VISIT

Please visit and support these businesses so that we can return to them in the future like we have in the past.

(Click on business names for descriptions and more info).

Japangeles

"Japangeles is a collaboration of Japanese (日本) culture and
Los Angeles lifestyle through unique and clever designs. It is a way of representing the hybrid in all of us while giving props to the city we love. Our clothing are designed and screen printed in Los Angeles."

Fugetsudo

"Fugetsu-do creates the finest Japanese mochi and manju in Los Angeles by our expert artisans. You can check us out on Yelp and search for us on Google to see the countless positive reviews on our products. We thank anyone who has enjoyed our mochi and manju over the many years. The over 100 positive reviews and the 117+ years of being in business cannot be wrong! We invite you to come by the store, visit one of the many markets that carry our products, or order our mochi online from Japansuper.com and have it delivered fresh to your doorstep!"

Cafe Dulce

"Cafe Dulce is a cafe and bakery specializing in coffee and a variety of backed goods from rti buns to French baguettes, brick toast to sprulina churros, and a variety of unique donuts like our most popular Green Tea Donuts. We also carry beautiful cakes and serve some wonderful sandwiches on our homemade baguettes. Of course it's a matter of personal preference but we believe we have the best coffee in Little Tokyo. We proudly serve a rotating selection of roasters including Stumptown, Verve, Madcap, and Ritual and do everything that we can to serve our drinks properly. Also, come on by and try some of our specialty drinks like the Vietnamese Style Iced Coffee (rated #2 in Los Angeles by LA Weekly), the Hong Kong Style Milk Tea, and the Organic Masala Chai Latte. You won't be disappointed. We promise."

Azay

Daytime only restaurant (Tuesday-Sunday, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) - MEET LITTLE TOKYO: AZAY’S CHEF AKIRA HIROSE 0
Posted On OCTOBER 14, 2019Community News, Business

Chef Akira Hirose, formerly of Maison Akira, and his family have been a Little Tokyo fixture for decades. When it was announced that they would be shuttering their Pasadena restaurant, a French Japanese fusion cuisine concept. and moving west to Little Tokyo sadness was immediately replaced by excitement. With a legacy of serving everyone from the Emperor of Japan to your JA aunties and uncles Chef Akira’s Azay, will serve Japanese and French dishes on the same menu but not the same plate.

hobNob.jpeg

"Two generations later; a product of a mother’s and daughter’s hard work to create a place where women can feel sexy, attractive, comfortable and always at a reasonable price, The Hob Nob Shop features stylish and well curated women’s clothing and accessories — from the everyday to the special day wears. The Hob Nob Shop actually has quite a long history: founded as Giftime about 15 years ago, the shop sold gifts and wares of the souvenir and tourist variety. Hoping to differentiate from similar shops in the area, the little shop wondered how to expand merchandise and diversify into something more than a store where you bought replica samurai swords, kimonos, parasols and other trinkets.

The calling was fashion, looking to satisfy a niche of customers searching for styles that were flattering and had a fit that was just right. After a 2-week hiatus of remodeling and revamping, the souvenir store transformed into The Hob Nob Shop. The intimacy of the fashion boutique and love of aesthetics is a reflection of its owners who strive to be actively engaged with and hope to play a part in the lives of those who wear their clothes. Their doors are always open for curious pioneers who want to join in on their adventure to define beauty."

Far Bar

"Located in the historic Far East Building in the heart of Little Tokyo, Far Bar offers something for everyone looking for a good time. We are a place of fusion, but not compromise. We have been listed as the No. 1 bar in Downtown LA from LA Weekly in 2013, CITIZINE's "A Purist's Guide to Little Tokyo", and Discover Los Angeles Guide to the "Best places to Watch the World Series", as well as featured in Hopped LA's "Downtown Beer Guide.'"
review -
"This divey Little Tokyo staple has been serving solid Asian fusion bar food for a while now, but only recently became known as a craft beer haven as well. Their miso mayo-topped Far Bar burger is what they’re best known for but the wasabi fries are needed in your life."

Chinchikurin

"Hiroaki Kawakami opened the first Chinchikurin restaurant in 1999. The humble, 8-seat restaurant was located in a small alley in Enomachi, Hiroshima.

In the beginning, Chinchikurin had it rough. With over 1,600 okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima,
it was difficult for Chinchikurin to distinguish itself from any other restaurant. However, with a dogged habit of self-reflection and determination,
Hiroaki knew that the one thing he wanted to do above all else was to make the best okonomiyaki he could.

But it wasn’t just the okonomiyaki that helped fuel the rise of Chinchikurin in becoming one of the best okonomiyaki restaurants in Hiroshima.
Kawakami-san’s charismatic personality brought an element to the table that made Chinchikurin not just a place where customers came to dine, it became a sanctuary where people could check the real world at the door and relax with great food, drink, and conversation for hours on end."

"During the rebuilding phase of Hiroshima immediately following
World War II, daily living resources were scarce supply, especially food.
It was at this time a pre-war children's snack, called issenyoshoku,
evolved into what is now known as okonomiyaki. It became a staple for
the people of Hiroshima as they healed from the wounds of war andrebuilt their city."

Chado Tea Room

"Our journey started in 1990 as a small tea room near the corner of La Cienga and 3rd in Los Angeles, near the famous Beverly Center. That store has since closed, but the legacy lives on. We currently operate 4 stores in the Los Angeles are, listed here. Each store has it’s own character, but they share many things. One, our full selection of premium teas. Two, a wonderful high tea experience. Finally, a friendly staff, passionate about tea, that will provide you with an amazing experience."

Anzen Hardware

"Go Little Tokyo today and visit Anzen Hardware to find rare and wonderful Japanese gadgets for your home and garden. For you chefs out there — be sure the check out their impressive selection of Japanese knives. Owner Norihiko Takatani sells his famous blades to anyone who has high-level knife skills, including chefs from Spago, Melisse, Campanile and a slew of sushi restaurants."

Oomasa

"Oomasa opened in 1972 before the sushi craze of the 1980s, and has developed a loyal following of locals, as well as fans that drive in.

At the age of 24, founder Masaharu Motoyama emigrated from Hokkaido in Northern Japan, bringing with him the artful skill of sushi making. His search for the American dream landed him in Little Tokyo, where he built Oomasa.

He trained his sushi chefs the traditional Japanese way, making vegetable floral art pieces while interacting with the curious sushi bar customers. Motoyama and his experienced, skilled chefs continue his tradition of classic preparation and commitment to the highest quality of fish that sets this family-owned restaurant apart."

Utsuwa-No-Yakata

'“Utsuwa-no-yakata” (House of Pottery) was founded in Los Angeles by Shinji Nimura after coming to America in 1981. Our mission has been to introduce beautiful Japanese tableware to the world.

The wide selection of our products is imported directly from Japan. The style ranges from traditional to contemporary, decorative to practical. About Half of our products are handmade in small kilns in Japan. Each piece is a unique creation.

Our tableware is not only for Japanese cuisine but can be matched with any type of food regardless of gastronomic background.
We encourage our creative customers to have fun and explore new and unique ways of using our tableware."

Hana Ichimonme Ramen

"Hanaichimonme Kyoto Ramen is a restaurant located in the biggest Japanese building in the USA– Little Tokyo Galleria Shopping Center, together with brands like Hello Kitty Shop, Daiso, Beard Papa, and other Japanese outlets. There are also a lot of famous Japanese and non-Japanese restaurants like Jollibee and a café, Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, which is a newly acquired by Jollibee Foods Corporation. Just like Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, starting on December 1st, Hanaichimonme will re-open its store under new management.
Hana Ichimonme Kyoto Ramen is also known for its famous authentic Japanese ramen that has served thousands of US Citizens for more than three decades and even it changes management, Hanaichimonme Kyoto Ramen Restaurant guarantees that we will continue to serve the same tastes and serving that loved by many customers and make another history."

Jist Cafe

"For over 70 years, the Ishii family has kept this Little Tokyo gem alive throughout the generations. Originally a mom-and-pop joint that first put its name on the map with its chashu dumplings in the 1940s, Tokyo Gardens and Tokyo Cafe shifted from greasy spoon diner to traditional Japanese lunch dive. Amazingly enough, the mother chashu marinade has been preserved, honored and given new life through JiST’s pork belly chashu. Every day, its base is added to and cooked off, further deepening its flavors with each passing year. Glen hopes you can enjoy the Ishii family legacy.

