Finding Zen in San Diego

Around the 1880's San Diego became home to an influx in Japanese immigrants.  This new wave of citizens brought with them a new culture, exotic food, and a more effective way to fish, which transformed the existing fishing industry.  Today San Diego is home to a large Japanese community, and their influence can be found in our food, the arts, even landscape design.   

Sushi chefs in Japan train for years before they are allowed to prepare and serve this famous Japanese dish.  The Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park is currently running "Tokyo Fish Story," an insightful portrayal of the unique world of Japanese cuisine, where the chef is the artist.  It's the story of one of the most successful, traditional sushi chef's in Tokyo, and how he is slowly losing customers to flashier restaurants.  This modern-day fable about one's legacy and the art of perfection runs until June 26th, and tickets start at $29.  

"Mingei" is a Japanese folk art movement that started in the 1920s, and is what inspired the creation of the Mingei International Museum in Balboa Park.  For the last year and a half the museum has concentrated on folk art from around the Americas, but their latest exhibit, "Mingei of Japan," circles back to the museum's roots.  On display are treasures, both old and new, from the museum's collection, some which have never been seen before.  The exhibit celebrates the art of everyday life in Japan, from exquisitely hand-painted kimonos to one-of-a-kind baskets and pottery.  To follow along the folk art theme, there are also folk paintings depicting the animals, vegetation and people of Japan.  The exhibit closes on October 2nd, and tickets start at $7.  

Balboa Park is also home to a more permanent display of Japanese art, in the Japanese Friendship Garden.  These gardens date back to the 7th century and were found in palaces (meant for aesthetic pleasure) and Buddhist temples (used for mediation).  In Japanese rock gardens, often called "Zen" gardens, the white sand represents water and paths are carefully constructed for visitors to follow composed landscapes.  The Japanese Friendship Garden has been designed to promote serenity, contemplation and meditation.  All plants and trees have been carefully selected to thrive in the San Diego climate, and free tours are available once you enter.  Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for military, students, and seniors, and children under 6 are free.  There are extended hours for the summer months, but check their website HERE, as the Garden will close early on certain days for events.  

For a taste of Japan, there are plenty of delectable options to chose from.  Here are some of our picks for three very different styles of Japanese food:

Sushi Ota, in Mission Bay, is famous for its authentic and locally sourced sushi and sashimi.  Regular customers can't get enough of the salmon belly and different variations of toro.  Situated in an unassuming strip mall, this small gem of a restaurant is very popular and reservations are highly recommended.  

Those who love the feel of a playful Japanese steakhouse, with entertaining chefs grilling teppanyaki cuisine, will love Fuji Japanese Steahouse & Sushi (911 Camino Del Rio S, San Diego).   Guests will feast on delicious food, enjoy the talented chefs flipping and spinning their cutlery, and rarely have to wait to be seated.  We suggest you visit soon before this local restaurant becomes more well known. 

Ramen is a staple in Japan and almost every region in the country has their own variation of the dish.  In Pacific Beach JINYA Ramen Bar will serve traditional ramen noodles topped with sliced meats, seasoned eggs and a variety of veggies.  The welcoming staff will help you with any questions you might have if you're new to this tasty noodle dish.   

Book a stay with Mission Bay Vacation Rentals and then begin exploring all the Japanese culture in San Diego.  There is plenty to do, see, and of course, eat.         

The Show Must Go On

You might be surprised to know that San Diego has a world-famous reputation for original theater and many Broadway-bound musicals make their debut here.  In addition to The Old Globe’s always stellar line up, there are many theater companies and different stages where you can catch amazing productions of smash hits or soon-to-be-classics.  Here are some of our favorite companies and events you’ll want to keep an eye on.

UC San Diego is not only home to Birch Aquarium and stunning architecture, it is also home to the La Jolla Playhouse.  Founded in 1947 by legendary movie stars Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, this not for profit professional theater has been lauded with countless awards over the decades.  In fact, they have been the chosen venue for 75 world premiere theater pieces, like the musical Jersey Boys, a staple on Broadway and later a movie directed by Clint Eastwood.  Any show that runs here has been carefully selected, so even if you haven’t heard of it, chances are you’ll love it and it will go on to become a theater classic.  From February 2^nd to the 28^th, the Playhouse will be performing the black comedy, "Guards at the Taj."  This is an existential piece that critics and audiences have been raving about all over the country (this show commonly needs to extend its run to accommodate the crowds).  Tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse start at $20. 

The San Diego Repertory Theatre (known as San Diego REP), is a slightly more subversive but just as entertaining as the La Jolla Playhouse in their productions.  Even their location in downtown San Diego is very unique.  You’ll know you’ve reached the Lyceum Theatre, home to San Diego REP, by a sunken entrance in Horton Plaza and a towering, colorful mosaic monolith in the center.   The intimate theater is known for experimental plays (one past production was entitled “The Great American Trailer Park Musical”), as well as re-staged favorites.  The REP was founded in 1976 and its mission is to “feed the curious soul.”    Currently showing is the hilarious romantic comedy, “Outside Mullingar,” a play written by the Oscar-winning writer of “Moonstruck.”  Tickets start at $31 and the current play will run until February 14^th.    

Lest you think theater is only for the grown-ups, San Diego also has some options for families with young children as well.  The San Diego Junior Theatre is an independent nonprofit organization which started in 1948.  Famous alumni from this company include Dennis Hopper, Raquel Welch, and Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell.  The theater which houses the SDJT is worth a visit alone, as all productions are in the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa Park.   Each production is chosen with the mindset of entertaining both young children and the parents who accompany them.  There are currently two shows this weekend (January 22 to 24^th), with productions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  The popular children’s book from 1972, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” has been re-imaged for the stage.  There is also the musical “Ivy + Bean,” based on the 10-book series of the same name.  If you can’t make this weekend, check their calendar, as they always have something up their sleeve.

For the past 31 years, San Diego has been participating in an incredibly special event known as the “Plays by Young Writers.”  Every year playwrights under the age of 18 submit their original work in hopes of being selected to stage their pieces as complete productions (costumes, sets, et al) at The Old Globe Theatre.  This year four plays were chosen and the winners’ ages range from 11 to 18.  Two different programs will be available to see, one geared towards an audience of 11 and older, and the other for an audience of 16 and older.   Tickers start at $20 and opening night is this Saturday, January 23^rd, and will run until January 31^st.   

Whether you are a true theater lover, or just like to catch the occasional show, our town has something for everyone.  The fact that we have a theater company just for children is one of the many examples of San Diego having it all.  If attending the theater is on your agenda, might we remind you that Mission Bay is just minutes from La Jolla, downtown, and Balboa Park, so it makes sense to start with booking one of our dramatic homes for your stay.