Taste and Experience Japanese Culture - Japantown, also known as Nihonmachi, is a vibrant and culturally rich 116-year old neighborhood in San Francisco. Japantown is one of the last three remaining historic Japantown’s in the United States. It has a long and storied history dating back to the early 1900s, making it a significant cultural landmark in the city.
At the heart of Japantown lies the Japan Center, a bustling indoor and outdoor complex that serves as the cultural and commercial focal point of the neighborhood. It features a wide array of shops, restaurants, and cultural establishments where visitors can experience authentic Japanese culture and cuisine.
Ride to Japantown with Ease
38/38R Geary, 22 Fillmore, 2 Sutter
Shop, Dine, Explore
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Shop: Japantown is a great shopping destination to find amazing Japanese goods like kimonos, manga, specialty matcha and more. Japantown is also host to 12 Legacy Businesses, further adding to the rich culture of the City. Click here for a full list of Japantown shops.
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Dine: Foodies flock to Japantown to dine on delectable Japanese cuisines. Japantown has a host of restaurants, including two Michelin-star restaurants, a host of food stalls, and other specialty restaurants. Bring your appetite and prepare to dine on sushi, ramen, mochi and more! Click here for a full list of eateries in Japantown.
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Explore: Within the Japan Center, visitors can find the Peace Plaza, a serene and open public space that hosts various cultural events and gatherings. The centerpiece of the plaza is a beautiful five-tiered Peace Pagoda, symbolizing harmony and friendship between San Francisco and its sister city, Osaka, Japan.
Celebrate
Celebrate Japanese Culture at the Annual Northern CA Cherry Blossom Festival (typically held in April) and the Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair (typically held in August). The Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the largest celebrations of its kind in the United States. This popular event attracts thousands of visitors to witness the blooming cherry blossoms, enjoy cultural performances, and participate in various festivities.
Learn more at SF Japantown