Yep... another reason to LOVE SF. Culture, community, and somehow... magically clean?! Like I don't know 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. read more

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Just learned that Japan Center is isn't going to house KOHO anymore. JC needed an organization like that 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. read more

The Japanese center was actually closed. It is due to construction. But the garage you can still park inside and visit the Japanese Mall. read more

Japan Center - This is what we came for - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Japan Center is still an amazing view into japanese shopping and the long standing Kinokuniya Bookstore with bargains as well as higher end finds from are to kitchenwares and beyond. For well over a century Japantown remains bringing groceries as well as specialty Tea shops and fine Japanese Woodblock Prints Dining, etc. read more

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It was a good shopping experience. It was super busy and very crowded shopping center. I stop by Kinokuniya Books, ate at Yama-chan and a milk tea from Yi Fang. The service from the vendors that I encountered was terrific. read more

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Amazing location to buy goods and get a great bite. If you enjoy ramen, sushi or anything anime! This is definitely the place to be. You can find anything here. Affordable skin products. Great ppl read more

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There's always something new to see in Japan Center and that's what makes this place so special. Whether you want to get something for your home at Daiso (without breaking your piggy bank), or check out an awesome Japanese plant shop, or buy a book or enjoy some of the yummiest Japanese food, it's all here for you to see, taste and buy. Been here since I was little, it's still a wonderful spot to have a touch of everything Japanese. read more

Japan Center - Ha! So fun to look at! - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Unimpressed. Stayed in the area for a short time on assignment. Shops look pretty sad. Prices are high but stuff are unimpressive. Outside the mall, the streets look sad and not clean. read more

Japan Center is within Japantown in San Francisco. I came here during my last two visits to SF but most recently came to the Cherry Blossom Festival. It was super crowded for the festival but super fun to walk around with vendors all around. The outside has a lot of space and, of course, had cherry blossom trees during this time. Within the center, you can find fun lil Japanese goods and food like ramen, a matcha spot, and an anime store. Definitely worth stopping by if you're in town, especially for the festival! read more

Japan Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

The Japan Center in San Francisco's Japantown is a vibrant indoor mall full of fantastic shops, restaurants, and unique experiences. If you love exploring different types of cuisine and discovering interesting stores, this spot should definitely be on your list. There's no shortage of great food here. Whether you're in the mood for revolving sushi, a classic meal at Benihana, or something more creative like the fusion Italian udon restaurant at Udon Mugizo, the options are endless. One of my favorite stops is the Matcha Cafe Maiko shop that serves hojicha flavored ice creams--the flavor is rich, earthy, and absolutely delicious. From quick bites to full meals, there's something for every craving. Besides the food, there are a lot of shops to explore. I always make a point to visit the Katsura Garden plant shop, which has a nice variety of unique plants at reasonable prices. The Kinokuniya bookstore is a must for book lovers, offering a wide range of Japanese literature, manga, and interesting gifts. For those who love browsing for cute and quirky items, there are several stores filled with knick-knacks and souvenirs that make perfect gifts or keepsakes. Parking can be a challenge, especially on busy days, but one bonus is that street parking is free on Sundays, so it's worth planning your visit accordingly. Overall, the Japan Center in Japantown is a must-visit for anyone looking to enjoy great food, shopping, and a taste of Japanese culture all in one place. It's an easy place to get lost in for hours between shopping and eating. read more

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The Japan center is a hub for clothing, jewelry, and toys by Japanese brands, and there are also numerous food places. The mall has two stories and also divided as west and east sections, both are equipped with restaurants and stores. Since there are ongoing renovation and construction, and I'd say the connection in-between is interrupted. read more

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I've been coming to Japantown and spending time at Japan Center since 2008. Over the years I've seen it become more popular. As I was walking through last weekend, I heard someone say, "I came here for the vibes." And the vibes are fun! There are two malls packed with eateries and shops. All ages seem to come and enjoy the offerings. There are lots of fun stationery shops, toys, sushi, matcha, a lovely candle shop, garden shop, galleries and much more. There are also cultural exhibits and a new welcome center as well as an amazing Japanese bookstore. The center features the pagoda plaza which is currently under renovation so navigating the area can be tricky. Don't let that deter you! Everything is open and the place is as busy as ever. One of my favorite spots in San Francisco! read more

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Came here because I wanted chocolate matcha mochis from Nippon-Ya and omg, it was a complete zoo because of Cherry Blossom Festival. People were packed like sardines there so I didn't get a change to check out restaurants and other shops. We walked through b what seemed like a maze to get to Nippon-Ya but the mochis there is worth the extra hassle. Would love to come back on a less busy weekend to explore this mall. read more

Love this place every time I go. Plenty of unique shops and restaurants Plenty of gift options for the holidays! Stores have a great vibe and most offer cloth bags for your items. You can spend hours in here without realizing it. Highly recommend coming here. read more

Japan Center - Tenroku Sushi bar - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This is an INCREDIBLE mall in Japantown! It's got everything you could want: Daiso, bookstore, Japanese housewares, collectibles, and a wide variety of Japanese restaurants and snack shops! It's a fun place to visit. You can find eats for under $10 or splurge on a full sit-down conveyor sushi meal. And gift items also in all ranges. Something for everyone! read more

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Japan Center was right next to the hotel. In fact, it's actually attached. It's loaded with restaurants, which I'd consider its biggest draw. It's a loooong center. It takes a while to travel from the hotel to the end of the 'mall' and back. We found several restaurants worth visiting. We also stopped into many of the shops, which was both fun and interesting. Japan Center is a bit of a weird anomaly in the middle of Japantown, but worth checking out. If you're not staying in the area I wouldn't make a special trip. If, on the other hand, you are staying close by I recommend stopping in and seeing what might strike your fancy. read more

We were staying at a hotel next door in Japantown and knew we had to visit Japan Center! The Japan Center is also known as Japan Center Malls, as its really three separate buildings connected to each other. The three buildings together contain several shops, food stands, restaurants, coffee/tea shops, and more! We stopped into a few shops and got some takoyaki at one stall and coffees at another! So many Japanese small businesses to try/support! Definitely fun to explore! Don't miss it if you're in the Japantown area! read more

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Shopping! [Japantown, San Francisco] I love the stores here... they just make me want to explore. Daiso is in the East Mall but many of the stores and restaurants I like are in the West Mall. Daiso has plenty ideas for stocking stuffers... lots of trinkets and Japanese candy. One can easily stuff even a huge stocking. I love wandering down the aisles. This location is huge. I found some great gift ideas here in Japan Center. I stopped by a bookstore, a women's clothing boutique, jewelry, cosmetics, and children's gifts. Katachi has a nice collection of swords and knives. Mai Do is a store that carries high quality calligraphy supplies, stationeries and specialty papers. There are also stores for music lovers... one selling ukeleles and a lot of "island" merchandise and another store selling Japanese instruments like the koto. While Japan Center is currently operating and remain open during Purple Tier restrictions (worst tier) there are some strict guidelines the public must adhere to while inside the mall -- wear masks and keep appropriate distance from each other. The Japan Center malls (East and West) are open to foot traffic and holiday shopping although the retail stores are limited to 20% capacity from normal. Each store has posted instructions and guidelines upon entering so just be aware of them. The restaurants are also open, though only for take out and delivery. No indoor dining and the public is advised to not eat inside the malls. There you go... Review #2048 read more

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I was surprised I hadn't heard of this mall before. Locating in SF, it is full of everything: food, stores and lots of things coming from Japan! I came with a friend, and looked around for 3 hours. I copped some cool pencils, and a Cubone pop figure. When it came to lunch, we had Teriyaki and rice; Ramen is also offered here. This was back in October, and outside dining was available. Next time I come to the city, I will for sure visit Japan Center again! read more

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First and foremost - BRING A MASK! Most stores require a mask for entrance, so we had to hunt for a store that carried them to purchase. I never thought I'd be sporting Hello Kitty fashion accessories (mask), but they did the job! We came to this mall on a hunt for Anime ... and we were not disappointed! Although many of the shops did not carry what my grandson was looking for - we did find a nice Toy collectibles tucked away that did which made the trip worthwhile. This is a place to come on an empty stomach - you will find food galore! So many I wanted to try because it looked so good, but we settled on crepes knowing we had a movie to catch. Overall, this mall was fascinating (not as diverse, stores basically had the same items) and I truly did appreciate the cleanliness and mask requirements. The 3-part mall was nice to explore and parking was an ease to get in, and not too expensive! I'll most likely ONLY go back when I was to sushi hop! read more

