Fifty-cent back-scratchers. Discontinued Hello Kitty paraphernalia. Animé erotica—all great reasons to head downtown and explore Little Tokyo.
There's some serious awesomeness hidden within this continuously evolving shopping neighborhood, from quaint bakeries and storefronts to giant multi-level shopping plazas like the Japanese Village Plaza (where New Year's and Nisei Week activities are held) and Mitsuwa (the largest Japanese supermarket chain in America). And don't forget the Farmers' Market every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, on the south lawn of City Hall between Main and Spring.
Bet you didn't know:
Little Tokyo (also known as J-Town) has been around since 1885, when a Japanese seaman opened up a restaurant on Jackson Street and founded the community. Now, Japanese-owned shops selling traditional handmade treats and snacks dominate 1st Street.
Beyond origami, kimonos and fans:
Yes, there are oceans of traditional souvenir stores, selling everything from tea sets to candles and incense. But the progressive and kitschy urban culture of contemporary Tokyo is also represented—there are some excellent sneaker stores and killer Manga specialty outlets. The latter also carries those cool Japanese magazines that flip right-to-left, full of ultra-modern graphic design and Harajuku fashions. And because Little Tokyo borders on the fashion and art districts, there are a handful of stores that represent cutting-edge local designers.
Warning: you'll probably have to wade through jungles of Spongebob Squarepants backpacks before you unearth the best of Little Tokyo.
But isn't that half the fun?
Below are some Little Tokyo shopping haunts not to be missed. But first, a few tips:
Park in the lot on Central between 1st and 2nd Streets. It's free for two hours with validation.
Don't waste your money on the air-brush computerized nail varnishers. We tried them, they suck.
And don't forget to check out West L.A.'s J-Town, which is home to Nipponese culture emporium, Giant Robot.
Hello, Little Tokyo
From Arch Rival to popKiller--where to shop in J-Town
By Caroline Helper and Cristina Kutzbach, Special to Metromix
September 8, 2007
Spiga Hello Kitty
333 S. Alameda St. #104 - Los AngelesHello Kitty and other Sanrio goodies can be found hidden on the ground floor throughout this Little Tokyo Shop. If this sounds like your sort of treasure hunt, you've come to the right place. Come find cell phone charms, candy, pencils, underwear, you name it--all with Hello Kitty and friends' faces stamped across the front.
Ashiya Corp.
140 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. - Los AngelesAshiya Corp. is primarily an online operation, but this store is where you'll find the overstock. Jackpot. Look carefully and you will find cute designer dresses from independent brands, in addition to well-known names like Junk Food and Chick by Nicky Hilton. Note: the cutest things in the store are really the owner's two cats, who seem to take up a whole section with their giant kitty playground.
Fugetsu-Do
315 E. 1st. St. - Los AngelesThis Japanese wagashi bakery claims it's the founder of the fortune cookie—the purported original mold is proudly displayed in the front window for "proof." The debate may never end, but a certainty is that Fugetsu-do is the absolute oldest business in Little Tokyo, having opened over a hundred years ago in 1903. Everything is excellent: from Asian-style breads to, of course, the lovely chewy pockets of mochi.
KinoKuniya Book Store
123 Astronaut E S Onizuka #205 - Los AngelesNo Barnes and Noble, Kinokuniya is one of the coolest bookstores you'll ever stumble upon. Throughout its shelves, your curious eyes will come across Japanese books and comic books galore. Not really your thing (or maybe you just don't understand...)? No need to fret--there are also a variety of English books focused on Asian culture. Pick up some fun office supplies before you leave, including erasers shaped like every novelty item imaginable.
Bunkado Inc.
340 E. 1st. St. - Los AngelesYou will surely find something at this all encompassing Japanese gifts and 'things-you-really-don't-need-but-must-have' shop. Pick up a Japanese tea set, origami stationary, or even just a couple little bobble-heads for the office desk. Searching the aisles of this store is truly an experience.
The Dust Factory
128 Astronaut E S Onizuka St. - Los AngelesSeemingly just a hole-in-the-wall vintage store, The Dust Factory can be a true treasure trove. Not to mention, the workers are awesome and will hang out with you as you pull things off the racks. Expect to find anything and everything here.
Arch Rival
349 E. 2nd St. - Los AngelesLike an exclusive bar or club, there's no name outside of this store--instead look for a giant fish mart sign. Minimalist in decor but heavy in style, this tiny little boutique has a few name brands like Polo and Vans, but mixes things up with pieces from up-and-coming L.A. designers. The artwork on the walls is the only color in the store--you can take that home too.
RIF
334 E. 2nd. St. - Los AngelesIf you're fiendin' for some super cool sneaks, fiend no longer--here's where you can find limited edition Nike, BAPE, and Adidas kicks and super-stylish accessories to match. This is a consignment store, so the styles change weekly. However, they may not have all sizes available and don't have anything in large supply. Furry Air Jordans anyone?
popKiller
343 E. 2nd St. - Los AngelesQuirky vintage with plenty of finds in small sizes. Check out the scorpion arm bands, cases of plastic baubles, and out-there sunglasses. The random Japanese toys are fun and make great, inexpensive gifts. Somehow message tees from here still seem cool.
American Apparel - Arcadia
400 S. Baldwin Ave., Level 1, Ste. J7 - ArcadiaWith basic tees, undies and leggings, American Apparel provides comfortable yet stylish pieces of clothing, as worn by vertically-integrated drunken Eastsiders, city-wide. The Little Tokyo branch is one of our favorites.
