Demure and refined, this neighborhood has all the charm of authentic Japan, sized down into seven city blocks with a 100 foot Peace Pagoda to top it off. Known for being a clean, safe environment, Japantown is located north of the Civic Center, southwest of Nobb Hill, and is easily accessible by bus. A great place to find authentic Japanese art and tempting delicacies, Japantown has many shops and galleries worth a look. Swing by the International Art Gallery to view some wonderful original art. The Miyako mall, a 5-acre construction with fine shops for clothing, furniture, and more, is not far away in the Japan Center.
At the Japan Center, the buildings line the streets full of little delights such as origami-style fountains, sitting stones, shops, and sushi restaurants where the food floats by in boats. Relax in the first-class spa for a traditional shiatsu massage, or get a private room for a deep tissue treatment with seaweed wraps. Also, reclaim your sense of goodwill with a stop at the Peace Pagoda, a gift from Japan in the '60s, as it towers over the Peace Plaza.
