The
5-story Peace Pagoda towers above Nihonmachi, or Shoppers discover 19th
century woodblock prints, huge bags of rice, kimonos, and silken apparel
created by local designer, Mariko Sawada. Kinokuniya Bookstore sells art
and architecture books and a hundred different fashion magazines.
Hungry sightseers find Maki in Japan Center to be a near-perfect replica of a Tokyo restaurant, serving signature wappa meshi––rice steamed in bamboo baskets and topped with fish, meat or vegetables. Locals and visitors take their turns at the karaoke microphone at Sachi Cocktail Lounge, and plunge into deep ceramic soaking tubs for an authentic Japanese bathhouse experience at Kabuki Springs and Spa.
A parade of colorful floats and costumed dancers glide beneath clouds of pink at the Cherry Blossom Festival in April, when karate and other martial arts, and Japanese gardening and food are showcased. More than fifty films are shown at the International Asian American Film Festival at the Kabuki movie theater in March; and traditional Noh and Kyogen dance, drama and storytelling is presented throughout the year. The blood-racing percussion beat and striking poses of Taiko drummers create drama at the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August.
| The article on this page is adapted from guidebooks written by Karen Misuraca, the author of Our San Francisco, Fun With the Family in Northern California, and other travel books. Available for purchase on Amazon. |  |