Japanese culture has seen a post-pandemic renaissance as anime and senuor sex night videosother Japanese exports have exploded in popularity. While there are many new and exciting stores and restaurants available in Little Tokyo, many of the legacy businesses remain as hidden gems in DTLA.
1. Rafu Shimpo, 1903
The staff of The Rafu Shimpo pose for a company photo at their location on Los Angeles Street on July 22, 1934. This year, Little Tokyo’s two oldest businesses, The Rafu and Fugetsu-Do Confectionery, celebrate 120 years of serving the community.
A long-term community advocate for Japanese American rights, Rafu Shimpo is the oldest business in Little Tokyo and bi-lingual newspaper in the nation. Despite being a newspaper outlet, the Rafu Shimpo has one-of-a-kind merchandise and historical displays. Stay informed on the latest in Little Tokyo by picking up a newspaper at the Rafu office or finding a newspaper at most local businesses!
https://rafu.com/contactus/
(213) 629-2231
701 E 3rd St
Los Angeles, CA 90013
2. Fugetsu-do, 1903
Fugetsu-Do Storefront
Though not necessarily a secret, Fugetsu-do is a family-owned business best known for its handmade daifuku mochi every day. This legacy business is a large community partner that speaks for itself.
https://www.fugetsu-do.com/index.html
(213) 625-8595
315 1st St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
3. California Flower Company, 1916
Storefront of the California Flower Company.
24-hour secure ordering for bouquets, floral arrangements, fruit baskets, silk flowers, and balloons for a wide host of events. Support a local business by sending an old-fashioned get-well or greetings letter! Located right across from the civic center in Little Tokyo, behind Weller Court.
https://www.cafloral.com/
(213) 613-0020
220 1st St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
4. Far Bar, 1935
Storefront of the Far East Cafe, Far Bar during the day time.
Also known as the Far East Cafe, Far Bar has one of the largest selections of Japanese imported craft beers in California. Besides the 34 beers on tap, they have a wide selection of sake, tequila, whiskey, bourbon, and rum that open up the opportunity for some very exciting seasonal cocktails. But it doesn’t stop at that, they also have sushi, burgers, and wasabi fries to go along with your drink.
https://www.farbarla.com/
(121) 361-7999
347 1st St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
5. Bunka-do, 1946
Irene Tsukada Simonian is the third-generation owner of Bunkado Gift Shop on First Street.
Have you ever been to the second floor of this traditional Japanese goods business? Besides being a one-stop shop, this gift store has an antique and ceramics shop on the second floor. Check out the beautiful Japanese ceramics by Shoshi Watanabe, Japanese Shodo calligraphy by Kuni Yoshida, vintage kimono, Japanese vinyl, and CDs.
https://www.instagram.com/bunkado_ltla/?hl=en
(213) 625-1122
340 1st St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
6. Rafu Bussan Inc, 1958
The inside of Rafu Bussan, featuring a large Daruma.
Another, much less mainstream gift store, Rafu Bussan is a beloved Japanese houseware and gift shop that’s a well-kept secret among locals. An integral part of the community after the Japanese Internment in World War II, there’s no need to go all the way to Japan to find gifts made in Japan. They can be found in the Honda Plaza where you can find lots of other local businesses, hidden away from the public. Be sure to give the Rafu Bussan advance notice before coming by to ensure you get a spot!
https://rafubussaninc.com/
(213) 614-1181
414 East Second Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
7. Mitsuru Cafe , 1968
Storefront of Mitsuru Cafe.
This tiny storefront in the Japanese Village Plaza is always bustling with visitors. They are best known for their imagawayakiand mitarashi dango, but have you tried their specials or–my favorite–their affordable but delectable takoyaki?
(213) 613-1028
17 Japanese Village Plaza Mall,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
8. Suehiro Mini, 1972
Owner of Suehiro cafe, Kenji Suzuki, at the former Little Tokyo Location.
Though we unfortunately lost this long-standing business in Little Tokyo, the owner still runs the cafe in Chinatown. This business has always been known for its friendly staff and long hours, often closing at 1 am, so it’s great for a late-night snack. They always have seasonal specials, so make sure to stop by at different times of the year to try all their exciting new specials.
https://www.suehirocafe.com/
(213) 947-3106
642 N Broadway #5,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
9. Oomasa, 1972
Oomasa storefront
Oomasa is a local favorite and one of the first restaurants to introduce sushi to Los Angeles! So you’d better believe their sushi is bomb. Discover fun combinations like their spider roll, dragon, and red dragon rolls. Fun fact, Oomasa was filmed in an episode of Remington Steele!
https://www.oomasarestaurant.com/menu-oomasa-little-tokyo-restaurant
(213) 628-9048
100 Japanese Village Plaza Mall,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
10. Kouraku, 1976
Kouraku Sign
With Happy Hour from 2-6 pm and opening hours until 2 am on weekends, Kouraku is the perfect place to get a heart-warming meal. We recommend their omuriceor any of their endless ramen choices from their extensive menu. Now, with an adorable robotic cat server: Luna-chan will deliver your food!
https://kouraku.square.site/?location=11eae3eee6529f3195c3ac1f6bbba82c#3
213-687-4972
314 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
11. Mitsuru Sushi and Grill, 1976
Mitsuru Sushi and Grill Storefront.
