Little Tokyo is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles and one of three historic Japantowns remaining in the United States. Its cultural institutions and connections on Metro A and E lines make it a practical downtown stop; the Japanese American National Museum is a useful anchor for planning your visit.
- Location: 402 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Metro: Little Tokyo/Arts District station is served by the A and E lines.
- Museum: Japanese American National Museum, 100 North Central Avenue.
- Getting around: DASH Route A serves Little Tokyo, and Route D stops are within walking distance.
Where is Little Tokyo in downtown Los Angeles?
Little Tokyo is a downtown Los Angeles neighborhood centered around 1st Street and the Little Tokyo Historic District. The Little Tokyo Community Council identifies its address as 402 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, while Japanese Village Plaza, at 335 E 2nd St, is described as being at the district’s gateway.
If you’re planning a broader city outing, a one-day downtown Los Angeles route from South LA can help you put Little Tokyo into context with other downtown stops.
The Little Tokyo Community Council describes the neighborhood as 140 years old and identifies it as one of California’s 14 designated Cultural Districts. It is also one of three historic Japantowns remaining in the United States. The neighborhood’s compact downtown setting makes it easy to pair a cultural stop with a walk through nearby streets.
What cultural stops can you visit in Little Tokyo?
Little Tokyo’s cultural stops include the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC). JANM is at 100 North Central Avenue, on 1st Street between Alameda Street and Central Avenue. JACCC is at 244 S. San Pedro St.
For a transit-based visit, JANM is directly across the street from Little Tokyo/Arts District Station on Metro’s A and E lines. JACCC is a 7-minute walk from that station.
The center’s MISE at the Toshizo Watanabe Exhibition Center is closed Sundays and Mondays, open Tuesday through Friday by appointment, and open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check the official site before you go for current details.
Florentina Motel offers motel rooms in Los Angeles.
How do you plan a Japanese American National Museum visit?
The Japanese American National Museum is at 100 North Central Avenue, between Alameda Street and Central Avenue on 1st Street. Admission includes the galleries and special exhibitions, though some public programs and events may carry an additional fee.
JANM is across the street from Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, served by Metro A and E. The museum also describes its location as a 17-minute walk from Union Station, which has Amtrak, Metrolink, LAX FlyAway, Greyhound, and Metro A, B, and D connections.
For local bus access, DASH Route A stops at 1st Street and Central Avenue, across from the museum.
How do you get around Little Tokyo?
Metro’s Little Tokyo/Arts District station on the A and E lines is the clearest rail access point for the neighborhood. Little Tokyo is also a few blocks from a B Line station. DASH Route A serves the area, with stops on 1st Street; Route D stops at 2nd/Main and Temple/Aiso are within walking distance.
Metro bus lines 30/330, 40, 106, and 854 also serve Little Tokyo. If you’re driving, JANM says street parking is limited and identifies nearby paid parking options; it cannot validate parking.
The Little Tokyo Community Council also notes that the neighborhood has more than 15 parking lots and bike-share stations. For a wider transport plan from the motel, see ways to get around Los Angeles from Florentina Motel.
FAQs
Where is Little Tokyo in Los Angeles?
Little Tokyo is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. The Little Tokyo Community Council identifies its address as 402 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Which Metro lines serve Little Tokyo?
Little Tokyo/Arts District station is served by Metro A and E lines. The neighborhood is also a few blocks from a B Line station.
Is the Japanese American National Museum near public transit?
Yes. JANM is directly across the street from Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, and DASH Route A stops across the street at 1st Street and Central Avenue.
What does admission to the Japanese American National Museum include?
Admission includes the museum’s galleries and special exhibitions. Some public programs and events may have an additional fee.