Little Tokyo Spring Break - What to do?

We're back with another Spring Break guide series! It’s been a wild last 2 years and while we still struggle to gain our bearings in the new way of life there are signs that we can have moments of normalcy.  And thus, we wanted to remind you that Little Tokyo is still here and that it misses you as much as you miss it. So come along and let us share some fun places to see and do! And if you’re looking for places to eat we updated our “Where to eat in Little Tokyo” blog so check that one out. Let’s get started! 

Artsy Outing “φʕ•ᴥ•oʔ

MOCA Geffen - 152 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

MOCA Geffen is a contemporary art museum situated in a warehouse renovated by the famous California architect Frank Gehry. You can see installations in multiple mediums on exhibit including permanent installations by Barbara Kruger and Nancy Rubins outside. Need a place to rest? They also offer a large bookstore with reading nooks and workspaces with free WI-FI! The best part of this museum is that general admission is free!!! You only need to pay for special exhibitions unless it's a Thursday when even special exhibitions are free! MOCA Geffen is a great place to get cultured, but they had us at free wifi. You’ll need to reserve tickets over the phone. You can call 213-633-5351 between the hours of 11am-5pm Thursday - Sunday for reservations. Here is more information about their current health and guidelines for guests “more info”. Below you can see their weekly hours as well

Who said Gamers never leave the house!? ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪

X Lanes - 333 Alameda St #300, Los Angeles, CA 90013 (3rd floor Little Tokyo Galleria)

Maybe the Museum isn’t your style. You need excitement, games, prizes, BOWLING! Well, thanks to the Little Tokyo Galleria you can now visit X Lanes. X Lanes is a perfect mix of bowling and arcade games, reminiscent of Japanese-style game/amusement centers. You can choose to spend your entire evening there playing arcade games and winning tickets to cash out for some cute and cool prizes. Or you can solely focus on bowling if you really wanna get up and show off those muscles and gains ;). So arcade games and bowling aren’t doing it for you? Well, that’s not all, because they also offer a space with Billiard (pool) tables and rooms to do Karaoke! Wouldn’t be a complete trip to Little Tokyo without some Karaoke in my opinion.  Get the most up-to-date information from their website http://www.xlanesla.com. 

Get Schooled (◕⌂◕⊃⊃)

Japanese American National Museum - 100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

So maybe you know a lot about Japanese pop culture but don't know a ton about Japanese history? It's time for some learning! Learning is fun and cool™😎This is the largest museum dedicated to Japanese American history in the United States(!!). The museum features a permanent installation of the important history of Japanese Americans before, during, and after World War II mass incarceration, which includes artifacts, photographs, and writing. This museum seeks to safeguard the rich and complicated history of Japanese Americans. The museum also features all kinds of displays connected to Japanese history and culture including Buddhism. Timed advanced tickets are required so make sure you head on over to this link here to plan your visit and get all the information needed! 

Hidden Gem ٩( ´･ш･)و

Photo by Yuri Hasegawa

Double Tree's Kyoto Gardens

Need a place to stare longingly at yourself in a pond? This is the place to go! It can be hard to find green spaces in a bustling city so we thought we'd let you in on this one. You'll be surrounded by lush plants in a garden re-created to resemble the ancient Japanese garden built for 16th-century samurai lord Kiyomasa Kato in Tokyo. They've even got a waterfall! Set against the Los Angeles skyline you'll have gorgeous views of the city to take in while surrounded by this oasis. This place is free to visit but be discreet! Sometimes they have events going on. 

Harajuku Girl ଘ(੭*ˊᵕˋ)੭* ੈ♡‧₊˚

Purikura (Photo Booth)- In the Japanese Village Plaza underground mall 335 E 2nd St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Using a purikura (photo booth) is the pinnacle of kawaii schoolgirl culture! Almost all of us have smartphones able to snap a pic of your fit nowadays but not in the early aughts (2000s)! Harajuku Girls had to use purikura to capture their wicked street style. You can customize your photo strip with hundreds of sticker options! Give yourself huge anime eyes and baby smooth skin. The more anime looking, the better! These aren't your typical photo booth experiences either. They've got a green screen, blast cute music, and an automated voice guiding you through the whole process to make sure you get the cutest pics ever! A fully immersive experience. These booths ain't cheap at $10 a pop but you'll get to take home an unforgettable experience and adorable photo strip for you and a friend! 

New To Little Tokyo \( ﾟヮﾟ)/ 

Terasaki Budokan - 249 S. Los Angeles St Los Angeles CA 90012

Terasaki Budokan is a community center that has taken an enormous amount of community effort to get made. This is a limited-time event but, if you are in the arena on March 12th, 2022 then you can stop by and celebrate its GRAND OPENING! Of course, if you can’t make it by the 12th you can always come to check it out afterward. Terasaki Budokan's goal is to provide a place where all kinds of people partake in different community activities. If you want to learn more you can check out their website on the link above or check out our  “Thank You, Little Tokyo”  blog post to learn a bit about the people behind the project. 

Lastly, I would like to recommend an Instagram account to follow to stay up to date on what’s happening in Little Tokyo. Go and follow @GoLittleTokyo as they post photos from all around Little Tokyo and focus on supporting all of the small businesses here. If you do decide to come to visit Little Tokyo we hope you have a wonderful time! And of course, if you’re up for it come visit us at POP LITTLE TOKYO and Popkiller Second!~~~~~~~(｡•̀ᴗ-)✧