Little Tokyo is a historic district in Los Angeles dating back 140 years, making it one of the oldest neighborhoods in the city. It’s one of only three Japantowns in the United States, of which the other two are in San Francisco and San Jose. Recently, Little Tokyo was named one of America’s most endangered places by the National Trust For Historic Preservation, due to high rates of displacement and gentrification.
Angelenos are lucky to enjoy many small cultural districts throughout the city, and we wanted to get to the bottom of what makes Little Tokyo so unique. Here we’ve pulled a few of our favorite cafes, restaurants, attractions, and nightlife destinations to discover during a day in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles.
Is Little Tokyo walkable?
At 0.107 square miles, Little Tokyo is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Los Angeles. As far as public transportation goes, you can take the metro rail to the Little Tokyo/Arts District Station. The neighborhood is also served by bus lines 30/330, 40, 106, and 854; and DASH Routes A and D.
What to eat in Little Tokyo
1. Fugetsu-Do
This massively popular mochi shop has been serving the local community since 1903, prevailing through World War II, the 1992 Los Angeles riots, and the COVID-19 pandemic. As such, the family-owned shop is one of the oldest places in the country where you can buy authentic mochi. Some of the most popular flavors include the peanut butter mochi, rainbow dango, and artisan strawberry anko.
🌐 Learn more: Fugetsu-Do
📍 Location: 315 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
2. Yamazaki Bakery
Yamazaki is a counter-service cafe with some of the best sweet treats in Little Tokyo. Pick up the fluffiest authentic Japanese bread and baked goods, and enjoy them while strolling around Japanese Village Plaza. Consider picking up a loaf of pillowy milk bread, curry man, bao buns, cream puffs, and more.
🌐 Learn more: @yamazakibakeryla on Instagram
📍 Locations:
- 123 Japanese Village Plaza Mall #3908, Los Angeles, CA
- 135 San Pedro St, Los Angeles, CA
3. Daikokuya
Located in a century-old building in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, Daikokuya offers a nostalgic Japanese dining experience tasty ramen and other authentic specialties. The restaurant’s ambiance reflects its historic setting, providing a simple yet inviting atmosphere where diners can enjoy a menu filled with expertly prepared dishes, including the signature Daikokuya Ramen with its rich tonkotsu broth, and the Spicy Miso Ramen, enhanced by a mild spicy miso and Kotteri flavor.
🌐 Learn more: Daikokuya
📍 Location: 327 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
4. Marugame Monzo
This massively popular udon restaurant is helmed by expert chefs who trained in Marugame, Japan, who you’ll see expertly crafting traditional udon noodles right before your eyes. Enjoy everything from classic dishes to Italian-fusion styles, accompanied by a bountiful array of Japanese small plates.
🌐 Learn more: Marugame Monzo
📍 Location: 329 1st St, Los Angeles, CA
What to do in Little Tokyo
5. Space City Vintage
This epic vintage shop offers so much more than just secondhand clothing. Explore multiple floors of beautifully curated vintage ’80s pieces with American and Japanese aesthetics, plus a custom leather workshop, vinyl record shop, and even a tattoo parlor in the back. It’s easy to spend hours at this hidden gem, so make sure you don’t go in a rush.
🌐 Learn more: @spacecityvintagela on Instagram
📍 Location: 339 1/2 East 1st St Los Angeles, CA
6. Sanrio Japanese Village
Hello Kitty fans flock to this popular chain store in Little Tokyo, which stocks everything you can imagine including adorable plushies, jewelry, apparel, stationery, home decor, and collectibles. Be ready to wait in line to enter, but after that it’s easy to get lost in the wall-to-wall merchandise featuring all of your favorite Sanrio characters.
🌐 Learn more: Sanrio
📍 Location: 115 Japanese Village Plaza Mall, Los Angeles, CA
7. Japanese American National Museum
This groundbreaking museum in Little Tokyo showcases the Japanese American narrative as an integral part of America’s cultural history. Spend an afternoon exploring captivating art exhibits, public events, and documentary screenings that showcase the stories and achievements of Japanese Americans in the United States.
🌐 Learn more: Japanese American National Museum
📍 Location: 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA
8. Kinokuniya
Kinokuniya is a famous Japanese bookshop and retailer known for stocking an enormous collection of anime and manga in both Japanese and English. For over forty years, they’ve provided the community with the most sought-after Japanese books and magazines, including famous works of literature, children’s books, stationery, Japanese language materials, and much more.
🌐 Learn more: Kinokuniya
📍 Location: 123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St #205, Los Angeles, CA
Nightlife in Little Tokyo
9. Wolf and Crane Bar
Wolf and Crane Bar is famous for stocking the largest collection of Japanese whiskey in the United States. Despite this impressive achievement, the bar has maintained its aura as a welcoming neighborhood watering hole. Whether you’re craving a tasty flight of distillates, a handcrafted whiskey cocktail, or their furikake fries with togarashi mayo, it’s a great place to end your day in Little Tokyo.
🌐 Learn more: Wolf and Crane Bar
📍 Location: 366 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA
10. The Mermaid
This cozy women-owned bar in Little Tokyo is memorable for its extravagant nautical decor and fruity drinks. If you’re visiting with a group you’ll be tempted to get the fish bowl cocktail to share, but if tiki drinks aren’t your thing, they also stock a respectable lineup of West Coast IPAs and wines from all over the world.
🌐 Learn more: @themermaidla on Instagram
📍 Location: Honda Plaza, 428 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA