Marriott Rivercenter San Antonio Hosts Japanese-Inspired Pop-Ups During San Japan

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Courtesy of Marriott

The Marriott River Center and Marriott Riverwalk hotels at dusk.

The Marriott Rivercenter and Marriott Riverwalk hotels will host several Japanese-inspired pop-ups to celebrate San Antonio’s annual San Japan anime and gaming convention over Labor Day weekend.

Starting Friday, the Marriott Rivercenter, located at 101 Bowie St., will feature the Café Bocadillo Ramen Pop-up to help conference attendees stay fueled and fueled for the array of activities San Japan has to offer.

Meanwhile, at the Marriott Riverwalk, people will be able to enjoy authentic ramen paired with Sapporo beer and specialty cocktails at the Born and Raised Ramen pop-up. The Marriott River Walk, located at 889 E. Market St., will also feature an Asian-style takeout stand.

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Jaime Monzon

People dress up in cosplay at SanJapan 2023 in San Antonio.

On Saturday, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the Marriott Riverwalk lobby bar will transform into a Tokyo-themed nightclub where anime fans can party the night away. The club is free and open to non-San Japan patrons as well.

Since its launch in 2005, San Japan has become one of the largest gatherings of anime and games in the region. Nearly 25,000 Otaku — or people obsessed with pop culture — attended last year’s edition.

Tickets are still available for San Japan 2024, which runs from Friday, August 30 to Sunday, September 1 at the Henry B. Gonzales Convention Center. Single-day passes start at $36.80 and are available online.

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