Little Tokyo is one of the must-visit places if you’re here in Los Angeles. The shops, the atmosphere, and the restaurants are unlike anywhere else in Los Angeles. It transports you to Japan and gives you a glimpse of what it’s like in Japan (just a bit). Here are the best fun things to do in Little Tokyo LA.
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What Things To Do In Little Tokyo LA?
These are the best fun things to do in Little Tokyo Los Angeles.
1. Get Japanese Mochi at Fugetsu-Do
2. Explore Shops at Japanese Village Plaza
3. Fresh Made Handrolls at KazuNori
4. Go to Kyoto Gardens in Double Tree Hilton
5. Contemporary Art at Geffen MOCA
6. Bonus Tip: Where to park cheaply?
Top 5 Things To Do In Little Tokyo Los Angeles
1. Get Japanese Mochi at Fugetsu-Do
Fugegtsu-Do is a family-owned Japanese mochi shop that opened its doors in 1903 and still attracts a large number of visitors daily. They have a variety of different types of Japanese mochi including red bean, mango, green tea, lotus seed paste, strawberry, and more. They are open 8am-6pm daily.
2. Explore Shops at Japanese Village Plaza
One of the best places to visit in Little Tokyo LA is the Japanese Village Plaza. This place has Japanese red lanterns hanging throughout the entire place. Half of the plaza consists of small shops selling Japanese goods and the rest of it is filled with Japanese restaurants selling ramen, udon, sushi, and more.
Highlights of Japanese Village Plaza:
Eat Takoyaki at Tanota: They make takoyaki fresh and have 7 different unique flavors including Parmesan Truffle, Wasabi, Jalapeno, Ponzu, and more.
Get Japanese groceries at Nijiya Market: Get all your favorite Japanese snacks, drinks, condiments, and cooking ingredients here.
Shop at Popkiller: This place sells Japanese pop-culture apparel designed by different artists. It’s a really popular place among visitors.
3. Try Fresh Made Handrolls at KazuNori
If you have cravings for some fresh Japanese handrolls, KazuNori is the place to go. Everyone is seated at the bar and the chef makes each handroll piece fresh and serves it to you one at a time. This KazuNori location is located a few blocks away from the Los Angeles Japantown but it’s still walkable. They open:
11:30am-11pm Mon-Fri
11:30am-12am Saturday
12am-10pm Sunday.
4. Go to Kyoto Gardens at Double Tree Hotel
Around two blocks away from Los Angeles Japantown is the Kyoto Gardens. It’s kind of a hidden gem because not many people know about it which makes it one of the best things to do in Little Tokyo! It’s located on the rooftop of the Double Tree Hotel and you can access it from the lobby of the hotel.
5. Geffen MOCA
Finally, Geffen MOCA should be on your list of what to see in Little Tokyo Los Angeles if you love museums. This museum features contemporary art in a former police car warehouse that opened in 1983. This place is around 40,000 square feet big. General admission is $18 and seniors/students are $10.
Bonus! Where To Park?
Park at Aiso Parking Lot which is around 1 block away from Los Angeles Little Tokyo. They have the most affordable parking rates and usually always have space. It’s a flat rate of $3 after 5 pm OR $1/hr the first two hours, $3 the 3rd hour, and $1.50 each 15 minutes after, up to a $14 maximum.
Are you looking for more ideas on things to do near Los Angeles? Check out these posts!
- South Bay LA: 45 Best Things To Do In South Bay Los Angeles
- Pasadena: Top Hidden Gems In Pasadena
- Orange County: 13 Really Fun Things To Do In Orange County
- Orange County Malls: Best Orange County Malls
- What to Pack: What To Pack + Wear In LA
