Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Little Tokyo
- Safety in Little Tokyo
- Where to Stay in Little Tokyo
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Little Tokyo
- Things to Do in Little Tokyo
- What and Where to Eat in Little Tokyo
- General Tips About Visiting Little Tokyo
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Little Tokyo is in the heart of L.A. surrounded by Downtown Los Angeles, Chinatown, and Skid Row. It is located near other major tourist attractions such as the Broad, Union Station, and El Pueblo de Los Angeles. Little Tokyo is a very popular place to visit, home to the best restaurant in Los Angeles and cultural sights and points of interest for you to enjoy throughout the area. This blog post will cover everything from the history of Little Tokyo, accommodation, transportation, things to do, safety, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Little Tokyo.
History of Little Tokyo
Before the 1880s, the Chinese were the main Asian minority in southern California. It wasn’t until the Chinese Exclusion Act passed (which barred Chinese immigrants from entering the United States) that Japanese immigrants started coming to the West Coast. The current area of Little Tokyo began when Hamanosuke “Charles Hama” Shigeta, opened a kame restaurant. This type of restaurant was familiar to Japanese immigrants so many of the workers chose to live near Shigeta’s restaurant.
As a massive number of Japanese immigrants began moving into California, the anti-Japanese sentiment began to grow among Californians. Due to an increase of racist attacks and protests by the Americans, the Japanese and American governments signed the “Gentleman’s Agreement” in 1907. The Gentleman’s Agreement stated that Japan would deny passports to Japanese citizens who wanted to work in the U.S. and the U.S. would allow the immigration of students, business people, and spouses of Japanese already in the U.S.
As the Japanese began congregating in one particular area, the area began growing. After the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, wartime hysteria around the Japanese population in Los Angeles led to Executive Order 9055. Executive Order 9055 required more than 120,000 Japanese Americans and people of Japanese descent to be forcibly removed from the West Coast.
After the war ended in 1945, many of the Japanese residents returned to Los Angeles to get back their businesses and homes. The area then transformed into what it is today. This was a brief history of the Japanese in Los Angeles, but the best way to learn more is by visiting the Japanese American National Museum.
Safety in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is generally safe to visit and stay in. The area is very lively with lots of tourists during all hours of the day and into the early evening. Since Little Tokyo is located directly north of Skid Row, it is not uncommon for its unwanted inhabitants to venture into the area and cause some problems. You may see plenty of homeless individuals or even people using drugs on the side of the street, but as long as you keep your distance and keep to yourself, it shouldn’t be too much of an issue.
Since Little Tokyo is popular with tourists, the area is much more clean and safe than Skid Row, but it warrants a mention. Overall, the crime in Little Tokyo compared to the rest of Los Angeles is not overly high, so it is a great place to travel to. If you want more information about safety in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Safety in Los Angeles: Complete Guide” blog post.
Where to Stay in Little Tokyo
The centrally located Little Tokyo is a good place to stay if you do or do not have a car available. It has good walkability and is safer than most other places in Central Los Angeles. Little Tokyo has a lot of nightlife but can be pretty quiet during the weekdays. Don’t wander too far at night since the surrounding areas can be sketchy and unpredictable. There are two primary accommodation options in Little Tokyo: hotels, and room and house rentals, which will all be discussed in detail below with specific recommendations.
Hotels
There are three hotels in Little Tokyo, and they are not cheap (it is L.A. after all). The hotels offer parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle if applicable. The hotels can be found around the Japanese Village Plaza.
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra. Prices can change depending on the time you are going and for how long. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $150.00 to $200.00+ / €138.85 to €185.14+ per night.
It is worth mentioning that there are several other hotels in the surrounding area of Downtown Los Angeles, but this blog post discusses Little Tokyo. Some of the hotels in downtown are very close to Little Tokyo.
House and Room Rentals
Airbnb is a popular rental company that offers guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I would recommend you use Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options for smaller groups. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. There are not too many options for rentals inside Little Tokyo, but there are a few right near the Japanese Village Plaza. I’ve also noticed that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, Airbnb has charged a very high cleaning fee. Sometimes close to $200.00 / €185.54!
