Little Tokyo is a Japanese American district in downtown Los Angeles, California, one of three official Japantowns in the U.S. Little Tokyo is a culturally diverse and historical area that has a unique combination of shops, restaurants, and historical landmarks. Its walkable streets, lit lantern plazas, and food made it worth visiting and exploring Japanese culture. Its food is highly delicious and has a cultural taste to it. Tokyo is easy to explore with the Metro Rail to the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.
Where to Stay in Little Tokyo?
Here are the four best hotels in Little Tokyo to stay due to their lively views, culture, food, and services:
- DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
The DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown has modern rooms and suites, the iconic DoubleTree cookie on arrival, a fitness centre, a restaurant within the building, wireless internet, concierge services, and EV charging. The average per-night stay is $180–$250, check-in time is 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 AM. The hotel also offers an opportunity to visit the Kyoto Garden on the rooftop and convenient access to the public transport system for visiting the Japanese American National Museum.
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
Miyako Hotel Los Angeles is designed on Japanese architecture, offering minimalist and modern design with free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre, room service, a Japanese restaurant, Tamon, and a cocktail bar, Ohjah. Its per-night stay charges are $160–$220, check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 12:00 PM. It’s a great place to explore Japanese culture and architecture.
Address: Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, 328 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
- Kawada Hotel
Kawada Hotel is a boutique hotel with remodelled rooms, including Serta Ultra Sleep Beds, free Wi-Fi, cable televisions, microwaves, and coffee makers. Average per-night stay charges are $120–$160, check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 PM. Office meetings and event conducting areas are also available. Its sitting area is outstanding and worth seeing.
Address: Kawada Hotel, 200 South Hill Street, in Downtown LA
- Airbnbs & Boutique Stays
Airbnbs and Boutique hotels have remodelled rooms with Serta Ultra Sleep Beds, free Wi-Fi, cable televisions, microwaves, and coffee makers. Average per-night stay charges are $90–$180, check-in starts at 3:00 PM, and check-out is at 11:00 PM. Airbnbs provide more personalised and authentic experiences, local accommodations, and activities to guests. Whereas the boutique hotels are oriented towards personalised guest experience and focus on local culture.
Address: Boutique hotel, 200 South Hill Street, in Downtown LA
How to Get Around Little Tokyo?
Here are the five most convenient ways to travel around Little Tokyo:
- Walking
Little Tokyo is a small, heavily pedestrianised area, and it is friendly to walk around exploring its shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Walking around Tokyo is the best option to enjoy nature and explore affordable street food options.
Metro Gold Line (E Line now)
Metro Gold Line, also known as the E line, is a light rail that directly serves Little Tokyo, provides easy access to other parts of Downtown Los Angeles and makes connections between neighbourhoods. The cost to travel on the Metro Gold Line is normally 75$. This facility enhances the beauty and charm of Little Tokyo..
- Biking & Scooters
The Docomo Bike Share app is used to rent a bike and scooter in Little Tokyo. According to your choice and expense, better options like bikes and scooters with expenses of $30 per minute are available. Charges depend on the service and duration of use. It’s a convenient and fast way to get to the immediate area, and also easy to park.
- Car & Ride-Share
Car and Ride-sharing services are easily accessible and provide door-to-door travel. Driving and parking in this area is problematic due to high parking charges and limited space. Charges for a car ride depend on the service (e.g., Uber, Lyft) and the length of travel.
- Bus Routes
The Tokyo local bus system is extensive. Sightseeing buses are available to explore Little Tokyo, covering the main tourist destinations. Charges for a one-way ride on the bus cost differently for children and adults according to destination. Buses are proper, airy, well-maintained, and easy to travel.
What to See & Do in Little Tokyo?
Here are five places in Little Tokyo that appeal to visitors the most:
- Japanese American National Museum
The Japanese American National Museum tells the story of Japanese American life and history, having revolutionary exhibits and educational programs. It has a large collection of artefacts, interesting documentaries, and art exhibitions. Its charges are 16$ for children, 62$ for adults, and 18$ for students with a valid ID.
Location: Japanese American National Museum,100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Go For Broke Monument
The Go For Broke monument marks the names of Japanese Americans who served in the U.S. Army during World War II. The monument is accessible to the community and provides an area to contemplate. Go For Broke National Education Centre (GFBNEC) provides education and learning information about the heritage of the veterans. It’s free of cost to visit for all.
Location: Go For Broke Monument, 369 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
- James Irvine Japanese Garden (inside JACCC)
Japanese Garden, James Irvine, is a serene garden. Kazuo Nakamachi established the Japanese American Cultural and Community Centre (JACCC). The Zen garden is 8,500 square feet, also known as Seiryu-en or Garden of the Clear Stream, and is a well-established garden. It’s a place where everyone is allowed, open to the public without any fee.
Location: James Irvine Japanese Garden, JACCC, 244 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Mochi & Cultural Shops at Japanese Village Plaza
Mochi and Cultural Shops in Japanese Village Plaza is a vibrant plaza with both traditional and modern Japanese shops, including bakeries with mochi and cultural products, and restaurants. The prices of things at stores are different depending on the products and brands.
