The holiday season has arrived and what better way to celebrate than to support your local retailers! San Francisco’s Japantown is the perfect place to find that perfect holiday gift for your friends and family (and of course, don’t forget to treat yourself too). Each of the shopping locations rigorously follows San Francisco City’s health and safety protocols, so you’re sure to enjoy a safe shopping experience.
As a way to encourage shoppers to visit and support Japantown businesses, Nakayoshi Young Professionals, a community development organization for young adults, is hosting a Japantown Giving Campaign! You can fill out a form each time you shop at a Japantown business; each form is your entry for a chance to win a gift from a Japantown business if you are one of the top three spenders! Learn more by visiting the Facebook event.
Here is a list of some retailers that are open in Japantown and any promotions they have going on! For a more complete list of all stores you can shop and dine at, please visit sfjapantown.org. The Japantown Malls are open and hours are subject to vary. Visit the Japan Center Malls Facebook and Instagram for the most updated information. Happy shopping!
1. Amiko Boutique
We all need cute things in our lives and Amiko has got us covered! You can find tons of kawaii goods like Tokidoki, Hello Kitty, Pusheen, and more at this store, and they make for the best gifts. Their online store is open so shop online or come by to check them out in person!
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-0988
Mon-Thu 12PM – 5PM
Fri-Sun 12PM – 6PM
Photo by @amikosf
2. Asakichi
Asakichi is the perfect place to find Japanese antiques and cultural items! From tea ceremony goods to soothing incense to stunning kimonos, you will find the best holiday gifts here. Asakichi has been in San Francisco’s Japantown since 1978 and has several stores so you are bound to find exactly what you are looking for.
1737 Post St #365, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-2147
Mon-Fri 11AM – 5PM
Sat-Sun 11AM – 6PM
Photo by @japancentermalls
3. Candy Doll Beauty
Stock up on some Korean and Japanese skincare and cosmetics at Candy Doll Beauty! They’ve got all of your favorite companies like Dr. Jart, Kose, Innisfree, SNP, Canmake, Dolly Wink and so much more. Winter time can be drying on your skin so drop by or shop online at Candy Doll Beauty to buy the best products to keep that healthy glow. Free domestic shipping on orders over $49!
1737 Post St, #385, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 503-9288
Sun-Thurs 12PM – 6PM
Fri-Sat 12PM – 6:30PM
Photo by @japancentermalls
4. ChaTo
Promotion: 4th anniversary sale is happening right now through December 31, 2020. Everything is 10% off!
One-stop shop for all things tea! They have a new website where you can get all of their fragrant loose leaf teas, matcha powders, cold brew Hario bottles, and more. Try their newest teas from Kagoshima: Osumi Yuzu Fukamushi Sencha and Oolong Ginger Tea. Also, stay tuned for their Fukubukuro (mystery bag) to celebrate the coming of the new year. ChaTo ships throughout the US and free shipping on all orders over $50.
1825 Post St #230, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 771-8840
Tue-Sun 12pm – 5pm
Mon Closed
Photo by @sfchato
5. Daikoku by Shiki
How about some fine Japanese pottery to add to your home? Daikoku by Shiki has beautiful bowls, plates, tea and sake sets that would be perfect for your holiday cooking! They also have Kokeshi dolls, bento boxes and cast iron tea pots. Make sure to drop by this family-owned business next time you’re in Japantown.
1737 Post St #360, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-4550
Mon-Sat 11AM – 6PM
Sun 12 PM – 6PM
Photo by @japancentermalls
6. Forest Books
Time to tuck into that warm blanket and read some books! Forest Books is a family run, used and rare bookshop that offers an amazing assortment of books. Each book has been hand selected by the store so you can find a variety of topics like world culture, arts, fiction, humanities, and social sciences. Come by to get the best quality of books at the best price and support your local bookstore!
1748 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-8302
Open daily 12PM – 8PM
7. Japan Video and Media
Spend the holidays catching up on all your favorite anime and Japanese and Korean dramas! Japan Video and Media has all the anime, samurai, Jpop/Kpop goods you are looking for.
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-5220
Sun-Thu 10:30AM – 7:30PM
Fri-Sat 10:30AM – 8PM
Photo by @japancentermalls
8. Katachi
Promotions: Free domestic shipping on all orders over $49! Katachi is also doing a giveaway campaign so make sure to check out their social media accounts for details!
Katachi is your #1 source for anime swords in the Bay Area! They recently restocked on Demon Slayer metal swords and are doing a free giveaway campaign right now so make sure you check out @katachisf on their social media pages! You can shop in person or online for tons of anime goods like keychains, figurines, masks, and more!
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-9822
Mon-Thu 12PM – 5PM
Fri-Sun 12PM – 6PM
Photo by @katachisf
9. Katsura Garden
Gardening is very popular right now and there is no better way to begin or add to your gardening experience than to shop at Katsura Garden! The staff here have many years of botanical knowledge and experience and can help you select the perfect bonsai trees, tools, pots and local fresh flowers. They also have ikebana vases and tools imported directly from Japan!
1825A Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-6209
Open daily 11AM – 6PM
10. Kohshi Master of Scents
Soothe your soul with some essential oils and incense from Kohshi Master of Scents! They have the best selection of incense from over 30 different Japanese companies, scented soaps and candles, ceramics and more!
