LITTLE TOKYO: A Hub for Entertainment and Culture
Although Little Tokyo used to be the focus residential area for the Japanese-American population, it is now merely a hub of restaurants and entertainment. Most of its Japanese-American residents have since relocated.
Little Tokyo spans a mere four blocks surrounded by Alamedia street, 3rd street, and Broadway street in downtown Los Angeles. Several of its larger attractions consist of the Japanese-American National Museum, the Japanese-American Cultural and Community Center, its large variety of dedicated sculptures.
Additionally, and for those more interested in a casual day downtown, there are a number of shops to peruse. Goods for sale range from Japanese entertainment products such as DVDs, CDs, and the like. Moreover, one so desiring can pick up Japanese attire or traditional items such as dolls, fans, shoes, etc� Anime fans can find a large selection of manga and other anime paraphernalia. Books, DVDs and the like can also be found in great abundance in their original Japanese language as well as in their English translated form. Most of the touristy items are found in the Japanese Village Plaza which is located near the center of Little Tokyo and easily accessible from all sides of the four block radius. It is also here where many of the festivals of Little Tokyo are held. These festivals include the Autumn festival of Nisei Week, the Taiko Drum festival, and the Tofu festival which is held every summer. Each of these festivals exhibits and celebrates Japanese culture and provides an opportunity for residents and tourists of Los Angeles to enjoy, learn, and take in all that this culture has to offer. Further cultural exposure can be found at the Yagura Tower, a replica of an old Japanese fire tower, the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, or a number of other Buddhist temples.
For those looking for a hang out or a spot to relax and read a book, one of the many restaurants are ideal. There are a number of boba and tea houses, sushi bars, and noodle houses. Everything from everything from Takoyaki to Udon can be found down the side streets, while tea houses and boba bars are generally located closer to the center.
On the outskirts of central Little Tokyo are located several elusive nightclubs. Wander in to a place or two for some karaoke or a little J-pop.
Little Tokyo can be reached by the DASH bus line A during the week and line DD during the weekend. Both the subway lines blue and red lead to these bus routes.
Whatever you are looking for, a cultural experience or merely a relaxing day out, you are sure to find it in Little Tokyo.
Additional information on this site as well as the festivals mentioned can be found at the website below.
Nisei Week Festival: http://www.niseiweek.org/
Taiko Drum Festival: http://www.taikocenter.com/
Tofu Festival: http://www.tofufest.org/
Little Tokyo Information: http://www.usc.edu/dept/geography/losangeles/lawalk/civic/
