How Japanese Businesses Are Combating the Coronavirus
Browsing for souvenirs and unique local items is an unmissable part of any trip. Let's look at the health and safety measures, like sanitation and ventilation, in place at busy shopping areas.
AEON MALL KAGOSHIMA
■ Facility Information
A major shopping mall with a view of Sakurajima, the well-known symbol of Kagoshima. One of Kagoshima's largest shopping centers with approximately 200 specialty stores including restaurants. The free parking lot has a capacity of 4,000, and includes an EV charging station that can charge up to 10 cars simultaneously. Open all year.
■ Health and Safety Measures
186 stores in the mall (as of December 10, 2020) have stickers declaring that they are implementing COVID-19 prevention measures, following the Kagoshima Prefectural Government's initiative to identify facilities and restaurants that custome... Read More 186 stores in the mall (as of December 10, 2020) have stickers declaring that they are implementing COVID-19 prevention measures, following the Kagoshima Prefectural Government's initiative to identify facilities and restaurants that customers can utilize safely. The mall undergoes deep cleaning by employees using alcoholic disinfectant for 15 minutes every day starting at 3:00 pm. [Key Measures] (1) Hand sanitizers installed at entrances and other locations throughout the mall (2) The mall is regularly ventilated and cleaned (3) Strict enforcement of mask-wearing, hand-washing, and hand sanitization by employees (4) Guests are asked to wear masks and wash and sanitize hands (5) Thorough sanitization of shared equipment and places frequently touched by people (6) Entry restrictions (number of people and duration of stay) when crowded (7) Health management for employees (8) Maintaining sufficient distance between people (9) Employees are made fully aware of criteria for consulting about COVID-19, and how to get into contact with healthcare centers and the COVID-19 Call Center (10) Measures are implemented in accordance with industry guidelines developed by industry associations *As of December 25, 2020
■ Special Offer
A "Tuesday Market" with special deals is held every Tuesday
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
AEON MALL KYOTO
■ Facility Information
AEON MALL KYOTO is a large shopping center located a 5-minute walk from the Hachijo Exit of Kyoto Station. It gathers together 130 stores, making it the largest commercial facility near Kyoto Station, so stop by if you’re looking for a place to eat or buy souvenirs!
■ Health and Safety Measures
They are conducting the following coronavirus prevention measures: ① Staff members get health checks, including temperature checks, every day. ② Alcohol disinfectant has been placed by all entrances and exits. ③ Surfaces that customers fr... Read More They are conducting the following coronavirus prevention measures: ① Staff members get health checks, including temperature checks, every day. ② Alcohol disinfectant has been placed by all entrances and exits. ③ Surfaces that customers frequently touch are regularly disinfected. ④ The ventilation system is running at the maximum level. ⑤ Acrylic boards and vinyl sheets have been installed where customers directly interact with staff, to prevent droplet infections. ⑥ Acrylic boards have been placed in the food court area, to prevent droplet infections. ⑦ Customers are asked to maintain social distancing within elevators. ⑧ Elevators have a maximum capacity of 4. ⑨ Customer traffic is monitored, and entry restrictions are in place when necessary. * As of February 19, 2021
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Ario
■ Facility Information
Ario is a large-scale shopping mall chain featuring Ito-Yokado brand supermarkets as well as various specialty stores. It operates 18 branches, not just in major tourist destinations like Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo, but also in cities like Okayama and Sendai. These shopping malls provide fun for adults and kids alike, including food, shopping, and entertainment.
■ Health and Safety Measures
With the reopening of their shopping centers, Ario is undertaking numerous efforts to promote social distancing and avoid the three C’s in order to prevent infections and ensure customers’ safety and peace of mind. Some examples of these mea... Read More With the reopening of their shopping centers, Ario is undertaking numerous efforts to promote social distancing and avoid the three C’s in order to prevent infections and ensure customers’ safety and peace of mind. Some examples of these measures include setting up alcohol hand sanitizers, thermometers, and thermal imaging machines throughout the premises, thoroughly disinfecting areas regularly, and making staff members undergo health checks and wear masks. Ario asks for customers’ cooperation and understanding. *As of July 28, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
EDION
■ Facility Information
EDION Namba Main Store, with 1 floor underground and 9 floors above ground, is the largest store in the EDION chain. It’s well known for its many products and stellar customer service. With a tourist information center and the NINJA facility, whatever you need, you can always find it there.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Wearing of masks regular health checks, setting hand sanitizers throughout the premises, installing plastic covers thorough cleaning of the store and social distancing *As of July 21, 2020
■ Special Offer
Tell them that you saw the “Traveling Safely in Japan” page to receive 10% off at the NINJA facility (8F).
