Things to do in Japantown San Francisco

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Street sign pointing the way to Japantown, San Francisco

One of just three remaining Japantowns in the whole of the United States, this diminutive San Francisco neighborhood packs a mighty punch in spite of its small size. Squeezed into its six blocks, you’ll discover swathes of superb sushi, shabu-shabu and ramen restaurants, a riot of ultra-kitsch gift shops, Japanese sweets and more manga and anime merchandise than you can shake a samurai sword at. Here are some of our favorite things to do in Japantown San Francisco.

Get to Know San Francisco’s Japantown

Image of City, Person, Urban,

Japantown radiates out from its central hub, the Peace Plaza, a major focal point for events and festivals throughout the year and a great place to just sit and watch the world go by. Towering over the plaza is the Peace Pagoda, a striking five-tiered concrete structure with a spire on top that was designed by Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi and gifted to San Francisco by Osaka in 1968. It’s from here that you can start the Japantown History Walk, a short stroll through the district’s storied past, guided by 16 signs featuring maps, photographs and information.

The walk provides a nice introduction to Japantown and will help you find your bearings. As well as the Peace Pagoda, it also takes in pedestrianized Osaka Way, Ruth Asawa’s beautiful Aurora and Origami Fountains and the colorful Sensu folding-fan sculpture.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Image of Hat, Dress, Cap, Formal Wear, Fashion, Gown, Swimwear, Flower, Crib,

A visit to the Japan Center, a trio of malls crammed top to bottom with Japanese shops and restaurants should be considered an absolute must on any list of things to do in San Francisco’s Japantown.

Start in the east mall, where the famous Japanese dollar store Daiso offers a mind-boggling variety of products at rock bottom prices (generally $1-2). Looking for kitsch Hello Kitty trinkets? Stationery supplies? Japanese fans? Beauty products? Bookends? Chopsticks? Kawaii (cute) Japanese designs? Then Daiso is surely the place for you. It’s also at this end of the mall that you’ll find one of Japantown’s most Instagrammed attractions: the arched red Moon Bridge.

Head to the west mall for the iconic Kinokuniya Bookstore, a stalwart of San Francisco’s Japantown since the late 1960s. It’s here that you’ll find all things manga and anime: books, comics, DVDs, t-shirts, toys, tote bags, Studio Ghibli merchandise, you name it and they’ll probably have it here! There’s even an intricate artwork by legendary Japanese illustrator and cartoonist Katsuya Terada, painted at the entrance to the store during his visit in 2013. Upstairs, you can browse Japanese and English literature and attend occasional readings and signings; authors who have appeared at the store previously include Japanese historian David Keene and actor George Takei.

Food, Glorious Food!

Image of Cream, Dessert, Food, Ice Cream, Soft Serve Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt, Adult, Male, Man, Person,

After all that shopping you’re sure to have worked up a mighty appetite. Fortunately for you, the Japan Center also boasts some of the best eating in town. Head to the aptly named Restaurant Row in the west mall for a veritable smorgasbord of dining options. Restaurants here run the full gamut of Japanese specialties. There’s sushi, of course, and plenty of it. This is also the place to try okonomiyaki, delicious savory Japanese pancakes stuffed with fillings of your choice and topped with pickled ginger, mayonnaise and umami Japanese sauces. Ramen or noodles more your vibe? You’ll find both well represented here, too. For a real taste of Japanese culture, hit the shabu-shabu joints, where you cook your own beef and vegetables at the table before gobbling them up along with rice and a rainbow of zingy dipping sauces.

Something sweet? Sophie’s Crepes is a dessert shop of some local renown, where freshly made crepes are served cone-style with fillings of your choice. Whipped cream and fresh strawberries. Green tea gelato with red bean paste and matcha sauce. Mandarin and Nutella. The only problem you’ll have here is deciding which to go for. Mosey over to Matcha Cafe Maiko which, as the name suggests, is your stop for everything matcha. There’s shaved ice, tea, and matcha lattes. Or try a crispy homemade cone piled high with soft serve matcha ice cream. For an ultra-decadent treat, you can also have yours topped with gold leaf!

A Spot of R’n’R

Image of Adult, Female, Person, Woman, Bathing, Head, Face, Smoke,

Tucked away behind an unassuming pair of wooden doors inside the sprawling Japan Center is the Kabuki Springs & Spa, where a traditional onsen-style Japanese bathhouse offers multiple methods of achieving a state of pure zen. Buy a day pass to access the steam room, sauna, muscle-soothing hot pool and bracingly cold plunge pool. There’s sea salt for body scrubs and green tea for maximum refreshment, and you’ll get a discount on your day pass if you also book a treatment at the adjoining spa, where a deluxe 80-minute Eastern Shiatsu massage might leave you so relaxed you’ll want to remain horizontal for the rest of the day.

