How Japanese Businesses Are Combating the Coronavirus
Many people consider food to be the best part of a holiday. Sharing a table with your friends or family while you experience the local food culture can be the highlight of any trip. However, as close contact and the risk of droplet transmission are concerns, dining out can also be considered high risk. Check out these anti-coronavirus measures at restaurants to enjoy a fun and safe meal!
Hamataro Gyoza Center
■ Facility Information
A casual gyoza restaurant on the site of a gyoza factory. Offers ramen and meal sets in addition to a wide selection of gyoza, including kimchi gyoza and shrimp gyoza.
■ Health and Safety Measures
1. The restaurant is ventilated on a regular basis, and the windows are kept open. 2. The restaurant interior is disinfected, and the number of guests is restricted. 3. Waiting customers are asked to stay outside or in their cars. 4. Cust... Read More 1. The restaurant is ventilated on a regular basis, and the windows are kept open. 2. The restaurant interior is disinfected, and the number of guests is restricted. 3. Waiting customers are asked to stay outside or in their cars. 4. Customers are asked to refrain from sharing food and drinks. 5. Customers are asked to sanitize their hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer when entering the restaurant. 6. Anyone with cold symptoms (fever, coughing) is asked not to enter the premises. 7. One person from each party is asked to leave their name and contact information so that the health department can swiftly contact them in case of close contact with an infected person. *As of November 19, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
A Japanese restaurant on the banks of Lake Hamana. Enjoy fresh seafood dishes and aromatic grilled unagi (eel) together with fantastic views.
■ Health and Safety Measures
All staff members wear masks; hand sanitizers are installed at the entrance; 24-hour ventilation; menus, tables, chairs and check holders disinfected after each use; 1.5m distance between tables; bags provided for masks to be placed in durin... Read More All staff members wear masks; hand sanitizers are installed at the entrance; 24-hour ventilation; menus, tables, chairs and check holders disinfected after each use; 1.5m distance between tables; bags provided for masks to be placed in during meals, etc. *As of December 8, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
Located on Shibuya’s Koen-dori, Kugatsudo strives to offer a “healthy ramen,” one that forgoes artificial flavorings and instead brings out the full flavor of natural ingredients. Enjoy the sweet and flavorful taste of their natural soy sauce ramen!
■ Health and Safety Measures
~Kugatsudo’s Coronavirus Prevention Measures~ ● Each time a guest leaves, the table and chairs are disinfected with alcohol. ● The restaurant is ventilated periodically. ● Areas that customers come into frequent contact with (including do... Read More ~Kugatsudo’s Coronavirus Prevention Measures~ ● Each time a guest leaves, the table and chairs are disinfected with alcohol. ● The restaurant is ventilated periodically. ● Areas that customers come into frequent contact with (including doorknobs and ticket vending machines) are frequently disinfected. ● Staff members with temperatures above 37.5°C, or who are feeling unwell, will refrain from coming to work. ● Staff members wear masks and frequently disinfect their hands. ● There are fewer seats than usual to ensure social distancing. ~Requests for Customers~ ● Please wear a mask where possible (i.e. when not eating). ● Please disinfect your hands when entering. ● Guests with temperatures above 37.5°C, or who are feeling unwell, are asked to refrain from entering. ● Please keep a 2 m distance when lining up. * As of May 28, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
Opened 46 years ago as a cafe located in a kura (storage house) that was built in the 12th year of the Meiji period (approx. 140 years ago). Popular for its layout with a mezzanine.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Staff wear masks, practice hand sanitization, and frequently ventilate the room to avoid the Three Cs (closed spaces, crowded places, close contact). *As of November 16, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Kura Sushi
■ Facility Information
A major chain of conveyor-belt sushi restaurants. There are 460 locations within Japan, in addition to stores in America and Taiwan. It receives high marks not just for flavor but also for food safety, as it uses carefully-selected Japanese rice, and its ingredients and flavorings are without additives (artificial flavorings, artificial sweeteners, food dyes, artificial preservatives).
