Nisei Week Starts in August 2014 for 2 Weeks Nisei Week Events 1
Nisei Week is an Annual Event - August 9-18,
2014
Nisei Week is a series of events that are held in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles during the month of August.
We have basic tips for avoiding long lines and planning an incredible experience during Nisei Week. There are so many events crammed in two weeks, so planning your trip is critical and necessary for you and your family. Most people won't go more than a few times during these two weeks so plan accordingly to have an enjoyable time. (As of 2013, there seems like more events have been added) With LA traffic on the 10, 405 & 110 freeways and downtown parking, it is critical to plan your trip. One strategy is to plan 2 trips around the Nisei Week Parade (Saturday) and Ondo dance (Sunday).
There are some Nisei Week events the general public may not be invited or interested in like luncheons, award & coronation dinners.
Look below for the most popular events to check out. If there are no events listed, please check back 2-3 months before August.
We have basic tips for avoiding long lines and planning an incredible experience during Nisei Week. There are so many events crammed in two weeks, so planning your trip is critical and necessary for you and your family. Most people won't go more than a few times during these two weeks so plan accordingly to have an enjoyable time. (As of 2013, there seems like more events have been added) With LA traffic on the 10, 405 & 110 freeways and downtown parking, it is critical to plan your trip. One strategy is to plan 2 trips around the Nisei Week Parade (Saturday) and Ondo dance (Sunday).
There are some Nisei Week events the general public may not be invited or interested in like luncheons, award & coronation dinners.
Look below for the most popular events to check out. If there are no events listed, please check back 2-3 months before August.
2014 Nisei Week Starts in August
Tips on Making the Most of Your Trip to Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
- 1) 2014 Japanese American Community Heritage Night - Dodger Stadium (Wednesday, 30 July, 2014)
2014 Nisei Week Tips in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
Nisei Week is an annual event that celebrates the Japanese American Culture history in Little Tokyo. There are 2 weeks of events that
happen in August right after the busy Japanese Summer Obon season for Southern California. Nisei Week is one of largest Japanese events
in Little Tokyo.
Little Tokyo is located in downtown Los Angeles, between 1st and 3rd Street. Nisei Week occurs in two large locations: JACCC (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center) and JANM (Japanese American National Museum) buildings. Both locations will have stage performances going through out the weekend. There will be other locations that will have Nisei Week events like MOCA (next to JANM) for Tanabata festival. So check the schedule for exact time and locations.
Little Tokyo is located in downtown Los Angeles, between 1st and 3rd Street. Nisei Week occurs in two large locations: JACCC (Japanese American Cultural & Community Center) and JANM (Japanese American National Museum) buildings. Both locations will have stage performances going through out the weekend. There will be other locations that will have Nisei Week events like MOCA (next to JANM) for Tanabata festival. So check the schedule for exact time and locations.
2014 Nisei Week Daily Event Schedule
Check out the daily performances you want to see and plan to leave early to avoid traffic and parking issues. The weather tends to be on the
warmer side so bring sunscreen, water, hats and umbrellas to avoid the heat. There's food at the JACCC (Japanese American Community Cultural
Center) Plaza where you can sit down and eat. At MOCA (Tanabata Festival) there will be eating booths along with a beer seating area.
You will be able to see the 100's of amazing streamers. Go For Broke Monument is next to MOCA Museum so don't miss it.
Rather than drive downtown and park, take the MetroRail or MetroLink. The MetroRail Gold Line stops in Little Tokyo and connects with the Metro Red Line and MetroLink trains at Union Station. A number of the MetroRail stations have free parking, and the day pass is only $5 per person (less for seniors).
MetroRail: http://www.metro.net/around/
MetroLink trains: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/
MetroLink Map: http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/metro_metrolink_map.pdf
Nisei Week Events: Food, booths, Stage for live performances and demonstrations
Nisei Week Events: Food, kids games, Japanese arts and crafts booths, Stage for performances (JANM/MOCA)
Tanabata Festival will be held at MOCA. You can see the Tanabata Festival during the day or night, but at night it is a site to see. Kazari are colorful handmade streamers made by local Japanese groups or organizations. They are on display high above the ground in front of the MOCA building.
Things to do & see: Tanabata Festival, beer garden, food booths.
MOCA is right next to JANM Building. Also next to the MOCA building is the Go for Broke Monument. It is located on the north side of MOCA and Japanese American National Museum. This is easily missed so pay attention.
2) Ondo dancing on 1st Street, Los Angeles. You can watch or dance. Bring your chairs or sit on the curb.
3) Tanabata Festival at MOCA
4) Go For Broke Monument next to Tanabata/MOCA Museum
4) Live Taiko and performances at JACCC stage
5) Live performances at JANM stage
6) Japanese art and craft booths for the kids (JANM)
7) Food booths at MOCA and JACCC
8) Relax at the Beer Garden at MOCA
Parade spots: If you come late to the parade, you can find spots along the path to sit. The popular spots you will have to stand, but if you keep walking you will find open spots.
