With roots dating back to the 1880s, Little Tokyo in Los Angeles is a major center for Japanese Americans living in Southern California. In fact, it is one of the three official Japanese cities in the United States.
From museums to the many restaurants and bars in Little Tokyo In LA , it is one of the most historic and popular multicultural neighborhoods.
Discover Essential Things To Do Little Tokyo Los Angeles:
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1. Visit the Japanese American National Museum (JAMN)
This fascinating museum in Little Tokyo LA promotes appreciation and understanding of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience. There are hundreds of objects, documents, and photographs on display at the Japanese American National Museum.
It’s a powerful and interesting place to spend an hour or two.
2. Eat some of the best sushi in town
Looking for the best sushi restaurants in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles? Gen sushi has long been a favorite with the locals. This is clear on any night of the week because of how crowded it is.
Visitors love the sashimi lunch special, but we suggest ordering off the menu to find something you like. Regardless of what you get, you really can’t go wrong. This is about as good sushi as you will find in Japan.
3. Visit Japanese Village Plaza
The main hub of Little Tokyo is this pretty plaza with many shops, cafes, and restaurants. There are colorful lanterns hung in front of many of the shops. Check out Japanese clothing and retail stores and a delicious Mochi ice cream stand. Be sure to stop at Café Dulce and order the very popular green tea donuts.
4. Get some cool clothes
Japangeles, a streetwear line that fuses traditional Japanese symbols such as Mt. Fuji, geishas, bonsai, and maneki-neko with a contemporary Southern California style, was established in 2009 by Roy Kuroyanagi, a Los Angeles native. In August 2017, the business expanded from a Little Tokyo kiosk to a storefront in Japanese Village Plaza. The Japangeles apparel is designed and produced in LA, and can only be purchased by visiting the physical store as there is no online platform available. You will want to buy almost everything in the entire store.
5. Check out Nisei Week Japanese festival
This huge festival takes place over two weekends every August. Nisei Week is one of the longest running ethnic festivals of its kind in the country. There are free Japanese cultural events, activities, and exhibits, including dumpling-eating contests. You can also join Japanese street dances and other fun events.
6. Stock up on snacks at a Little Tokyo market
Nijya Market is one of the most authentic markets in Little Tokyo, with a great selection of Japanese snacks and drinks. You know all those awesome snacks you see on social media? You can find them here: Green Tea KitKats, Strawberry KitKats, and Pocky.
There is also a rather delicious sushi aisle where you can mix and match fresh sushi rolls and sashimi to go. Perfect for a picnic on a warm summer day!
7. Devour some amazing Japanese food
There is something for everyone to eat here! Our top picks? Little Tokyo Tea Master Matcha Soft Serve is a must-try for matcha lovers everywhere. Fresh mochi ice cream, Japanese vegan food, and ramen are other delicious bites. Visit MEN OH Tokushima Ramen in Honda Plaza. MEN OH’s signature Tokushima-style ramen is one of the best ramen dishes in Los Angeles, featuring a flavorful broth made from Kurobuta pork bones and soy sauce. This hearty ramen bowl includes stir-fried pork belly, seared pork, bamboo shoots, a seasoned soft-boiled egg, and scallions.
If you’re looking for udon, choose Marugame Monzola on 1st Street.
8. Eat at excellent Redbird
Redbird is a restaurant owned by famous chef Neal Fraser. It is situated in the former Vibiana cathedral in Little Tokyo on 2nd Street. They serve a New American dinner menu that includes appetizers, mains, small plates, and desserts. The dining room is a beautiful courtyard with a retractable ceiling. There is also a lounge and an indoor/outdoor bar that serves craft cocktails. Popular dinner dishes include Spanish Octopus, Barbecue Smoked Tofu, Liberty Farms Duck, and Rack of Lamb.
9. Pop into Popkiller Little Tokyo
Popkiller Little Tokyo is the sister store of the original Popkiller shop in Hollywood. It’s situated on 2nd Street and is a stylish hub that sells a wide range of items, including vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, toys, vinyl, and quirky objects like “bacon strip” band-aids. Just a few shops away, POP Little Tokyo specializes in tongue-in-cheek t-shirts that come packaged like LPs. These tees feature original designs that are produced in-house, as well as independent labels.
10. Relax in luxury in The DoubleTree Hotel
The DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown provides an elegant accommodation after Little Tokyo excursion. Placed in the heart of Little Tokyo, the hotel has a distinct Japanese-influenced interior design and a tranquil rooftop Kyoto Gardens with breathtaking city views. All rooms are furnished with 42-inch LCD flat-screen HDTVs with HBO and cozy Sweet Dreams by DoubleTree plush top beds. The hotel shuttle is complimentary and will transport you to several nearby attractions.
