Peace Pagoda: A Symbol of Unity in Japantown
A symbol of peace and unity in San Francisco's Japantown, the Peace Pagoda offers a glimpse into Japanese heritage and culture.
Located in the heart of San Francisco's Japantown, the Peace Pagoda is a captivating monument symbolizing peace, unity, and the enduring cultural heritage shared between Japan and the United States. Erected in 1968, this five-tiered concrete stupa was a generous gift from San Francisco's sister city, Osaka, Japan. The Pagoda, standing 100 feet tall in the Peace Plaza, was designed by the renowned Japanese modernist architect Yoshirō Taniguchi. The circular roof design was inspired by the Million Pagoda (Hyakumantō), a miniature pagoda design placed in ten temples by Empress Kōken around 770 A.D. Each of the twelve concrete piers forming the central core of the Pagoda are 65 feet tall and weighs 12 tons. Above the uppermost roof is the sōrin finial, consisting of a nine-ringed bronze spire topped by a golden flaming head, which was cast locally in Berkeley. The Peace Pagoda and Peace Plaza are in the center of the Japan Center Mall, completed in 1968. The plaza has been transformed into an inviting area with benches and greenery, serving as a vibrant venue for Japantown celebrations like the Cherry Blossom Festival. In 2024, the Peace Plaza began a $34 million renovation to transform it into a vibrant community space while preserving its historical legacy. The renovation includes replacing slate tile with porcelain tile, a stone riser with seating, and cherry trees around the pagoda stage.
Local tips
- Visit during the Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring for a beautiful display.
- Explore the Japan Center Mall for a variety of Japanese shops, restaurants, and cultural exhibits.
- Take public transportation, as Japantown is easily accessible by bus.
- Check out the current construction updates for the Peace Plaza renovation project.
A brief summary to Peace Pagoda
- 1610 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, Japantown, California, 94115, US
- +1415-701-2311
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Union Square, take the #38 Geary bus. Get off at the Laguna or Buchanan stop. Walk one block to Post Street to reach the Peace Pagoda. A single ride on Muni costs $3.
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Walking
From Hotel Kabuki, exit the main lobby and turn right (north). Walk until you reach the sidewalk on Post Street, then turn left (west) and walk two blocks to Fillmore Street. Turn right on Fillmore Street and continue north. The Peace Pagoda will be on your left in the Peace Plaza.
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Driving
From the Bay Bridge, take the Golden Gate Bridge/Octavia Boulevard exit. Octavia will veer left onto Fell Street. Turn right on Webster Street, then right on Post Street. Limited street parking is available. Alternatively, use the Geary Boulevard parking garage to access the Japan Center Malls. Parking rates vary, with some garages offering rates around $5 for 2 hours.
