The Best Japanese Festivals & Events On the Web

New Years Oshogatsu Festivals in the United States
3
                                
×
2025: 4th Annual Humboldt Obon Festival: A Traditional Japanese Festival To Honor Those Who Came Before Us (Food, Music, Dancing, Crafts..)
2025 Florin Obon Festival (Live Taiko, Food, Entertainment & Bon Odori Dancing) Buddhist Church of Florin (Sat)
2025 Ekoji Summer Obon Festival Event (Bon Odori Dancing, Food, Live Taiko, Vendors, Games..) Ekoji Buddhist (Saturday)
2025 Berkeley Buddhist Temple Bon Odori (Bon Odori Dance, Hot Dogs..) Berkeley Buddhist Temple (Saturday)
2025 San Luis Obispo Obon Festival (Bon Odori Dancing, Live Taiko, Beef & Chicken Teriyaki, Sushi, Sweet Shop..) Saturday (SLO)
2025 Vacationland Carnival & Bazaar by Buddhist Temple of Alameda (Japanese Food, Bingo, Games, Raffle, Games..)
2025 Alameda Annual Summer Obon Festival (Taiko, Bon Odori Dancing, Food, etc.) Buddhist Temple of Alameda (Saturday)
2025 Happy Father's Day: Top Tips to Surprise Dad on Father's Day and Tips to Be an Inspiring Dad
2025 Salinas Obon Festival (Bon Dance, Japanese Food, Games, Taiko, Tea Ceremony, Martial Arts..) Buddhist Temple of Salinas (Sunday)
2025 San Jose Bon Odori Dance Practice - Buddhist Church Betsuin (Free Fun Event)
2025 San Jose Buddhist Obon Bazaar Festival (Live Taiko, Authentic Japanese Food, Entertainment & Bon Odori Dancing) (2 Days) San Jose Buddhist Church
2025 Stockton Obon Odori & Festival: A Taste of Obon at Buddhist Church of Stockton Obon (Food & Entertainment, Obon Odori Dancing, Raffle..) Saturday
2025 Watsonville Summer Obon Festival Event (Japanese Food, Farmers Market, Japanese Performances, Taiko, Koto..) Sunday

Kouraku, Los Angeles - Little Tokyo (Distinction of Being America’s Oldest Ramen Restaurant)

Kouraku, Los Angeles - Little Tokyo (Distinction of Being America’s Oldest Ramen Restaurant) | Japanese-City.com
Venue

Event Location

314 E 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012
 
Map of Kouraku, Los Angeles - Little Tokyo (Distinction of Being America’s Oldest Ramen Restaurant), 314 E 2nd Street, Los Angeles

Kouraku, established in 1976, is a cornerstone of Little Tokyo and holds the distinction of being America’s oldest ramen restaurant still in operation. For nearly five decades, it has remained a beloved late-night spot, serving comforting Japanese cuisine, including handmade gyoza, rich ramen, and flavorful mapo tofu. Under the leadership of the late Yamauchi family and now third-generation owner Mamoru Tokuda, Kouraku has preserved its culinary traditions while adapting to modern tastes, ensuring its legacy continues for future generations.

To commemorate its historical significance, Kouraku will unveil a monumental marker on January 30, 2025, recognizing its impact on the Japanese American community and its resilience in the face of economic and cultural shifts. The event, organized in collaboration with the Little Tokyo Service Center and its Small Biz Hype Squad, highlights the importance of supporting legacy businesses and preserving the neighborhood’s rich history. The ceremony will feature community leaders, city officials, and special guests, further cementing Kouraku’s role as a cultural landmark.

Beyond its reputation for delicious food, Kouraku represents the enduring spirit of Little Tokyo’s small businesses, which have thrived despite challenges over the decades. The monumental marker serves as a tribute not only to the restaurant’s longevity but also to the broader efforts of organizations like the Little Tokyo Historical Society and the Little Tokyo Community Council in maintaining the area’s unique cultural identity.

By honoring Kouraku’s legacy, the ceremony underscores the essential role of community-driven efforts in preserving historic businesses. As visitors continue to enjoy a bowl of ramen within its time-honored walls, Kouraku remains a symbol of resilience, tradition, and the deep-rooted connections that define Little Tokyo.

   

Contact

Phone: (213) 687-4972

Location Website


Click to Visit

  (For Event Information See Event Website Page)
Japanese Events At This Location

   There Are No Current Japanese Events


     Click to Submit Japanese Events.


Authentic Japanese Gardens (United States)


Best Japanese Gardens

Japanese Rock 'Zen' Gardens (United States)


Best Japanese Rock 'Zen' Gardens

Japanese Teahouses (United States)


Best Japanese Teahouses

Japanese Museum Art


Japanese Museums   Map of Japanese Museums




Social Media & Email Share