Peace Pagoda San Francisco
A concrete five-tiered stupa in San Francisco's Japantown, gifted by Osaka as a symbol of peace and unity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Vibrant atmosphere & cultural events
Peace Pagoda San Francisco
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere & cultural events
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A concrete five-tiered stupa in San Francisco's Japantown, gifted by Osaka as a symbol of peace and unity.
"Awesome piece of architecture in Japantown, a perfect place to chill for the evening."
Check Renovation Status
The Peace Pagoda is under renovation until late 2025/early 2026. Confirm access before your visit!
Explore Japantown Mall
Don't miss Daiso for unique finds and Maido for stationery. Great for souvenirs!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Peace Pagoda
Japantown Peace Plaza
A striking five-tiered concrete stupa, a symbol of peace and unity between San Francisco and its sister city, Osaka.
Japantown Mall
Post Street & Buchanan Street
A hub of Japanese culture with shops like Daiso, Maido, and Paper Tree, plus numerous authentic eateries.
Japantown Restaurants
Various locations in Japantown
Savor delicious ramen, sushi, mochi, and more. Nono Izakaya is a local favorite for its tasty small plates.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Renovation Alert: Check Before You Go
Japantown Exploration Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Renovation Status
The Peace Pagoda is under renovation until late 2025/early 2026. Confirm access before your visit!
Explore Japantown Mall
Don't miss Daiso for unique finds and Maido for stationery. Great for souvenirs!
Savor Authentic Flavors
From ramen to mochi, Japantown offers delicious culinary experiences. Try Nono Izakaya!
Attend Local Festivals
The Cherry Blossom Festival (April) and Nihonmachi Street Fair (August) offer lively celebrations.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Renovation Status
The Peace Pagoda is under renovation until late 2025/early 2026. Confirm access before your visit!
Explore Japantown Mall
Don't miss Daiso for unique finds and Maido for stationery. Great for souvenirs!
Savor Authentic Flavors
From ramen to mochi, Japantown offers delicious culinary experiences. Try Nono Izakaya!
Attend Local Festivals
The Cherry Blossom Festival (April) and Nihonmachi Street Fair (August) offer lively celebrations.
Discover Hidden Shops
Paper Tree for origami and other stationery stores offer delightful browsing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate the Peace Pagoda as an architectural landmark and a symbol of peace, though current renovations limit direct viewing. The surrounding Japantown area is praised for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse shops like Daiso, and authentic Japanese cuisine. Some find the mall layout confusing, and the renovation's impact on accessibility is a noted drawback.
"The Peace Pagoda in SF's Japantown is currently under renovation. This project was started in May of 2024 and isn't expected to be finished until the end of 2025 early 2026. The entire area is fenced off with chain link fence and green screening. Can't really give it a good review at this point but when they do open it, I will get photos and revise my review. Can't wait to see this beautiful part of town revitalized and renewed."
Kimberly Ann Graham
"Here at the Japantown Cherry Blossom Festival. was given a pin:
“There is no I in Buddha”
Buddhism isn’t about self serving attempts to obligate a deity.
Buddhism seems to be about using today to make things better for everything and everyone.
The purpose of human life is to become the caretaker for all other forms of life.
Every other purpose becomes self destructive as a species.
In a Sequential Multiverse where underlying physics perpetually evolves; we diversely repeat. We are living in our perpetual afterlife.
Genesis3.org
Life we foster depends upon us; their resonating connections reinforces our future existence.
Stifle life, and we fade out of relevance.
Fail to foster sustainable diversity of life, and a global extinction ends human afterlife. No future afterlife for humans to explore in diverse existence.
Unlike the mind numbing torture of a useless eternal afterlife. Our actual afterlife depends upon fostering the vitality and spread of diverse life throughout the universe.
Beginning here,
Now,
With Us
Together
Guidepost.us"
James Dunn
"Came to Japan town for the last night of my SFO trip, overall here is cool,‘crowded, full of food legit restaurants, all you can eat, and everybody’s favorite DAISO!
Many tourists were seen chilling by the pagoda and it’s a perfect place to chill for the evening
Highly recommended to visit this place!"
Jay S
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Peace Pagoda is located in Japantown. You can reach it via Muni bus lines or by car. Parking is available in nearby garages. Many visitors find it easily accessible by Muni or bike.
Yes, there are parking garages available in Japantown. Be aware that parking can be limited, especially during events.
If you are in the surrounding San Francisco area, walking or biking to Japantown is a pleasant option, especially if you are exploring Golden Gate Park.
Several Muni bus lines serve Japantown, making it accessible without a car. Check the Muni website for routes and schedules.
