BIGMallrat's Editorial Review
 Located in the heart
of Japantown (aka "Nihonmachi"), San Francisco Japan Center
is comprised of the Kinokuniya Building, Kintetsu Mall, and Miyako
Mall, with the stunning Peace
Plaza towards the middle. The Plaza, with its beautiful
slate tile fountain, features the 30.5 meter (100 feet) tall Peace Pagoda,
designed by world-famous Japanese architect Yoshiro Taniguchi.
Atmosphere
Many of the stores have facades to give the center
an old Japanese village look. Some restaurants feature seating in
the mall to encourage social activities. Even though some parts of
the mall are extremely
busy, others are quiet. Much dependent on the popularity of the
shops inside.
In general, over thirty years have passed since
these buldings were built and they have not undergone a major
renovation. Typically, this situation leads to a decline in visitors,
but maybe not in San Francisco. However, Japan Center does show some
some signs of its age.
Stores
You'll find many interesting and one-of-a-kind
shops that sell Japanese wares. Many stores cater to the tourist,
but the excellent restaurants cater to the locals. Some claim the
best sushi can be found here.
A big draw is the AMC Kabuki 8, which hosts the
San Francisco International Film Exposition each year.
Not be missed is the Kinokuniya
Bookstore. It's the only San Francisco branch of the famous Japanese
chain and carries an extensive collection of mostly Japanese books
(with some English titles, too!).
Location
Japan Center is located in San Francisco CA, on
Geary Blvd, between Fillmore Street and Laguna Street.
While you are here
Across Post Street is the Buchanan Mall; a pedestrian
street that houses more interesting shops and restaurants.
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