Japantown, San Francisco: A Cultural Enclave
Explore San Francisco's Japantown: A historic neighborhood offering authentic Japanese culture, cuisine, and community spirit.
San Francisco's Japantown, also known as Nihonmachi, is one of the largest and oldest Japantowns in the United States. Established in the early 20th century, it offers a vibrant mix of traditional Japanese culture and modern influences, with numerous restaurants, shops, temples, and community events.
A brief summary to Japantown
- San Francisco, Japantown, California, US
Local tips
- Visit during the annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April for vibrant parades, performances, and cultural events.
- Explore the shops in the Japan Center Malls for unique gifts, traditional crafts, and Japanese snacks.
- Try authentic Japanese cuisine at one of the many restaurants, from ramen and sushi to traditional sweets.
- Visit the Peace Pagoda and the Japanese Cultural and Community Center to learn more about the history and culture of Japantown.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown San Francisco, take the 38 Geary bus to Geary Boulevard and Fillmore Street. Walk west on Geary to reach Japantown. A single ride on Muni costs $3.00, or $2.50 if using the MuniMobile app.
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Walking
If you are near Union Square, you can walk to Japantown in approximately 45-60 minutes. Head west on Geary Boulevard. The walk is straightforward, though it is a considerable distance. Be aware of pedestrian signals and traffic.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
From Fisherman's Wharf, a taxi or ride-share to Japantown will cost approximately $20-30, depending on traffic. The journey typically takes 15-20 minutes. Specify 'Japantown' or 'Japan Center' as your destination.
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Parking
If driving, parking is available in the Japan Center Garage at 1615 Geary Boulevard. Hourly rates typically range from $3-5, with daily maximums around $25-35. Street parking is also available but can be limited and metered.
Discover more about Japantown
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Vollmer House
0.3 km
Discover the Vollmer House in San Francisco's Japantown: a stunning example of Stick-Eastlake Victorian architecture with a rich history and intricate design, a landmark of preservation.
Bush Street-Cottage Row Historic District
0.3 km
Discover a hidden gem in San Francisco's Japantown: a preserved residential enclave of Italianate and Stick-style homes, offering a glimpse into the city's 19th-century past.
Stanyan House
0.3 km
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Bush Street Temple (Soto Mission)
0.4 km
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Victorian Home Walk
0.5 km
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Chambers Mansion
0.7 km
Explore the stunning Chambers Mansion in San Francisco's Pacific Heights, a historical landmark showcasing exquisite architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Tobin House
0.7 km
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Rothschild House
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Atherton House
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Sarcophagus of Thomas Starr King
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Victorian houses at McAllister st.
0.8 km
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Wormser-Coleman House
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William Westerfeld House
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The Shortest Street in San Francisco
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Spreckels mansion
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Unmissable attractions to see
Peace Pagoda
0.1 km
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The Fillmore
0.2 km
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San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
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Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption
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Alta Plaza Park
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The Painted Ladies
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Hayes Valley
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Alamo Square
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Haas-Lilienthal House
1.1 km
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War Memorial Opera House
1.2 km
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Davies Symphony Hall
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Essential places to dine
The Progress
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State Bird Provisions
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Suppenküche
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Petit Crenn
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Monsieur Benjamin
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a Mano
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Son and Garden
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Chez Maman West
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Brenda's French Soul Food
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Absinthe Brasserie & Bar
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Acquerello
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Nightbird
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Nopa
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Rich Table
1.3 km
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Kiln
1.3 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
post.script.
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FRAME
0.6 km
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Reliquary
1.0 km
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Metier
1.0 km
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The Perish Trust
1.1 km
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Polk market&gift shop
1.1 km
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minimal
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Rare Device
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One Half
1.3 km
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Picnic
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Life
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Nikoniko Gifts
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Cali Gifts & More
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Cha May Ching Museum Boutique
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COVE
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Majestic Butterfly Lounge
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Smuggler's Cove
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Kozy Kar
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Noc Noc
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Rye Cocktail Bar
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Bourbon & Branch
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Bar Iris
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Owl Tree
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Cityscape
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Persona
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Blackbird
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Pacific Cocktail Haven
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Johnny Foley's Irish House
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Clock Bar
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Dahlia SF
2.1 km
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