Not to be confused with Mitsuru Cafe, Mitsuru Sushi and Grill serves a wide variety of Japanese comfort food from their sizable menu. Mitsuru Sushi and Grill is another great place to get your sushi for a great price while still supporting a local business. Not to mention, owners are usually nearby and very friendly to every visitor.
https://www.instagram.com/mitsuru_sushi_littletokyo/
(213) 626-4046
316 1st St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
12. Kinokuniya, 1977
Kinokuniya bookstore logo attached to awning outside of the store, framed by flowers.
Don’t let books die! Despite being part of a large bookstore chain, Kinokuniya (bookstore in Japanese) is a very popular place to visit. As a bonus, Weller Court is less crowded than Japanese Village Plaza with its own host of hidden treasures.
https://usa.kinokuniya.com/stores-kinokuniya-los-angeles
(213) 687-4480
123 Astronaut E. S. Onizuka St, #205
Los Angeles, CA 90012
13. Hama Sushi, 1980
The quiet storefront of Hama Sushi.
A specialized sushi and sashimi shop, Hama Sushi is your high-end, authentic Japanese restaurant perfect for date night or a special occasion. It’s certainly very exclusive with lines always out the door but the wait is absolutely worth it. Visit on your next trip to Little Tokyo and let the premium sashimi speak for itself.
https://hamasushirestaurant.com/
(213) 680-3454
347 E 2nd St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
14. Utsuwa no Yakata, 1981
Many bowls on sale in front of Utsuwa no Yakata.
This ceramics store on the first floor of the Little Tokyo Galleria or Sakura Shopping Mall is a hidden gem. Many of their ceramics are handmade, straight from Japan including home decor, flatware, vases, plates, and cups galore. But they always have affordable sales to make it the perfect place to get a beautiful but affordable gift or fill your new home with classy dishware. Like Weller Court, the Little Tokyo Galleria is also a great place to find some unique shops away from the hustle and bustle of Little Tokyo Village Plaza.
https://utsuwa.us/
333 S Alameda St. Ste 101
Los Angeles, CA 90013
15. Sushi Gen, 1981
Sushi Gen is bustling with customers.
Though their sashimi and sushi are made with impeccable skill, they also have bento combos and rice bowls. Sushi Gen is yet another great place for special occasions with its stylish atmosphere. Make sure to make a reservation in advance and not on a Sunday or Monday.
https://www.sushigen-dtla.com/
(213) 617-0552
422 E 2nd St, Los Angeles,
CA 90012
16. Little Tokyo Florist, 1983
Owner, Yuka Mizusawa in front of her blossoming business: Little Tokyo Florist.
Ikebana, bonsai, bouquets, and workshops, Little Tokyo Florist is a business sprouted from Japanese American tradition. Not only are they close to the hearts of locals, but they are also happy to share their knowledge with occasional workshops if you check their Instagram periodically.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C9s_wkGpuk6/
(213) 617-0005
333 S Alameda St #110,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
17. Hana Ichimonme, 1986
Hana Ichimonme display in front of the storefront.
Also found in the Sakura Shopping Mall, Hana Ichimonme is known for itsKyoto-styleramen. They have a wide variety of foods including kakigori(shaved ice), hiyashi ramen, and large servings of curry. Fun fact, Hana Ichimonme is actually the name of a Japanese children’s game.
https://www.hanaichimonmeusa.com/#menu
(213) 626-3514
333 S Alameda St 3rd floor,
Los Angeles, CA 90013
18. VANTAGE Sports, 1987
Vantage store logo banner outside storefront.
Are you a fan of Shohei Ohtani? Yoshinobu Yamamoto? Hideki Matsuyama? VANTAGE Sports has everything from sporting equipment to trading cards. VANTAGE Sports proudly states that they “offer genuine and premium products from top brand manufacturers only.”
https://www.vantagesportshop.com/
(213) 617-0875
123 Astronaut Ellison S Onizuka St Suite 207,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
19. T.O.T, 1997
Teishokuya of Tokyo AKA T.O.T. Restaurant storefront.
Short for Teishokuya of Tokyo, and a local favorite, T.OT. was part of a former legacy business that is now closed: Kagura Downtown. They have some affordable bento and a substantial variety of foods with the flavor of Japan. Besides that, they have over 20 varieties of sake, soju, and Japanese beer. And if you can’t make it out to Little Tokyo this time, you can always get it delivered with T.O.T.’s DoorDash service.
https://kagurausa.com/?loc=tot
(213) 680-0344
345 E 2nd St,
Los Angeles, CA 90012
20. Korean Kitchen Hibachi, 1999
Hibachi BBQ Korean Kitchen storefront.
A Korean BBQ place is the last place you’d expect to see on this list, but this place certainly deserves an honorable mention. In Little Tokyo, it doesn’t matter if you’re Japanese or not as long as you come to support the local businesses!
https://places.singleplatform.com/korean-kitchen-hibachi-barbeque/menu?ref=google
(213) 680-1039
135 Japanese Village Plaza Mall,
Los Angeles, CA 90012