Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, California

Get familiar with the heart of Little Tokyo, the Japanese Village Plaza! Here you can find most of the shops listed in this guide, from grocery stores to a mall with a slightly hidden entrance

A half-French, half-Japanese restaurant in Little Tokyo where you'll find the only Japanese breakfast being served Tu-Fri 11a-1:30p (last seating) Sat & Sun 9a-1:30p (last seating) Th-Sat 5:30p-7:30p (last seating)

This ramen house opened in 1976! *GASP* Making this quaint shop the FIRST establishment to sell Ramen in America.

Fugetsu-Do Bakery stands as yet another remarkable landmark in this vibrant city. For an impressive 118 years, this cherished establishment has been enchanting the taste buds of Los Angeles residents with its exquisite selection of mochi

Indulge in the delectable world of Japanese udon noodles, renowned for their distinctive thickness and delightful chewiness that sets them apart from ordinary ramen noodles. Crafted from premium wheat flour, these udon noodles take center stage in a variety of tantalizing dishes.

Calling all dessert enthusiasts, this is a must-visit destination! If you love crepes, you'll definitely want to try their Instagram-famous Creme Brûlée Dessert!

Without a doubt, these adorable pastries are the epitome of cuteness found in the square! Not only are they scrumptious, but they strike the perfect balance of flavors, not overly sweet but just right

Are you craving to experience the true taste of authentic Japanese matcha? Look no further than Midori Cafe, where they specialize in the exclusive use of organic ceremonial-grade or imperial-grade Japanese matcha.

Among the myriad of sushi restaurants in Little Tokyo, this particular establishment shines brightly with its diverse menu selection. From mouthwatering combination plates to specialty dishes, sashimi, chirashi, and beyond, their offerings cater to every palate. As an added bonus, visiting this restaurant grants you the perk of 2 hours of complimentary parking—an extra delight that surely earns them bonus points!

If you've never experienced the novelty of being served by an automated robot, then you absolutely must visit Kura Sushi Bar! This exceptional restaurant offers a delectable array of nigiri, hand rolls, and sushi, all elegantly revolving around your table, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

With its unwavering commitment to delivering consistently comforting flavors and providing a warm and inviting atmosphere, this ramen spot has experienced remarkable success. Boasting locations both in the US and Japan, it has quickly become a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts and avid foodies alike.

Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake and this restaurant serves a Hiroshima style (instead of the popular Osaka style) that consists of 11 layers of ingredients.

From delectable bento boxes to mouthwatering tonkatsu sets, this delightful establishment is a haven for flavor enthusiasts.

Step into a realm of ramen mastery at this specialty shop, where an array of enticing daily deals and combinations await.

Discover a charming shop that offers the renowned and Instagram-famous black sugar boba latte—a delightful treat that's sure to enhance your social media feed. Embrace the cuteness as you indulge in this signature beverage, or explore the menu for other equally mouthwatering options that are bound to satisfy your taste buds.

Situated at 333 S Alameda St #1f, you'll find the Japanese Pottery House nestled within the Little Tokyo Galleria on the ground floor. This hidden gem welcomes visitors daily from 11 am to 7 pm, providing ample opportunities to explore its exquisite collection of Japanese pottery.

Discover a captivating collection of ceramics that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of Japan, adding a touch of elegance and culture to your home.

The Japanese grocery store where you can buy authentic Japanese ingredients and (even my favorite) imported snacks!

Looking for that specialty sushi that will hit the spot? Hama is an absolute must! Don't even think twice, you'll be drooling over these one-of-a-kind rolls for days on end.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Utsunomiya ( pronounced uht-suh-nuh-mee-yuh), a city in Japan renowned for its mouthwatering dumplings. Treat yourself to the exquisite delight of gyoza prepared in the authentic Utsunomiya style.

Hello Kitty

gift shop

this tribute commemorates the heroism and bravery of Japanese-American soldiers who valiantly fought during World War II. It serves as a powerful symbol, honoring their sacrifices and contributions to the nation's defense. This significant monument stands as a testament to the resilience, loyalty, and unwavering spirit of these remarkable individuals who proudly served their country in the face of adversity.

Located atop The Doubletree Hotel, you'll discover the serene Kyoto Gardens—a half-acre oasis that offers a peaceful retreat amidst the bustling cityscape of Downtown Los Angeles. Adorned with lush trees, vibrant flowers, cascading waterfalls, and tranquil ponds, this hidden gem provides a picturesque setting with stunning views. While technically accessible exclusively to hotel guests, you can generally visit without any inconvenience as long as there are no ongoing events. Simply enter the hotel and make your way to the elevators behind the front desk. Take the elevator up to the "G" floor designated for the garden. If possible, plan your visit on a weekday to avoid any potential restrictions during special events or weddings.

Ever wondered what Japanese Whiskey tastes like? Try it for yourself here at the Wolf and Crane Bar! Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or an adventurous spirit seeking new flavors, exploring the world of Japanese whiskey promises an unforgettable journey through taste and craftsmanship.

entrance fee Students w valid id, seniors, youth - $9  Adults - $16

Embark on a captivating journey into the world of tea at Chado Tea Room. With a collection boasting over 300 varieties of tea and herbal blends sourced from diverse corners of the globe, you'll be transported to distant lands with every sip.

For everyone who loves thrifting in new places, I've included some local spots to search the racks!

Curated thrift store with excellent deals on vintage clothing. If this is more your vibe for thrifting, pay them a visit!

Another curated thrift shop A LOT closer to Little Tokyo. This shop features an All-American Top Gun theme throughout the store resulting in classic material that will last forever!

This parking structure is very close to the Village Plaza and the daily rate was $15 at the time of this post

350 E 2nd St. Public Parking for $15 (rates may vary). Metered parking in Little Tokyo is also available and free after 8 pm.

https://en.parkopedia.com/parking/meter/100_n_judge_john_aiso_st/90012/los_angeles/?arriving=202305031000&leaving=202305031200

Looking for a delightful detour? Start by arriving at the Civic Ctr / Grand Park station, and take a leisurely stroll to Little Tokyo. Along the way, you'll pass by the iconic Los Angeles City Hall, a magnificent architectural marvel that demands attention. As you continue your walk, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the biggest park in Downtown Los Angeles, enjoying its green spaces and captivating surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the cool sights that await you in Little Tokyo, where a rich blend of culture, history, and culinary delights await your discovery.

If you plan on arriving via metro you can take it to the Little Tokyo / Arts District station where you'll be dropped off a block away from the plaza entrance

If you're arriving by Metrolink, you have the convenience of taking the train directly to Union Station. From there, a pleasant stroll of just half a mile will lead you to the vibrant neighborhood of Little Tokyo.