Urban Exploration: LA’s Little Tokyo

Zoetica Ebb — Wed, 20 May 2009 16:09:07 +0000

If you love Japanese food, books or karaoke and can’t make it to actual Tokyo, LA’s Little Tokyo district is the place to be. Though once upon a time this place was home to 30,000 Japanese Americans, these days I wouldn’t call it a neighborhood – too visitor-oriented for that. I’ll agree with the Wikipedia description – it’s more of a cultural center, with temples, museums and a multitude of restaurants, aimed at LA residents and visitors from Japan. Though recent development and growing population of downtown have made for longer lines and a few strange additions to the area, between all the sushi, shabu-shabu and boba tea there’s little time to frown at the recently-erected Sanrio store and Starbuck’s. An abundance of shops, seasonal events, rock shows at The Cocaine and bars will keep entertainment-hungry visitors coming back for fun-filled adventures throughout the year.

Some of my favorite spots in Little T:

If you’re into Japanese books, comics and magazines, check out Kinokuniya – part of the Japanese popular chain of book stores. For the artists, Kinokuniya carries a variety of markers, pens and pencils – my graphic pens of choice, the coveted Copic Multiliners, are sold here.

Haru-Ulala is an izakaya-style restaurant – perfect for gathering friends over pitchers of beer and tons of small plates. Drinking and face-stuffing with your favorite people: what could possibly be better?

If you’re a patient human who can handle an unreasonably long line and loves real ramen, Daikokuya offers some of the best in town. If lines make you want to explode into a supernova of rage, walk a half a block to Mister Ramen – delicious, never a wait.

Oomasa restaurant has top-notch sushi [and sushi chefs]. Sit at the bar to avoid waiting for a booth and chat them up. Try the toro [fatty tuna] – it’s great here.

Pop Killer Second carries an absurd array of vintage sunglasses and clothing alongside modern Japanese fashions.

ProTip: for those seeking [cough] adult entertainment, Family Mart carries a cornucopia of Japanese snacks and has a curtained video section in the back. Tentacles, anyone?

Words and photos by Zoetica Ebb

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Urban Exploration: LA’s Little Tokyo