A longtime friend and professional partner of Glen’s, Caroline Shin assiduously worked him to the bone to further improve a much simpler, humbler Shin family legacy: their love of French toast. After a long period of nagging, trial and error, a crème brûlée batter was created and our special loaf of brioche was perfected. Married together in a special bath and crisped golden in a few pats of butter, something very new, yet very familiar was born.
We hope to share but a taste of our love, our legacy and this small token of Los Angeles history."

Bunkado

"Bunkado is a destination gift shop, still at its original location in downtown Los Angeles since 1946, supplying the community with items from Japan and beyond. The location in the heart of Little Tokyo is the first Japanese owned business in Los Angeles! Kame Restaurant opened in 1886 at 340 E 1st Street, thus laying the foundations for a Japanese American community that is still active and vibrant today.

Bunkado has been in my family through its founding by my Aunt and Uncle, Suye and Tokio Ueyama. My parents Masao and Kayoko Tsukada, operated a gift shop called Tsukada Company since 1950 just down the street. The two businesses were combined in the 1970s and Bunkado has continued seamlessly to this day. We are so proud to have become a popular shopping destination for Japanese gifts and decor, housewares, materials for traditional Japanese crafts, books, toys and unique and interesting items from all over Asia.

Bunkado is popular with buyers from the arts and entertainment industry. There have been so many shows that have bought from us over the decades. Thank you to The King and I, Madame Butterfly, Westworld and This is Us! "

Japanese American National Museum

"The mission of the Japanese American National Museum is to promote understanding and appreciation of America’s ethnic and cultural diversity by sharing the Japanese American experience.

We share the story of Japanese Americans because we honor our nation’s diversity. We believe in the importance of remembering our history to better guard against the prejudice that threatens liberty and equality in a democratic society. We strive as a world-class museum to provide a voice for Japanese Americans and a forum that enables all people to explore their own heritage and culture.

We promote continual exploration of the meaning and value of ethnicity in our country through programs that preserve individual dignity, strengthen our communities, and increase respect among all people. We believe that our work will transform lives, create a more just America and, ultimately, a better world."

Go For Broke

"Go For Broke National Education Center (GFBNEC) educates the public on the valor of Japanese American veterans of World War II and their contributions to our nation. Our goal is to inspire new generations to embody the Japanese American veterans' core values of courage, sacrifice, equality, humility and patriotism. Founded in 1989, GFBNEC maintains the Go For Broke Monument and the interactive "GFBNEC's Defining Courage Exhibition" in downtown Los Angeles, as well as extensive oral histories and archives, education and training programs, and other initiatives."

Bowls

"What initially started in 2007 as a small urban retail boutique in San Marino, CA has since evolved into a refined “General Store”.

Helping to pioneer the Honda Ruckus scooter movement in 2008, we built custom bikes for influential customers, displayed at the 2008 and 2009 SEMA shows, partnered with Tokyo Parts and other esteemed Japanese companies, created and manufactured our own line of parts proudly Made in the USA and in Japan, and imported high quality parts from around the world for this uniquely customizable platform. Our 2-wheel division is now closed and we are proud to have been part of such an amazing movement and subculture.
In 2009, we made the move out of the suburbs and into Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles. At our current HQ, we’ve brought our focus back to hand selecting and curating the finest in quality hard and soft goods.

We welcome you to visit and shop our selection of men’s & women's apparel, grooming products, and accessories."

My Ramen Bar

"Chef Jason Patrick Easton and his wife Mayuko Easton have teamed up to open one of the most exciting restaurants in Downtown LA in 2016. Jason not only owns the Little Tokyo shop, My Ramen Bar but also built out the space with his knowledge gained from being a general contractor!

Easton is a first-generation Japanese-Chinese Angeleno from Los Feliz. This is his first ‘Ramen Bar’ and he specifically wants his shop to serve the local lunch crowd, targeting the 30-minute business lunch in much the same way that ramen shops in Japan serve the サラリーマン(salary-men) who need a quick lunch to refuel their workdays."