Daiso

Sakura is a teeny tiny little Japanese convenience store in the Sunset with all kinds of little…read moretreasures, healthy and delicious snacks and bento boxes, and Japanese pantry items. They get their bentos from Delica in the ferry building I believe and they also have the prettiest cakes, pastries, and sandos. I stop by for their ume onigiri whenever I'm in the area and it's the perfect little snack to hold me over on my drive home to the Valley. Their prices are really good compared to j town and it feels good knowing I'm supporting local small business by shopping there. The people working there are also always really friendly.

Really yummy pork katsu sando wish it was a little warmer. Very yummy and fluffy white bread it was…read moresuper soft.

4.2 mi•Mission Terrace, Outer Mission

Masubi/onigiri prices jan 2026

Strawberry sando (10/2024)

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Bento box

One Dollar Only

3.2(45 reviews)

This family-owned dollar store on Mission Street has been serving the community for over 20 years…read more In a city where businesses come and go, this spot has remained a reliable go-to for locals through thick and thin, from inflation to all the ups and downs San Francisco throws at small businesses. You'll find everything from everyday essentials to hidden gems at prices that still feel fair, even as costs rise everywhere else. The store is clean, organized, and always stocked with a little bit of everything--perfect for quick stops or surprise finds. Recently painted and updated signs If you're in the area, skip the big chains and support a business that's truly part of the community. Places like this are rare, and we're lucky to have it still standing strong on Mission.

Rude employees . They want you to leave your purse at the front . I refused and left! The store…read moreisn't worth coming to,

Side of store street parking

Laundry detergent, cleaning, fresheners, household items

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Front Registers and directional arrows for line formation

Dollar and Up

3.0(23 reviews)

1.5 mi•Mission

Every time I come in the store the prices are never marked…read more You grab one item marked with a black marker saying $1 and you get to the corner and it's $1.79. These people are crooks. Don't shop here.

The cashier dude try to charge all our items as $1.99. It says one $ store all around and we had no…read moreclue everything was $1.99. They need to update their store from as $1.99 and up. Unless he just made that shit up to charge us double. Whack.

Bad Store they change prices.

Bad Store

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How the store looks.

Goldstar Discount Store

4.1(17 reviews)

2.1 mi•Inner Richmond

On my Clement Street errand list was to purchase a new dish drainer and red envelopes for Chinese…read moreNew Year. Lo and behold, Goldstar's sidewalk display of wares had a big box of packaged red envelopes for $0.89. In I went. In this teeny shop chock full of wares from slippers to bowls, brooms and scrub brushes, I found a right-sized dish drainer for $13.95. The kind salesperson asked if I wanted the red envelopes for New Year because I picked up the ones for birthdays. She scurried off and swapped mine for the correct ones. Sweet place selling useful things, one of those mom 'n' pops you like supporting.

I love stopping by here after I get dim sum next-door. they have amazing chopsticks sets, small…read morebowls, incense, and other household supplies. Great prices.

Store chock full of useful household items

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Red envelopes for Chinese New Year!

Discount City

2.7(31 reviews)

2.3 mi•Mission

Amazing prices ! Amazing service ! thank you will definitely come back to shop and recommend this…read morebusiness !

Everytime When I'm Chilling Around The San Francisco Mission District Area Most Of The Times I…read moreUsually Browse At This Discount City Store At The Mission Street Area Of San Francisco CA USA..... I Have Bought Numerous Items Like Night Lights, Hooks, & During Happy Holiday Season & Have Christmas Decorations Like Christmas Lights & Lighted Up Christmas Necklace & Christmas Ornaments Santa Lighted Up Hat!!!!! When Shopping At Discunt City There Are Some Items That Most Store Don't Have But This Ďì§ćôùnț Store Has The Items That I Have Shop For!!!!!

