Little Tokyo Los Angeles is a historic downtown neighborhood and one of three historic Japantowns remaining in the United States. Its cultural sites and Metro connections make it a practical district to explore on foot; the Japanese American National Museum is a useful landmark for getting oriented.
- Location: downtown Los Angeles; Little Tokyo’s neighborhood address is 402 E 1st Street.
- Metro: the Little Tokyo/Arts District station is served by the A and E lines.
- Cultural district: Little Tokyo is one of California’s 14 designated Cultural Districts.
Getting oriented in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a historic downtown Los Angeles neighborhood with a distinct Japanese American identity. The Little Tokyo Community Council identifies it as one of three historic Japantowns remaining in the United States and one of California’s 14 designated Cultural Districts.
Japanese Village Plaza sits at the gateway to the Little Tokyo Historic District, at 335 E 2nd St. It offers a handy point of reference as you start exploring. The community’s address is 402 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Casa Bella Inn Downtown LA is in Westlake, and Little Tokyo makes a day outing from that part of Los Angeles. If you’re using Casa Bella, a downtown Los Angeles motel as your base, public transport offers a way to reach the district without driving.
A walk through the neighborhood
Little Tokyo’s main cultural landmarks are close enough to connect into a neighborhood walk. Start at Japanese Village Plaza, then make your way toward 1st Street and the Japanese American National Museum, at 100 North Central Avenue.
The museum stands on 1st Street between Alameda Street and Central Avenue, directly across from the Little Tokyo/Arts District station. From there, you can continue to the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center at 244 S. San Pedro St. The Community Center is a 7-minute walk from the station.
Little Tokyo’s streets also connect with other downtown stops. For a wider route through the area, how to plan one day in Los Angeles from Westlake can help put the neighborhood into a fuller day out.
Museums and cultural sites
The Japanese American National Museum and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center are two key cultural sites in Little Tokyo. The museum’s location at 100 North Central Avenue places it across the street from the Little Tokyo/Arts District station.
The museum says admission includes its galleries and special exhibitions, while some public programs and events may carry an additional fee. Opening arrangements and other visit details can change, so check the official site before you go.
The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is at 244 S. San Pedro St. Its site includes the Aratani Theatre and MISE at the Toshizo Watanabe Exhibition Center; check with the Center directly for current access and schedules before planning around either venue.
Food, shops and public spaces
Japanese Village Plaza is a useful place to orient yourself among Little Tokyo’s shops and public spaces. Its address is 335 E 2nd St, at the gateway to the historic district.
To add another downtown food stop to the day, how to visit Grand Central Market is a natural companion to a Little Tokyo outing.
How do you get from Westlake to Little Tokyo?
Metro A and E lines serve the Little Tokyo/Arts District station, which puts you across the street from the Japanese American National Museum. The Community Center is a 7-minute walk from that station.
Local transport options also include DASH Route A, which serves Little Tokyo with stops on 1st Street, and DASH Route D, with stops at 2nd/Main and Temple/Aiso. Metro bus lines 30/330, 40, 106 and 854 also serve the neighborhood. For a broader overview of how to get around Los Angeles from Westlake, consider the connections beyond this district too.
If you plan to drive, the Little Tokyo Community Council says the neighborhood has more than 15 parking lots. The Japanese American National Museum cautions that street parking is limited and says it cannot validate parking.
FAQs
Where is Little Tokyo in Los Angeles?
Little Tokyo is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. Its address is 402 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Which Metro lines serve Little Tokyo?
The Little Tokyo/Arts District station is served by Metro A and E lines.
Where is the Japanese American National Museum?
The museum is at 100 North Central Avenue, on 1st Street between Alameda Street and Central Avenue.