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Fukushima Product Promotion Center
■ Facility Information
A 3-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Fukushima Station. If you're looking to buy a souvenir from Fukushima Prefecture, this is the place! It has more than 5,000 items ranging from everything from small gifts to snacks, Japanese sake, traditional crafts, and more.
■ Health and Safety Measures
(Shop floor) -Alcohol spray available at entrances and food and beverage counters. -Hand disinfection required when entering the store, mask use required except when eating or drinking, etc. -To prevent droplet infection, dividers are ins... Read More (Shop floor) -Alcohol spray available at entrances and food and beverage counters. -Hand disinfection required when entering the store, mask use required except when eating or drinking, etc. -To prevent droplet infection, dividers are installed at the cash register counter. -West entrance door is automatically opened every hour for ventilation. -Disinfection by wiping with sodium hypochlorite (every hour) -Cash trays used for payments and change. -Floor is marked at 2-meter intervals to maintain space between customers waiting to check out. -Number of customers is limited if the shop becomes too crowded. (Fukushima Lounge) -Officially certified as a store with proper infection prevention measures in Fukushima. -Dividers installed at cash registers to prevent droplet infection. -Disinfection by wiping with sodium hypochlorite. * As of January 11, 2022
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Ito-Yokado
■ Facility Information
Founded in 1920, Ito-Yokado has about 130 locations, including those in Hokkaido, Tokyo, and Osaka. This department store chain conveniently gathers everything tourists might need in one place, from travel necessities to souvenirs. You’ll find anything and everything, including Japanese brand makeup and desserts, as well as Japanese culinary staples like sushi and tempura.
■ Health and Safety Measures
In addition to offering alcohol hand disinfectant to customers, surfaces such as shopping baskets and escalator handrails are thoroughly disinfected. Staff members follow several measures to prevent infection, from wearing masks to checking... Read More In addition to offering alcohol hand disinfectant to customers, surfaces such as shopping baskets and escalator handrails are thoroughly disinfected. Staff members follow several measures to prevent infection, from wearing masks to checking their temperatures when arriving at work and frequently washing their hands. To maintain social distancing, vinyl sheets have been installed at cash registers and duty-free counters, and distance is maintained between seats at food courts and eat-in spaces. There are graphs that show crowding levels at various times of the day so that customers can avoid the most crowded times. There are also “Priority Registers” for pregnant women, the elderly, and those with disabilities so that all customers can shop with peace of mind. *As of August 28, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
This department store connected directly to Kyoto Station offers everything from the latest fashion to popular cosmetics, wagashi (traditional Japanese confections), matcha (green tea), fruit, and traditional crafts from long-established Kyoto shops. You will find the same kind of variety in the restaurant area, where guests can enjoy sukiyaki, tempura, tonkatsu, and so on. For the ultimate shopping experience, visit JR Kyoto Isetan today.Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex.
■ Health and Safety Measures
1. Store Health Initiatives - Regular disinfection of entrances and exits, escalators, elevators, shopping baskets, carts, and other areas/items that customers frequently come into physical contact with - Marked lines to help customers kee... Read More 1. Store Health Initiatives - Regular disinfection of entrances and exits, escalators, elevators, shopping baskets, carts, and other areas/items that customers frequently come into physical contact with - Marked lines to help customers keep a safe distance near registers and in frequently-crowded areas - Transparent sheets set up at grocery sections and transaction counters to protect against droplet infections 2. Employee Health Initiatives - Daily and thorough health monitoring, including all the employees checking their temperatures before their shifts - Always wearing a mask and keeping distance when assisting customers - Using hand sanitizer after each customer interaction 3. An Appeal to Our Customers - When shopping at Isetan, please wear a mask and make use of the hand sanitizing stations * Customers not wearing a mask will be refused entry to the store - Please refrain from shopping at Isetan if you have a temperature of 37.5℃ or higher or if you’re in poor health - Please observe social distancing when using the escalators, elevators, or lining up at the register * As of June 2, 2020
■ Special Offer
Introducing the Guest Card, which gets you a 5% discount on your shopping! Please apply at the tax-exemption counter. * This offer is only available to foreign tourists in Japan and other non-residents. Please bring your passport. * Some items are not covered by the promotion.
