Delve into the fascinating lifestyle of LA’s Japanese Americans during a visit to Little Tokyo. Declared a national historic landmark district in 1995, this is one of few official Japan-towns in the U.S. Little Tokyo dates back to the 1880s, when a former sailor opened the city’s first Japanese-owned business. Today its markets, restaurants and shops remain hubs for descendants of the original Issei (first generation) communities of Japanese immigrants.
Through art exhibitions and displays of historical artifacts, the Japanese American National Museum celebrates the history and influence of Japanese Americans. Enjoy dance, music, puppetry and theater at the Japanese American Culture and Community Center. The center puts on art exhibitions, cooking classes and handicraft workshops.
Visit The Geffen Contemporary for changing exhibitions by artists such as Barbara Kruger. A branch of The Museum of Contemporary Art, the gallery is housed in a former police station. Pause for reflection at the Go For Broke Monument, honoring the Japanese American soldiers of World War II. The Space Shuttle Challenger Memorial pays tribute to the astronauts of the fatal 1986 Challenger shuttle launch.
Have a meal at authentic robatayaki barbecue joints, ramen bars or sushi restaurants. Sample mochi ice cream balls coated in a sweet rice dough and relax in the cozy atmosphere of a teahouse.
Paper lanterns decorate the cobbled streets of Japanese Village Plaza, a shopping precinct filled with gift shops, supermarkets and varied dining options.
Book tickets for comedies, dramas and musicals at the East West Players, one of the first Asian American theaters established in the U.S.
Plan your visit to coincide with August’s Nisei Week Japanese Festival. Outdoor entertainment exists in the form of a gyoza eating competition, Taiko drummers and street food. Don’t miss the parade of sports cars decorated in anime, manga and video game images.
Find Little Tokyo between the Arts District and Civic Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Travel here by tram to the Little Tokyo/Arts District stop and the metro to the Civic Center/Grand Park station.
