A List of Fun Things to See and Do in Little Tokyo, LA

An amazingly urban neighborhood in Los Angeles, Little Tokyo is a haven of Japanese culture, history, music, shopping, and art. If you’re visiting LA on a vacation, you wouldn’t want to miss exploring the historic and incredibly popular Japan-town for an authentic Japanese American experience. Dive right in to know more!

Koyasan Buddhist Temple

Since settling in its current Little Tokyo location in 1940, Koyasan Buddhist Temple has attracted followers devoted to the renowned monk Kobo Daishi. Admire its traditional architecture and once you’re inside a priest will guide you through the temple and lead a ceremony of incense and prayer before the golden Buddha on the altar. Take a break from the rush of city life to experience something spiritual.

Nijiya Market

Nijiya Market is one of the few authentic Japanese markets in the area, offering a wide variety of Japanese food and beverage options in its charming setting. Known for importing speciality items from Japan, the market is a go-to destination for unique Japanese products. It boasts an extensive selection of Japanese snacks such as green tea KitKat, Pocky, soda, and more. Even if you aren’t looking to shop, soak in the culture here and enjoy an exquisite sit-down dining experience at our Japanese restaurant in Torrance. 

Japanese Village Plaza

A notable attraction in Little Tokyo, Japanese Village Plaza is a vibrant outdoor mall brimmed with cool and quirky shops, and eateries. It’s the perfect place to get your fill of street snacks such as bubble tea and freshly made mochi and imagawayki. After filling up on the sweet treats, head out for some shopping with a view of the iconic yagura (tower) and wooden-accented buildings for a great experience.

Japanese American Cultural and Community Center

The Japanese American Cultural and Community Center is the social hub for the community of Little Tokyo. Open to all, it is home to the majestic James Irvine Japanese Garden at its bottom level. The garden is also popularly known as Seiryu-en or Garden of Clear Stream. It’s an ideal setting to spend some time with family and friends surrounded by a babbling stream and Japanese foliage.

The Japanese American National Museum

The Japanese American National Museum features a diverse array of exhibits spanning modern art, offering a comprehensive look into the fascinating history of Japanese Americans. Delve deep into the artworks and examine the cultural connections between Japan and America. Keep an eye out for the museum’s renowned HELLO! Exploring the Super Cute World of Hello Kitty exhibition, which originated at the museum and has since toured various museums nationwide.

Enhance your experience by combining a visit to the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center and The Japanese American National Museum. And wrap up your day with relaxing body treatments at our Torrance spa.

MAX Karaoke Studio

If you’re in search of that perfect activity for a fun day out, experience the ultimate karaoke fun at MAX Karaoke Studio in Little Tokyo. Its private rooms ensure a personalized and intimate singing session. You can choose from a diverse selection of over 2,000 songs in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and German, so there’s something for everyone’s taste.

When exploring Little Tokyo, you’ll discover a harmonious blend of the old and new, with shops and restaurants popping up weekly. You can visit some of the best Japanese restaurants in California nearby or get a culture fix at the neighborhood’s iconic museums. So, why wait? Plan your visit today!