《 Ì Jùŝť Hàð Ťọ Ɓùÿ Ťĥíş Ĺìĝĥťěď Ùp Śànťã Ĥāț 》

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Macy's Backstage

4.0(2 reviews)

1.2 mi•Union Square

Thanks to the fellow Yelper for the detailed instructions on how to reach this place!! I needed an…read moreemergency bathing suit because we wound up staying one extra night in San Francisco and the hotel, The Palace, still has an indoor pool and hot tub! We got up early and hiked the two blocks over to Macy's where, thanks to our detailed instructions to the "secret" bank of elevators, we ascended to the 8th Floor and the Backstage discount store. It was deserted so early in the morning, and while I did not find a bathing suit, I did find some work out garments that would perfectly suit the occasion (hot tub therapy), for only $15.00! Lots of kids clothing and basic apparel here, at excellent discount prices!

You cannot reach this place using the elevators near union Square. Find the hidden row of six…read moreelevators and choose the eighth floor. If you find yourself inside the Cheesecake Factory use the escalators to go down to the seventh floor and then use the previously mentioned elevators to come back up to the hidden area of the eight floor. Otherwise this place is like a very well maintained Nordstrom's Rack. They do sometimes have discounted designer items locked up like purses

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Grocery Outlet

3.7(143 reviews)

2.3 mi•Mission

This is a Grocery Outlet so that's always good. It's also probably the largest Grocery Outlet in…read moreSF, and has a decent parking lot. Typically there are long lines but they move fairly quickly. This one doesn't carry as many asian products as I'd like, but it has all of the basics. The cashiers are decently friendly as well. It's not the Portola GO (my favorite in SF) but still very good.

I was shopping and pulled a bottle of wine off the shelf and it was stuck to another bottle by…read morefoil. It fell and broke,I immediately notified someone and apologized. One employee, new employee ,woman,short,dark wavy hair,said "let's see if the manager wants to charge you for that", which is actually illegal in CA, plus, it was an accident for a $7 bottle of wine. I had about $70 worth of groceries in my basket and was immediately appalled by the situation. I go there 4-6 times a week,I expect employees working there to know the law. For a $7 bottle of wine the store lost $70 in purchases. It's kind of embarrassing,it's like the employee had some type of power struggle to deal with and was taking it out on me. I hope she/they can figure it out at their new store because all of the other employees I've encountered over the past 4 years have been wonderful.

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Twice as Nice Bay Area

4.2(22 reviews)

11.1 mi

The gentleman that was at the cash register was super helpful and always had a smile, I appreciate…read morethat! Lots of very good priced items. Most of the stock is Overstock is what I'm told and only a smallllll percentage is thrift, at the very back of the place! Look at their jewelry too! Sterling silver and others and they have crystal bracelets that's all sorts of design, I saw a few with the evil eye protection charm on it. Just put it on and it'll snap in place because it is elastic band. So no adjustment needed I will come back when I decide I need another bracelet!

It was a pleasure to meet you and I love the new jackets I bought which I have been looking for a…read morevery long time. Very affordable and clean thank you!

Exterior

Interior

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Interior

One Dollar Only

3.5(42 reviews)

5.9 mi

Unprofessional loss prevention / bag check, 1. brought clothing just checking right size before…read moreheading wasn't stealing anything snatched the bag of stuff away for no reason weren't stealing anything didn't have to be rude, 2. On the shift he was on his phone talking to a friend or a family member easily for someone to walk out with stuff not purchase, there to work not to be on the phone.. making the place of business look bad!!!

I was at the store today around 5 January 19,2016.and was checking on what to buy. I saw 1 plastic…read moregreen gloves outside the plastic bag ( some one must have opened it already ) so I picked it up and there was an old man who came towards me and accused me why I opened it. I told him I did not open anything , it was already outside of the bag. I told him to check their camera to prove it. He started talking in Spanish with his other co worker. This makes me feel bad.I hope that the owner would read this. Because this is bad customer service. This is harassment. This place is going down due the bad service.