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Lawson
■ Facility Information
A major convenience store chain in Japan. You can find all variety of lifestyle goods here, including groceries and household goods. In particular, Lawson Original Sweets allows you to enjoy top-class desserts on a whim; every new item release becomes the talk of the town.
■ Health and Safety Measures
• Vinyl sheet installed at cash registers to prevent droplet infections • Use of masks by staff members • Alcohol disinfectant is available • During payments, change is exchanged with a tray rather than handed directly • Improving ventil... Read More • Vinyl sheet installed at cash registers to prevent droplet infections • Use of masks by staff members • Alcohol disinfectant is available • During payments, change is exchanged with a tray rather than handed directly • Improving ventilation, including by periodically keeping the front door open • Maintaining social distance • Publishing the most crowded times for each location *As of June 5, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Marinoa City Fukuoka
■ Facility Information
Kyushu's largest outlet mall. Located a 30-minute drive from central Fukuoka. The mall houses over 160 establishments, including retail shops, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment facilities, allowing for a full day of fun.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Marinoa City Fukuoka has implemented the following coronavirus prevention measures to ensure that patrons can visit the establishment without worry. ・Hand sanitizing stations have been set up ・Employees must wear masks ・Vinyl curtains hav... Read More Marinoa City Fukuoka has implemented the following coronavirus prevention measures to ensure that patrons can visit the establishment without worry. ・Hand sanitizing stations have been set up ・Employees must wear masks ・Vinyl curtains have been set up at registers to prevent droplet transmission ・Panels have been set up in the food court to prevent droplet transmission ・There is antiviral coating in the food court ・Please wear a mask when visiting the mall ・An antibacterial coating has been applied all over the food court equipment *As of January 31, 2021
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
The first Korean fashion specialty store in Okinawa. This is the only store in Okinawa that offers the latest trends in clothing, as well as the only place where you can find select Korean brands. The store is completely decked out in pink, making for a fantastic photo spot. It's full of items that deserve a look while you're out sightseeing!
■ Health and Safety Measures
1. Alcohol dispensers are set up at the store entrance 2. Store is disinfected with alcohol every day 3. Acrylic panels are set up at the register 4. All staff wear masks 5. The door is always opened to allow for proper ventilation The ... Read More 1. Alcohol dispensers are set up at the store entrance 2. Store is disinfected with alcohol every day 3. Acrylic panels are set up at the register 4. All staff wear masks 5. The door is always opened to allow for proper ventilation The store is taking measures such as those listed above to ensure the safety of customers as they shop. *As of July 12, 2021
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Takashimaya
■ Facility Information
One of Japan’s most iconic department stores, Takashimaya traces its origins to Kyoto in 1831. Today it operates 17 stores throughout the country, including Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, and Kyoto, each offering everything from foods such as freshly-made side dishes, desserts, and sake to the latest fashion items. In Osaka, you will find the Takashima Archives, where you can find exhibits on the history and culture of Japanese department stores. Entrance is free.
■ Health and Safety Measures
To ensure your peace of mind while shopping, Takashimaya is undertaking the following: ・Employees maintain rigorous health standards (including a daily temperature check, wearing masks, and regularly washing and disinfecting their hands). ... Read More To ensure your peace of mind while shopping, Takashimaya is undertaking the following: ・Employees maintain rigorous health standards (including a daily temperature check, wearing masks, and regularly washing and disinfecting their hands). ・Items and products are thoroughly cleaned (disinfection for shopping baskets, cash registers, and other items; organization and cleaning for products). ・Vinyl sheets are installed in sales areas to prevent droplet infection. To ensure your peace of mind while shopping, Takashimaya is maintaining social distancing in the following ways: ・Clerks are refraining from approaching customers. ・Customers and clerks exchange cash and cards using a tray. ・Clerks will refrain from helping customers in changing rooms, to avoid close contact. To ensure your safety while shopping, Takashimaya requests for customers to understand and abide by the following: ・Please shop in small groups to prevent crowding. ・Some entrances and exits will be restricted. ・Depending on the level of crowding, entry to certain floors or sales areas may also be restricted. ・Use of the elevator may be restricted. ・Please wear a mask when entering the store. ・Please maintain an appropriate distance with other customers when paying. ・Please refrain from entering if you are feeling unwell or exhibit a fever. * As of September 11, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
■ Facility Information
A high-class underground shopping street inspired by 19th-century European design, with cobblestone floors and arabesque designs on the ceiling. It is filled with everything from fashion shops to gourmet restaurants.
