Sawtelle Japantown: Best Restaurants, Attractions & Shopping in West Los Angeles (Updated: 2023)

2023 Historic Sawtelle Japantown, West Los Angeles Ultimate Tips and Secrets

Seattle Japantown Seattle Historic Bainbridge Island, Seattle Little Tokyo Japantown San Francisco Japantown San Jose Japantown Sawtelle Japantown, West LA

Welcome to Sawtelle Japantown in West Los Angeles

Explore Historic Sawtelle Japantown, California On One Page

The Japanese history can be seen through the four Japantowns found in California. The history of the Japanese in San Francisco begins in 1869 when the first Japanese immigrants arrived in San Francisco Bay. By the late 1890s, first generation Japanese settle in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles and West Los Angeles, near Sawtelle. Even though San Francisco is the largest of these towns, Sawtelle Japantown is considered the smallest with a mix of Japanese business and new modern businesses populating the area.

Sawtelle Japantown is a small Japanese-American community along a one mile stretch on Sawtelle Blvd in West Los Angeles. Sawtelle Boulevard is a north/south street in the Westside region of the city of Los Angeles. The street has important Japanese American cultural and historical significance as the Japanese migrated to this area in the 1890s. Hashimoto Nursery is the oldest and largest retail plant nursery in the historic Sawtelle neighborhood.

Sawtelle Japantown Quick Guide

Summary Guide

•  Japantown City Guides & Areas to Visit
•  Sawtelle Japantown Map
•  Sawtelle History
•  Sawtelle List of Japanese Restaurants
•  Sawtelle List of Sushi Restaurants
•  Sawtelle List Ramen, Udon..
•  Sawtelle Desserts
•  Sawtelle Attractions
•  Sawtelle List Various Japanese Food
•  Sawtelle List Japanese Stores
•  Sawtelle List Japanese Gardens
•  Sawtelle List Japanese Hotels
•  Sawtelle List Japanese Temples
•  Sawtelle List Information & Help
•  Sawtelle Parking
•  Sawtelle FAQ - Tips
•  Sawtelle Festivals & Events
•  Top 20 Los Angeles Attraction & Restaurants
•  List Non Japanese Attraction & Restaurants

   

Where Are the Four Official Japantowns in the United States?

There are four official Japantowns in the United Sates.

 •  Little Tokyo Japantown, Los Angeles, California
 •  San Francisco Japantown, California
 •  San Jose Japantown, California
 •  Sawtelle Japantown, West Los Angeles, California

More Japantowns (Japanese Areas) to Visit in the United States

 •  Seattle, Washington
 •  Seattle Japantown (Not Designated)
 •  Bainbridge Island, Seattle
 •  New York's Best Japanese Restaurants, Attractions and Shopping
 •  Washington DC's Best Japanese Restaurants, Attractions and Shopping
 •  San Diego's Best Japanese Restaurants, Attractions and Shopping

Little Tokyo is Used to Reference Other Japanese Cities

 •  Little Tokyo in New York (United States)
 •  Little Tokyo in Hawaii (United States)
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Where is Sawtelle Japantown, West Los Angeles Located on a Map?

Map of Sawtelle, California, Japantown

Sawtelle, West Los Angeles Map

Directions from Sawtelle Japantown to Little Tokyo Japantown

Little Tokyo Map Best 2023 Nisei Week Tips & EventsAug 2023

How Far is Sawtelle Japantown to Little Tokyo Japantown?

These 2 Japantowns (Sawtelle Japantown & Little Tokyo Japantown) located in Los Angeles.  Sawtelle Japantown is only 15 miles from Little Tokyo.

  1) 15 to 20 minutes if no traffic
  2) 30 to 90+ minutes in traffic

Directions from Sawtelle Blvd Japantown to Little Tokyo Japantown

Car Directions from Sawtelle Japantown to Little Tokyo    

Directions from Sawtelle Blvd Japantown to Santa Monica Pier

Car Directions from Sawtelle Japantown to Santa Monica Pier    

Directions from LAX - Los Angeles Airport to Sawtelle Blvd Japantown

Car Directions from LAX - Los Angeles Airport to Sawtelle Japantown    

Transportation Tips for Sawtelle Blvd Japantown

Sawtelle Japantown is a small town. However, you may want to find the best transport in and out of the town. Taking personal car can be great but quite costly. Hotels charge a lot for parking. Use public transport or get a cab. And if you must drive, hire a vehicle for a day or two.

Where Can You Park in Sawtelle Japantown?

You can park on the street, there is metered parking. Also you can park in residential parking which is still a close walk (Watch street parking signs). There are parking structures you can park at but it will be more costly.

Before You Visit Japantown - Don't Forget To Bring the Following

1.   Metro FastTrak Transponder for Car - Access to Freeway Lanes (Los Angeles, San Francisco)
2.   Phone Holder for your rental car for Google Maps
3.   Phone Charger, bring extra phone cables
4.   Camera, batteries, video camera
5.   Clothing: Jacket & pants (Fall Weather), walking shoes
6.   Cash: some places only accept cash
7.   Coins: street parking meters

What is the Official Name of Sawtelle Japantown? Little Osaka Japantown? West LA Japantown? West Los Angeles Japantown?

The community has been officially named as Sawtelle Japantown. It is simply referred to as Sawtelle or Little Osaka. Sometimes this place (Sawtelle or Little Osaka) is confused with Little Tokyo, which is another historic Japanese community located in downtown Los Angeles in California. It is also different from the largest Japantown in San Francisco.

What Areas Makes Up Sawtelle Japantown?