Costs and availability can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $50.00 to $100.00+ / €46.38 to €92.77+ per night. It is also possible that many options do not have any parking spots, so if you rent a car or have a personal vehicle, check to make sure it has a parking spot. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does not come in all the units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, I’d recommend finding a place with air conditioning since it can get very hot in Central Los Angeles. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here.
Recommendations:
- Double tree by Hilton Hotel Los Angeles Downtown ($$$)
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles ($$$)
- Little Tokyo Hotel ($$)
If you want more information about accommodation in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Little Tokyo
- Arrival
Arriving to Little Tokyo can be done by three means. You can drive/take a ride-share app, take the L.A. Metro, or take city buses. In general, the best way to get to Little Tokyo is by taking the L.A. Metro, but driving is a close second. If you plan on taking the L.A. Metro, the A Line (blue line) is the one you will be utilizing to get to Little Tokyo. The A Line runs from Long Beach, which is the southernmost station for the L.A. Metro to Azusa in northeastern Los Angeles. The Blue Line is the longest metro line in L.A. so prepare if you are on a time crunch.
There is one station in Little Tokyo, and it is located adjacent to the Japanese American National Museum and the Japanese Village Plaza. The station is called the Little Tokyo / Arts District Station. This station will take you to Long Beach, Union Station, or Pasadena. This station is the only one in Little Tokyo but since Little Tokyo is pretty small, you shouldn’t be walking far.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the A Line (blue Line), as that one gets you to Little Tokyo. Once you arrive, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ. Driving is very straightforward, as you put your desired destination in your map or ride-share application and head on over. If you drive expect more traffic especially since you are in Downtown Los Angeles or Hollywood. Parking will be discussed in the next section.
The last option is the city buses, and they should just be voided unless you are with a local. Although affordable, the buses are raw and unpredictable. Drive or use the L.A. Metro. To learn how to use the Los Angeles metro, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Parking
Every single location in Downtown Los Angeles is paid parking only. Sometimes around the city, the parking can be free for the first hour or so, but not here. The parking is paid for only and not cheap. The parking normally starts around $15.00 / €13.88 for the day, but there can be some structures that offer per-hour parking. Always check to see if areas will validate your parking to ensure you are getting the best price possible. Spaces should be abundant, but the prices will make it a much bigger headache.
- Transportation Within Little Tokyo
Since Little Tokyo is so small, the best and most realistic way to traverse this part of downtown is by walking. There is a lot to see with a lot of energy.
Things to Do in Little Tokyo
There are so many things to do in Little Tokyo. There are museums, parks, restaurants, and cultural points of interest. This small part of Downtown Los Angeles does not lack when it comes to tourist destinations. In no particular order, here is what I recommend you do and see in and around Little Tokyo.
The Japanese American Cultural Community Center (JACCC)
The Japanese American Cultural Community Center is a small cultural center that features local shows, public events, and art exhibitions. Once you enter the building, turn immediately to the right and the exhibition hall will be there. Towards the back of the building on the first floor, there will be another smaller exhibition hall. Be sure to check online to see if there are any events or exhibits going on.
The Japanese American National Musuem
The Japanese American National Museum is a little gem nestled in Little Tokyo. This is a smaller museum that highlights the Japanese immigrants in the United States. The museum opened in 1999, and since its opening, it has stood as a beacon of Japanese culture and history. The museum goes into detail about the Japanese internment camps the United States had on the West Coast and the racist attacks that came alongside it. The museum is a little small and can be seen in about one to two hours. The museum is also located right next to the Japanese Village Plaza (discussed below) and the Little Tokyo/Arts District L.A. Metro Station.
The Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
The Geffen Contemporary at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a large art museum that is a part of the main MOCA in Downtown Los Angeles. This building was a former police car warehouse and now offers 40,000 square feet / 3,715 square meters of exhibition space that changes throughout the year. Admission is free and is worth an hour or so if you are in the Little Tokyo Area.
