Japantown Travel Guide
San Francisco
Popular places to visit
Oracle Park
Whether or not you’re a baseball fan, this charming ballpark with outstanding views should be on your San Francisco sightseeing list.
Golden Gate Bridge
Cars trundle across it and ships sail under it, but the best way to experience this iconic bridge is on foot.
Pier 39
This waterfront attraction offers thrilling rides, innovative street performers and colorful souvenir shops, but it’s the sea lions that win the day.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the fascinating museums and shops in this vibrant area.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Lombard Street
Often incorrectly called the world’s crookedest street, this San Francisco roadway is an iconic spot to see, photograph and drive down.
Things to do
Golden Gate Bay Cruise - Sail Around Alcatraz! (1-hour)
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
San Francisco City Lights Cruise (2-hours)
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Top hotels in Japantown
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Great staff and modern rooms with bathtubs
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Room was really nice. Mostly quiet in halls.
Reviewed on 21 Feb 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
The room was clean, the staff was very friendly and helpful. Great location and very quiet. The only thing is that the room was quite warm and we had to leave the window open all night. The thermostat in the room was not working.
Reviewed on 22 Feb 2026
Hyatt Place San Francisco Downtown
Rooms are spacious, clean, and location couldn’t be better. The attitude and less than friendly attitude of the gentleman during check in was less than pleasant, but tolerable for a one night stay.
Reviewed on 17 Feb 2026
Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Clean room and friendly staff. Location is top notch.
Reviewed on 19 Feb 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Great hotel
Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026
Other neighbourhoods around Japantown
Western Addition
Alamo Square and Painted Ladies are top sights in Western Addition, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Duboce Avenue & Noe Street Station or Duboce Ave & Church St Stop to see more sights in the area.
Pacific Heights
Take time in Pacific Heights to visit attractions like Mrs. Doubtfire House and Van Ness Avenue. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at California St & Van Ness Ave Stop to see more of the city.
Cow Hollow
Gourmet restaurants a bustling marina and top sights from Union Street to Van Ness Avenue – discover Cow Hollow, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Theater District
Gourmet restaurants great entertainment and top sights from SHN Curran Theatre to Marines Memorial Theater – discover Theater District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Nob Hill
Gourmet restaurants Chinatown and top sights from SF Masonic Auditorium to Cable Car Museum – discover Nob Hill, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Downtown San Francisco
Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Warfield Theatre are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
