Little Tokyo Dusseldorf: Restaurants, Shops & Things to Do

So you want to explore Little Tokyo, one of Düsseldorf's vibrant ethnic enclaves! Whether you love sushi or enjoy manga, there is a lot to see, do and eat in this neighborhood.

Consider this your essential guide to one of Düsseldorf's liveliest, most flavorful, and exciting quarters.

👇Scroll down to discover Little Tokyo now!

Discovering "Little Tokyo on the Rhine"

History of Düsseldorf's Japanese Quarter

Today, Düsseldorf is home to Europe's third-largest Japanese community.

It all started in the 1950s when a wave of Japanese expats, primarily businessmen, made Immermannstraße their home – drawn by the growing economic ties between Japan and Düsseldorf.

What evolved over the years is now affectionately known as "Little Tokyo on the Rhine", an eclectic enclave offering a slice of Japanese life within this German city.

Wandering along streets lined with Japanese restaurants, Asian grocery shops, and signs in Katakana makes me feel like I'm really in Tokyo whenever I'm here.

Things to do in Little Tokyo Dusseldorf

Tea Tasting at ANMO Art/Cha

Half teashop, half art gallery. Founded by a Japanese tea enthusiasts, ANMO is considered the best in Düsseldorf, offering a carefully-curated selection of teas from Japan and China. 

We arranged a private tea session at the store with some friends, and as we sipped our tea, we shared cookies and discussed tea culture with our host for hours.

But ANMO doesn't just stop at tea; the shop displays a collection of old and new handmade ceramics, kimonos, and tea ware. Prices here might be a tad eye-watering for some who are used to buying discounted tea bags, but the age-old adage applies here; you get what you pay for.

📍Bendemannstraße 18, Charlottenstraße 79, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Slurp Ramen at Takumi

Immermannstraße is bustling with ramen joints in "Little Tokyo". It's hard to pick just one, but Takumi seems to be the most popular (depending on who you ask!)

In this small restaurant, the open kitchen fills the air with the umami smell of miso and deep-fried somethings – tempting one to order waaaay more food than one can normally stomach. Seated at the counter, we had a front-row view of the chef in action.

I opted for the Surf-Turf, a mouth-watering ramen combo with a marinated egg, prawns, and crispy Karaage (Japanese fried chicken). I fell in love. Chicken was seasoned perfectly and served hot and fresh.

Wash all of it down with Kirin beer on tap or hot green tea. We loved our experience so much, we went back for more the next day!

TIP: Get there right when they open at 11:45 AM to beat the crowd.

📍Immermannstraße 28, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Munch on "Melon Bread"

Just a few doors down from Takumi is Bakery Taka, run by elderly Japanese couple, famous for their amazing melon pan.

Also known as "melon bread", this sweet bread doesn't actually taste like melon; the name comes from its cute appearance, shaped like a melon. And it tastes fantastic, with a combination of a crispy, sweet outer crust and an incredibly soft and fluffy inside.

But you'll have to hurry, because by late morning they're usually already sold out!

Other breads to try are their anpan (red bean bread), lemon-melon pan, matcha-melon pan, and even the pumpkin anpan.

📍Immermannstraße 36, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Enjoy An Authentic Sushi Experience

When people think of Japanese food, sushi is one of the first things that come to mind, so of course you must have some sushi when in Little Tokyo. 

Most Japanese restaurants in this slice in Düsseldorf serves sushi – in varying prices and quality. Naniwa Sushi & More seems to strike the perfect balance between affordability and quality.

We stumbled upon this hidden gem of a sushi place by accident. Indeed, it's often overlooked because most people flock to the ramen restaurant across the street instead.

We found the sushi and sashimi served at Naniwa Sushi top-notch and reasonably priced. Watching the chefs prepare the food right in front of us added to the authentic experience.

Of course, if you want a Michelin star experience, there's also the up-scale Yoshi by Nagaya on Kreuzstraße.

📍Naniwa Sushi & More, Klosterstraße 68a, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Shop For Japanese Snacks

When it comes to the world of snacks, Japanese snacks are in a league of their own; from quirky KitKat flavors to wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) and brightly colored candies.

You can shop for these snacks at Japanese supermarkets like Shochiku and Dae-Yang along Immermannstraße.

Not only are they relatively cheap (usually under 3 euros), such snacks are not typically found outside of Japan, making them delightful souvenirs to take home!

📍Shochiku, Immermannstraße 15, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

📍Dae-Yang Asiatische Lebensmittel, Immermannstraße 21, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Geek Out in a Manga Bookstore

When you open the doors to Manga Mafia, it's like stepping into a bookstore in Japan.

The shelves are packed with colorful manga books featuring all kinds of stories – action, magic, shojo (manga for girls), you name it.