The Geffen, the Japanese American Cultural Museum, and the JACCC all utilize an app called Bloomberg Connects. This free app has online museum guides that can give you a somewhat virtual tour and help guide you throughout the museum. Bloomberg Connects has online guides for 13 institutions in Los Angeles, including the three aforementioned institutions. The app also has almost every major language.
Although some guides on Bloomberg Connects have audio, these institutions do not, so there is no audio. Click here to go to the Bloomberg Connects website to learn more and download the app for both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
The Japanese Village Plaza
The Japanese Village Plaza makes up the majority of Little Tokyo. This is the main area, and it is home to fun shops, delicious restaurants, and basic amenities. It is so much fun to walk around and see all the Japanese architecture. It does make you feel as if you are in a small section of Japan.
There is a delicious pastry shop (discussed in “what to eat in Little Tokyo” section) that serves amazing tres leches cake and other sweet treats. You cannot miss this area of Little Tokyo and in my opinion, ranks as one of the best things to do in all of Downtown Los Angeles.
Los Angeles City Hall Observation Deck
Many tourists who come to Los Angeles don’t know that an amazing spot to overlook Downtown Los Angeles is in City Hall, and it’s free! Once you enter the City Hall building from the side (not the front entrance), you will walk through a metal detector and check in with security. They will need to see an I.D. or a passport and then give you a sticker. You then head to the elevator and go up to the 27th floor. The views are amazing, but it can be a bit windy and chilly so be prepared. There is no parking in the actual building but around the area.
Union Station
Union Station is not just a transportation hub. The infamous station has been featured in many movies and is a beautiful place to just walk around and admire the old building. There are galleries, some places to eat, and will occasionally have events on the campus. There is parking in the station and in my opinion, is some of the cheapest in Downtown Los Angeles. The 24-hour parking garage is $8.00 / €7.38 for the day ($2.00 / €1.84 every 15 minutes) and is a 16-minute walk to Little Tokyo.
Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles
El Pueblo de Los Angeles is another small section of Downtown Los Angeles right in front of Union Station. It contains many popular tourist destinations like Olvera Street, the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles, Los Angeles Plaza Park, and the Avila Adobe. Olvera Street is lined with Mexican shops that offer souvenirs and snacks for purchase. The Los Angeles Plaza Park is the main part of the Pueblo de Los Angeles and can sometimes be home to music and food vendors. Avila Adobe is the oldest home in Los Angeles being built in 1818. This was just a quick overview as there will be a full blog post dedicated to Pueblo de Los Angeles. There is so much to do in Pueblo de Los Angeles, so be sure to check it out.
Visit Downtown Los Angeles
Little Tokyo is technically located in Downtown Los Angeles, but when I say Downtown Los Angeles, I mean the main part located west of Little Tokyo. There are world-renowned museums, great restaurants, awesome observation decks, and stunning points of interest and parks. Downtown is the most walkable part of Los Angeles since most things are located so close together. The city does have a reputation for being a little dangerous and homeless-ridden, but the area is getting much better.
What and Where to Eat in Little Tokyo
As previously stated, Little Tokyo has my favorite restaurant in all of Los Angeles. Please keep in mind that I have not eaten at all the restaurants in L.A., but I have eaten at quite a few. As you can imagine, the most popular food here is Japanese food. Ramen, sushi, and amazing Japanese bakeries line the streets. In no particular order, here is what I recommend you eat in Little Tokyo.
Sushi Enya
Sushi Enya is located in the Japanese Village Plaza and serves superb sushi. Whether you like traditional raw sushi, nigiri, or sashimi this place has it, and it’s delicious. This restaurant is a bit pricey but if you are in Little Tokyo for lunch, it is a great place to grab a couple of rolls.
Daikokuya
Well, here we are. In my opinion, this is the best restaurant in Los Angeles. Daikokuya is very popular and has won several awards for its ramen which they proudly display on the walls. There are a few locations around Los Angeles, but the one in Little Tokyo is the original and best (having tried three locations). There are no reservations, and they fill up fast so be prepared to wait upwards of 45 minutes to have a seat, but 1000% worth it.
