Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
This little nook in Downtown LA was declared a National Historic Landmark District in 1995 for its quaint pedestrian streets and a charming collection of shops and restaurants. In the early 20th century, Little Tokyo was a huge hub for Japanese immigrants; today Little Tokyo serves as a playground for Japanese Americans who have revitalized the area with new businesses and annual festivals like Nisei Week, a nine-day festival celebrating Japanese culture. Visiting Little Tokyo? Check out these highlights.
Little Tokyo Dining
Most visitors come to Little Tokyo for its elite selection of restaurants, which feature sushi joints, authentic ramen shops and cutting-edge contemporary establishments. Locals frequent Daikokuya, one of the most popular ramen shops in the area. It’s not formal by any means, but the single narrow aisle between the booth and bar — along with the pungent aroma of kurobata pork from the grill — make for a unique dining experience. Opt for the daikoku noodles: marinated meat with Asian greens and a hard-boiled egg.
For sushi, head to Sushi-Gen, located in the Honda Plaza. Fresh sushi doesn’t get much more authentic. Cooked dishes like mountain yams and seaweed salad are worth the trip also. Skip dessert and explore one of Little Tokyo’s many “wagashi” (Japanese candy) stores.
Little Tokyo Historic Sights and Cultural Attractions
Beyond the attractive dining options, cultural attractions offer visitors plenty to see. For history buffs, just take a stroll along 1st street, where a row of 18th-century buildings still stand. This section of Little Tokyo is the historic district and is most recognizable for Yagura Tower, an impressive replica of a Japanese fire tower.
Museum lovers and those interested in Japanese-American culture will want to check out the Japanese American National Museum, which showcases the cultural history of Japanese Americans through momentous events such as the internment camps during World War II. Visitors can also tap into the spiritual stillness at the historic Nishi Hongwanji Buddhist Temple in the same building. Jodo Shu Betsuin Buddhist Temple and Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple are also nearby, both along Third Street.
Little Tokyo Arts
Public art is smattered throughout Little Tokyo. On San Pedro Street, a number of sculptures add to the area’s charm. Artist Seiji Kunishima’s Stonerise, a garden-esque structure, shines brightly near the Union Bank of California Building. Kitty-corner to it is the Friendship Knot, created by Shinkichi Tajiri and rededicated as a bicentennial gift to the city in 1981.
And don’t forget the David Henry Hwang Theater, located at the Union Center for the Arts. Now a National Historic Landmark, the theatre is named after the renowned playwright who penned M. Butterfly. The theatre is run by the East West Players, the leading performing arts organization with a focus on Asian American plays.
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