The best places to go in Japantown, by vibe
Finding yourself in Nihonmachi—Japantown in Japanese—is one of the most authentic experiences of San Francisco. Culture radiates from this vibrant 6-block neighborhood and its original character prevails, even in the face of historic challenges.
Locals and tourists alike are hard pressed to find a dull moment. Explore the streets, plazas, landmarks, and spiritual centers. Explore blocks of Victorian homes as an architecture buff, hidden dining experiences as a foodie, and satiate your fashionista vibes with a one-of-a-kind shopping spree. Whether renting a kimono at Asakichi, getting your ramen fix at Marufuku Ramen, celebrating the Cherry Blossom Festival, or giving your mind and body a little TLC from Kabuki Springs and Spa, you’ll find your vibe in Japantown.
Your Vibe: Togetherness
These are for everyone, to help us get down to earth and folksy. Come for a warm and familiar feeling, where we “show the love”, share appreciation and form true connections. Search Vibemap for more Togetherness vibes in San Francisco.
Your Vibe: Quiet Energy
For when your mood is more introspective and calm. Take the time to enjoy experiences like these that are cozy, comforting, and serene. Search Vibemap for more Quiet Energy vibes in San Francisco.
The Peace Pagoda
Designed by Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi and presented to San Francisco by the people of Osaka, Japan, the Peace Pagoda is a five-tiered concrete stupa that has been part of the Nihonmachi (also known as Japantown) Peace Plaza since it opened 1968.
Located on Geary Blvd. next to the Nihonmachi Mall Shopping Center, Japantown Peace Plaza is a great place to rest your feet if you’ve been shopping. There are benches to sit down on and some greenery to admire; however, the main attraction is the Peace Pagoda that has been there since 1968.
- beautiful
- buzzing
- community
- family
Katsura Garden
- earthy
Kabuki Springs & Spa
A Japantown institution dedicated to balance, wellness, and inner-calm
for more than 50 years. From the healing waters of our Japanese-inspired
bathhouse to our holistic rituals, we invite you to discover.
In the great tradition of Japanese public baths, Kabuki Springs & Spa is a peaceful sanctuary devoted to nurturing harmony and relaxation through the healing po… See More
- zen
- favorite
- mindful
- peaceful
Kinokuniya Bookstore
The San Francisco store is located inside Japan Center mall at Japantown. We opened at this current location in 1969 as the first Kinokuniya Bookstore to open in the US, and 2019 will mark our 50th anniversary.
We started off as one of the tenants on the 2nd floor, providing mostly Japanese and Japan related books and merchandise, but expanded our space to include a portion of the 1st floor about 10 years ago. Today, this 1st floor is our Anime/Manga section with a wide range of Japanese and English Manga, Art books, and Anime merchandise. There is an illustration drawn by Japanese artist, Katsuya Terada at the entrance on the 1st floor, which was live-painted when he visited the store in 2013. The 2nd floor is where we have the general English and Japanese books, magazines and gift items. The store also hosts occasional signing events by authors and creators, which we’ve had the honor of hosting Donald Keene, George Takei in the past.
- amazing
- art
- eclectic
- explore
Your Vibe: Buzzing
Let the good times roll! Do you have a fiery, vivacious spirit that needs to be met with popular, adventurous, spontaneous, and very social spots? These are for you. Search Vibemap for more Buzzing vibes in San Francisco.
Marufuku Ramen
Marufuku Ramen—the authentic Hakata-style Tonkotsu ramen restaurant in San Francisco Japantown, Oakland, and Frisco TX.
- amazing
- authentic
- lunch
- rustic
Amiko Boutique
The cutest accessory boutique in Japantown San Francisco with the largest variety of everything cute for girls!
We’re located in San Francisco’s Japantown and we have lots of cute things! We carry women hair accessories, scarves, hats, jewelry, and clothes! Also we have cute kids clothes and toys!
Some brands we carry in our store are Tokidoki, Angry Little Girls, Loungefly, Harajuku Lovers, Public Zoo, Bored Inc, Skip Hop, and Hello Kitty.
- cute
- family
- quirky
- tourist
Nijiya Market
Japanese Grocery
- love
- hearty
- inspired
- organic
Mogura Lounge
- authentic
- chill
- cool
- creative
AMC Dine-In Kabuki 8
- comfy
- film
- fun
Your Vibe: Old School
You’re down with retro and the classic, tried-and-true. You’d never miss sightseeing at a historical spot because you know the originals deserve their due.Search Vibemap for more Old School vibes in San Francisco.
Benkyodo
- authentic
- classic
- family
- fantastic
Hikari
Sushi & Bar
- creative
- fun
- fresh
- unique
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
Envisioned by the Japanese American community, the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) will be an everlasting foundation of our Japanese American ancestry, cultural heritage, history and tradtions.
- traditional
- cultural
- elevated
- community
Asakichi Japanese Antiques and Art
“Asakichi” is a Japanese Antiques and Arts specialty store, located in San Francisco since 1978. Asakichi invites you to visit any of our four stores and bring some of the serenity and peace of the Japanese culture into your home
Asakichi has four stores to serve you in the “Japan Center” buildings at 1737 Post St and 1730 Geary Blvd (on the Webster Bridge). Each store has own particular items. .Gift purchases may be wrapped in a special Japanese fashion called “washi” paper.
- zen
- special
- fashion
Your Vibe: Playtime
For the passionate hobbyist, the content and confident, the curious and inquisitive. On the edge of sassy. All ages? Check! Here you can expect to be engaged, learn things, tinker, have adventurous distractions, or have whimsical relaxation. Search Vibemap for more Playtime vibes in San Francisco.
Uji Time
Uji Time Dessert is a go-to destination for delightful Japanese-inspired sweets and treats. With a focus on authentic flavors and high-quality ingredients, this shop offers an array of delectable options, from creamy matcha soft serve to artisanal mochi and refreshing taiyaki. Each dessert is crafted to perfection, providing a unique and indulgent experience. Uji Time Dessert is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth or enjoying a flavorful treat in a cozy, inviting atmosphere.
- unique
- treatyourself
- fun
- creative
Pika Pika
Pikapika is a family owned business established in 2006. Located at the heart of San Francisco’s Japantown.
Pikapika is proud to present a place where people can have fun and make everlasting memories with their friends and family, while getting a little taste of Japanese pop culture. We strive to bring the smiles and fun.
In Japan, Purikura (プリクラ) are photo sticker booths. The name is a shortened example of the whole word Purinto Kurabu, which means print club. Purikura is a popular entertainment source in Japan.
- family
- photo
- amazing
- shop
Pa'ina Restaurant & Lounge
- relaxing
- social
- lively
- popular
Paper Tree
Origami and Paper Crafts
- charming
- traditional
- beautiful
- chill
Your Vibe: Dreamy
Free spirited. You have a creative imagination. So feed it with artsy experiences. Spend time in magical places that seem fit for a fantasy world. Search Vibemap for more Dreamy Vibes in San Francisco.
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