
San Francisco/Japantown Top Hotel Picks
Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability

Select your travel dates to find the best prices and availability
Stroll through Japantown, and suddenly you’re transported to a Tokyo alleyway—no passport needed! From the warm scent of traditional tea houses to neon-lit shops brimming with Japanese charm, every corner pulses with culture. Don’t miss a slice of handmade matcha dessert from a century-old shop, or snap a photo that feels like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. This isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle.

This legendary luxury hotel in downtown San Francisco seamlessly blends historic architecture with modern elegance. Enjoy exceptional service including a professional concierge, valet parking, and a state-of-the-art fitness center with a glass-enclosed heated pool. The beautifully decorated rooms offer in-room dining with stunning city views. The hotel features two award-winning restaurants with unique ambiance. Its prime location is steps away from Union Square, cable cars, and Chinatown, making it perfect for exploring the city. Whether for business or leisure, this hotel promises an unforgettable stay.
Everything you need to know about Japantown
The Fairmont San Francisco stands out for its historic charm and Japanese-inspired gardens, just a 10-minute walk from Japantown. The hotel features elegant European architecture and panoramic views of the city skyline and Golden Gate Bridge. Guests can enjoy serene moments in the traditional Japanese garden, blending luxury with cultural authenticity. Complimentary shuttle service to Japantown ensures effortless access to local festivals, shops, and restaurants, making it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and cultural immersion.
Take the Muni 30X bus or walk about 15 minutes to reach Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco, passing through vibrant streets lined with traditional torii gates and Japanese lanterns. This luxury hotel boasts modern minimalist design and exceptional service, featuring an indoor spa pool and rooftop lounge. Its 24-hour concierge offers curated experiences like tea ceremonies and sushi-making classes in Japantown, enabling guests to immerse in authentic Japanese culture while enjoying premium accommodations.
Join the annual Japantown Festival, featuring handcrafted stalls, kimono try-ons, and taiko drum performances along the lively streets. Book a tea ceremony workshop at Buddha's Hand Tea House to learn traditional Japanese tea etiquette and preparation techniques. For authentic cuisine, visit Sakura Sushi, a hidden gem known for freshly made nigiri and house-made sauces. These immersive activities highlight the community’s vibrant heritage and offer meaningful interactions with local artisans and chefs.
Hotel Zephyr is perfect for families, located just a 5-minute walk from Japantown, offering family suites and a kids’ play area. The hotel provides free family-friendly maps and recommends visiting the Japantown Children’s Museum, featuring interactive exhibits on East Asian culture and hands-on craft workshops. Weekly events include Japanese storytelling sessions and origami lessons, engaging kids in fun, educational activities. With safe pedestrian pathways leading to nearby parks, the hotel ensures a comfortable and enriching experience for families.
Start your day at Marukyu Coffee, sipping handcrafted coffee and enjoying a traditional Japanese breakfast bento. Walk to Japantown Market for fresh ingredients and seasonal treats. Lunch at Tadich Grill, famed for its uni rice bowl and fusion dishes. In the afternoon, explore Hagiya Garden or join a guided garden meditation session. End the day at the evening night market, sampling taiyaki, mochi ice cream, and admiring light art installations. This full-day itinerary blends food, shopping, nature, and culture—perfect for living like a local in Japantown.
Visit Lone Mountain Park, just a 5-minute walk away, featuring a Japanese-style garden and tranquil walking paths lined with cherry blossoms and stone lanterns, creating a peaceful Eastern atmosphere. The park is popular for morning yoga and meditation, and regularly hosts cultural talks and tea gatherings. Nearby, Japan Center Plaza offers outdoor seating perfect for sipping a matcha latte while enjoying public art installations. It’s an ideal spot to unwind and embrace the slow, mindful rhythm of Japantown life.
See what other travelers say about Japantown

Staying at the Palace Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel in San Francisco was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn't be better—just a short walk from Union Square, making it easy to explore shopping, dining, and local attractions. The hotel exudes old-world elegance with its grand European palace-inspired design, creating a truly luxurious atmosphere from the moment you step inside. The rooms are spacious, beautifully furnished, and incredibly comfortable, with high-quality bedding that made for a restful night's sleep. Staff were attentive and friendly without being overbearing, always ready to help. It’s clear this hotel takes pride in delivering exceptional service and attention to detail. For anyone visiting San Francisco, this is not just a place to stay—it’s an experience worth every penny.

The Lombard Inn is a solid choice if you're looking for a no-frills stay in San Francisco. The rooms are clean and the beds are surprisingly comfortable—perfect for a good night's rest. While the decor and furnishings feel a bit dated, they’re still functional and adequately maintained. One thing worth mentioning is that the hallways had a slight musty odor, likely due to the carpets needing a deep clean. That said, it’s an easy fix and doesn’t detract much from the overall experience. I’d recommend this hotel for travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience over modern design. It’s a reliable option with great value, especially if you're on a budget.

We stayed in Glasgow for a few days and stopped by this hotel for breakfast—had no expectations going in, but was pleasantly surprised. The menu options were somewhat limited, but the warm welcome and excellent service from Thomas made all the difference. He went above and beyond to make our morning special. It’s a hidden gem with a welcoming vibe, and I’d definitely recommend it to anyone passing through.

On Friday, April 21st at 10:15 AM, a guest from another building at the hotel climbed over the fence between units 179 and 173, entered our private driveway area, then climbed over our fence and left toward Wiese Street, heading toward 16th Street. We immediately called 911. The situation was alarming and unsettling. While police responded promptly, the incident raised serious concerns about property security and safety protocols. It's important to note that making assumptions based on someone's background is not only inappropriate but also harmful. As guests, we expect the hotel to maintain a secure environment for all. We hope management will take immediate action to improve fencing, surveillance, and overall safety measures to prevent future incidents.
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