The store doesn't just stop at manga either; there are also cool figurines and plushies from popular series like Naruto and Demon Slayer.

For other forms of Japanese literature, you can also stop by Takagi Books on the other end of the street, offering a wide selection of Japanese books, magazines and stationary.

📍Immermannstraße 59, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Bring Home Some Japanese Homeware

Shopping at Kyoto – Japan Art Deco in Düsseldorf is a real treat. From beautiful porcelain bowls to delicate ceramic plates, bentō boxes and tea sets, they have it all.

You'll also find things for Japanese hobbies like Ikebana (flower arrangement), calligraphy, origami, and more.

Some pieces may a bit pricey, but you'll be assured of quality.

📍Immermannstraße 26, 40210 Düsseldorf, Germany

Celebrate Japan Day

Every year, the city celebrates Japan Day, also known as Japan-Tag, a festival that honors the close friendship between Germany and Japan. [1]

On this day, the Rhine becomes a magnet for massive crowds, with hundreds of thousands flocking here.

Although not in Little Tokyo, usually a stage at Burgplatz unfolds with hundreds of performers taking the spotlight.

The rows of stalls on the river promenade offering Japanese culture are a sight to behold too – from calligraphy and manga drawing, to delicious Takoyaki balls – there's no end to things you can do. 

But the highlight of the whole festival has to be the jaw-dropping fireworks show that lights up the sky at night.

Find out the date of Japan-Tag from the official website.

📍40213 Düsseldorf-Stadtbezirk 1, Germany

Have Drinks at a Tachinomi

A tachinomi, or Japanese standing bar, are popular in Japan for being no-fuss, quick and affordable – perfect for a quick drink after work, or cocktails with some side dishes for supper.

The standing bar in the Japanese Quarter, 1oder8, is a fine example. Their Lemon Sours, made with shochu and frozen fruit, are delicious, as well as their saké (Japanese rice wine).

Along with our drinks, we devoured about 6 or 7 side dishes – each one leaving us wanting more. The spicy marinated eggs were a hit, and the eggplant with miso sauce also stole the show.

📍Klosterstraße 53, 40211 Düsseldorf, Germany

Visit The EKŌ Haus

Although this isn't exactly in Little Tokyo, we'd be remiss not to include it.

The EKŌ Haus is a center of Japanese culture in Dusseldorf, home to a Buddhist temple, a small Japanese garden, and a traditional tea room.

One unique activity to participate in is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. I joined one during my visit, and it was quite a special experience, complete with a sweet treat with my cup of tea.

I particularly enjoyed sitting in the Japanese garden, a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle.  

It's a bit of a journey to get there, a short tram ride and a pleasant 10-minute walk, but the experience is worth it.

📍Brüggener Weg 6, 40547 Düsseldorf, Germany

👋 Reminder: Don't Forget Your DüsseldorfCard

Not many travelers to Dusseldorf know about the DüsseldorfCard, or they find out about it but it's too late. Don't let that be you!

This handy little-known card offers steep discounts on many attractions you might visit in Dusseldorf - museums, shopping, restaurants, the zoo and more.

For example, with the DüsseldorfCard you'd get FREE entry to the Aquazoo Lobbecke Museum, Filmmuseum, Hetjens Museum and 50% off other museums.

With this card, you can take advantage of discounts at amazing eateries like Bakeries Josef Hinkel and Restaurant and brewery "Zum Schiffchen" too.

But the best part is really free unlimited travel on all public transportation within the city.

Whether you're traveling alone or in a group, the savings from buses and trams can add up, especially if you like to move around.

Conclusion: Little Tokyo Dusseldorf

Düsseldorf's Little Tokyo offers a unique glimpse into a vibrant Japanese community nestled in the heart of Germany.

Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, enjoying a romantic getaway as a couple, or planning a memorable day out with your family, Little Tokyo has a variety of shops to explore.

For those seeking a refreshing city break, Little Tokyo is a slice of Japan in terms of sights, language, food and culture.

There's a myriad of things to do in Dusseldorf, and Little Tokyo stands out as a must-visit destination.

Key Takeaways

• Düsseldorf is home to "Little Tokyo on the Rhine," a vibrant neighborhood that showcases authentic Japanese culture and cuisine.
• Visitors can explore traditional tea shops, restaurants, and bars to get to know the rich traditions of Japan.
• The culinary scene in Little Tokyo offers a wide range of traditional Japanese dishes,  from sushi to ramen.
• Art lovers will in heaven with galleries, shops, and even places to try traditional tea tastings. 
• If you're on the lookout for traditional Japanese homeware, fashion, or unique souvenirs, Little Tokyo has a variety of shops to explore.