Hello everyone,

A few Japantown businesses have begun storefront / curbside services. They include Paper Tree and Sanko Kitchen Essentials both located on the Buchanan Mall and Katsura Garden on Post. If you are planning to reopen, please do let us know. Also don’t forget to send us your business hours so that we can update the japantownsf.org website as well as share the info on social media.

It’s important to remember that businesses inside the malls cannot reopen at this time, unless your store has a separate direct entrance to an exterior sidewalk.

Other than grocery, pharmacies and hardware stores you are NOT allowed to have customers shopping inside your store.

Some of you have inquired about SFMTA’s Temporary Loading Zone and how to request. Please see information below to apply.

Get Tested for COVID-19
It’s important that you and your employees get tested. There are free test sites available throughout the City. Here’s link for information.

Posters/Flyers
We have received poster and flyers that you will need to post at entry way along with a completed Social Distancing Protocol (see below). JCBD staff will be in Japantown tomorrow. If your business needs poster/flyers, please contact us at info@jtowncbd.org.

Japantown Businesses please fill out the NEW PPP Survey - Greg Viloria invites all Japantown businesses to take part in a quick 5 questions survey to see how the 2nd round of PPP has helped your businesses so we can communicate back to our government officials. Please fill out the quick 5 question survey here. 

Please continue to stay safe & healthy,
JCBD Staff
 

Request a Temporary Loading Zone with SFMTA
The COVID-19 health crisis is creating a temporary increase in take-out, pick-up and delivery service for many restaurants and other businesses. To encourage physical distancing and reduce crowding, the SFMTA is fast-tracking converting some adjacent street parking into temporary loading zones.

There is no fee, simply complete the Temporary Loading Zone request form for review and processing. 
 

Steiner Street Bridge Removal - Memorial Day Weekend
The bridge's removal will start at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 22. Demolition of the bridge will start the morning of Saturday, May 23. The majority of the large-scale construction is expected to occur between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m., but crews will be working 24/7 over the course of the weekend.

Pedestrian detours will be marked throughout the construction site, and no foot traffic will be able to cross Geary in the area where demolition work is occurring. Cyclists are encouraged to use Webster Street to avoid the majority of the construction.  

As for buses, the outbound 38/38R stops will be relocated one block north, from Fillmore to Webster Street.

The SFMTA expects the streets to reopen no later than 8 p.m. on Monday, May 25. Click for more info.
 

Requirements for All Open Businesses

Businesses that are reopening for storefront/curbside pick up MUST complete and have ready the following 3 items listed below.

  1. Post a Health and Safety Plan per new industry-specific guidance provided under Health Officer Order No. C19-07c. This Directive goes into effect immediately upon issuance but provides for an implementation grace period requiring compliance by 11:59 PM on May 15, 2020.
    Download fillable Health and Safety Plan forms by industry:

  2. Post a Social Distancing Protocol per the Shelter in Place Order. A fillable version can be downloaded here.

  3. Follow the Face Covering Order by instituting policies to 1) inform customers about the new requirement, 2) take reasonable steps to only give access to those with face coverings, and 3) refuse service to anyone not following the order.

The above SF Dept. of Health posters/flyers must be posted at the entry way of your business along with a completed the Health & Safety Plan and Social Distancing Protocol.

Also make sure to mark your entry way so that customers stay 6 feet apart. It can be as simple as taping colored tape on the ground/floor.
 

Updated list on the 43 Businesses that are Open (or soon to open) in Japantown. Please help us spread the word and share on your social media/website.

Please note the changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.