Japantown is a well-established neighborhood with good public transport links, making it accessible for tourists visiting San Francisco.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Peace Pagoda itself is an outdoor structure and viewing it is free. However, the surrounding Japantown Peace Plaza may have restricted access due to ongoing renovations.
As an outdoor monument, the Peace Pagoda is generally accessible during daylight hours. However, access to the plaza may be limited due to renovations.
There is no entrance fee to visit Japantown. You can freely explore the streets, shops, and public areas.
The Peace Pagoda is a central point for events like the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Nihonmachi Street Fair. Check local listings for upcoming events.
The Peace Pagoda and its plaza are currently undergoing renovations until late 2025/early 2026. Access may be limited or the structure may be partially obscured.
🎫 📍 Onsite Experience
Explore the Japantown Mall for unique shops like Daiso and Maido, enjoy diverse Japanese cuisine, and discover the cultural offerings of the neighborhood. +1
The Peace Pagoda itself is an architectural point of interest. The surrounding Japantown area offers opportunities for street photography and capturing cultural scenes. 
The San Francisco Peace Pagoda was a gift from Osaka, Japan, San Francisco's sister city, and was presented in March 1968.
Yes, kids often enjoy Daiso for inexpensive toys and stationery, gachapon machines, and the general atmosphere of the mall.
Popular shops include Daiso for affordable goods, Maido for stationery and gifts, and Paper Tree for origami and art supplies. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Japantown offers a wide array of Japanese cuisine, including ramen, sushi, udon, mochi, and various street food options. +1
Yes, the Japantown Mall and surrounding streets are filled with excellent Japanese restaurants, from casual eateries to more upscale dining. Nono Izakaya is a recommended spot.
Many restaurants offer vegetarian options, particularly with noodle dishes and vegetable-based sides. It's always best to ask your server about specific dietary needs.
You can find mochi and mochi ice cream at various Japanese bakeries and markets within Japantown.
Japantown offers a range of dining options, from affordable treats at Daiso and street food vendors to mid-range and higher-end restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The Peace Pagoda itself, the Japantown Mall architecture, street scenes, and the vibrant shops offer great photographic opportunities.
While the pagoda is under renovation, you can still capture its presence and the surrounding plaza, though access may be limited.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private businesses and individuals.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. Weekday mornings offer fewer crowds for unobstructed shots.
Look for colorful signage, unique shop interiors, and candid moments of daily life in the neighborhood for distinctive shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
When it comes to food, there are plenty of kid-friendly options. Many restaurants offer udon, which is often a mild and appealing choice for children. Mochi and mochi ice cream are also popular treats. While the Peace Pagoda is currently under renovation, the general atmosphere of Japantown, with its unique shops and vibrant street life, can still be an engaging experience for younger visitors.
Budget Travelers
Exploring the Japantown Mall and the surrounding streets is free, allowing you to soak in the culture without spending a dime. Keep an eye out for free community events and festivals that often take place in the plaza, providing entertainment and a lively atmosphere without an admission fee.
Culture Enthusiasts
Delve into the Japantown Mall to discover traditional crafts, unique stationery at Maido, and the art of origami at Paper Tree. Beyond the shops, the neighborhood's culinary scene offers an authentic taste of Japan. Attending events like the Cherry Blossom Festival or the Nihonmachi Street Fair provides a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions, music, and dance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Symbolism of the Peace Pagoda
Originally, the pagoda was part of a larger vision for the Japantown Peace Plaza, aiming to create a central gathering space that reflected Japanese aesthetics and values. While the pagoda itself is a striking architectural piece, its symbolism extends beyond its form, representing a commitment to harmony and international friendship. The recent restoration efforts highlight the ongoing dedication to preserving this important monument for future generations.
Despite current renovations, the Peace Pagoda remains a focal point of Japantown. Its enduring presence continues to draw visitors interested in Japanese culture, architecture, and the message of peace it embodies. The pagoda's story is intertwined with the history of Japantown itself, a testament to the resilience and cultural contributions of the Japanese-American community.
Exploring Japantown Beyond the Pagoda
The culinary scene in Japantown is a major draw. Visitors can indulge in authentic Japanese cuisine, from steaming bowls of ramen and fresh sushi to sweet mochi and innovative desserts. Restaurants like Nono Izakaya are praised for their delicious small plates and welcoming atmosphere. The neighborhood also hosts various food stalls and markets, especially during festivals, offering a taste of diverse Japanese street food.
Beyond shopping and dining, Japantown is a hub for cultural events. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in April and the Nihonmachi Street Fair in August transform the area into a lively celebration with live entertainment, food vendors, and community activities. These events provide an immersive experience into Japanese culture and are highly recommended for visitors seeking a dynamic atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit