Japantown Community Benefit District
The Japantown Community Benefit District provides important services in one of 3 remaining Japantown’s in the U.S. Through economic business development for property owners and small businesses, beautification and cleaning of public spaces, as well as helping to promote a cultural district where one can taste and experience Japanese tradition and culture.
Japantown is home to over 200 small businesses, 2 hotels and 15 Legacy Businesses. Anchored by the Peace Pagoda, a gift from the people of Japan, it leads visitors into the Japan Center Malls and adjoining Kinokuniya mall. A destination for many and an important cultural hub for the Japanese community.
The Mission of the JCBD
Through economic business development for property owners and merchants, beautification of public spaces for all to enjoy, cultural activations/programs and a safe livable environment –Japantown will continue to thrive as a culturally rich, authentic, and economically vibrant neighborhood which will continue to serve as the cultural heart of the Japanese and Japanese American communities for generations to come.
Welcome to Japantown
Because of the disruptions that COVID-19 has created for Japantown small businesses, the Japantown Community Benefit District (JCBD) has launched the Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund campaign to solicit donations.
We are grateful to all the donors who have given so generously to the Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund and helped us meet our goal.
The needs of our small businesses doesn’t end here. We’ll continue to raise funds to assist throughout these difficult times.
SFMTA Geary Rapid Project
See how, with local input, the SFMTA Geary Rapid Project is helping to reconnect the Western Addition that was divided due to urban renewal. With the creation of the Buchanan/Geary Pedestrian Walkway, Japantown, the Fillmore and St. Francisco Co-op communities can safely make those connections happen once again. Click here to view.
Welcome to JapantownSF!
JapantownSF SafeCity Program
The Japantown SafeCity Camera Program has completed our 4th phase of our Implementation Plan. There are approximately 119 camera views, covering 100% of the Japantown Community Benefit District.
For Phase 5 we will look outside the JCBD district to expand the SafeCity network and to keep our neighborhood safe. If you are a property owner and would like more information about the Japantown SafeCity Camera Program, please contact us at info@jtowncbd.org.
Japantown Community Ambassadors
Have you met our Japantown Community Benefit District (JCBD) Community Ambassadors Al Rhone and Isaiah Spikes? Our contract with NexStreet began on April 1st, 2023 and since then our Community Ambassadors have been delivering outstanding cleaning, safety, and hospitality services for the District.
Read more about our Community Ambassadors.
One of the 3 Remaining Japantowns
San Francisco's Japantown was the first Japanese American community to settle and establish itself in the United States. The Japantown community is ever changing and the neighborhood has continued to evolve. As one the last 3 remaining Japantowns in the United States, the JCBD is working with key community organizations and groups to ensure the future viability of the greater Japantown neighborhood.
