From South Los Angeles, Little Tokyo is a downtown neighborhood where Japanese American history and cultural institutions meet shopping streets. It is one of three historic Japantowns remaining in the United States, with the Japanese American National Museum among its landmarks and Metro A and E lines stopping at Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.
- Location: downtown Los Angeles; the neighborhood address is 402 E 1st Street.
- Museum: Japanese American National Museum, 100 North Central Avenue.
- Rail: Little Tokyo/Arts District Station is served by Metro A and E lines.
- Union Station: the museum is a 17-minute walk away.
Getting oriented in Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles with Japanese American cultural significance. The Little Tokyo Community Council describes it as 140 years old and one of California’s 14 designated Cultural Districts.
Japanese Village Plaza, at 335 E 2nd St, is described as a gateway to the Little Tokyo Historic District. Use it as a reference point as you make your way through the neighborhood; the community’s address is 402 E 1st Street.
For another downtown stop, the Grand Central Market visitor guide covers a different destination in the city centre.
Japanese American National Museum visit
The Japanese American National Museum (JANM) is at 100 North Central Avenue, on 1st Street between Alameda Street and Central Avenue. Admission includes all galleries and special exhibitions, while some public programs and events may have an additional fee.
JANM is directly across the street from Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, served by Metro A and E lines. Union Station is a 17-minute walk from the museum and connects with Amtrak, Metrolink, LAX FlyAway, Greyhound, and Metro A, B and D lines.
Street parking in Little Tokyo is limited. Nearby paid parking options are available, and JANM does not validate parking, so rail can simplify the arrival. For current museum hours, admission details and any changes to access, check the official site before you go.
Food, shops and public spaces
Japanese Village Plaza is an address to enter into your plans for the neighborhood: it sits at 335 E 2nd St and marks the gateway to the Little Tokyo Historic District. Little Tokyo’s mix of cultural institutions and district streets makes it straightforward to combine a museum visit with time around the plaza.
The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center is at 244 S. San Pedro St. Its Metro access is a 7-minute walk from Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, which connects to the A and E lines.
To plan the wider journey around the city, getting around Los Angeles from South Los Angeles provides a broader transit perspective.
How do you get from South Los Angeles to Little Tokyo?
Metro serves Little Tokyo at Little Tokyo/Arts District Station on the A and E lines. The neighborhood is also a few blocks from a B Line station, and Union Station is a 17-minute walk from JANM.
From Regal Inn, Los Angeles city centre is about 10 minutes by car. Once downtown, pair a visit to JANM with Japanese Village Plaza at 335 E 2nd St. For broader trip planning, this one-star hotel in South Los Angeles is a point of reference for planning your trip from the area.
The Little Tokyo Community Council also notes more than 15 parking lots and bike-share stations in the neighborhood. Station and street conditions can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Where is Little Tokyo in Los Angeles?
Little Tokyo is a historic neighborhood in downtown Los Angeles. The community council gives its address as 402 E 1st Street.
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.
How far is JANM from Union Station?
JANM describes its location as a 17-minute walk from Union Station.