World City Guide

Further Distractions

The Mission
The Mission, once linked to Mission Dolores (the city’s oldest building, built by its Franciscan fathers in 1791) is a district of San Francisco where Central America’s immigrants and bohemians rub shoulders with yuppies and dotcom workers. Here, better than anywhere, can the visitor get a feel of the city’s Spanish origins. Beautiful outdoor murals, often on social justice issues, signal the area as a vital hub of diversity and creative change. Valencia Street, a lesbian enclave, is a very desirable property area and boutiques and restaurants with a Latin flavour vie for cash with the drug dealers in neighbouring Dolores Park.

Mission Dolores Dolores and 16th Street, Mission
Tel: (415) 621 8203. Fax: (415) 621 2294.
E-mail: mdolores@earthlink.net
Website: www.missiondolores.org
Transport: J Bus 14, 22, 26 or 53.
Opening hours: Daily 0900-1500.
Admission: Free; US$7 (45-minute audio tour).

Japantown
It may only be a few miles away but Japantown – bounded by Laguna Street, Geary Street, Post Street and Fillmore Street, could not be more different to the Mission. The city’s growing Japanese population has a home here but the area also is a commercial centre. Walking up Geary Street or Post Street from Union Square brings the five-tier Peace Pagoda into view. The pagoda and the Japan Center are the focal point of the community’s cultural and business life, as well as the site of several seasonal festivals. Visitors can partake in a Japanese communal bath or one of the many massages offered at the essential Kabuki Springs and Spa. Tuesdays are mixed gender and swimming suits are required.

Laguna Street, Geary Street, Post Street and Fillmore Street
Transport: Market Street; bus 2, 3 or 4 to Buchanan Street and Sutter Street, bus 22 or 28 to Geary Street and Fillmore Street.

Japan Center
1737 Post Street
Tel: (415) 922 6776.
Opening hours: Daily 1000-1200.
Admission: Free.

Kabuki Springs and Spa
1750 Geary Street
Tel: (450) 922 6000. Fax (415) 922 6005.
Website: www.kabukisprings.com
Opening hours: Daily 1000-2200.
Admission: US$15 (before 1700, Mon-Fri); US$18 (after 1700, Sat-Sun).