Japan Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great place to hangout with friends/family or get a quick bite! There are lots of matcha drink and ice cream shops and even shops for novelty items, great place to spend time on the weekends. Highly recommend checking out! read more

A lot of people mistake Japan Center is Japantown. But Japan Center is only a shipping mall in Japantown. But I think more than 80% of the businesses in Japantown are inside Japan Canter Mall. Japan Center Mall has two sections. The East and the West. The west side is much bigger than the east side of the mall. There are so many Japanese souvenirs, gifts shops, and restaurants in the mall. More than you can imagine. They have so many little gift shops carrying all the cute items. It is very fun to check out what they have. Of course, you will bring something home unexpected too! Lol! Japan Center also has many restaurants. Some of the restaurants have food samplers made of wax. They look very real. I almost want to eat the wax samples! I'm sure you will have a fun time in Japan Center if you're visiting San Francisco. Don't forget to put them on your list! read more

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A little hectic on weekends as many of the people congregate to this mall as other shops in the area close. Occasional vocal individuals needs to be escorted from the property. read more

We went to the shopping center in Japantown yesterday at San Francisco. My mom got a Black Sesame Soft Serve in a cup, my dad got an Ube Soft Serve in a cup, and I got an Ube Soft Serve with sprinkles and a Biscoff on the top and in a Taiyaki cone with Red Bean Paste inside. This dessert place looks like Somi Somi in Elk Grove and we also saw a Christmas tree with full of origami cranes around. read more

Japan Center - Christmas Tree Full of Origami Cranes - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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This review is for April 2023. The Cherry Blossom Festival was held outdoors in the center. PARKING: - Hourly rates are between $2 to $3 dollars depending on what time parked. - The elevators inside the parking lot is pretty slow so allow extra time if you need to be prompt. - Restrooms are located next to the elevator to the parking garage. - Restaurants, food stands, Daiso, Kinokuniya Bookstore, other miscellaneous shops and more in this center. - Nijiya Market, a Japanese grocery store is located on street level. - Pa'ina Lounge and Restaurant is down the street. - Hotels are nearby. read more

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Main shopping center in Japantown. The center has two sides east and west. We came after the pandemic hit and we saw the aftermath. Many of the shops were closed down. But we were still able to shop at the other stores that were able to remain open. We also had lunch at one of the restaurants inside. There are a few to choose from depending on what you looking to to eat. Sushi, ramen, curry and more. On the east side of the mall where Daiso is you'll find this cute bridge and fountain underneath. They also have also model displays out of buildings and clothing. It's definitely worth the walk here if you are staying outside of Japantown. read more

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Japan town and center was fun to go around to see Japanese art, pottery, stores and food. We enjoyed going into mai do (stationery and goods) where they have two stores. We also enjoyed some mochi donuts and boba. The mall itself, such as the floors, especially the stairs, appeared very dirty since the pandemic. So be sure to wear your masks and also have hand sanitizer on you. read more

Japan Center - Geary Street Japan Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

Chill mall with cute little stores and restaurants. Definitely a must to shop for one of a kind items and grab sushi while in San Francisco. If you just want to relax there are plenty of places to sit and people watch. read more

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There's always a good energy whenever you're on Peace Plaza or wandering around the hallways and odd corridors of Japan Center that suddenly dead-end. Couples meander and families walk and linger near the kid-friendly frozen yogurt and crepe places. People of all ages who seem to be mostly locals populate the mall, especially on rainy days. Everyone seems relaxed and never in a hurry. The vibe is always chill. Maybe the Peace Pagoda elevates everyone into a Zen state. The retail and restaurant mix is best described as eclectic and it has a bit of everything: Very good ramen and (floating boat!) sushi restaurants, frozen yogurt and a crepe place, a large bookstore, excellent galleries, a kimono shop, Daiso Japan, a bakery, nail salon - all within a nutty amalgamation of 1960s buildings that are a little shabby and not the most inviting design. There are useful and interesting businesses all around Japan Center like a good a grocery (Nijiya Market), the Kabuki Hot Springs & Spa, Soko Hardware (bamboo steam baskets, sake sets and teapots) and a dozen more restaurants to choose from. There's an underground garage that's cheaper than getting a ticket for an expired meter - and I think some businesses validate. I usually find street parking and tend to be in Japantown after 6 or on Sundays. Go and explore - and bring your appetite because there are quite a few wallet-friendly dining options you'll want to try. read more

