San Francisco Rent a Car and Japantown
If youre looking for the ultimate ethnic San Francisco rent a car getaway, look no further than the streets of Japantown, otherwise known as Nihonmachi. The area, which straddles the blocks just north of Geary and south of Sutter between Laguna and Fillmore, is home to some 12,000 Japanese-American settlers making for a small but vibrant community. First established in the mid-1800s after an influx of Japanese immigrants arrived in the city, Japantown has gone on to become one of the areas most popular dining and shopping communities. Home to a slow but palpable renaissance, Japantown currently features a wide variety of notable tourist attractions, as well as prominent clothing stores and authentic Japanese eateries. Whether youre planning a romantic date or an exciting scavenger hunt, the streets of Nihonmachi provide San Francisco rent a car travelers with tons of exciting adventure outlets, so dont delay; plan your Japantown tour today!
Japantown is currently one of San Franciscos smaller districts, so it should only take Super Cheap travelers no longer than two or three hours to explore the neighborhood in its entirety. Not sure where to begin? Well, why not at the Webster Bridge! Located on the eastern side of Webster Street, the Webster Bridge provides pedestrians with a quick and easy way to cross Geary Boulevard. The bridge, which features traditional Japanese-inspired architecture, provides a grand entryway into the community as well as providing pedestrians with a good vantage point from which to see the Japan Center area and the distant Pacific Hills. The next stop on your Japantown San Francisco rent a car itinerary should be the Peace Plaza, which is located at Nihonmachis core in Japan Center. The Peace Plaza, which is easily distinguishable by its three-story-high stylized white pagoda, provides couples with a pleasant place to sit and contemplate the centers exciting array of shops and service. Recently reopened after a season of intense restoration, the Peace Place features delicate slate tiles, brilliant lighting and extensive new landscaping.
If youre looking to add a modern touch to your Japantown trip, look no further than the AMC Kabuki 8 movie theater complex located at the westernmost end of the Japan Center mall. Home to mostly Hollywood flicks and blockbuster movies, the Kabuki also hosts the prestigious Asian-American Film Festival as well as co-hosting sections of the San Francisco International Film Festival. After catching a movie with your sweetheart, Super Cheap recommends visiting the Ruth Asawa Fountains. These beautiful twin fountains, which feature sublime bronze moldings, were created by noted Japanese-American Sculptor Ruth Asawa some years ago and have just recently been restored to working condition. Hewn stone benches surround the fountains, so be sure to stop by and enjoy the origami-like folds of the fountain during your upcoming Super Cheap San Francisco rent a car vacation!
When hunger strikes during your upcoming San Francisco rent a car vacation, Super Cheap recommends dropping in on the Japantown quarter in order to rustle up some quick, quality Eastern cuisine. Whether youre looking to enjoy some fresh sushi or fluffy rice, Japantown has just the place for you and your famished friends! Budget car rental travelers are encouraged to check out Iroha, located at 1728 Buchanan, as well as the trendy Mifune and Kushi Tsuru restaurants. Those interested in a little more luxury should reserve a table at the local outpost, Rocky Aokis Benihana chain, or the traditional Isobune both of which are located inside the Japan Center Mall. San Francisco rent a car travelers craving some good ole American fast food should definitely visit the Japan-infused Dennys on Post Street and was as the Pasta Pomodoro right next to the Kabuki Theater.
If youre looking for exciting Japanese flavored gifts, look no further than the Soko Hardware Store on Post Street, Shige Antiques in the Kintetsu mall, and San Franciscos only branch of the Kinokuniya Bookstore, which carries thousands of titles in both English and Japanese.
|
