Address: 131 S Central Ave, Los Angeles, 90012

GPS the address above and park in the garage directly next to it; cost is $2 per 15 minutes and max $10 all day.

Little Tokyo can be a bit overwhelming for first-timers, so here’s a guide/list of our Top 15 recommendations:

1. James Irvine Japanese Garden – a beautiful, meditative garden tucked away in the south-east corner of the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center.
2. Marukai Market – phenomenal Japanese grocery store with incredible “Grab & Go” sushi selection (on ground floor of Weller Court).
3. Pop Killer – super stylish T-shirt shop collab’ing with local artists & designers.
4. Space City Vintage – one of the best vintage clothing stores in all of LA.
5. Mitsuru Cafe – world famous, delicious bean cake pastry (Imagawayaki). Family-owned since the 1960’s.
6. Dōnatsu – exceptional vegan donuts.
7. Boteaga – Instagram worthy, colorful, delicious Boba beverages.
8. Pasta e Pasta – outstanding Japanese/Italian fusion food.
9. Men Oh – arguably the best Ramen in Little Tokyo.
10. Sushi Gen –  an LA institution. 40 years in business.
11. Mikawaya Mochi – 100-year-old family business.
12. Yamazaki Bakery – the steamed buns are out of this world.
13. Rakkan – 100% plant-based Ramen broth.
14. Japanese American Museum – highly recommended. Rich in Japanese culture.
15. Go For Broke Memorial – tribute to the Japanese American soldiers of World War II.

Scroll down to watch a video on Little Tokyo, from KCET’s iconic TV show “Visiting with Huell Howser” – and tap here for more info on Little Tokyo’s 135-year-old history, dating back to 1905.

These photos were taken July 2020. Click to enlarge.