Little Tokyo Walk (Self Guided), Los Angeles

Shrines, temples, gardens and some of the best Japanese restaurants in Los Angeles await the visitor to Little Tokyo. Also known as the Little Tokyo Historic District, the neighborhood got its start in the late 19th century and is one of three official Japantowns in the United States.

The area is brimming with a mouthwatering array of fantastic Japanese eateries, from popular lunch spots to late night restaurants as well as a generous peppering of sushi bars. Away from the restaurants, you will discover a variety of shops selling books, clothing, accessories and authentic and quirky items. If food is still on your mind, visit Little Tokyo's two wagashi (Japanese sweets) shops. They are among the oldest food establishments in Los Angeles.

Tour the neighborhood's Japanese Christian churches and Buddhist temples, including Koyasan Buddhist Temple and Higashi Honganji Buddhist Temple. Unwind in the blissful tranquility of a public garden, such as the James Irvine Japanese Garden. It is also known as the "Garden of the Clear Stream" and features a stream, handcrafted cedar bridges and many colorful flowers, plants and trees. The green sanctuary was designed in the Zen tradition of the famous gardens of Kyoto, the spiritual center of Zen Buddhism in Japan.