It was like a food court. It was fun to walk around there . We ate ramen but taste was way far different from real Japanese ramen and meals . But I love Matcha ice cream at Maiko . The Taste is good as a real Japanese matcha ice cream as usual. read more

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Noodle shop, Japanese bakery, gift shop, florist, barbecue, salons, textiles, beauty products, DVD's, Tea shops .... A lot of very pretty things, fabulous looking food I am people watching in the wonderful indoor Japanese mall read more

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Japan Center is a shopping mall in the heart of Japantown. It contains a lot of mom & pop stores and restaurants. You can find some unique Japanese items here that are only available in Japan. The mall consists of two sections, the west and east malls. It separated by a plaza which contains a 5-story pagoda which within itself is a sight to see. It is anchored by two of the popular stores, Daiso Japan and Nijiya Market. Parking is available at Japan Center but only a few businesses provide partial validation for your parking. read more

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I really loved japan center. Favorite was the sign outside "FUKU sushi" I love the name of the restaurant :)))) There are different wings so check out all buildings! So much to offer! Restaurants, shops, authentic stores, flower shops, ice cream, etc. A must visit when you're in SF! read more

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We just went there last weekend to get our sushi craving fixed. Izumi is the place to eat out, highly recommended. Unfortunately, we parked in the garrage and someone broke in our car. Nothing was lost inside the car, just a broken side window. The staff was very helpful getting the incident report. read more

How come I did not know about Japan Center before?? This place is so unique and fun. I am adding it to the list of places to take out of towners when they are visiting. Lots of unique cool stores and amazing eats and drinks. Convenient inexpensive parking in the basement as well. read more

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The East & West Japan Center Malls are located in Japantown. There are plenty of mom and pop shops, restaurants, frozen yogurt, pastries, snacks, coffee shops, crepes, etc. here. Come hungry! The East and West Malls are located in between the Japantown Peace Pagoda. This beautiful five-tiered concrete stupa was designed by Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi. It was donated to Japantown in 1968 by the City of Osaka, San Francisco's sister city in Japan. It has become one of Japantown's main landmarks. Don't forget to explore all the cultural opportunities throughout this neighborhood. read more

I love taking folks to Japan Center, especially if it's raining outside. My favorites below: - East Mall: Daiso, Uji Time Dessert - West Mall (Nijiya-side): Mochill Mochidonut, cute Japanese stores (manga merch, stuffed animals, videos), daigo shop - West Mall (AMC-side): Kinokuniya book store, Matcha Cafe Maiko, Marufuku Ramen, Udon Mugizo read more

I consider Japan Center as one of my most favorite place to just shop around!!! And the reason why I like Japan Center... It's because of the shops and restaurants that Japan center has... And so far I have ate at 2 Japanese Restaurants and that would be Izumiya & Kushi Tsuru!!! When going back to to Japan Center hopefully I will try eating at another Japanese style restaurant!!! Another thing in what I really like most about Japan Center is the Cherry Blossom Festival that they have once a year besides the Cherry Blossom Festival... There is that one store that I really like the most when shopping around at Japan Center... And that would be the Japanese Collectibles Toy Store once you walk in you won't come back out it's because there are so many things to look at!!! read more

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Must see site for Japanese Americans, Japanophiles, tourists from anywhere, people with a curiosity about American history and anyone who loves ramen (real ramen). There's really nothing like this anywhere else anywhere. People who criticize the crowded dated mall are missing the point. This is an important symbol for Japanese America, even us Hapas. I like to sit in the plaza, people watch and remember my haha (お母ちゃん). read more

Japan Center - Shopping Centers Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great stores, BAD mall. Some of our favorite stores and restaurants in San Francisco are in the Japan Center mall. We go there *at least* once a week. Unfortunately, the mall itself is bad. The worst thing about visiting our favorite places in Japan Center is Japan Center itself. It's old. It's badly climate controlled. And the restrooms are a horror show! They range from bad to awful. When I see tourists walk into these bathrooms, I feel a little embarrassed that this is the impression they are getting of San Francisco. See photos. These were taken in May of 2019 but was still just as bad on my trip there yesterday. read more

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