About Monterey's Nihonjin-gai

Did you know that Monterey once had its own Nihonjin-gai (Japantown)? Join Tim Thomas, Fisheries Historian and Curator of the Monterey JACL Heritage Center/Museum on the third Saturday of every month for a neighborhood walking tour of Monterey’s Nihonjin-gai and the JACL Heritage Center/Museum.

Registration is required. Tours meet outside Japanese American Citizens League at 424 Adams Street, across from Jacks Park 

About Tim Thomas

A fourth-generation native of Monterey, Tim Thomas is a respected historian and engaging tour guide, known for his expertise in the region’s maritime history. Tim served as historian and curator for the Monterey Maritime & History Museum for 16 years and has collaborated with notable organizations such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, California State Parks, and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. He is the author of several books, including The Abalone King of Monterey: 'Pop' Ernest Doelter and The Japanese on the Monterey Peninsula, and is the co-author of Monterey's Waterfront. Tim also serves as the curator of the new Heritage Center/Museum at the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), where he is a board member. He is a 2023 recipient of the prestigious Ed Ricketts Memorial Award.

About JACL 

The oldest standing and continuously used Japanese community center in the United States; the Japanese American Citizens League celebrated 100 years on May 2nd 2026. The Japanese American Heritage Museum tells the story of the people connected to Monterey.