San Francisco’s Japantown is a significant historical district and a rare sight in the US. There are only 3 remaining Japantowns in the US and SF is home to the oldest and largest of them. The walkable 6-block neighborhood is a cultural hub for the Japanese-American community as well as a destination for delicious food, drinks, and nightlife. There is a lot to see and do in Japantown so here is a little guide to get you started.
But first, a short history of SF’s Japantown…
San Francisco’s Japantown was established in the late 19th century as “Nihonmachi” and became a major hub for Japanese immigrants. During World War II, the U.S. sent Japanese Americans to forced internment camps, which devastated the community. Many returned after the war to a neighborhood reshaped by urban redevelopment. Nonetheless, SF’s Japantown has endured with unmistakable landmarks such as the Peace Pagoda and popular annual cultural festivals.
1. Explore every corner of the Japan Center Malls
The two massive shopping malls are packed with an impressive collection of retail shops, restaurants, cafes, bookstores, and so much more. Here are a few spots to check out:
- Chameleon Vintage – Vintage clothing store specializing in Japanese designer pieces
- Oma San Francisco Station – Omakase restaurant
- Kinokuniya – Bookstore
- Sophie’s Crepes – Custom dessert crepes
- Suzu Noodle House – Noodles/Ramen
📍 Location: 1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
2. Treat yourself to a spa day at Kabuki Springs
Kabuki Springs has been an SF institution for the past 50 years, nestled in the center of Japantown. This traditional Japanese spa is an oasis from the outside world with soft ambient music, low lighting, and a strict no-talking policy. You’ll find sliced cucumbers for your eyes, salt scrubs, cool face towels, and ample chaise longue to recline on. With a spacious dry sauna, steam room, cold plunge, hot pool, and massage treatments, it checks all the boxes for a day of self-care. Tuesday is the only co-ed day with bathing suits required. Every other day is split evenly between men-only and women-only days, where clothing is optional.
📍 Location: 1750 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94115
3. Visit the shops and cafe at New People
New People is an organization that aims to bring Japanese popular culture to the U.S. They celebrate Japanese film, music, and fashion while playing host to numerous events such as the Japan Film Festival of San Francisco and the J-Pop Summit Festival. The shops and restaurants include:
- SOU・SOU – Unique Japanese clothing shop
- Crown & Crumpet Tea Stop Cafe – The British-inspired tea salon of your dreams.
- BABY, THE STARS SHINE BRIGHT – Specializes in Japanese Lolita fashion
- LashSpot – Lash extension spa
📍 Location: 1746 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
4. Stroll from Peace Plaza to Buchanan Mall
Japantown’s iconic Peace Plaza opened in 1968 and features a large open courtyard and the famed Peace Pagoda, a five-tiered concrete stupa that was inspired by pagodas in Japan’s ancient capital, Nara. The plaza is home to numerous community celebrations such as the NorCal Cherry Blossom Festival, Nihonmachi Street Fair (early-August), the Summer Obon Festival, and the Year-End Festival.
Cross Post Street to explore the Buchanan Mall, a pedestrian-only street lined with shops, restaurants, and public art including the Origami Fountains, designed by SF artist Ruth Asawa. It’s an excellent place to browse the shops or just sit and enjoy the sunshine.
📍 Location: Buchanan Street between Post and Sutter, San Francisco, CA
5. Grab a slice of cake at Yasukochi Sweet Stop
The coffee crunch cake at Yasukochi Sweet Stop is legendary. This nearly 50-year-old family-owned bakery is a humble operation located inside Super Mira Market. Don’t let the location fool you, this place is extraordinary and they bake some of the most sought-after cakes in SF. Coffee crunch is their signature cake but everything they produce is worth the visit.
📍 Location: 1790 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94115
6. Sing your heart out at karaoke
Karaoke was invented and popularized in Japan well before it made its way to your local dive bar. Karaoke culture is huge, so it’s no surprise that Japantown is home to a treasure trove of karaoke options. There are opportunities to sing on stage, from your bar stool, and even book your own private room with a few friends. There’s something for everyone. Here are a few spots to enjoy a little shochu and sing your little heart out.
- Dimples – 1700 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Pagoda – 1704 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- K-Box – Japan Center Malls, 1660 Geary Blvd Unit B, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Mari’s Mogura – Japan Center Kinokuniya Building, 1581 Webster St, San Francisco, CA 94115
- Festa – Japan Center Kinokuniya Building, 1825 Post St #210, San Francisco, CA 94115
7. Fill up your grocery basket at Nijiya Market
If you want to bring a little taste of Japantown home with you, be sure to stop at Ninjiya Market. This extraordinary grocery store is packed with a dizzying variety of classic Japanese grocery staples along with fresh sushi, sashimi, and other high-quality prepared foods. This place is absolutely worth a stop if only to grab some mochi for the road.
📍 Location: Japan Center Malls, 1737 Post St #333, San Francisco, CA 94115
8. Catch a movie at AMC Kabuki
We all love to night in with some casual Netflix-binging, but some films are just too grand to enjoy on the small screen. Luckily, Japantown is also home to one of the best movie theaters in SF, located a few doors down from Japan Center Mall. They have a full bar, which means that you’ll be able to enjoy a cocktail before, during, or after the film.
📍 Location: 1881 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
Edited by Jamie Ferrell