1.4 mi•North Beach/Telegraph Hill, Russian Hill

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Stockton Bargain Center

3.2(14 reviews)

This is a huge trading bargain store. It's never ending!…read moreYou can find anything here. From toilet paper, tooth brush, bowls, tumbler, pencils, light bulb, lighter, underwear, luggage, toys, chairs, incenses, etc. It's actually overwhelming. It's like Costco, you lose sense of time in there. They had a sister store across the street but they closed it down and combined every thing here now. Came in here looking for bowls to replace our old ones, as some of them have chips on them. My mom didn't like any of them. And their price is high. Found the same bowls for $2 cheaper around the corner. I remember coming here when I was a little girl with my dad, he would purchase a toy for me each time we visit. Ofc I don't have them anymore. But I would play with them until they die on me or it breaks. I also bought a red mini broom/dust pan set for $10.99 few years back. It works so well! Light weight and sturdy. Used it at my work because the brooms we had there was extremely heavy. They have some value bargains definitively worth your buck. Instead of paying $5 for superglue, it's $2.49. Like most shops, they do not accept returns. Exchanges only. It's family own like most shops in CT, they're all really nice. I think the daughter in law runs the cashier, she speaks English and Chinese.

I have been coming here for many years. I can remember when this store used to be Woolworths. I…read morethink this is the largest discount store in China Town. It has tons of stuff! Last time I was here I bought a nice black synthetic back pack for under $20. I have also bought household items, tools, bamboo mats, photo frames, clothes hangers, figureines, paint brushes and plants through out the years. This place is great if you need to pick up some really cheap stuff. It's nice that this place is located in the quieter part of China Town away from the crowds.

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School needs

Pretty nice tie selection

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Baskets

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Kevin C.

Elite 26

238

456

1976

2 years ago

Daiso, located on the west side of Japan Center Mall, is a fantastic budget-friendly store that's always worth a visit when you're in Japantown. This store offers an incredible variety of items, including Japanese snacks and drinks, household essentials, stationery, and cute gadgets that make great gifts or practical finds for your home. The prices are very reasonable, making it easy to grab multiple items without breaking the bank. Despite the affordable prices, the quality is impressive for most of their products. It's a perfect spot to pick up unique and functional items you didn't even realize you needed! The store is well-organized, with each section clearly labeled, making it easy to browse through their extensive inventory. The staff are courteous, professional, and always ready to help if you have questions or need assistance finding something. Due to Daiso's popularity, the store can get quite busy, especially on weekends and holidays, so be prepared for some crowds. Even with the foot traffic, the checkout process is efficient, and the overall experience is pleasant. Whether you're looking for snacks, cute trinkets, or household supplies, Daiso is a gem in Japantown that delivers value, variety, and a fun shopping experience. It's a must-stop for anyone exploring the area! read more

Jaime R.

Elite 26 All-Star

302

432

854

5 months ago

Daiso in Japantown is easily one of my favorite stores in the world. It offers a perfect combination of high quality and low cost that is hard to beat. The sheer variety of inexpensive items is impressive; I always find exactly what I'm looking for, along with several fun extras. In an era where tariffs and global conflicts are driving up costs, finding such affordable prices for both essentials and unique finds is a welcome relief. The experience of shopping there is a treat in itself, as the ambience transports you to Japan for a few minutes. Their offerings are incredibly diverse, featuring Japanese-made goods like specialty pens, cards, and paper flowers, alongside an amazing selection of drinks and snacks. The service is equally efficient, utilizing a self-service model with a fast checkout process. Even when there is a line, they have enough cashiers working to ensure you get through quickly. read more

Monty T.

12 years ago

You should make a quick stop inside Daiso Japan, if you are in the area. We went at Christmas time so there were of course the window displays and mobs of people. The more you went upstairs, the fewer crowds of people there were. The store was pretty cool. The escalators were old school and interesting to ride. There were plenty of restaurants inside, like McDonalds and Au Bon Pain, to name a few. There was quite a selection of discounted quality Christmas ornaments and other things we would not find in our local store. We did not really take enough time to go clothing shopping, but there was an amazing shoe selection. There is so much to see in over 8 floors of shopping, it feels like it never ends. The condition of the store and cleanliness was fine to me. Stop in for a visit! read more

Patrick D.

8 years ago

I like the assortment of Japanese items they offer at Daiso Japan. Very nice staff and I usually leave satisfied. When I went to the cashier, I noticed a handsome man who looks like he could be in a butler cafe. He made me feel like a princess and the slight touch of his arm was enough to make my day. My friend recommended that I come here because of the attractive employees who make me special. This person stood out because I realized I actually had feelings. I am currently planning on our wedding and finding land to purchase so we can have a ranch where rams can run free. In short, I enjoy coming to Daiso Japan everytime I go to Japantown since they have cheap items that I can afford. I hope they sell wedding rings... read more

Charles T.

