donald montague Japantown The Japan Center was built as part of an ambitious 1960s plan to revitalize the Fillmore D

& Panama-Pacific Exposition Held in 1915 to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal, the real raison d tre for the festivities was that San Franciscans had resurrected their city after the 1906 disaster (see p94).

Japantown The Japan Center was built as part of an ambitious 1960s plan to revitalize the Fillmore District. Blocks of aging Victorians were demolished and replaced by the Geary Express way and this Japanese-style shopping complex, with a five- tiered, 75-ft (22-m) Peace Pagoda at its heart. Taiko drummers perform here during the Cherry donald montague Blossom Festival each April (see p74). The extensive malls are lined with authentic Japanese shops and restaurants, plus an eight-screen cinema, and the Kabuki Springs and Spa. More shops and restaurants are found along the outdoor mall across Post Street. This neighborhood has been the focus of the Japanese community for some 75 years. d Map F3