Foot traffic wanes in Japantown (Photo Gallery)

One of the staples of San Francisco since 1906, Japantown brings a small slice of Japanese culture to the city. 

This once bustling mall may soon be a part of history, with stores shuttering from the pandemic and a landlord unwilling to negotiate rent. Businesses are doing what they can to stay afloat, but it remains unclear what will become of the mall if the stores close for good — especially in the West Mall, home to Restaurant Row and various stores that sell uniquely Japanese products. 

Gallery • 10 Photos

Cameron Lee

The East Mall Entrance to Japantown on March 8. (Cameron Lee / Golden Gate Xpress)