■ Health and Safety Measures
• All dishes have “sanitary sushi covers” to protect the sushi from both dust and viruses. • Sanitary vinyl sheets are installed between tables • Sanitary vinyl sheets are installed at the cash register • Strengthened disinfection for int... Read More • All dishes have “sanitary sushi covers” to protect the sushi from both dust and viruses. • Sanitary vinyl sheets are installed between tables • Sanitary vinyl sheets are installed at the cash register • Strengthened disinfection for interior devices and utensils • Tables are disinfected with alcohol between customers • Customers can order by smartphone (only for customers who have installed Kura Sushi's official smartphone app) • Staff members get health checks, and hand-washing and gargling requirements are strictly enforced • Stricter mask-wearing rules for staff members • Alcohol disinfectant is available * As of June 19, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Shibukawa Donya
■ Facility Information
Shibukawa Donya, which once flourished as a wholesaler of dried Pacific herring, dried codfish, and other seafood, has transformed into a restaurant serving local Aizu cuisine in its historic buildings that were built during the Meiji and Taisho periods.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Specific coronavirus prevention measures are as follows: ・ Alcohol-based sanitizers are installed at the entrance and bathrooms ・ Proper health management, such as checking employees' temperatures daily ・ Employees must wear masks ・ Soci... Read More Specific coronavirus prevention measures are as follows: ・ Alcohol-based sanitizers are installed at the entrance and bathrooms ・ Proper health management, such as checking employees' temperatures daily ・ Employees must wear masks ・ Social distancing between parties, and restricting number of guests when necessary ・ Tables/counters disinfected between guests ・ Use of cash trays when exchanging cash ・ Installation of an acrylic screen between the cash register and guests (In accordance with guidelines issued by Zenkoku Seikatu Eisei Dogyou Kumiai Chuokai for the continuation of recreational dining businesses) *As of November 27, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya Cafe
■ Facility Information
Shima Onsen Kashiwaya is a cafe located in the hot spring resort of Shima Onsen. Some popular items on their menu are the Onsen-marked Cappuccino and Kashiwaya Curry Plate which features two kinds of curry. They also serve up delicious homemade sweets, specialty coffee, and a variety of other lunch options. The cafe also has many cute and interesting souvenirs for sale. Please enjoy the retro interior and exterior of this renovated building from the early Showa Period and allow the calmness of Shima Onsen to wash over you.
■ Health and Safety Measures
- Temperature checks conducted upon entry - Hands disinfected upon entry - Regular disinfection of tables and chairs - Tables and chairs set up to allow for social distancing - Thorough ventilation - Queuing only allowed outside *As of... Read More - Temperature checks conducted upon entry - Hands disinfected upon entry - Regular disinfection of tables and chairs - Tables and chairs set up to allow for social distancing - Thorough ventilation - Queuing only allowed outside *As of February 17, 2022
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
A wonderful restaurant specializing in fish. Offers a wide selection of kushiyaki (grilled skewers). Fresh seafood is procured directly from the market every day. Seasonal dishes available.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Always be aware of "ventilation," "speaking volume," and the "Three Cs (closed places, crowded places, close contact)" to prevent case clusters. Implement the following measures and make sure they are communicated to customers and displayed... Read More Always be aware of "ventilation," "speaking volume," and the "Three Cs (closed places, crowded places, close contact)" to prevent case clusters. Implement the following measures and make sure they are communicated to customers and displayed in the store: ・Hand sanitizers will be made available at the entrance and in the bathroom ・Appropriate air filtration systems will be installed and the air regularly ventilated (windows and doors will be opened on a regular basis and the filtration system will be used at all times) ・Tables and chairs will be configured to ensure a distance of 2 m (at least 1 m) between parties and tables will be divided with partitions (acrylic or similar) ・Parties sitting at the counter will be seated to ensure appropriate distancing ・When multiple parties share a table, they will be seated so that they do not face each other and will be separated by partitions on the table *As of November 17, 2020
■ Special Offer
Receive 1 free glass of draft beer if you tell the staff that you saw the restaurant on the "Traveling Safely in Japan" page when visiting.
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Sushiro
■ Facility Information
Chosen as No. 1 in the sushi business for nine straight years, Sushiro is an incredibly popular sushi chain with an extensive menu that has over 130 dishes, including 80 types of sushi. We particularly recommend their monthly specials, made with the finest selection of seasonal ingredients. You can now reserve your seats on their app, so make your way to Sushiro today!
■ Health and Safety Measures
“Tasty sushi for all. Tasty sushi for the heart,” is Sushiro’s philosophy. In order to ensure the safety of their customers, they are currently implementing the following hygiene protocols. [Kitchen] • Thorough handwashing During their ... Read More “Tasty sushi for all. Tasty sushi for the heart,” is Sushiro’s philosophy. In order to ensure the safety of their customers, they are currently implementing the following hygiene protocols. [Kitchen] • Thorough handwashing During their entire shift, Sushiro employees have to wash their hands in the manner specified by the company. Two handwashes are required before entering the kitchen. All locations will have a designated handwashing inspector who will check if the staff is following company guidelines. Video cameras will also be installed to allow monitoring from the head office. • Staff health checks Staff shall undergo health checks based on a specially-prepared list. The list even includes items such as whether or not their hair is safely secured under their hats. • Regular disinfection Sushiro promotes hygiene by having staff frequently wash their hands and change their gloves, and by tidying up and disinfecting the kitchen. [Dining Area] • Hand sanitizer has been placed at all entrances and exits • Plastic sheets have been installed at registers • Seating observes social distancing guidelines • All surfaces are thoroughly disinfected (in addition to regular cleaning) *As of July 17, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
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