San Francisco Japantown Tours
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San Francisco’s Japantown, a microhood of the Western Addition neighborhood, is the oldest Japantown in the US and one of just a few left. It’s home to restaurants serving sushi, ramen, and other fare, a shopping center, a Japanese supermarket, and the 5-tier Peace Pagoda.
The Basics
Japantown is bordered by Fillmore Street, Sutter Street, Laguna Street, and Geary Boulevard, with the main drag of Post Street running through the middle. Located just south of Pacific Heights, it’s easy to visit if you’re doing some shopping or dining along Fillmore Street. Alternatively, book a private city tour or a Japanese food tour to explore with a guide.
Wandering on foot is the best way to experience the neighborhood—check out Peace Pagoda in Peace Plaza, pick up a Bento box at Nijiya Market, browse the shops at Japan Center, or catch a movie at AMC Kabuki 8. For a more relaxing treat, head to Kabuki Springs and Spa, an urban oasis where you can get a massage or enjoy a soak in the Japanese-style communal baths.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is a lot of metered and free street parking available around Japantown, but pay attention to posted signs about prohibited parking during street cleaning or other times.
- Japan Center has a parking garage.
- If you plan to visit Kabuki Springs and Spa, make sure to check the schedule for the communal baths, as some days are male- or female-only.
How to Get There
If you’re not driving, Japantown is easily reached by cab or ride-booking service, or take Muni buses 2, 3, 22, or 38.
When to Get There
Most shops and eateries open in the late morning; early evening is a good time to take in the neighborhood vibe. The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival is one of the city’s top events and takes place in April. The J-Pop Summit and Japan Film Festival of San Francisco are other annual events that draw crowds.
Fillmore Street
From Japantown, Fillmore Street runs north through Pacific Heights to the Marina District. The blocks between Post and Jackson are home to stylish boutiques and upscale cafes, and locals gather there on evenings and weekends for shopping, dining, and coffee dates.
Address: Japantown, San Francisco, California, USA
5 Tours and Activities to Experience San Francisco Japantown
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Food, History, and Resistance: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of San Francisco's Japantown
Download this self-guided audio tour for an independent exploration of San Francisco's historic Japantown. You can travel at your own pace with your private group, stopping and starting the tour whenever you like. The narrator will share little-known stories about the food, culture, and history of the neighborhood; best taken between 10:30am and 3:30pm, Wednesdays through Saturdays, to ensure that the businesses and other stops are open.
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From
$5.34
From
$5.34
San Francisco Food Tour: A Taste of Japantown
Bring your appetite and your walking shoes for a delicious Japantown food tour. Learn about the history of this unique neighborhood in San Francisco and visit several authentic markets, restaurants, cafés, and tea houses with your gourmet guide. Discover where locals go for the best Japanese food in town, and taste six to seven samplings, from red bean ‘taiyaki’ to sweet rice ‘mochi.’
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From
$110.00
From
$110.00
Fillmore Food Tour
Fillmore Street is rich with historical significance and cultural upheaval. You will explore the delicious food, history and culture of this neighborhood along with an introduction to the Japantown neighborhood, too. Tastings may include NY style bagels and schmear, onigiri and green tea, Turkish flatbreads with house made toppings, Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches, artisan gelato, freshly made mochi, and sweet potato lattes.
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From
$97.07
From
$97.07
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience
Night Tour - City Lights of San Francisco!
Cross the Bay Bridge and Golden Gate Bridge with a Private Guide
See a different San Francisco throughout the night.
This tour is ideal for city lights enthusiasts and steam photographers!
Enjoy the must-see famous places, from Palace of Fine Arts to Bay Bridge span, but your private tour can go much further and give you a more authentic experience of all that makes San Francisco such a glorious place to visit. For example, I can guide you through an exclusive private tour of Nob Hill, top of Twin Peaks, Golden Gate Bridge, view of downtown skyline from Treasure Island, Embarcadero waterfront, City Hall, The Legion of Honor, Castro and Valencia Streets, North Beach/Broadway, Coit Tower, St. Ignatius Church, Japantown and much more. . . I'll show you places that reveal the true character of San Francisco, as it is known and loved by locals.
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From
$421.34
per group
From
$421.34
per group
San Francisco Private SUV Tour see all main attraciton in under 3 hours
Experience the best San Francisco attractions. Private tour just for your party. Luxury SUV, knowledgeable and courteous driver. We encourage you to customize this tour to make it as unique as possible, making it unforgettable, one in a lifetime experience.
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From
$222.88
per group
From
$222.88
per group
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