Little Tokyo Los Angeles is a distinctive historic district downtown. It draws plenty of visitors for its rich history and unique vibes. It is one of the oldest Japantowns in the United States, having been founded in 1885.
When visiting Little Tokyo Los Angeles, there are many things to do, eat and see. Here your guide to iconic Downtown Los Angeles neighborhood.
Little Tokyo Los Angeles: What To See, Do & Eat
Japanese Village Plaza
Little Tokyo Los Angeles occupies five blocks in Downtown Los Angeles. At the centre of it all is the Japanese Village Plaza where you will find shops, restaurants and even a Japanese supermarket.
The buildings at Japanese Village Plaza are designed with a Japanese vibe and you will come across buildings with blue roofs that look like they belong in a small village in Japan. Adding to the look of the village, you may be paper lanterns strung up to add color to the plaza.
Little Tokyo Mall
Connected to the Japanese Village Plaza is the Little Tokyo Mall. This sheltered shopping mall is where you’ll find Japanese pop culture shops. It is the Los Angeles equivalent of Tokyo’s Akihabara.
1st Street
1st Street is the de-facto main street of Little Tokyo. Here, you will find different restaurants up and down the street. The Little Tokyo Visitor’s Center can be found near the corner of 1st Street ad Judge John Aiso Street.
Koyasan Beikoku Betsuin Buddhist Temple
Along 1st Street is functioning Buddhist temple that is open to visitors daily, except for when there are private services being held. On display are Japanese art and religious objects, as well as Buddhist symbols.
Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum’s goal is to share the Japanese American experience in order to foster appreciation for and understanding of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity. It features historical and arts exhibitions that showcase the rich cultural history of ethnic Japanese in the United States. There is even a tea house inside the Museum. Find out more about the Japanese American National Museum.
Honda Plaza
A short distance away from Japanese Village is Honda Plaza. This has a collection of Japanese restaurants, including Sushi Gen, and a matcha cafe and tea shop. There are also services at Honda Plaza including the Little Tokyo Pharmacy.
Little Tokyo Galleria
This is a bright three story shopping mall with a mix of Japanese and Korean restaurants, as well as shops such as the Japanese variety chain Daiso and other specialty shops.
Weller Court
Weller Court is a three floor shopping mall that most people overlook when paying a visit to Little Tokyo. Inside shops like the Japanese bookstore Kinokuniya as well as restaurants and Marukai Market, which some say is the best Japanese supermarket in Little Tokyo. Marukai Market is owned by Don Quijote, the discount store in Japan.
Where to Shop at Little Tokyo Los Angeles
Make Asobi
Want to pick up some cosmetics, personal care and make up? Over at the Japanese Village Plaza is Make Asobi. There’s plenty of kawaii beauty knick knacks and Japanese make up brands too.
Monkey Pants
Looking for something quirky to take home from your visit to Little Tokyo? Pop into Monkey Pants and check out the cool collection of toys, clothings, accessories, stationary and gifts. Find out more about Monkey Pants.
World-8 2
Want to pick up games for Nintendo, Playstation or SEGA? World-8 2 is the place to do so inside the Little Tokyo Mall.
Jungle Entertainment Hobby Shop
Within Little Tokyo Mall is the Jungle Entertainment Hobby Shop. Originally from Osaka, the shop expanded to Los Angeles in 2001 and has a huge collection of speciality toys. Visit the Jungle Entertainment Hobby Shop online.
Assist Wig Cosplay Shop in Los Angeles
Want to pick up a pink wig or a costume to dress up for cosplay? You can find them over at Assist Wig cosplay shop inside Little Tokyo Mall.
What to Eat at Little Tokyo Los Angeles
Yamazaki Bread & Cake
Located at the Japanese Village Plaza is Yamazaki Bread & Cake where you will find delicious desserts and pastries to satisfy your sweet tooth. In the heat of summer, you can stop by inside for an ice cream too.
Shabu Shabu House
One of the oldest restaurants at Japanese Village Plaza is Shabu Shabu House. The reestuarnat serves traditional Japanese shabu and the meat is very thinly sliced and of high quality. You can watch a butcher slicing the meat in the middle of the small restaurant.
Daikokuya
Most of the most popular ramen restaurants in Little Tokyo is Daikokuya. It can get very crowded and so, if you’re set on eating there, you may have to wait. Daikokuya Little Tokyo is found at 327 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Fugetsu-Do Sweet Shop
This shop has been around since 1903 and sells mochi, manju and other Japanese treats. There are many different styles of confections available including special ones for holidays. Visit Fugetsu-Do Sweet Shop online.
Suehiro Cafe
For a no-fuss, basic Japanese meal, like curry udon and katsudon, pay a a visit to Suehiro Cafe along 1st Street.
Shin-Sen-Gumi Hakata Ramen
Hakata Ramen is inspired by the ramen flavors found in the shops that line Nagahama Bay. Enjoy a bowl of tonkotsu (pork bone) broth, noodles, and a selection of toppings, such as chashu pork at this Little Tokyo ramen shop along Central Avenue.
Champion’s Curry
Along Central Avenue is Champion’s Curry with Japanese curry that’ll help to satisfy your curry cravings. It is also worth trying their katsu sandwiches, made from light brioche bread and served with a bowl of curry for you to dip it into.
Hama Sushi
Hama Sushi is a little sushi bar similar to what you’d find in Japan. It is reasonably priced and serves only sushi and sashimi. You can find Hama Sushi along 2nd Street.
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