Anyone been to Little Tokyo in LA?

**gaspar** · 07-19-2005, 10:59 PM

My sister-in-law wants to drive up to Six Flags: Magic Mountain (we're currently still in San Diego on vacation), so we're going to leave sometime tomorrow, drive up there, spend the night and then go to MM all day Thursday. I'm trying to find something interesting to do on our journey tomorrow since it should only take 3-4 hours to get there. I found this link to information about Little Tokyo in LA:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Tokyo,_Los_Angeles,_California

I'm just wondering if anyone's been there and if so, is there anything I should definitely look for if we stop. I'm studying Japanese language and culture as a grad student, so any cultural interest type places would be really good. We don't have much in the way of Japanese cultural hotspots in Texas, so I'm trying to absorb as much as possible while I can. I'm thinking I should definitely go to the Kinokuniya Bookstore. I went to the one in San Francisco a couple of years ago and it was great. Any other good bookstores/shopping areas down there?

Thanks tons to anyone who can help!
Brandon

**Brian Reed** · 07-19-2005, 11:45 PM

I've been to a shopping center over there. Book store. Grocery store. Handful of restaurants. Its been a couple years, so I'm sketchy on the details. Great little ice cream shop that sells Mochi made at the shop. They recently started selling the stuff around southern california. So damn tasty.

That being said, I'm not sure I'd go out of the way to hit the place. It's in downtown LA and parking was a bitch last time I was there. Go forth to Magic Mountain and ride till you puke, I say.

**lyra** · 07-20-2005, 12:17 AM

OK, if you get a chance, stop at

La Luz de Jesus Gallery...

4633 Hollywood Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Phone (323) 666-7667

http://www.laluzdejesus.com/

It's very cool. Like over the top cool.

I can't believe I missed meeting you again, Brandon.
Next year, right?

**gaspar** · 07-20-2005, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by lyra

I can't believe I missed meeting you again, Brandon.
Next year, right?

Most definitely! I didn't realize you were going to be there this year or I'd have made an effort to get in touch before hand. Definitely next year! Looks like y'all had fun

Brandon

**Pat Loika** · 07-20-2005, 09:45 AM

I've been there before. I bought this teriyaki sauce that was so good I could drink it...

P.

**Taxman** · 07-20-2005, 09:51 AM

Little Tokyo is extremely little. You will have to put up with the conjestion of Downtown LA, but you should be able to get some good Japanese food. If you are looking for a cultural experience you might consider the Hunington Library in San Marino. They have what is likely the best Japanese Garden in the United States, plus other horticultual exhibits from around the world, a great collection of fine art and one of the worlds great book collections. Best of all, it is secluded and quiet.