Cherry Blossom Festival

Image of Flower, Cherry Blossom,

The annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival, held in honor of the photogenic pink blooms, is one of San Francisco’s most popular, drawing thousands of visitors to the neighborhood for its two-weekend run every April. This riot of color and sound celebrates all things Japanese. Highlights include taiko drumming, when men and women in traditional dress beat huge tribal drums in an effort to ward off evil spirits. There’s street food, ancient Japanese tea ceremonies, karate demonstrations, origami displays and Japanese folk music and dance, with many of the more popular performances taking place on the main stage at Peace Plaza.

The festival culminates in a grand parade, when drummers, dancers, and beautifully decorated floats weave their way through cheering crowds between City Hall and Japantown, leading the way to a huge closing party in the shadow of the Peace Pagoda. Pro-tip for cherry blossom die-hards: some of the finest in San Francisco are found not in Japantown but at the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park.

Save on things to do in Japantown San Francisco

Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

Continue reading

Raindrops on the windshield on a rainy day, traffic light background, San Francisco, California
Blog

Things to do in San Francisco when it rains (Popular indoor activities)

So you've planned a vacation to lovely San Francisco by the Bay and the weather forecast informs you that it's going to rain (not a big surprise in San Fran, to be honest). Now what do you do? If you're searching for some ideas, check out our list of included indoor activities, full of cultural and artistic museums, kid-friendly attractions, and much more.
Katie Sagal
The Coit Tower in North Beach, San Francisco
Blog

