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San Jose

Created: 09/2025
Updated: 09/2025

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, is the country's political, economic, and cultural center, home to many historic buildings, museums, and parks.

Costa Rica is rich in nature, and from the capital, there are several tours available that allow you to experience its stunning natural landscapes.

Unfortunately, when I visited, it was right in the middle of the rainy season, so the weather wasn’t great.
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, I recommend aiming for the dry season for the best experience.

Sightseeing Spot

This is a solemn Catholic church located in the heart of San José, the capital of Costa Rica, rich in history and spiritual significance.
Situated right across from Central Park, it is cherished both as a tourist attraction and a place of prayer for local residents.

National Theater of Costa Rica

This majestic and historic building is known as a symbol of culture and the arts in the capital city of San José.
For over a century, it has continued to captivate audiences from both Costa Rica and around the world.

Guided tours are available in English and Spanish, allowing you to explore the interior of the theater.
Be sure to join one if you get the chance!

Blue Castle

The building’s vivid blue exterior makes it a striking presence within the streetscape of San José.

Originally constructed as a private residence, it now appears to serve as a facility related to the Legislative Assembly.

City of Color Murals

サンホセの街中にある、カラフルでユニークな壁画アートです。

地元アーティストによる作品が多く、街の雰囲気を明るく楽しいものにしています。

散策しながら、ぜひ見つけてみてください！

Starbucks Farm in Costa Rica

We stopped by on the way to the Poás Volcano tour.
This is a coffee farm operated by the global café brand Starbucks.

You can enjoy exclusive coffees that are only available here, so be sure to check it out!

Volcán Poás

Poás Volcano is an easily accessible active volcano from San José and one of Costa Rica’s most popular tourist destinations.

Unfortunately, when I visited, the clouds got in the way and I could barely see the crater lake...

On clear days, you can apparently see the stunning emerald-green crater lake.
Definitely worth a visit!

Costa Rica is well known for its coffee production, and there are many coffee farms around the San José area.
By joining a tour, you can learn about the entire process—from cultivation and harvesting to roasting.
You’ll also get to taste the coffee, making it an unforgettable experience for coffee lovers.


Most tours seem to combine visits to Poás Volcano and nearby coffee farms!

Volcán Irazú

Irazú Volcano is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica (about 3,400 meters), and a major tourist destination in Cartago Province, located about an hour and a half by car from the capital, San José.

Tours to Irazú are usually separate from those to Poás Volcano, so if you have time, I highly recommend joining this one as well.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see the crater lake here either due to poor visibility...

Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles

This cathedral was a stop we made on the way back from the Irazú Volcano tour.

It wasn’t part of our original travel plan, and I hadn’t paid much attention to it beforehand,
but once we arrived, I was truly moved by its majestic design, which stood out from other churches.

It may not be a widely known tourist spot,
but if you get the chance, I definitely recommend adding it to your itinerary!

Restaurant

Sapore Trattoria

This is a casual and stylish Italian restaurant located in San José.

The atmosphere was great, and the food looked promising!
However, the pasta I ordered had a sweet-and-sour flavor that's often found in South American dishes (I can't remember the name...),
and unfortunately, that kind of pasta isn’t really my thing—so I regret not being able to fully enjoy what the restaurant had to offer.

Wongs

This is an authentic Chinese restaurant—something you don’t often find around here!

After spending time in Central and South America without much access to Asian cuisine, this place felt like an oasis to me...

The flavors were truly authentic, and I was more than satisfied!
If you ever find yourself craving Asian food, this is the spot to visit!

La Esquina de Buenos Aires

This is an Argentine restaurant located in the heart of San José.
It seems to be quite a popular spot!

The menu offers a wide variety of dishes like steak, pasta, and pizza—all of which were delicious!

The atmosphere was great, the staff were friendly, and I was thoroughly satisfied.

If you're visiting San José, this is the first restaurant I’d recommend. Definitely give it a try!