The Oldest Japantown In America Is An Iconic California Neighborhood Of Zen Temples

If you're looking for an authentic taste of East Asian culture without having to leave the United States, you're in luck. San Francisco has always been a cultural melting pot, attracting people from around the world to make their lives here. The unique architecture, art, and mouthwatering cuisines that people from across the globe have brought to San Francisco have helped shape it into one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in the United States.

San Francisco is most well-known as a hotspot for American counterculture, but parts of the city are imbued with ancient traditions that history buffs will love. Japantown, located in the Western Addition neighborhood, has been an oasis for Japanese immigrants and their lineage since 1906. It's the largest Japantown in the United States, as well as the oldest. Filled with small businesses, delicious restaurants, family-friendly activities, and traditional Japanese-style architecture, it's a must-visit spot worth adding to your San Francisco itinerary.

Japanese immigrants began arriving in San Francisco in 1869 after the government of Japan created a land tax that forced 367,000 farmers to find new jobs. The first immigrants were young men searching for new opportunities. Originally, most immigrants lived in San Francisco's Chinatown. Like many immigrant communities around the United States, they faced many challenges including discrimination. But they prevailed, and soon a second wave of immigrants began arriving in the city. After the Great 1906 San Francisco Earthquake destroyed much of the city, the Japanese residents of Chinatown began moving to Western Addition.

Western Addition was sometimes called the "Little United Nations" of San Francisco, as many immigrants from around the world chose to settle there. The Japanese began to develop a strong community, but in 1942, they were forced to leave their neighborhood behind when the United States government sent Japanese immigrants to incarceration camps following the attacks on Pearl Harbor. While their incarceration had long-lasting negative effects, Japantown was able to persevere as a hub for Japanese culture. Today, it is one of three remaining Japantowns in the United States.

A visit to San Francisco's Japantown is the best way to experience a hint of Japan without needing to get your passport stamped. The neighborhood is home to around 7,800 people and it's buzzing with fun things to do. Hotel Kabuki is the perfect place to stay, and it's located just steps away from all of the action Japantown has to offer. The boutique hotel has 225 rooms and suites available, all with interiors that are a perfect blend of traditional Japanese design and stylish modern decor –– outfitted with sleek furniture and luxurious bathrooms. City views can be enjoyed from your window or balcony, and there's a bar and restaurant located on-site.

After you're done relaxing in your room, head out on the town to shop until you drop at more than 200 small businesses. The Japan Center East and West Malls are great spots to browse for handmade Japanese gifts. Don't skip a visit to Osaka Way/Buchanan Street Mall as well, where you'll find more great shopping and delicious restaurants serving authentic Japanese cuisine.

Make sure to spend some time exploring Peace Plaza, one of San Francisco's most iconic parks. The plaza was donated to San Francisco by the city of Osaka in Japan. The large tiered structure is modeled after Buddhist temples located in Nara, which is one of the oldest cities in the Land of the Rising Sun. Many community gatherings and festivals, like the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, are held within the plaza. But if you need a little rest and relaxation, head to Kabuki Springs. The traditional Japanese spa has been in business for over 50 years and has a variety of holistic wellness offerings including massages and beauty treatments.