Guide to Chinatown-International District, Seattle

The historic building houses an in-situ exhibit of the general store that once occupied it and tickets include tours of the hotel over top, as this museum aims to tell the story of the people who crossed an ocean to build their lives in this neighborhood. The many exhibits cover various aspects of life as an immigrant from Asia and the Pacific Islands or descendant of one, including the philosophy of Bruce Lee, traditional crafts, and intersectional activism. But the museum also considers the entire area part of its collection, with tours that highlight the neighborhood’s unique features and represent its history.

This tiny pathway at 6th and Maynard highlights both the Japantown that flourished here before World War II and the few shops that still carry on that legacy. The lanterns overhead and art along the sides serve a dual purpose of making the alley a more pleasant place to walk and remembering its history. Murals by local Japanese artists depict four businesses that survived the deportation of the community, and a fence depicts the ebb and flow of the neighborhood’s Japanese population from the first immigrants in the early 20th century. Across the alley, a photo exhibit pays tribute to those taken forcefully from their homes during World War II.

The main reason most locals come to the Chinatown-International District is to eat, and it’s hard to go wrong. Maneki serves old-school Japanese food and sushi with old-fashioned hospitality in Japantown, while Hood Famous Café and Bar serve modern interpretations of Filipino flavors, like their signature ube cheesecake and calamansi espresso tonic. Vietnamese coffee gets a similar treatment at Phin, with house-made condensed milk and pandan waffles, while Thanh Son Tofu and Bakery puts their own products into some of the city’s best Vietnamese sandwiches. Taste a continent’s worth of noodles with Pho Bac Sup Shop’s signature short rib pho, the handmade noodles at Sichuanese Cuisine, and the curative soups at Mike’s Noodle House, or join the crowds in line for dim sum at Harbor City and hot pot at Chengdu Memory.

Groceries don’t often top the list of what tourists want to buy, but Uwajimaya, the sprawling Japanese grocery store that anchors the neighborhood, deserves a visit. The food, including locally made Asian delicacies and live local seafood tanks, is amazing, but they also have a big selection of Asian housewares and beauty supplies. The attached outlet of Japanese book chain Kinokuniya carries a wide selection of books by Asian and Asian American authors and some small gift items.

Kobo at Higo carries more gifts, including a wide selection of art, souvenirs, books, and clothes, mostly by Northwest and Japanese artists. Next door, Sairen similarly focuses on Northwest, Hawaiian, and Asian creators to stock its shelves with trendy clothes, toys, housewares, and more.

There are only two options for travelers wishing to stay in the Chinatown-International District, both of which are aimed at budget travelers that care most about finding an affordable bed. The better of the two options is the HI Seattle at the American, a classic hostel run through Hostelling International. The bare bones facility offers shared and private rooms but furnished with only the basics – bed, bedding, and a locker – though guests can use the shared community living, dining, and kitchen areas.

Everyone who visits Seattle should come to the Chinatown-International District for a meal, at minimum, and ideally for a walk through the neighborhood and stop at the Wing Luke. But only the most budget-conscious travelers should actually stay in the neighborhood, as the hotels here cater to that audience.