■ Health and Safety Measures
[Thorough Cleaning/Disinfection/Air Circulation] ・Handrails, doorknobs, and so on are regularly disinfected ・Air inside the facility is thoroughly ventilated [Disinfectant Availability] ・Hand sanitizer is available in all restrooms [Emp... Read More [Thorough Cleaning/Disinfection/Air Circulation] ・Handrails, doorknobs, and so on are regularly disinfected ・Air inside the facility is thoroughly ventilated [Disinfectant Availability] ・Hand sanitizer is available in all restrooms [Employee Hygiene/Health Management] ・Employee health is taken seriously ・Employees use masks when interacting with customers ・Employees thoroughly sanitize their hands [Social Distancing Measures] ・Transparent shields are installed at checkout, card, and information counters to prevent droplet contamination (at most stores) ・Reminders to keep physical distance are given inside stores *As of December 24, 2020
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
TOKYU HANDS
■ Facility Information
Tokyu Hands gathers a wide range of convenient, talked-about, and longtime best-selling items from both within and outside of Japan. You will find items in categories such as beauty, stationery, kitchen, DIY, and travel goods. They make connections between customers and all sorts of items, ideas, and people.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Requests for customers: • Please observe cough etiquette, wear a mask, and use the available alcohol hand sanitizer • There may be entry restrictions depending on the situation • Please enter the store in small groups • When lining up at... Read More Requests for customers: • Please observe cough etiquette, wear a mask, and use the available alcohol hand sanitizer • There may be entry restrictions depending on the situation • Please enter the store in small groups • When lining up at the cashier, please maintain an appropriate distance with the people in front of and behind you • Please do not get in the cashier line except to pay for an item • At the cashier, cards, money, and change will be exchanged using a tray • When you have finished shopping, please leave the store as quickly as possible To ensure safety, Tokyu Hands is undertaking the following: • All staff members must take their temperature and wash their hands before coming to work • All staff are required to wear masks • Workshops and events have been suspended • Some services involving long interactions have been suspended *Specific measures depend on the store and the situation *As of July 1, 2020 https://www.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/topics/measures.html
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Usaburo Kokeshi
■ Facility Information
Usaburo Kokeshi sits in the nature-rich village of Shinto in Gunma Prefecture. Using techniques passed down for generations, they create gorgeous kokeshi dolls that beautifully capture the simple beauty of the Japanese people. Visitors can explore the Usaburo Kokeshi workshop and kokeshi museum for free while joining one of their popular kokeshi painting experiences.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Usaburo Kokeshi has installed a temperature reader at the entrance to their store and alcohol disinfectant at several places throughout the premises. *As of February 5, 2022
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
Yamasen Tsujibutsudan Ltd.
■ Facility Information
Yamasen uses traditional lacquering and woodworking techniques to make and restore Buddhist and Shinto ceremonial items like household altars as well as ritual articles used by temples and shrines. They also offer hands-on lacquering workshops and tours.
■ Health and Safety Measures
Customers are asked to sanitize their hands and check their temperatures upon visiting the store, as well as wear a mask while on the premises. Yamasen's ozone generator runs 24 hours a day, and since lacquer has antibacterial properties th... Read More Customers are asked to sanitize their hands and check their temperatures upon visiting the store, as well as wear a mask while on the premises. Yamasen's ozone generator runs 24 hours a day, and since lacquer has antibacterial properties that are effective even against the coronavirus, the entire store remains sterilized and safe to use. * As of November 10, 2021
Official Website
Please check each company's official website for the latest information.
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