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-2002
Wed-Mon 11AM – 6PM
Tue Closed
Photo by @japancentermalls
11. Maido
Love Japanese stationery as much as we do? From notebooks with the finest paper to fountain pens and watercolor pens, Maido has it all! There are two locations–one on the first floor and another on the second floor of the Kinokuniya Building of the Japan Center Malls, so make sure to check out both!
1581 Webster St #260, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-8901
Open daily 11AM – 6PM
Photo by @maido_sf2f
12. Miseki Jewelry
Promotion: 50% off on many items. Come by and see!
Looking for stunning accessories? Check out Miseki Jewelry, a Japantown staple since 1967. Featured here is the freshwater pearl necklace and bracelet with amethyst, aquamarine, citrine topaz, garnet and peridot, and with a 14kt yellow gold clasp! Online shopping is available on their website and you can email them (misekiinc@att.net) if you have any questions or special requests.
1737 Post St # 303, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-2400
Thu-Tue 12:30PM – 5PM
Wed Closed
Photo by @misekijewelry
13. Neat Asian Things
Ever slept on a futon before? Neat Asian Things sells high quality cotton futon, covers, comforters, and even tatami beds! This store has been in Japantown for nearly 40 years in the same location and they have an assortment of items that would make perfect gifts for the holidays like ceramics, yukata, stone garden lanterns and more.
1825 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 563-1417
Wed-Mon 11AM – 6PM
Tues Closed
Senior hours:
Mon/Wed/Sun 11AM – 12PM noon
Photo by Neat Asian Things
14. Paper Tree
While affectionately known as ‘the little Origami Store,’ Paper Tree also has great gifts like handmade cards, handcrafted origami art, incense and accessories! It is a family-owned business that is celebrating its 52nd year in Japantown. Make sure to check out the Ruth Asawa books and earrings crafted by Asawa’s granddaughter, Lilli Lanier! You can even sign up for online origami classes or shop online through their website.
1743 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 921-7100
Mon/Thu-Sat 11AM – 5PM
Sun 11AM – 4PM
Tue-Wed Closed
Photo by @papertreeSF
15. Sakura Sakura
Promotion: Free online shipping for orders over $35!
You’re bound to find something unique in Sakura Sakura, a store that specializes in limited production clothing, accessories and more from Japan and California! They have face masks with a range of great designs and tons of small items like crane earrings and kimono patterned shoelaces.
1737 Post St #363, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-9744
Open daily 11am – 5pm
Photo by @sakurasakurasf
16. Sanko Kitchen Essentials
Time to revamp some of your kitchen items? Head to Sanko Kitchen Essentials for Japan-made products and items sourced from local Japanese designers! They have beautiful ceramic plate sets, bento boxes, and even items like tote bags and books, so make sure to drop by in person or shop on their website!
1758 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 922-8331
Mon-Fri 11AM – 6PM
Sat 11AM – 7PM
Sun 11:30AM – 5PM
Photo by @sanko.1758
17. Soko Hardware
Soko is your one-stop shop for everything you could possibly need for your home! From kitchen appliances, bento boxes, gardening supplies, and of course, your basic hardware needs, there’s something for everyone! First opened in 1925 as Soko Hardware Co, the Japantown favorite has moved to its current location and has been operated by four generations of the Ashizawa family! No better way to support a family-owned business than to stop by and spend some time shopping here!
1698 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-5510
Mon-Sat 9AM – 5:30PM
* Open Sunday just for the weekends of Dec 19-20 and Dec 26-27, 2020 from 11AM – 4PM (normally closed on Sundays)
18. SOU·SOU San Francisco
Promotion: Free US-wide shipping for online orders over $65 until the end of December!
SOU·SOU has some beautiful Japanese kimono-inspired clothing and accessories like tabi shoes and face masks. Their 2020 winter collection just became available online and in-store! If you would like to visit in person, SOU·SOU offers private in-store shopping at this time–register for a slot on their Eventbrite page.
1746 Post St #2F, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 525-8654
Wed/Fri/Sat 12PM – 4PM
Mon/Tue/Thu/Sun Closed
Photo by @sousousf
19. Suki Boutique
This holiday season is a perfect time to accessorize! Suki Boutique has handbags, jewelry, glasses, hats and more. They’ve got tons of items that make for great gifts so stop on by here when you’re in Japantown.
1737 Post St, #390, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 931-0988
Open daily 10:30AM – 7PM (hours may change)
Photo credit: @japancentermalls
20. Tokaido Arts
Looking for one-of-a-kind artwork to liven up your home? Tokaido Arts is a gallery that showcases Japanese woodblock prints and other fine Asian art and you can also shop for some beautiful greeting cards for the holidays! The gallery is open for online shopping and for in-store browsing as well. You can also book appointments by emailing them at info@tokaidoarts.com at least one day in advance.
1581 Webster St Suite #202, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 567-4390
Temporary store hours:
Fri-Sat 12PM – 6PM
Sun 11AM – 5PM
Appointment days:
Wed-Thu 11AM – 5PM
Photo credit: @tokaidoarts
21. Yumi Boutique
Drop by Yumi Boutique to add a little sparkle in your life! They have an assortment of affordable earrings, necklaces, rings, hair accessories, handbags and lots more. It’s a perfect place to shop for a beautiful and sparkly holiday gift for your friends and family, and don’t forget to treat yourself too!
1737 Post St, San Francisco, CA 94115
(415) 346-8288
Sun-Thur 10:30AM – 7PM
Fri-Sat 10:30AM – 8:30PM
Photo credit: @japancentermalls