4 years ago

This store is very clean and you definitely feel safe shopping here. The place is very beautiful and the staffs were very polite and friendly. They have very nice quality products, that every person can return back to. Cute little things that are needed in our daily needs. The guards and other staffs are friendly. It observes health protocols properly. So, I enjoyed shopping and strolling here. It was amazing. The parking space is not so crowded too. I love strolling here at Daiso Japan and see what's new to this store. I will recommend this shop to all of my family and friends. Shop now! read more

Kevin C.

11 years ago

I usually get dragged in here, but I have to say I do like all the little bags and cases that can be used for my gadgets, phones, tablets, laptops, etc. I bought about 30 mesh zippered thingies to organize all my assorted wires and cables in my cabinet of tech supplies. They have padded sleeves that perfectly fit a Macbook Pro 13" and smaller padded cases that hold mobile phones like a glove. Best of all, this stuff is about 1/10th the price of what you'd pay at somewhere like the Container Store. So stock up and happy organizing. read more

Parely B.

11 years ago

I got colorful white board marker there. As I saw on top left conner "Produced for Daiso Japan", at first I didn't trust on Diaso brand, but I brought one. Then I came home to test them and then how wonderful they are!!With inexpensive price, 1.5$ +tax!! I love them! And came back to buy one more. Now I trust the product which have Daiso brand on. read more

Marie P.

12 years ago

I enjoyed my trip to Daiso Japan and bought a few things and the cost was reasonable. However, somehow I expected more. To be fair, the store is only just undergoing it's transformation for Thanksgiving and Christmas, so perhaps they're not quite up to speed yet. Still very enjoyable read more

Sophia S.

11 years ago

This superstore is excellent for temporary and sometimes long term use items. It's definitely worth a try. You'll end up saving a lot more money and walk away with cute items to adorn and use in your home. There's always something new to discover so its an adventure each time! read more

Lee S.

8 years ago

There was this cute cashier who smiled at me and made my feel comfortable. As he was packing my items in the bag, I realized that we have been staring at each other for longer than 8 seconds. I knew that we fell in love. Very nice Japanese items, would come again. Ram Ranch read more

Gang J.

12 years ago

Miracle on San Francisco, CA is my favorite movie. I had to go to Daiso Japan. It lived up to my dreams even though much of the building was being renovated. The wooden escalators on the third floor required several trips up and down just for fun. read more

Harper G.

7 years ago

Basically an amazing Japanese dollar (1.50) store. Found lots of fun little things to use in my office and to take home to my kids. Planning to make a YouTube video on our quick walk-through. Plan to pay for parking - $3 per hour. read more

Foodie M.

446

251

820

12 years ago

All the amazing things you can find for 1.50! It's really amazing the things you can get here which are comparable to things bought at other places that cost so much more. This place is awesome! read more

Robb M.

13 years ago

Essentially a japanese dollar store. Do I like it more than Wal-Mart? Yes. Is everything still made in China? Yes. Would I shop here for high quality product? No. Overall a nice place? Yes. read more

Anthony B.

12 years ago

I love coming to Daiso when I want to look for cheap things that I might want to replace later, but I'm still not even sure if I would use it enough to wear it out. Or to find cheap snacks. read more

Lucero E.

10 years ago

Absolutely love this store! A must stop if you are visiting Japantown. You will find everything you want and everything else you didn't know you wanted... And almost all of it for $1.50! read more

Suvida N.

16 years ago

It's fun to walk around. You will find something that you never think about it until you see it here. Most item cost 1.50$ and many great housewares cost less than 5$ read more

Joshua L.

3 years ago

What to say about Daiso? Well, if you have never been to a Daiso, you might as well not be told about it. Some things are better kept secret, though I am a fan. read more

Brad K.

12 years ago

Here is the shop which is very cheap here. An orderly arrangement. Makes it easy to find the desired product. And the sale is welcomed as well. read more

Stephanie S.