1) Cash: buy dinner, snacks, drinks while waiting
2) Camera, video camera, extra batteries
3) Snacks and/or dinner to pass time
4) Cooler: Drinks: water, juice
5) Book, magazine
6) Kids: electronics
7) Blankets for Parade (it will get cold)
8) Chairs for Parade or sit on curb
9) There are Japanese markets close by
Sumo performance
Martial Arts performances
Taiko performance
Fashion show
Japanese Cultural Exhibits
Odori Dance, Hula dance
Fashion show
Queens reunion
Baby Shows
Author: Japanese-City.com
What to Wear at Nisei Week
This is a summer festival, so please wear your Yukata if you have one. It is so special to see these color Yukatas being worn throughout Little Tokyo.
Suggestions on Transportation & Parking Areas
All around Little Tokyo are parking garages and lots. The prices will vary between lots, Weller Court is a great parking spot.
The key: go early to avoid traffic. You can find cheaper lots further away but safetly could be a concern. It's better to pay more and
park closer due to these suspect areas.
Instead of Driving - Metro Gold Line Runs through Little Tokyo
http://www.metro.net/about/art/locations/little-tokyoarts-district/Rather than drive downtown and park, take the MetroRail or MetroLink. The MetroRail Gold Line stops in Little Tokyo and connects with the Metro Red Line and MetroLink trains at Union Station. A number of the MetroRail stations have free parking, and the day pass is only $5 per person (less for seniors).
MetroRail: http://www.metro.net/around/
MetroLink trains: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/
MetroLink Map: http://www.metro.net/riding_metro/maps/images/metro_metrolink_map.pdf
Little Tokyo Location - Downtown Los Angeles
Little Tokyo is located in downtown Los Angeles.
Nisei Week events are located in three main areas, all within walking distance of each other.
1) JACCC - Japanese American Cultural & Community Center
244 S. San Pedro Street, Suite 505,
Los Angeles, CA 90012, Phone: (213) 628-2725Nisei Week Events: Food, booths, Stage for live performances and demonstrations
2) JANM - Japanese American National Museum
369 East First Street, Los Angeles, California 90012, (213) 625-0414Nisei Week Events: Food, kids games, Japanese arts and crafts booths, Stage for performances (JANM/MOCA)
3) MOCA Building - The Museum of Contemporary Art
250 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90012, (213) 626-6222Tanabata Festival will be held at MOCA. You can see the Tanabata Festival during the day or night, but at night it is a site to see. Kazari are colorful handmade streamers made by local Japanese groups or organizations. They are on display high above the ground in front of the MOCA building.
Things to do & see: Tanabata Festival, beer garden, food booths.
MOCA is right next to JANM Building. Also next to the MOCA building is the Go for Broke Monument. It is located on the north side of MOCA and Japanese American National Museum. This is easily missed so pay attention.
2 & 3) Between JANM Building & MOCA Building
There is a stage with seating for live performances and stage demonstrations like martial arts.2014 Nisei Week Events to See
1) Nisei Week Parade - plan on waiting on curb, bring snacks and/or dinner to pass time. Things to see: Nebuta Float2) Ondo dancing on 1st Street, Los Angeles. You can watch or dance. Bring your chairs or sit on the curb.
3) Tanabata Festival at MOCA
4) Go For Broke Monument next to Tanabata/MOCA Museum
4) Live Taiko and performances at JACCC stage
5) Live performances at JANM stage
6) Japanese art and craft booths for the kids (JANM)
7) Food booths at MOCA and JACCC
8) Relax at the Beer Garden at MOCA
Things to Bring (While Waiting for Parade)
Nisei Weeek Parade Route: starts at Central Avenue traveling west on 2nd Street, right/north up Los Angeles Street, then
right/east on 1st Street and ends at Central Avenue. Parade spots: If you come late to the parade, you can find spots along the path to sit. The popular spots you will have to stand, but if you keep walking you will find open spots.
1) Cash: buy dinner, snacks, drinks while waiting
2) Camera, video camera, extra batteries
3) Snacks and/or dinner to pass time
4) Cooler: Drinks: water, juice
5) Book, magazine
6) Kids: electronics
7) Blankets for Parade (it will get cold)
8) Chairs for Parade or sit on curb
9) There are Japanese markets close by
Additional Nisei Week Festival Events to See
Car ShowSumo performance
Martial Arts performances
Taiko performance
Fashion show
Japanese Cultural Exhibits
Odori Dance, Hula dance
Fashion show
Queens reunion
Baby Shows
2014 Nisei Week Schedule
http://www.niseiweek.org/eventsAuthor: Japanese-City.com
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