Credit: SF Planning / De Alva

Japantown Osaka Way / Buchanan Mall Upgrades

Japantown’s Buchanan Mall is the pedestrian portion of Buchanan Street that runs for one block between Post and Sutter streets. Along with Peace Plaza, it’s the geographic and cultural heart of the neighborhood.

Project Update
On February 6, 2024 residents and merchants shared feedback on the final design concept for Osaka Way. Watch the meeting recording and check out the event materials presented at the Open House – see the Outreach & Engagement tab!

The Japantown Buchanan Mall is paved with a river of cobblestones, connecting two fountain installations, consisting of origami flower forms designed by renowned artist Ruth Asawa, and surrounded by low, circular stone walls. This walkway is lined by restaurants, stores, and cultural institutions on both sides, allowing residents and visitors to experience Japantown’s culture in a pedestrian environment.

The community has identified a few areas for upgrades along the Mall, which was designed in the 1960s:

  • Enhance accessibility of the Mall for seniors and people with disabilities and limited mobility

  • Rehabilitate the Ruth Asawa fountains that are iconic to the mall

  • Support the business community by embellishing the sense of cultural authenticity and enhancing the commercial edges of the mall

Existing Conditions

schematic of Buchanan MallDiagram shows the location and boundaries of the project.

Timeline * Milestone

Spring 2022 – Winter 2023

Conditions & Needs Assessment, Initial Project Outreach

Spring 2023 – Summer 2023

Public Workshop Series and Conceptual Design Development

Summer 2023 – Spring 2024

Design Refinement, Environmental Review

Summer 2024

Detailed Design

Spring 2025

Construction begins

* Subject to change.

MEETING DATE LOCATION DETAILS MATERIALS
Open House #3
Tuesday February 6, 2024
5:30-7:30pm  (free)		 Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California – Issei Memorial Hall
1840 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94115

Online starts at 6:00pm (not online)		 Join us for an Open House to comment on preferred concept for upgrades, including proposed lighting, greenery, seating and more.
– Short presentation at 6:00 (will be recorded)
– Refreshments will be served
– Activities for kids!
– Door prizes!
Open House #2
Tuesday October 3, 2023
5:30-7:30pm  (free)		 Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California – Issei Memorial Hall
1840 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94115

Online starts at 6:00pm (not online)		 Join us for an Open House to share ideas for upgrades to the pedestrian portion of Buchanan Mall (Osaka Way) between Post and Sutter Streets.
– Short presentation at 6:00 (will be recorded)
– Refreshments will be served
– Activities for kids!
– Door prizes!
Open House #1
Wednesday May 31, 2023
5:00 to 8:00pm  (free)

Meeting will be held In-person and Online via Zoom 


 		 Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California – Issei Memorial Hall
1840 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA 94115

Online starts at 6:00pm: RSVP to receive Zoom link.		 Join us for an Open House to share ideas for upgrades to the pedestrian portion of Buchanan Mall (Osaka Way) between Post and Sutter Streets.
– Short presentation at 6:00 (will be recorded)
– Refreshments will be served
– Activities for kids!
– Door prizes!

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