Thought Little Tokyo was the only place to soak up Japanese culture in L.A.?
Of all the things to love about Little Tokyo, downtownL.A.
’s hub of Japanese culture, the most remarkable may be that it even exists.
Yuri Hasegawa/Courtesy of Discover Los Angeles
But its fate wasn’t always so certain.
“No one wanted to go there.
There was a lot of crime and homelessness.”
Courtesy of Tortoise General Store
Around the end of that decade, things started to turn around.
To get a sense of the history embedded in these streets, Noguchipoints to the museumitself.
Nowhere was this more acutely felt than in Little Tokyo.
Adrian Rudd/Travel + Leisure
Overnight, the character of the neighborhood was irrevocably changed.
To see Little Tokyo today, you’d never guess the trials it has faced.
“It’s exciting to see so many people here,” says Noguchi.
Barbara Kraft/Courtesy of Nobu Ryokan Malibu
Below, a few you might’t miss.
With their rough, grainy texture and unadorned designs, Hasami mugs and bowls are instantly recognizable.
Celebrities don’t come here to get photographed on their way out the door.
Courtesy of Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden
And you won’t find much in the way of ambience (the bar has just 10 seats).
Be warned: This is no place for sushi beginners.
The best thing about Sawtelle?
Courtesy of American Commercial Equities Malibu
It’s great for people-watching.
There’s even a karaoke bar, if you’re desperate to belt out your favorite top 40 hits.
Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed with a steaming pot of green tea and matcha cake.
It’s the work of Kinzuchi Fujii, a Japanese landscaper who immigrated to California in 1903.
However, Fujii was unable to witness the completion of his efforts.
Today, it’s designated as a National Historic Landmark.
Perhaps the best part of Little Tokyo is the way it celebrates the old and the new.
If it’s a taste of modern-day Little Tokyo you’re after, consider starting atJapanese Village Plaza.
Grab a milk tea at Cafe Dulce.
Browse Hello Kitty backpacks at Sanrio Japanese Village.
Pick up a bento box at Nijiya market.
And whatever you do, don’t rush.
