Cool Shops in San Francisco's Japantown - A Japan-filled SF Afternoon

To be as uniform as possible, let’s say that you’re starting around Union Square. From there, simply hop on the 38 Geary and get off at Laguna Street. The ride takes less than 15 minutes (depending on traffic, it could take longer) and costs only $2.00 (NOTE: if you came to the city on the Alameda-Oakland Ferry, validate your departure and return ticket on board and use the validated stubs as bus tickets- it’ll save you $4.00!).

When you get off at Laguna, turn right onto Laguna and left onto Post. There you are!

Take a look at the map below as a reference point.  You can view directions on Google maps if you’d like more detail.

After visiting New People, I recommend making your way to the mall that extends along the other side of the street. It’s best to start at the far end, so you’ll want to cross both post and Webster.

After entering the bottom floor, you’ll find yourself surrounded by more fascinating shops and little cafes, as well as the bottom floor of Kinokuniya, which is an exceedingly fabulous bookstore that could take up an entire afternoon on its own.

When you move your way up the staircase, you’ll be greeted head-on by Sophie’s Crepes- a wonderful source for a quick snack. All around you can be found additional restaurants and tea shops, as well as the second floor of Kinokuniya and Pika Pika, a purikura arcade (which is GREAT fun indeed, and very user-friendly).

When you’re done with this particular pavilion of the mall, make your way to the closed-in bridge that crosses the street. You’ll then find yourself in the largest chunk of the mall, which is home to more shops, as well as a bakery, informal cafes, and a more formal restaurant ‘street’.

The far end of this part of the mall empties out into the main open space of Japantown, where one encounters its iconic tower and can sit in the sun and watch the world go by. Take some time to enjoy the square- it’s a great place for people watching!

At the other end of the square is the final section of the mall, which is more spare with regard to shops, but still houses some nice restaurants, a side entrance to the Kabuki Hotel, and more importantly in my opinion, the ultimate finishing points for an afternoon Japantown visit: Ichiban Kan and Daiso.

Why finish a visit to Japantown with these two shops? There are two very compelling reasons:

1. These shops are full of nearly everything you have viewed in the afternoon’s previous gift shops- however everything in them is extremely reasonable in price. Indeed, most items in Ichiban Kan and Daiso are priced at $1.50. This means you can buy all of those charming Japanese products you so covet- without breaking the bank.
2. After shopping at Ichiban Kan and Daiso, you’ll be so loaded with goods that getting around can be tough. That’s why it’s important to end with these shops and not begin! Nobody loves lugging things around all day.

What I’ve summarized above barely scratches all of the lovely treasures Japantown has to offer. I nevertheless hope that I’ve given you some ideas, and encouraged you to plan a visit!