3 years ago

It was something new to me that I never done I was traveling to san Francisco for weekend then decided to go such a cute shop to go shopping

Daiso - deptstores - Updated September 2026

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Miniso

3.2

(66 reviews)

I typically love Miniso, but this is not my favorite location. I'm at Stonestown pretty often, and…read moreI usually stop by whenever I'm there. Unfortunately, I leave empty-handed about 9 out of 10 times because they never seem to have the newer items I'm looking for. I especially love collecting blind boxes, and this location often feels behind on stocking new releases. One interaction I had here a while back really stuck with me. An older employee told me about a promotion while ringing up my purchase. After checking out, I grabbed a few more items so I could take advantage of the deal she had mentioned. When the discount didn't appear, I asked her about the promotion, and she responded in a rude tone, saying she had no idea what I was talking about. I understand that people may not remember every interaction, but this happened within just a few minutes of our conversation. The response felt dismissive and unnecessary, and it left a negative impression. I still love Miniso as a brand, but this location has been disappointing compared to others I've visited.

I couldn't find a charging cable for my iPhone at the Daiso so my back up was to go to Miniso and…read morehave my fingers crossed. Alas is the world of having an "older" model phone that isn't USB-C. Pain, misery, agony. Luckily enough, I was able to find an iPhone charging cable here (I got 2 just in case) and it was around $5-6. Pretty steep, but it's high speed and I was in dire straits. It's still working, so it's not a super cheap garbage one, yet. There was one worker here when we went and a good number of people looking around at stuff, but there was no wait for me to check out. I'll be honest, this is the smallest and most barren, cleared out Miniso that I've been to. Canmake shelves were decimated and it a lot of the make up samples were broke and dirty. I wouldn't want to touch any of it or purchase any with my bare hands. NorCal doesn't have an equivalent of Ebisu Life or Fukuya Life, so aside from some other miscellaneous places, this would be the only place I would think to get imported make up off the top of my head and to see it in that state, especially if I really needed something (for a con, etc.), I would NOT be happy. Other than that this location is mostly gifts, blind boxes, make up (no matter how decimated) and very little other goods (electronics, home goods, snacks). There are better, bigger Miniso out there, but this served it's purpose at the very least.

Amiko Boutique

3.8

(88 reviews)

San Francisco is a city full of character. I noticed there are lots of characters are all around…read moreSan Francisco all four seasons. Then there are characters on social media without any character being performative in SF at the restaurants and public spaces. It's interesting to see so many characters all over the city especially in the Summer time . There is one place which has lots of stuffed characters ( not from eating food) at a mall in SF. It's at the Japan Center Mall in Japantown of San Francisco and it's called Amiko. On a Japantown stroll I landed at Japan Center Mall West and entered Amiko. Inside you will see some interesting stuffed characters and other items usually from the land of the rising sun. You will also find different characters to fill a public trinket box. Inside you will find shirts and bags. You will also find hats and bracelets. This place has blind boxes and a Kawaii vibe. Amiko has a lots of character. Japantown has lots of good places to go and lots of places to eat and "shop" like getting some sushi with Tonkatsu the Japanese fried "pork chop" and then go to Amiko and see a stuffed bunnies that don't "hop" and grabbing an ice dessert treat with a cherry on "top" Go on a stroll in Japantown also known as a "crawl "you see lots of characters in SF during all four seasons Winter, Spring , Summer and "Fall" you will also see lots of stuffed characters and it's not from eating its seeing a stuffed character "doll"and it all takes place at the "Japan Center Mall"

I've been looking for Smiski and didn't want to risk buying a fake online, so I checked out…read moreJapantown. A few shops were sold out, but I eventually found some at this store. All Smiski items come in blind boxes. I chose the "Let's Exercise" series and ended up getting the Balance one. I also picked up a strap blind box and got a secret, which was a nice surprise. Customer service was great, and the prices were decent. This was my first time buying Smiski, glad I was able to find them here. :)

Canton Bazaar

4.2

(73 reviews)

I love this store more than I love life itself. I've been on the hunt for cute & unique plates,…read morebowls, and other eatery-ware for my collection, and this little shop was an absolute goldmine. A treasure trove for trinkets, household goods, and more. I also bought a bunch of adorable and designed paper lanterns, which are hung up in my apartment. The lady at the counter helped me dig through the massive stack to find ones that I liked the best. It was only $3.99 for each lantern, and the bowls ranged from $5-$25. Great deals, great vibes, great purchases. I'm going to visit again to buy more plates and paper lanterns.

