying a late lunch or early dinner to avoid the queues. Weekends are great for wandering, but be prepared for longer lines and increased tourist traffic.
Even when it’s crowded, there’s something comforting and beautiful about the buzz, like a noodle-scented heartbeat keeping time with the city.
Tips for First-Timers in Little Tokyo
- CCs and Cash- At some small establishments, cash is still king, so bring euros just in case.
- Patience is a Virtue - Many restaurants don’t take reservations and have limited seating, so expect lines. Rest assured, they move relatively quickly.
- Wander - Don’t just stick to the main street, Rue Sainte-Anne. Peek down alleyways and side streets where you’ll often find hidden gems.
- Respect – Little Tokyo is a cultural enclave, not a theme park. Take photos (please ask permission before taking pictures in businesses), enjoy yourself, but be mindful of your surroundings and noise levels.
- Don’t Skip the Parc - Walk through the Palais Royal. Just a few blocks over is the Jardin du Palais Royal. It’s a great space to walk through, but also a park perfect for enjoying your Japanese takeaway in a serene natural setting.
Final Thoughts: East Meets Ouest
In a city known for French haute cuisine and crepes, Little Tokyo offers something both refreshingly different and comfortingly familiar. It’s where you can eat ramen so good it makes you cry, then walk five minutes to eat a fresh macaron and shed another tear.
Little Tokyo is not a gimmicky tourist trap. It’s a living, breathing part of Paris, a testament to how cultures collide, mix, and make magic together. Whether you’re a lifelong anime fan, a sushi purist, or just someone looking for a warm, delicious meal in a welcoming place, Little Tokyo is waiting for you with open arms, a warm bowl, and maybe a bottle of sake.
So next time you're in Paris, take a break from the Louvre, skip the fancy brasserie, and follow the scent of soy and sesame. Japan is just a Metro stop away in Paris.
