Ten Reasons to Love the Chinatown-International District
A bustling hub for Seattle’s Asian-American communities, the Chinatown-International District (CID) consists of three micro-neighborhoods, each of which celebrates a different Asian culture. Walking through this neighborhood, you’ll be enticed by the many aromas wafting from family-owned restaurants offering authentic cuisine—noodle houses, sushi spots, dim sum restaurants, and markets abound in this neighborhood! Plus, you’ll enjoy historical and cultural exhibits that celebrate Asian-American culture, along with popular attractions that make this neighborhood unique. Here are ten of our favorite reasons to visit the Chinatown-International District.
Kobe Terrace
Getting its name from Seattle’s sister city, Kobe, Japan, the Kobe Terrace is popular for its four-ton, 200-year-old Yukimidoro stone lantern and its abundance of Mount Fuji cherry trees, both of which were gifts from Kobe, Japan. It’s the perfect setting for a walk through the various charming pathways, where you’ll enjoy the beautiful cherry trees that bloom in the spring. Plus, on the lower level, you’ll find the Danny Woo Community Garden, tended to by local, Asian gardeners.
Bush Garden
Bush Garden is an iconic restaurant in the Seattle landscape, considered the first eatery in the entire country to feature a karaoke bar. Not only can you enjoy Japanese favorites like sushi, ramen, and teriyaki, but you can do so while enjoying or partaking in karaoke—what fun! If you’re interested in singing, make sure to go after 9:30 pm when the karaoke starts.
Uwajimaya
When visiting the Chinatown-International District, we always make sure to stop at Uwajimaya. This expansive Asian supermarket offers a little bit of everything including imported treats and ready-to-eat foods ranging from authentic sushi to traditional candies. Inside, you’ll also find a large food court with Hawaiian, Chinese, Korean, and Japanese food offerings, as well as a Japanese bookstore called Kinokuniya.
The Wing Luke Museum
The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience celebrates our city’s Asian culture and history. Entirely community-based, visitors will enjoy a wide array of offerings including works from Bruce Lee, pieces that celebrate the Korean American experience, and more. Despite the small space, the museum is filled with interesting displays and you’re sure to learn something new each time you go.
Cultural Festivals
The CID is home to a variety of fun, local festivals throughout the year. Some to look out for are Bon Odori, which is celebrated during Seafair and is meant as a time to honor ancestors; Dragonfest, a festival filled with traditional foods, performances, and markets; the Sakura-Con Anime Costume Contest, an anime festival; the annual Night Market & Autumn Moon Festival, which brings together more than 30 food trucks offering traditional Asian dishes; and Lunar New Year, the biggest celebration of the year.
Seattle Pinball Museum
If you’re in the area, make sure to stop by the Seattle Pinball Museum, which houses more than 50 vintage pinball machines and offers hours of nostalgic fun! It’s a great place to visit when you’re waiting for a table at one of the local restaurants, and you can even grab drinks while you’re there.
Dim Sum
If you’ve never enjoyed dim sum, we encourage you to try it! Comprised of a variety of delicious small plates, this Cantonese specialty includes options like soup dumplings, pineapple custard buns, pan-fried chive dumplings, and more. We like to head over to the Chinatown-International District for a dim sum brunch with friends. Our restaurant recommendations include Jade Garden, Harbor City, Honey Court, Ocean Star, and Purple Dot!
Hing Hay Park
In the heart of the Chinatown-International District, you’ll find Hing Hay Park, whose name means “park for pleasurable gatherings.” The main attraction of this park is the Chinese-style Grand Pavilion that was originally designed and constructed in Taiwan before being brought to Seattle. This park is home to many festivals like the Lunar New Year and Dragonfest and it’s also a great spot to enjoy a picnic outside or play a competitive game of ping pong. If you go, don’t miss the dragon mural on one side of the pavilion!
Bubble Tea
A popular Taiwanese beverage, bubble tea shops are located all over the CID, serving delicious varieties of traditionally brewed tea with added milk and sugar. Some of the most popular places to indulge are Young Tea, Oasis Tea Zone, and Ambrosia.
The Panama Hotel
If you’re feeling like taking a walk down memory lane, we’d suggest visiting the Panama Hotel Bed & Breakfast, located along South Main Street. This hotel was designed by Seattle’s first Japanese architect, Sabro Ozasa, and originally opened in 1910 as a place for Japanese laborers to stay. Recognized by Seattle Magazine as the “Best Teahouse in Seattle, 2002,” the hotel now houses the teahouse, a Japanese bathhouse, and small renovated rooms with shared bathrooms. Those who visit appreciate the authentic experience this historic hotel offers.
If you’re interested in learning more about this beautiful neighborhood, please connect with us.