Kind of an everything you can find store, but with lucky cats and good luck emblems and fortune…read more There's a lot of everything here, from gifts, decorative wallets, to positive rocks with traditional Chinese characters on them. They also have incense of all kinds, including Japanese ones and Indian ones. Guess you can say this is a variety store, but quality of things looks on the upper end. There's also some cute pet costumes that are upfront, especially for the Chinese New Year season. Fun place to shop.

Kinokuniya Bookstore - San Francisco

4.5

(548 reviews)

Super cute interesting finds, pretty pricey. Such as $25 for a small cloth tote or $35 for a normal…read moresize shopping tote Calendars, toys, plushes, and oh books of course. A lot of people go for the items more so than books

This is a long-established Japanese bookstore that has been around since I first came to the United…read moreStates over 20 years ago. My grandmother and my aunt both loved this place. They spoke Japanese and received a Japanese education, so this bookstore always held a special meaning for them. The store carries a wide selection of Japanese books, magazines, Reader's Digest (Japanese edition), and manga. It also offers many adorable Japanese-style plush toys, collectibles, and accessories. You'll often see American teenagers who are passionate about Japanese anime and manga browsing here, which gives the bookstore a lively and welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend this bookstore to anyone who loves Japanese culture, anime, manga, or simply wants to experience a little piece of Japan. 一家很老的日式書店，我20年前來美國就有的書店了，我奶奶和我大姑姑生前就很喜歡這家書店，尤其她們都會講日文也接受日本教育。這家書店也很多日本的雜誌、包括讀者文摘和日本的漫畫，這家還有很多很可愛亞洲風格的玩偶和飾品。平常有很多愛好日式動漫的美國青少年會光顧這家書店，我強力推薦給喜歡日本文化的各位。

Japan Center

4.2

(180 reviews)

Yep... another reason to LOVE SF. Culture, community, and somehow... magically clean?! Like I don't…read moreknow what spell they cast over Japantown but the usual city "aroma" is nowhere to be found lol. Just good vibes, music, anime, cosplay sightings, and me absolutely losing it over a Japanese vintage shop like it was a life event. Gifts everywhere, manga on manga on manga... I blinked and suddenly I needed everything. You can literally watch fresh udon being made, bounce between ramen spots, sip tea like you have your life together, and yes... plenty of veggie and vegan friendly options so we're all thriving. And the history? Not just cute... it's legit. This is the OLDEST Japantown in the U.S. and one of only three left, built after the 1906 earthquake when Japanese communities relocated here and made it their cultural home (Japantown Cultural District⁠). It was once a booming hub with hundreds of businesses before WWII internment basically wiped it out, and the community had to rebuild from scratch after . So yeah... what you're walking through now is resilience with really good snacks. Hit the mall, the Peace Pagoda, the paper stores (origami, stationery, art... obsessed), and all the Ghibli love. Cute AND historic... we love a neighborhood with depth.

Just learned that Japan Center is isn't going to house KOHO anymore. JC needed an organization like…read morethat to give it heart & soul. The whole place felt different with KOHO there, better. When I first moved to the SF area over 20 years ago, I felt that JC had a lot of potential. It had some good shops & restaurants, but needed to be reinvigorated. It's improved to a certain degree over the years, in certain ways, but has also lost some good anchor stores that gave it a more authentic Japanese feeling, like Genji Antiques, the Kotobuki ceramics shop, and Sain Saine traditional anma massage. There are so many shops, ideas, and products that could have been brought over from Japan over the years; it made me wonder if any of the JC decision makers have ever been back to the mother country! KOHO gave JC a cultural base, with creative people, which, over time, could have positively influenced the development of the entire mall. I'll be attending KOHO's Obon event in Golden Gate Park next weekend. Having a large space to organize from in the heart of Japantown has made important events like that possible. Before KOHO moved in, there was just another dollar store there. Then it was empty for a long time. I imagine it will be empty for a while after KOHO moves out, so the rent money JC is seeking won't be coming right away. And who will move in? Another uninspiring shop w/ a weak connection to Japan and its culture? Or another Korean cosmetics store? (I'm not against Korean cosmetics, but there are so many interesting Japanese products and brands that could be promoted via JC.) Anyway, money wins out over heart & soul yet again. It's sad.

