- Sep 11, 2016

Places We Go : San Francisco's Japantown

Neighborhoods are a great place for design ideas and one of my favorites is Japantown in San Francisco. There's about 6 blocks filled with nooks and crannies - hardware, groceries, office supplies, noodles, Lolita fashion - it's all there. Yesterday morning I was back and here's what I discovered.

Japantown's Peace Plaza under San Francisco's typical summer skies, foggy until early afternoon.

foodnearneville.wordpress.com

Stair bridge and rock garden inside one of the malls.

One of my favorite stores is the large Daiso store - a Japanese "Dollar Store." Actually, it's the $1.50 store with some items a little more. One friend buys all her face creams and shampoos here - but I was more interested in all the cool things for home.

Glasses from $1.50 to $4. I particularly like the clear with blue ribbon (bottom right). Now, kicking myself that I didn't buy some at $1.50 each.

Oodles of blue&white noodle bowls for $3 and $4 each.

In Japantown, you'll find good restaurants - and the art of creating fake food for their windows.

These iconic Noguchi lamps sell for $150 each. I would love one of these classics which works with any decor in any room.

A visit to any neighborhood can provide inspiration and the perfect thing to do on a Saturday morning. If you have a minute, let me know about your favorite neighborhoods.