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.
Golden Gate Park
This beloved park offers relaxation among trees, flowers and wildlife, right in San Francisco’s backyard.
Moscone Convention Center
During your trip, find out what's happening in Moscone Convention Center, a top convention centre in San Francisco. Discover the acclaimed theatre scene and shops in this vibrant area.
Alcatraz Island
Escape to “The Rock,” home of the infamous and abandoned island prison, and discover how it earned a reputation as a cold and unforgiving place.
Things to do
California Academy of Sciences Daytime Admission
Alcatraz Visit with Night Option and SF Bay Cruise
California Sunset Cruise (2-hours)
Alcatraz Island Ticket and Hop-on Hop-Off Bus Tour
Go City: San Francisco All-Inclusive Pass with 30+ Attractions
Top hotels in Japantown
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway by IHG
Staff were amazing! Room was a little noisy, clean but looked old/worn.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Handlery Union Square Hotel
Comfy bed, slightly dated rooms. Pool was a big plus. Great location.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Breakfast was Amazing!!!!
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
Club Quarters Hotel in San Francisco
Good location for walking around town and good rooms. Staff were also good.
Reviewed on 16 Apr 2026
YOTEL San Francisco
Great location if you need to be downtown. We were there for two nights for a show at Bill Graham and it was great walking to everywhere. Only thing I would have changed is that the “view” that I paid extra for was not viewable from anywhere in the room except the bathroom. Plus the room was quite ...
Reviewed on 15 Apr 2026
Hilton San Francisco Union Square
It was excellent good experience
Reviewed on 13 Apr 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.
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 San Francisco Bay are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.
Russian Hill
Travellers choose Russian Hill for its pristine beaches. Hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop and check out top sights like Van Ness Avenue.
