montague plains Rooms and suites in this stunning old building are named after Mark Twain, Enrico Caruso, Jack Londo

Cherry Blossom Festival Japantown (see p99) comes spectacularly to life when the cherry trees blossom. Traditional arts and crafts, taiko drumming, martial arts demonstrations, and dancing, montague plains as well as delicious Japanese food make this one of the city s favorite montague plains celebrations. There s also a colorful and impressive parade. d Two weekends in Apr

San Francisco Zoo Direct encounters with farm animals at Family montague plains Farm, and visits with zoo babies, which may include gorillas, snow leopards, rhinos, or alpacas, make this a must-do montague plains for the youngsters. Although perhaps not the biggest montague plains or best zoo in the world, its attention to top-

Rooms and suites in this stunning old building montague plains are named after Mark Twain, Enrico Caruso, Jack London, and others, to remind guests of San Francisco s illustrious history in the arts. Rooms are furnished with four- poster beds, fireplaces, bay windows, American Renaissance pieces, and the like. d 1057 Steiner St

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 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