Mitsuru Café
Mitsuru Café has delectable pastries for sale and is always my go-to right after Daikokuya. The pastries and desserts for sale here are not insanely sweet but have the right amount of sugar and make for a perfect treat to end your day in Little Tokyo.
Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop
The Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop specializes in mochi and is a common stop for me when I’m in Little Tokyo. Mochi is a Japanese rice cake or confection made from pounded, steamed glutinous rice. It has the best texture and this shop has so many flavors. Some of my favorites are blueberry, persimmon, and red bean.
Chinchikurin Little Tokyo
Chinchikurin is another restaurant in Little Tokyo that doesn’t specialize in sushi or ramen. Chinchikurin’s specialty is okonomiyaki. So, what is okonomiyaki? Okonomiyaki is a savory Japanese pancake or fritter made from batter and other ingredients usually cooked on a griddle and then topped with different sauces and garnishes. Some of the most popular garnishes are egg, green onion, eel sauce, and protein. These are delicious and definitely worth a try.
General Tips About Visiting Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a very small section of Downtown Los Angeles, one of the many distinct areas that make up the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Although some of the information overlaps, some are unique to different areas. In no particular order, here is a list of tips I’d recommend on your trip to Little Tokyo.
Expect Some Crowds
I was surprised at how busy the area was on my first visit, and many of the workers say it’s always full of people. Even on days when there are not any events or celebrations, the area is very lively. At times, it can be a bit overwhelming with the amount of people that come out to walk the streets. I think the ideal weather, excellent food, and its rich cultural history and heritage make it a good and convenient place to visit.
Expect Some Noises
Since Little Tokyo is in the middle of Downtown Los Angeles and surrounded by so many popular sites like Union Station, the Broad Museum, and the L.A. City Hall, the area sees a lot of activity. You will hear cars, traffic, honking, sirens, helicopters, and the occasional heated debate or argument. Some of the noises can be heard anywhere throughout L.A. but I’ve always felt as if it’s all channeled and intense in the downtown area.
Traffic
Los Angeles has some pretty bad traffic, and Little Tokyo is not exempt. It is not on the same level as other places on Earth, but for the United States, it’s pretty bad. It can add up to an hour of diving time. The worst time to drive is from 6 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30. These times are the busiest for traffic (rush hour), but the weekends do see less traffic as many people do not work, so the hours can narrow on the weekends.
A safe piece of advice would be to start driving to your destination an hour before you want to arrive if you are driving within the above times. Remember that Downtown Los Angeles is a very popular area for tourism and business so it does backup. I use an app called Waze, which is a good way to check for traffic in the city. Click here to download the app on either the Apple Play Store or the Google Play Store.
Homeless
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is going through a homeless crisis at the current moment. I’m not going to discuss why, but I mention it because you will see it on your trip to Downtown Los Angeles. You may see many makeshift shelters and tents where the homeless sleep. These shelters can be found in downtown or around the beaches. They also panhandle a lot, and it is not uncommon for many homeless people to have dogs. I always advise if you want to give them something, give them something that is not straight money. Food, water, or even dog food are good options since you don’t know what that money will be used for.
Many people who live on the streets are addicts and/or mentally unstable individuals, and although they keep to themselves on most occasions, they can cause some trouble and discomfort. It is not uncommon to hear them yell into the sky, move erratically, or using drugs out in public, so just ignore them and if they make you uncomfortable, walk to the other side of the street or turn around. Not all homeless are bad people. I have noticed an improvement in homelessness in the area. However, I think it is just preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic Games that will take place in Los Angeles. So hopefully, the improvement stays.
For more general tips about visiting Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling to Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Little Tokyo, including where to stay, how to get around, a brief history of Little Tokyo, safety, what to do, and general tips. Personally, Little Tokyo is my favorite part of Downtown Los Angeles, have you visited Little Tokyo? What is your favorite thing to do in Little Tokyo? Have you tried Daikokuya? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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