Mai Do - San Francisco

4.2

(339 reviews)

•$$$

This place is next to the matcha store…read more I could spend hours here! Their shelves are stocked with stationary from local small businesses like @palett.es , atelier by Jo, @faithcaoculator. I don't have to wait for SJ made to come around any more! I picked up some cute cards, stickers, and the viral build a room using stickers sticker sheet. I barely made it past the cards and stickers after 30 minutes. The items are a bit pricy but that's the general trend of stickers and cards from smaller creators. I'll check out the other half of the store next time.

I think I was probably much more enamored by Mai Do here before they started proliferating in SoCal…read moreand then SoCal started having giga huge Kinokuniya that already incorporate Mai Do into their stock, but it's nice to have a standalone stationary shop as well, especially if it means more varied and unique stock. I like that this location has items from local small businesses and artists too. I know SJ Made gets fisted in Bay Area and there's not as much space and many recurring events, so having physical spots to purchase and support these creatives is great. There's stickers, special paper, journals and journaling tools, writing and drawing utensils, sticky notes, ink and fancy ink pens, planners, and much, much more, including little trinkets, gifts, blind boxes, keychains, etc. So you can get something for yourself or you can get something as a gift for someone else. It can get a bit pricey though. With some small notebooks being $10 and a fancier keychain being around $20. Really depends on what you're looking at, how high quality it is, if it's imported in, etc. Staff can get swamped helping customers check out, but they'll do their best to answer your questions!

New People

3.8

(191 reviews)

•$$$

The few times that I've come here were for Love Live events (as my bf is a huge fan). This place…read morehas always been very clean and accommodating for events (especially getting Pocky/Hello Panda/Choco Shroom treats before/after the showing). Parking isn't too bad as there is the lot under Japantown, but if you want to try street... good luck :) For the movie theater on the basement level, it is very clean and the seats are pretty comfortable - no food/drinks allowed into the theater (water for sure is though). The lighting is very mild and I just love how the walls are decorate to incorporate the lights with the decor. One of the two things I dislike is the lack of ventilation and no cell reception in the theater. It gets really muggy and I usually have to take a break outside around the 2 hour mark for some fresh air. There was once that I felt a slight breeze but it still wasn't enough - the air was still stale and didn't smell quite nice. Final Thoughts: As I've only been here for the theater, I definitely want to try the cafe and explore the place a bit more some other time. I'm pretty sure my bf will be more than excited for another Love Live event (I'll probably wait at Japantown or explore the other levels though).

I think I would have loved New People much more back in its hey day. I remember a very vague memory…read moreof when I was still in high school and visited New People and was enamored Black Peace Now and h.Naoto on the second floor, as well as Baby the Stars Shine Bright. Long gone are those days as well as J-Pop Summit and a lot of New People is a shell of what it was. Even awhile back, Ayumi Seto's brand was on display now, but there's barely anything there aside from Baby the Stars Shine Bright and Alice and the Pirates which is quite pricey and as gorgeous as their pieces are, it's not really my style. Black Peace Now has been defunct for years and it's concerning that h.Naoto is a vendor at AX but is no longer a fashion show guest of honor??? Sucks, I'm now an adult with money and not a child sapping away my parents funds and couldn't beg them to get me something when visiting and it's just not accessible or the same for me. New People closes quite early at 5 PM, but that's every place in SF, I feel. Now, I feel like it's only used for the theater for limited showings, there's a lash place there and there's high tea (though I've never seen it open the times I've gone). Really wish it can get restored in a way that fosters J-culture or, more in my favor, otaku or J-fashion culture in some way. Think Little Akihabara LA. Host pop up shops here, or the like, something.

The Kira Shop

4.5

(52 reviews)