Timeline
18:01
Grab a quick bite at On the Bridge. The Euro-Japanese yoshoku menu is perfect for a pre-sunset snack, and the location on the bridge gives you a high vantage point to watch the light change.
18:21
Walk to the center of Japantown. Stand at the Peace Plaza to see the five-tiered Peace Pagoda and Ruth Asawa’s bronze origami fountains bathed in the final golden light before the sun dips below the horizon.
18:51
Stroll to Kinokuniya Bookstore. Browse the manga and Japanese titles in the quiet atmosphere as the evening sets in. It is a short walk from the plaza and stays open late.
19:21
Pop into Maido Stationery next door. Pick up some washii paper or a unique pen to take home. The shop is open late, so you can take your time.
19:41
Head to SPQR for dinner. This Italian restaurant serves walk-ins only, keeping the vibe local and relaxed. The European stylized interior is a great contrast to the Japanese surroundings.
20:31
End the night at Harry’s Bar. It is a casual neighborhood spot popular with local professionals. Grab a drink and unwind after a full evening in the city.
Local tip
SPQR takes walk-ins only, so arrive ready to wait or ask for a table. If the line is long, try Kinokuniya or Maido for a quick browse while you wait.
Check before you go
- On the Bridge is open until 22:00.
- Kinokuniya and Maido Stationery are open until 20:00.
- SPQR is open until 22:00 on weekdays and 23:00 on weekends.
- Harry’s Bar is open until 02:00.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Francisco (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).