Japanese Village Plaza Tours

Japanese Village Plaza
Japanese Village Plaza
Japanese Village Plaza
Japanese Village Plaza which includes signage
Japanese Village Plaza


Try Japanese street snacks and purchase Hello Kitty souvenirs for your family in this spot known as the Gateway to Little Tokyo.

Visit Japanese Village Plaza, a vast and intriguing shopping mall with an eclectic range of stores, restaurants and entertainment options. Traditional lanterns and elegant little gardens adorn the open-air plaza, creating a Japanese ambiance in the heart of Los Angeles. As you arrive, pass through the majestic yagura, a typical Japanese fire lookout tower.

Choose from the many restaurants serving some of the most reputable Japanese cuisine in the city. You can also purchase exotic delicacies and ingredients from the grocery stores and stalls. Try the traditional Japanese shabu-shabu dish, which involves boiling very thin slices of meat in water. Other specialties include the takoyaki meat dumplings and the mitarashi dango rice flour dumplings.

Relax in one of the cafés and watch people go by. Browse the many boutiques selling fascinating Japanese items, including many souvenirs from the iconic Hello Kitty brand. Pick up stuffed animals and incense sticks from the Tokyo Japanese Outlet store.

Purchase T-shirts, jewelry and other items with a Japanese theme. Attend some of the festivals and join in the celebrations in the Little Tokyo area. In spring, cherry blossom trees paint the streets light pink. Stay into the evening, when the red and white lanterns bathe the plaza in warm light.

The open-air shopping center first opened in 1978, as part of an effort to renovate the district. Enter for free. Open hours run daily from morning until evening.

Find the Japanese Village Plaza in the center of the Little Tokyo district, in the heart of Los Angeles. Travel by tram to the Little Tokyo/Arts District station and walk southwest for a few minutes to get here. The neighborhood is also reachable via Union Station and several bus stops.

Explore the surroundings for attractions such as the Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, the Japanese American National Museum and the Los Angeles City Hall.

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Best Lodging Options Near Japanese Village Plaza

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown

4 out of 5
120 S Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown
Freehand Los Angeles

Freehand Los Angeles

4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
Freehand Los Angeles
Biltmore Los Angeles

Biltmore Los Angeles

4 out of 5
506 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA
Biltmore Los Angeles
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles

4 out of 5
404 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
The Westin Bonaventure Hotel and Suites, Los Angeles
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza

4.5 out of 5
251 S Olive St, Los Angeles, CA
Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
Miyako Hotel Los Angeles

Miyako Hotel Los Angeles

3 out of 5
328 E 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
The Delphi Hotel

The Delphi Hotel

3.5 out of 5
550 S Flower St, Los Angeles, CA
The Delphi Hotel
Premier Apts in Vibrant Downtown LA

Premier Apts in Vibrant Downtown LA

4 out of 5
601 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA
Premier Apts in Vibrant Downtown LA
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Japanese Village Plaza

At Japanese Village Plaza in Los Angeles, immerse yourself in vibrant street jazz performances while exploring a variety of unique shops. This lively area offers a blend of entertainment options, including theater and live music, making it a perfect destination for those seeking a taste of local culture and creativity. Don't miss the chance to indulge in delightful shopping experiences as you soak in the lively atmosphere.

Shopping

Discover unique gifts and souvenirs at Grand Central Market, only 0.6 miles away, offering a vibrant city vibe. The Last Bookstore, also 0.6 miles away, is perfect for book lovers. If you're up for a drive, The Grove, located 7 miles away, features entertainment and a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Dodger Stadium, 2 miles away, offers an energetic sports atmosphere perfect for fans. Walt Disney Concert Hall, located 0.7 miles away, immerses you in vibrant musical performances. La Cima Golf Club, also 2 miles away, invites you to enjoy outdoor recreation on its scenic golf course.

Adventure

Explore the California Aqueduct Bikeway, a scenic outdoor path located 0.4 miles from Japanese Village Plaza, perfect for biking and enjoying nature. For thrilling underwater sports, head to Eco Dive Center, 10 miles away, or race against friends at Racer's Edge Indoor Karting, also 10 miles away.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at the Palace Theater, just 0.8 miles away, offering a romantic cinema setting. For a unique experience, visit the Peacock Theater, 2 miles away, where culture and entertainment come alive. Don't miss the Griffith Observatory, 6 miles away, for stunning views and captivating shows.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Japanese Village Plaza

At Japanese Village Plaza in Los Angeles, immerse yourself in culture with a visit to the nearby museums and modern colleges. Explore the charming Little Tokyo and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of America Plaza, plus check out the Tokyo Mall and Little Tokyo Mall for unique shopping experiences. This small plaza offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and cultural exploration, making it a must-visit destination for travelers.

  • Los Angeles Convention Center: Located 2 miles from Japanese Village Plaza, this venue buzzes with business energy. It's a hub for major events and conferences, showcasing cutting-edge facilities and a modern design, making it a perfect spot for networking and innovation.
  • University of Southern California: About 3 miles away, this esteemed institution boasts a vibrant campus with stunning architecture and a rich history. The lively atmosphere reflects city vibes, and its diverse culture makes it a fascinating place to explore.
  • L.A. Live: Just 2 miles from the Plaza, this entertainment complex offers a family-friendly atmosphere with outdoor spaces, restaurants, and venues. It's a great spot for live events, dining, and enjoying the lively nightlife in Los Angeles.

Best time to go to Japanese Village Plaza

The best time to visit Japanese Village Plaza is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
March59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainSunnyAverageAverage
April62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May65.3°F (18.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.8°F (21.0°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July74.3°F (23.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November62.6°F (17.0°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Japanese Village Plaza

To save money on your trip to Japanese Village Plaza, consider visiting between November and January when accommodation prices are lower. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter hotels by price and eco-certification, and consider booking a package deal for flights and activities to maximize savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can provide access to exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings. Public transport is also an economical option for getting around the area.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Japanese Village Plaza are November to January, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Japanese Village Plaza is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Japanese Village Plaza is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool lets you set your budget, choose your desired location, and customize your preferences. You can easily sort the results to display hotels from the lowest to highest price, allowing you to find the most affordable options first. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Japanese Village Plaza with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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