Almost purely by accident, my recent holiday trip was centered in the Little Osaka neighborhood of San Francisco.  While my husband and I intended to be in the Bay Area, we hadn’t been to this part of the peninsula.  Looking online for a hotel we just so happened to book here and found a remarkable treasure!  I would highly recommend this excellent area – here are 5 reasons why:

1. The food!  You can walk to some of the very best in Asian cuisine.  As someone who is not a merely casual fan of Japanese faire, I found remarkable meals.  Go to the Nijuya Market and pick up some fresh sushi.  The chirashi bowl was particularly delightful and is made fresh daily.  Inside of the Japan Center Mall there are a number of excellent sushi, noodle, and soup choices that can’t be beat!  Try something more obscure than Benihana and you’ll be delightfully surprised.

 

2. The architecture!  In the Japan Center Complex is the famous Peace Pagoda designed by Yoshiro Taniguchi.  This monument was presented to San Francisco by the artist and the people of Osaka, Japan.  In addition, there are pagodas and other features across the way that has that unique style that can only come from Japan.  The structures make for some exceptional photo opportunities as well.

 

3. Hotel Kabuki!  This newly-renovated location is part of the joie de vivre group.  The front desk staff is exceedingly courteous and they host a gratis wine and sake hour every day.  Outside of the front desk area is a photo-worthy Japanese garden complete with koi pond.  The rooms have a distinct, upscale Japanese design and incredibly comfy beds.  The hotel also boasts complimentary wireless internet access in all rooms.

 

4. Hotel Tomo!  If you are a fan of the whimsical Japanese pop culture (think Giant Robot) then you must stay here.  Also part of the joie de vivre group, this location was completed in mid-2007.  The rooms have visually attractive murals, flat screen televisions, and massive bean bag chairs.  In addition, you can take your gamers here as controllers come with the televisions.

 

5. Walk to Van Ness!  Walk a few blocks up Post or Sutter to Van Ness from the center and you can catch a bus almost anywhere.  We spent $1.50 each for a round-trip ride to Fisherman’s Wharf one day.  Also, during football season you can catch the express to Monster Park and back for only $7.  There are coffeehouses, shops, and restaurants easily accessible here as well.

 

You won’t be disappointed!  Give it a try!