Little Tokyo is located in downtown Los Angeles and is the cultural center for Japanese Americans in Southern California. The heart of Little Tokyo and the center of activity is the Japanese Village Plaza.
The plaza is easy to find. Just look for the giant wooden fire tower that guards the entrance. Inside the Japanese Village Plaza, you will find stores selling everything from mochi ice cream to Japanese pastries and bread.
Dining Options
Plaza restaurants offer Japanese food items, including Sushi, Takoyaki, Mitarashi Dango, Pork Shu Mai, and Shrimp Balls.
For most of the year, this area of Los Angeles is pretty quiet, especially during the week, but during August, Little Tokyo celebrates the Nisei Week Japanese Festival, and Little Tokyo comes to life. Nisei Week activities include a parade exhibits of Japanese art and culture, a taiko drum festival, a Japanese Festival Street Fair, a car show, and other events.
Things to do in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo features two Japanese gardens open to the public—one is next to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, and the other is a rooftop garden in the Kyoto Grand Hotel and Gardens, formerly the New Otani Hotel.
Little Tokyo is clean and safe and almost in the shadow of the Los Angeles City Hall. Plan on spending at least half a day here. Park the car and take a walking tour to enjoy Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
The Japanese American National Museum is a must-see attraction dedicated to sharing the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. 369 East First Street Los Angeles. Across from the museum is Japanese Village, the heart of Little Tokyo, which features shopping and unique dining options. Address 350 E 1st St Los Angeles, CA 90012. website.
Go For Broke Monument – Commemorates Japanese Americans who served in the United States Army during World War II. 160 N. Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA – Museum is devoted exclusively to contemporary art. 152 North Central Avenue Los Angeles, CA
Kyoto Grand Hotel Garden is a Japanese garden that is open to the public. The park is located next to the Japanese Village Plaza.
Little Tokyo Historic District can be seen along the north side of 1st Street, where many of the original buildings are located. Little Tokyo was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995.
At its peak, Little Tokyo had approximately 30,000 Japanese Americans living in the area. Many of the original buildings have been replaced with condominiums and shopping malls. What is left of the authentic Little Tokyo can be found in a four-city block area bounded on the west by Los Angeles Street, on the east by Alameda Street, on the South by 3rd Street, and on the north by First Street and the Los Angeles Civic Center.
Each Thursday from about 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, the Little Tokyo Farmers Market is held next to City Hall. The market features tented booths that sell fruits and vegetables along with food, including grilled sausages, Hawaiian barbecued chicken, plus the usual farmers market fair.
Where is Little Tokyo
Directions: Little Tokyo is about a mile from Union Station and is located between First and Third Streets and Main and Alameda Street. Accessible from the 101 freeway, exit Alameda.
Some restaurants and shops close as early as 3;00 PM, so it’s best to visit before.
Little Tokyo is the first stop from Union Station on the Metro Gold Line going South. Chinatown is the first stop going North from Union stations on the Metro Gold Line.
Things To Do in Downtown Los Angeles