Welcome to Pacific Heights and Japantown
Top Experiences
- Fillmore Street shopping: Browse the superfine shops along Pacific Heights' main drag.
- Picnicking at Lafayette Park: Gather supplies along Fillmore Street and climb to the top of this park. It's surrounded by spectacular homes and has a sweeping view of the city.
- Asian shops in the Japan Center: Grab an adorable taiyaki (a fish-shape cone with soft-serve ice cream) at Uji Time or browse the wonderful Kinokuniya Bookstore and the tea implements at Asakichi.
- Spa serenity at Kabuki Springs: Enter the peaceful lobby and prepare to be transported at the Japanese-style communal baths.
- Historical architecture: Check out the grand vintage houses along the tree-lined streets of Pacific Heights.
Getting Here
Steep streets in Pacific Heights make for impressive views and rough walking; consider taking a car or taxi here. For Pacific Heights proper, take the 12–Folsom to its terminus at Van Ness and Pacific Avenues and walk west. For Fillmore Street, catch the 1–California or the 22–Fillmore bus. The 38 and 38R–Geary run right by Japantown, and the 24–Divisadero and 21–Hayes are the routes for the Alamo Square/Western Addition area.
Planning Your Time
Give yourself an hour to wander Fillmore Street, more if you're planning to eat here or a picnic in one of the parks. Checking out the stunning homes in Pacific Heights is best done by car, unless you have serious stamina; a half hour is enough. Shops and restaurants are the highlights of Japantown; lunchtime is ideal.
Allow at least an hour to wander around Alamo Square Park and the Divisadero corridor. The street has great restaurants, so plan to eat here.
Quick Bites
b Patisserie. Your search for the perfect kouign-amann (a traditional glazed, butter-enriched Breton pastry made of croissant dough) ends in this buzzy Pacific Heights café from baking wizard Belinda Leong. 2821 California St., at Divisadero St., Pacific Heights bpatisserie.com.
Crown and Crumpet Tea Salon. In the lobby of the New People building, this mini tea shop looks like a little girl's fantasy, with pretty flowered and polka-dotted tablecloths and fancy settings. Stop in for a warm panini or salad, or have high tea with scones, crumpets, and finger sandwiches. 1746 Post St., Japantown www.crownandcrumpet.com.
Jane on Fillmore. After a few blocks of window browsing, stop in this bright, two-story spot for their famous avocado mash, mile-high quiche, homemade baked goods and cookies, and coffee from beans roasted in-house.2123 Fillmore St., Pacific Heights www.itsjane.com.
