Japan Center Malls is a group of shopping and dining areas at 1737 Post St in San Francisco’s Japantown, with East and West wings and Kinokuniya Mall. Browse Japanese gifts, books, beauty products and food, or stop at the food court for takoyaki. Other draws include ramen, ube matcha and vintage-style arcade games on the second floor. It’s a useful place to combine a meal with a look around Japantown; shop prices can feel high, so go for the food, browsing and distinctive finds as much as for a purchase.
Three malls in Japantown
Japan Center Malls brings together the East and West malls and Kinokuniya Mall in San Francisco’s Japantown. The complex opened in 1968 as the Japanese Culture and Trade Center, with Japanese companies among its early tenants. Retailers later took over, and the site became a shopping and dining hub.
The malls sit near Japantown’s Peace Pagoda. Their shops range from Japanese books and beauty products to gifts, food and items from Okinawa. Daiso is one stop for small gifts and everyday goods; other shops carry distinctive finds such as wooden alarm clocks and Chocorooms.
Food and things to do
Dining options include Japanese restaurants, ramen and a food court where you can order takoyaki. Kui Shi Bo serves Japanese cuisine, and a matcha shop has ube matcha. The malls also have cafes and other Asian food options, so you can make a meal part of a shopping stop.
For a break from browsing, look for the old-school arcade machines on the second floor. The complex has restrooms and a movie theater, too. The East and West wings each have their own shops and eateries, so allow time to look through both rather than stopping at the first corridor you reach.
Häufige Fragen
What can you do at Japan Center Malls?
Browse shops selling Japanese goods, books and beauty products, eat at a restaurant or the food court, and look for arcade games on the second floor.
What food can you get at Japan Center Malls?
Options include food court takoyaki, ramen, Japanese cuisine at Kui Shi Bo and ube matcha from a matcha shop.
Are there several sections to explore?
Yes. The complex includes East and West malls and Kinokuniya Mall. Exploring both wings gives you a wider look at the shops and eateries.
Is parking available at Japan Center Malls?
Parking is available, but the structure has a low ceiling, so tall vehicles may not fit.