Things to do in North Beach San Francisco

North Beach is San Francisco’s Little Italy, a buzzing, colorful district between Chinatown and Fisherman’s Wharf where gelato shops rub shoulders with hip dive bars and vintage boutique stores. There are oodles of fun things to do in North Beach San Francisco, from following in the footsteps of Beat Generation icon Jack Kerouac to admiring the soaring twin spires of the landmark Peter and Paul Church and – naturally – devouring the best cannoli in town. Check out our rundown of the 10 best things to do in this hip SF village by the Bay. Visit ‘the Italian Cathedral of the West’ Not in fact a cathedral, Saints Peter and Paul Church is nevertheless an impressive sight to behold. This ornate, twin-spired edifice that towers over Washington Square has plenty of star quality: Joe DiMaggio married his first wife here, then returned for a cheeky photo opportunity years later following his second marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Take a picnic and spend some time people-watching from the grassy lawns or grab a bite at one of the excellent Italian restaurants and bakeries that line Washington Square and nearby Columbus Avenue. Walk in Jack Kerouac’s Footsteps Beat Generation writer Jack Kerouac lived between Columbus and Grant, on an alleyway that's now named in his honor. Admire the colorful street art along this short street then head for the City Lights bookstore, once frequented by Kerouac and now all but guaranteed to have stacks of his novels in stock. Vesuvio Cafe opposite retains much of its 1950s charm from when Keroauc and other leading lights of the Beat Generation used to meet here to drink and discuss their work. But mostly to drink. Raise a glass in their memory, then head over to the Beat Museum, where exhibits include Allen Ginsberg’s typewriter and ephemera from Kerouac’s funeral. Ride the Cable Car to Lombard Street Hands down one of the best ways to sightsee in San Francisco, the cable car from North Beach meanders south to Downtown via the much-Instagrammed Lombard, a steep street that’s said to resemble a playground slide thanks to its eight (count ‘em!) hairpin bends and vibrant floral borders. Revel in the squeal of the cables and clang of the bell as you clatter through town on these colorful wooden landmarks. Bag a spot on the left-hand side of the car (as you leave North Beach) for the best views of Alcatraz and the San Francisco Bay. And don’t forget to hold on tight! Climb the Filbert Street Steps In the market for heart-pumping physical exertion and breathtaking bay views? The Filbert Street Steps have you covered! These (mostly) wooden steps run from Sansome Street to the corner of Filbert and Telegraph Hill. They’re steep and there are around 400 of them so this is not an experience for the faint of heart. But those who do take up the challenge are rewarded with a climb that reveals beautiful wildflowers, chattering Telegraph Hill parrots, quaint cottages and sweeping views across the water to the San Francisco Bay Bridge and Treasure Island. On reaching the top, walkers still able to feel their legs can climb another 100 or so stairs to reach the landmark Coit Tower. Make Yourself Dizzy at Coit Tower The 360-degree views from the top of Coit Tower are among SF’s finest and, although the climb to the tower itself is a steep one, once inside there’s an elevator to whiz you up to the top – phew! From way up here, you can expect to see Lombard Street snaking west, as well as – deep breath – Nob Hill, Twin peaks, Alcatraz, the Ferry Building and the Golden Gate Bridge. And that’s just for starters. Equally mesmerizing are some of the original fresco murals that grace the tower’s interior, depicting various industries and newsworthy events from the 1930s, when this art deco monolith was constructed. Have a Giggle at Cobb’s Comedy Club If you enjoy having your funny bone tickled – and let’s be honest: who doesn’t? – mosey on down to Cobb’s Comedy Club on Columbus. This stalwart of the San Francisco comedy scene has been part of the fabric of North Beach since it moved here from Fisherman’s Wharf in 2002, and has hosted big names including Dana Carvey, Bill Burr, Dave Chappelle and Anjelah Johnson down the years. There are shows most evenings and a menu serving the likes of nachos, fried chicken, cocktails and beer. Spend the Day in Fisherman’s Wharf Neighboring Fisherman’s Wharf takes in the whole of San Francisco’s northern waterfront and is one of the city’s most popular areas. It’s here you’ll find major attractions including the Madame Tussauds waxwork museum, WWII submarine the USS Pampanito and the stunningly restored 19th and 20th-century ships at Hyde Street Pier, part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historic Park. For some good old-fashioned seaside entertainment, make for Pier 39, where the dozens of stores and restaurants are supplemented by thrill rides, VR experiences, a carousel, gaming arcades, street performers, boat excursions, seal-spotting opportunities and stacks more. When in Little Italy... Eat Cannoli! Anyone who's ever seen an episode of The Sopranos will know what cannoli are. These sweet and crunchy little fried pastry tubes with their creamy ricotta fillings are a staple of the Italian-American diet and you can’t rightfully visit Little Italy without trying one. Or indeed four or five. You’ll find cannoli just like mama used to make in any North Beach bakery or café worth its salt. Some even come dipped in chocolate or with extra toppings for an ultra-decadent treat. Have a Drink in the King of Dive Bars A visit to Specs' Twelve Adler Museum Cafe – or Specs as it’s more commonly known – must surely rank as one of the most enjoyable things to do in North Beach San Francisco. This beloved dive bar of over half a century’s standing is bursting with local characters, fantastic beers and lively conviviality, as well as a vast and eclectic collection of artifacts from around the world. This includes tribal masks, a taxidermy mongoose having a fight with a cobra and the, ahem, mummified reproductive organs of a male walrus. A trip to this historic dive bar – once frequented by Thelonius Monk – should be considered essential. Tour Alcatraz at Night Alcatraz cuts a forbidding figure as it emerges out of San Francisco Bay’s famous fog. For maximum spine-chilling effect, take the ferry over to America’s most notorious former prison in the evening for an after-dark tour you’re unlikely to forget in a hurry. On arrival, you’ll be taken to the cellhouse, where audio guides are available and you can learn about former residents including Al Capone and Machine Gun Kelly as you peer through the metal bars into their tiny, cramped cells. Enjoy the spectacle of Golden Gate Bridge all lit up at night as your ferry departs for the return journey. Save on things to do in North Beach San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Downtown views from Dolores Park in The Mission, San Francisco
Blog

