Food, History, and Resistance: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

San Francisco, US
100% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (9 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Voicemap application
  • inclusion
    Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
  • inclusion
    Lifetime access to 'food, history and resistance in japantown' tour

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Smartphone
  • exclusion
    Transportation
  • exclusion
    Food/drinks
  • exclusion
    Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route

Meeting Point

Under the red torii gate at Sutter and Buchanan Streets. Before arrival, install the VoiceMap app and use the code provided on your ticket. This is a self-guided audio tour that you can start, pause, or restart any time and complete at your own pace. Directions to the starting point are in the app.

Meeting point

1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115 , United States

End point

What to expect

1

Japantown

While there are many great restaurants, there’s just so much more to Japantown than ramen and sushi. There are stories here that so many don’t know - stories you might never know unless you were part of the community.

2

Benkyodo

Benkyodo is one of only three traditional Japanese manju makers remaining in the US. The others are in each of the other two remaining Japantowns in Los Angeles and San Jose. Manju is a traditional Japanese confection, traditionally filled with sweet bean paste and wrapped with mochi, a glutinous rice that is pounded down into a sticky, gooey, delicious mass.

3

Fillmore Street

Bop City at 1712 Fillmore Street became the place to play after hours. Anyone who was anyone in jazz played here: John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington to name a few. In the 1940’s San Francisco’s black community grew immensely and Fillmore Street was dubbed the Harlem of the West.

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Wheelchair accessible
  • Additional information
    Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Additional information
    Service animals allowed
  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Provided by VoiceMap Audio Tours

What our experts say

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    Start the tour between 10:30am - 3:30pm.
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    Visit the local shops for unique snacks.
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    Check out the Japanese Cultural and Community Center.
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    Bring headphones for a better experience.
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    Enjoy lunch at a nearby ramen shop.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Immerse yourself in the rich history, culture, and flavors of San Francisco's historic Japantown with the captivating self-guided audio tour called "Food, History, and Resistance." As you explore this vibrant neighborhood, Japanese-American local Kristin Eriko Posner will be your virtual guide, unveiling fascinating stories about how history shaped the food, culture, and landscape of the oldest Japantown in the U.S. This interactive experience allows you to discover hidden gems and gain insights into the community's past and present.

What to expect?

During this 50 to 60-minute self-guided audio tour, you can anticipate a journey filled with intriguing tales and culinary delights. As you wander through Japantown, you will learn about more than just the famous ramen and sushi. Discover the untold stories that give this neighborhood its unique character and understand the vibrant history that resides in each corner. Through the immersive narration, you will gain a deeper appreciation for Japanese culture, traditions, and the impact of resistance movements.

Who is this for?

This self-guided audio tour is designed for curious individuals of all ages who are eager to explore and soak up the rich cultural heritage of Japantown. History enthusiasts, food lovers, and travel aficionados will find delight in this experience. Whether you're a solo traveler or visiting with friends and family, this tour offers an inclusive and enlightening journey for everyone.

Why book this?

Embark on this self-guided tour and experience the perfect blend of captivating storytelling, cultural exploration, and culinary adventure. Gain insider knowledge from a Japanese-American local and uncover hidden gems that most visitors never even stumble upon. The flexibility of this self-guided tour allows you to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for those seeking an immersive and personalized experience. With the VoiceMap mobile app, which functions offline, you can start, pause, or restart the audio as you please, ensuring a seamless and convenient tour.

Good to know

Remember to meet at the designated starting point under the red torii gate at Sutter and Buchanan Streets. Prior to arrival, download the VoiceMap app and use the provided code on your ticket. This way, you'll have access to the audio tour, which automatically plays through your smartphone's GPS. The tour operates between 10:30am to 3:30pm from Wednesday to Saturday when all local businesses are open. However, feel free to take the tour at any time and on any day as most stops remain open until 6pm. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich sights, sounds, and tastes of Japantown.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on this self-guided audio tour have universally praised the captivating stories shared by Kristin Eriko Posner. They commend the tour for providing a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing them to explore the neighborhood at their own pace while gaining unique insights. Travelers have expressed their appreciation for discovering lesser-known aspects of Japantown, which have enhanced their understanding of the rich cultural heritage and resistance history. Overall, visitors have reported immense satisfaction with this self-guided audio tour, describing it as an enlightening and enjoyable way to connect with the fascinating world of Japantown.

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