Location: 113 S. Japanese Village Plaza, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (between 1st and 2 st streets).
- Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple
Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple has grandiose wooden buildings and is the head-temple of the branch of Jodo Shinshu, or Pure Land Buddhism, called Shinshu 0tani-ha. It’s culturally rich and symbolises a spiritual and cultural establishment in Little Tokyo. There is no fee for entering and enjoying this spiritual place.
Location: Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple, 123 S. Onizuka St., Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Where to Eat in Little Tokyo?
Here are the six places to eat the best in Little Tokyo:
- Daikokuya Ramen
Daikokuya is a well-established and traditional ramen restaurant that has a rich and flavorful tonkotsu (pork bone) broth. Daikoku Ramen is a signature dish made of soft pork belly chashu, a boiled egg that is marinated, and bamboo shoots. It also has a richer and Kotteri flavour. Its price range is $20–$30 for a meal.
Address: 327 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Marugame Monzo
Marugame Monzo is an intimate udon restaurant with its own fresh and handmade noodles, tourists watching as they prepare them from the window. Marugame Monzo has a very diverse range of udon. Among them is the carbonara udon, a blend of Italian and Japanese cuisines. Udon bowls with tempura or braised pork belly are popular options. The price is less than 20$ per person for a main udon bowl.
Address: 329 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Sushi Gen
Sushi Gen is a long-established Little Tokyo restaurant that offers fresh and quality fish. It is a favourite for locals and the best place for busy lunch specials. The food is generally costly in the evening (at least in the range of 30$ per person but lunch specials are less pricey. The restaurant does not take reservations, and usually has a queue outside before opening. The sashimi deluxe lunch special has a large a la carte menu.
Address: 422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Fugetsu-Do
Fugetsu-Do is a family-run Japanese confectionery that has been operating since 1903 and is a historical treasure in Little Tokyo. Its cost is $2, very cheap then normal. It deals with mochi and manju (sweet bean paste cakes), a good place to get a sweet item. The traditional and modern flavours are available, such as fresh mochi with strawberries.
Address: 315 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Cafe Dulce
Cafe Dulce is a nice place to enjoy speciality coffees and pastries, baked goods, in this trendy cafe. Having Low to medium with pastries ranging between 1$ and 10$. Cafe Dulce is a perfect place to have a quick coffee and snack, and is found in the Japanese Village Plaza, best places to visit with its green tea doughnuts and innovative lattes.
Address: 134 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Street Food & Quick Bites
Little Tokyo has the following three street foods.
- Little Tokyo Taiyaki: Streets of Little Tokyo serve fresh and made-to-order taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes) with such fillings as red bean, custard, and chocolate. It is situated in front of Little Tokyo Market Place. It’s very cheap (about $1-10$).
Address: 371 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Spitz Little Tokyo: Spitz not only offers the standard street food but also sells Mediterranean food such as döner kebabs, wraps, and fries. Price Range $10–$20.
Address: 371 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Komp Sushi & Sake: Komp restaurant in the Arts District with casual and fresh sushi and sake. It is a good option when one needs a quick sushi. It’s not very costly.
Address: 302 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
What are the Essential Tips for Visiting Little Tokyo?
Here are the 6 essential tips for an enjoyable visit to Little Tokyo:
- Best Time to Visit
Little Tokyo is best to visit during the spring (March – May) or the fall (September- November). The climate is mild, with the skies being frequently clear. Visit the country during the Nisei Week Japanese Festival in August. Pack extra snacks and water. The festival also provides you with parades, food, and shows. Weekends are busier, particularly in the afternoons.
- Budgeting
Parking lots are provided, but the prices are high. Travelling with Metro is best to save you money in terms of parking. Choose an eating place according to your budget; both expensive (30$) and cheap (15$) food points are available in Little Tokyo.
- Culture & Etiquette
Always respect their culture, religion, and Buddhist temples. Similar to Japan, it is always polite to wait before one eats. Tipping is uncommon in most Japanese restaurants. Pay attention to other people and do not speak loudly in the street. It is an indicator of respect for the local people.
- Shopping Advice
The Japanese Village Plaza has numerous small stores where trinkets and gifts that are not too costly are available. Allocate a budget for unique or more expensive goods like imported goods, anime merchandise, or traditional crafts. Kinokuniya Bookstore is best for Manga, Japanese books.
- Safety & Security
Little Tokyo is a highly walkable area, but just like any crowded city, walking alone at night, keep an eye on your surroundings. Better to be aware of secure parking. Parking garages are more secure as compared to street parking. Little Tokyo ensures that the surroundings are safe and friendly.
- Photography Spots
In the Japanese Village Plaza central entrance is red lanterns and a unique bell tower, which is a highly frequented and famous photo spot. First Street Bridge reveals the disparity between downtown Los Angeles and the past, Little Tokyo. Keep an eye out in the neighbourhood, murals and other special signage, including the Shohei Ohtani mural at the Japanese Village Plaza. Koyasan Buddhist Temple is a good photo opportunity with its serene and beautiful grounds. In all cases, be respectful and do not take photos during ceremonies.