Things to do in The Mission San Francisco

Located just south of Downtown, San Francisco’s Mission district – or just plain Mission for short – is a colorful and eclectic neighborhood that’s brimful of vibrant murals, fantastic Mexican-inspired cuisine and epic party zones like Valencia Street, with its buzzing bars and clubs. It also happens to be home to the oldest surviving structure in town, the beautiful 18th-century Misión San Francisco de Asís, aka Mission Dolores. Join us as we take a journey through the best things to do in the Mission San Francisco. Check Out the Mission Murals One of the very first things you’ll notice on a visit to the Mission is the colorful street art that adorns nearly every available surface. Some of the best and most Instagrammable examples can be found in Clarion Alley, a narrow lane with countless murals by local artists, many with political themes, as well as fine tributes to the likes of Prince (Rest in Purple). You’ll find other thought-provoking and often controversial pieces in Balmy Alley, where homages to Frida Kahlo and Georgia O’Keeffe are among the 40-odd pieces. Visit San Francisco’s Oldest Building Some might consider the survival of Mission Dolores for well over 200 years to be the act of some higher power. It has, after all, remained standing relatively unscathed through the devastating earthquakes of 1906 and 1989. Next to the adobe mission – a small sugar-white church with a colonnaded facade that has remained largely unchanged since the late 1700s – stands the comparatively youthful Mission Dolores Basilica. It’s an elaborate confection, built in 1918 in the California Churrigueresque style and cuts a striking figure next to its diminutive sibling. Catch Some Rays in Dolores Park A couple of blocks south of Mission Dolores, its namesake park is a lush oasis on a typically steep San Francisco gradient that makes for quite excellent views over Downtown and the bay. It’s a lovely place for picnics and people-watching that’s often one of the sunniest spots in town, thanks to the Mission’s unique microclimate. There are tennis courts and soccer fields should you be that way inclined, as well as a kids’ playground to keep the little uns entertained. Go Shopping on Valencia Street Valencia Street’s eclectic medley of (mostly) independent stores makes for a fun wallet workout. Here, thrift stores toting one-off vintage fashions rub shoulders with high-end designer boutiques, and you can pick up a bargain used Kerouac or Ginsberg at Dog Eared Books or find that elusive vinyl LP from legendary local bands like Faith No More and Sly and the Family Stone in Stranded Records. It truly is a street that caters for all needs, as evidenced by the Pirate Supply Store, a non-profit organization that furnishes Jack Sparrow types with eye patches, scurvy medication, whale feed and a dazzling array of seafaring apparel. Get Stuck into a Mission Burrito Thanks to its large Mexican community, the Mission is your number one destination in SF for the best tacos and tortillas in town. The Mission Burrito is renowned California-wide for its farm-fresh ingredients and steamed flour tortilla – a method of baking that give the wraps greater flexibility to contain their frankly obscene amounts of filling. Crammed to bursting point with beans, rice, meat, salsa, cheese, sour cream, guacamole and shredded lettuce, this belly-busting beast would stop King Kong in his tracks. Get yours from legendary local Mexican restaurants including Taqueria La Cumbre and Taqueria El Faro, both of which claim to have invented the monster snack back in the 1960s. I Scream, You Scream... Whaddya mean you’re still hungry? Well, we guess even after devouring a burrito the size of Dwayne Johnson’s bicep there’s always room for ice cream... For the coldest, sweetest treat in the neighborhood, make for the Bi-Rite Creamery on 18th, right next to Dolores Park. This cute little cafe was founded by a pair of pro-bakers so you can be sure your handmade, small-batch ice-cream will contain the squishiest snickerdoodles and crunchiest peanut brittle, as well as using seasonal local fruits and honey. Signature flavors include Japanese black sesame with Bay Area Bee Company honey and a dairy-free pina colada rum with caramelized pineapple pieces. Yum. Catch a Show at The Chapel It’s not difficult to see why California Home+Design named The Chapel as one of its 10 most beautiful music venues in the entire state. This century-old former funeral home boasts soaring vaulted ceilings with original beams and a chapel-like interior that looks every bit as good as the acoustics sound. It’s a smallish place with a capacity of around 750, so expect up-and-coming local bands as well as touring indie outfits and jazz and bluegrass collectives. Previous big-name acts to grace this heavenly stage include Kate Nash, Public Image Ltd. and local-boy-done-good Mike Patton. Get the Party Started Party animal? You’ve come to the right place. The Mission is one of San Francisco’s hottest spots for entertainment after dark. The area around Valencia Street in particular is cocktail central, with upscale joints serving up a vast range of expertly mixed drinks. Put some pep in your step with a spicy La Botana cocktail at ABV, lay a fruity Hungry Ghost to rest at Trick Dog and savor a rye whisky and chocolate stout-laced Friend of the Devil at quirky Dalva. Dive bars also proliferate throughout the neighborhood. The Knockout with its eclectic mix of karaoke, DJ parties and live bands is a highlight. Or mosey over to Shotwell’s for a traditional saloon bar complete with (real) bullet holes and fab craft beers. Go to a Festival Every Memorial Day weekend, the neighborhood bursts into life as the Carnaval Festival and Parade rolls into town. This riot of color and sound celebrates the arts and traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean meaning you can expect flamboyant costumes, lively street performances, unique crafts and some of the best street food this side of the Mexican border: it’s truly one of the most enjoyable things to do in the Mission. San Francisco also honors its substantial Mexican community with colorful Day of the Dead processions and celebrations in the Mission’s Garfield Park on November 2. Save on things to do in The Mission San Francisco Save on admission to San Francisco attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.