Explore Japantown San Francisco

October 15, 2017
Category: Things to do in San Francisco

Japan Town, located formally at 1610 Geary Boulevard in San Francisco, is a small cultural enclave dedicated to the culture of Japan. This neighborhood in the Western Addition district comprising of about 6 city blocks is considered one of the oldest ethnic neighborhoods in America. Built and settled after the Great Earthquake of 1906, Japan Town, which is known as Nihonmachi, has a strong history of cultural development and preservation. Tourists love this site due to its collection of restaurants focused on Japanese cuisine, ethnic shops, and its well-maintained indoor mall that offers Japanese goods. Fun Fact: Only 3 Japan Towns are found in America and San Francisco’s is the largest and oldest enclave. San Francisco’s Japantown is a top tourist attraction where you can find cultural cuisine, shopping, entertainment, and experiences.

More about Japantown San Francisco:

Japan Town has a hundred shops and restaurants to explore which are spread out amongst several indoor malls and a pedestrian plaza.

Dining in Japan Town

Japan Town is a popular place to eat. There are many restaurants that serve ramen, sushi, udon, and teppanyaki. Isobune offers incredible sushi. Marfuku Ramen is a top spot to get some ramen. If you want to have a teriyaki grill experience, try Benihana. Japan Town is also popular for Japanese sweets. Kids will love Belly Good Café and Crepes and tea lovers will be happy to find many teahouses in the center.

Shopping in Japan Town

Book lovers will definitely love to spend few hours at Kinokuniya Bookstore, which is part largest book chain of Japan. It was opened in the year 1969 and along with interesting books, the store also carries many creative Japanese items like J-pop and anime. If you are looking for Japan’s answer to the dollar store, you have to shop at Daiso where you can find inexpensive housewares. Japan Town is the epicenter for kid-friendly shopping where you will find Kawaii such as Hello Kitty and Pikachu. If you are into Pika Pika or taking cute photos, you’ll find fun booths to create memorable photos. Manga lovers will rejoice finding dedicated sections to this genre at many Japan Town shops.

Entertainment in Japan Town

A visit to Japan Town is a must during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, which happens in April. Beautiful pink flowers bloom throughout the public plazas of Japan Town attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. You must also plan a visit to Peace Plaza and The Pagoda. If you are a movie lover then catch a flick at The Kabuki Theater. You also should consider attending the many street festivals like Nihonmachi Street Fair, which happens in August.

Discover more about Japantown San Francisco at http://sfjapantown.org/.

Book Your Stay at a Hotel near Japantown San Francisco:

San Francisco has many hotels but finding a place to stay that is centrally located and offers budget accommodations can be a challenge. The SoMa Park Inn is located nearby Civic Center and offers San Francisco budget hotel rooms. Located just ten minutes from Japan Town, SoMa Park Inn is a perfect place to stay and explore. Book your stay at SoMa Park Inn on our website where you will find our lowest rates online: https://www.somaparkinnciviccenter.com/