Santa Barbara's Old Japantown Plaque: A Tribute to Resilience
Discover the poignant history of Santa Barbara's Old Japantown, a vibrant community erased by time and injustice, now remembered by a simple plaque.
The Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque marks the location of Nihonmachi, a once-thriving community of Japanese immigrants established in the early 20th century. Nestled in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this plaque serves as a poignant reminder of the vibrant cultural center that existed from 1910 to 1942. Despite facing adversity, including a devastating earthquake in 1925 and the forced internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, the spirit of Nihonmachi persevered. Today, the plaque stands as a testament to the resilience, contributions, and enduring legacy of Santa Barbara's Japanese community, inviting visitors to reflect on a significant chapter in the city's history. It is located near El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park, offering a glimpse into the diverse cultural tapestry of the area. Visiting this plaque provides a moment of reflection and education, connecting visitors to a vital part of Santa Barbara's past.
A brief summary to Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque
- 117 E Canon Perdido St, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara Downtown, California, 93101, US
Local tips
- Combine your visit with a tour of El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park to understand the broader historical context of the area.
- Visit the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation to access archives and exhibits related to Santa Barbara's Japanese community.
- Reflect on the history of Japanese American internment and its impact on communities like Santa Barbara's Nihonmachi.
- Consider visiting the Buddhist Church and the Bethany Congregational Church, where Japanese American families continue to gather and maintain community ties.
Getting There
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Walking
The Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque is located at 117 E Canon Perdido St, in downtown Santa Barbara. From State Street, walk east on Canon Perdido Street. The plaque is located on the north side of the street, near El Presidio de Santa Bárbara State Historic Park. The walk is short and straightforward, approximately 5-10 minutes from most points in the downtown area.
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Public Transport
The Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) has several bus routes that stop near the plaque. Check the MTD website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. Several bus lines stop within a few blocks of the plaque on Canon Perdido Street. A one-way fare is around $1.75.
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Driving
If driving, navigate to the intersection of Canon Perdido Street and Anacapa Street. There is street parking available, but it can be limited, especially during peak tourist season. There are also several parking lots in the vicinity, including City Lot #9 (Anacapa St. & Canon Perdido St.) and the parking lot at 115 E Canon Perdido Street, operated by Santa Barbara Valet, Inc. Street parking is typically time-limited (75-90 minutes) and metered, costing around $2.50 per hour. Parking in City Lot #9 costs $1.50 per hour after the first 75 minutes (free). The parking lot at 115 E Canon Perdido charges hourly rates, payable through the paybyphone.com app.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxi and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Santa Barbara. A short ride from the Amtrak station or the waterfront area to the plaque will typically cost between $8 and $15, depending on traffic and demand.
Discover more about Santa Barbara Old Japantown Plaque
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