The northern end of the Sawtelle Boulevard Street hosts the Dowden Drive in the Veterans administration complex. And on the south, lies the Overland Avenue, a few blocks to the east of Sepulveda Boulevard. The Sawtelle community views this street as a major thoroughfare.

Sawtelle is nearer to UCLA, Santa Monica, and Culver City. There are so many businesses found in this place that include major Japanese supermarket, Japanese fast food (curry and ramen) and upscale Sushi Bars. You will not fail to also notice holistic and medical office, hair salons, and neighborhoods with Japanese grocery stores.

The south portion of the Sawtelle Boulevard is solely occupied by the Japanese American population. There exhibits great home gardens and landscapes representing the true Japanese tradition.

When you leave the Olympic Boulevard, the Sawtelle Boulevard spits into four a four-lane boulevard. Here are parallel to the San Diego freeway and the Sepulveda Boulevard.

The Boulevard runs all the way to the Culver city but not before crossing the Sepulveda Boulevard. The origin of the Sawtelle Boulevard all the way to where it ends is very important to the Japanese American community. It is not only a landmark to the Japantown but also a historical street.

History of Japantown Sawtelle

The first Japanese to start occupying West Los Angeles came as a result of discrimination covenants against people of the Japanese Origin during the late 1890s. Like the left, they were forced to settle near Sawtelle, and area that then allowed them to buy real estate and other investments. Other areas in California were discriminative of the people of Japanese descent. As time went by, many Japanese Americans started owning businesses in this area. They formed cultural and religious organizations same as those in Little Tokyo and San Francisco, enabling them to thrive fast.

Informally, the area is known as Little Osaka for many years. Later, the Japanese Americans lobbied to name this section of West LA, as Sawtelle Japantown. This is the name it has been known forever since as it is meant to reflect the culture of the Japanese immigrant community.

Since 2012, Sawtelle has been thriving as a Japantown with more and more businesses coming up. It happened so until February 25th, 2015 when the Los Angeles City council unanimously approved the boundary. This boundary consists of Santa Monica Boulevard to the north and Pico Boulevard to the south. And to the west is the Cantilena Avenue while the 405 freeway borders the east. The whole local leader and community wholeheartedly supported the creation of the Sawtelle Japantown. Otherwise, they feared the area would lose its Japanese-identity.

When Did the Japanese Start Coming to Sawtelle Japantown?

The Meiji Restoration of 1868 saw the first wave of Japanese into America. It came with agricultural decline and different reforms in the society. This attracted many Japanese to leave their home, coming to fill the shortage of the laborers. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 put a moratorium on the labor that was initially offered by the Chinese, giving enough room for the Japanese.

As the immigrated into the country, many who relocated to California found themselves in the areas surrounding Sawtelle. It was impossible for them to buy land properties in other areas new UCLA, Bel Air, Brentwood, and other neighboring areas because of ethnic prejudice.

Ethnic enclaves were formed near industrial areas. These helped the new Japanese immigrants to become farmers, working in celery and bean fields.

In 1913, the Californian Alien Land Law was formed, which prohibited immigrants from getting citizenship. The Japanese Americans were unable to buy land. But they started buying land under their American-born children.

In 1941, during the period of World War II, the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor. This made President Franklin Roosevelt to pass the Executive Order 9066, forcing all Japanese into internment camps. However, more than 110,000 people were incarcerated of the crime because there was no evidence. These were mostly second-generation Japanese.

Many other Japanese immigrants then moved into other areas of the US after the war. In Sawtelle, a small community came to establish their homes, since the Japanese were allowed to buy land here. Many returned to live in their homes even after the war was over.

Future Changes for Sawtelle Japantown?

The same story as it happened with San Diego and Sacramento is repeated here. There are now big developments coming up in Japantown Sawtelle. In the past, you could not have failed to witness long-standing Japanese American businesses like the Yamaguchi Store and Safe Save market. But they are all gone and other developments have taken over.

There are many other businesses coming up that have no ties to the Japanese American heritage. They have nothing to do with the Japanese culture, yet they are moving into the area.

There is no doubt that the preservation of the Japanese culture in the US depend on Japantowns like Sawtelle. This is because many of the new generation Japanese are moving into the mainstream America. They are born into the country, and they assimilate to become Americans.

So, what will become of Sawtelle? Will it become just like any other American town? That would really be a sad moment for the Japanese Americans. They would hate to see their culture and heritage thrown away and forgotten. It is not good for the community to become homogenous and lose its identity. This is why the 2015 boundary amendment that was approved by the city council marked a very important period for the town. Chances of losing the identity of the town have been greatly reduced.

Sawtelle Japantown - Where Did All the Japanese Go?

As a new generation of Japanese is born, they seem to want to assimilate themselves to become Americans. Business opportunities are opening in and out of the town for different people. Therefore as other communities move in, the Japanese born here move out in search of greener pastures.

What is Sawtelle Travel Tips?

When coming to Sawtelle, consider the following tips. These will help you find your way better around the time and enjoy your vacation.

 • Check the Weather - The weather here is warm during summer, and can get cold during winter. on.

 • Identify the right accommodation - There are so many hotels in Los Angeles, but you don't need one visiting Sawtelle Japantown. Make a list of the main areas of your stay and take an Uber to Sawtelle Blvd.

 • Don't forget to eat great food - on Sawtelle Blvd, you can enjoy so many great Japanese foods: Tempura, Ramen, Udon, Sushi.. Browse the Japanese food lists below.

Where Are the Best Places to Shop and Eat on Sawtelle Japantown, West Los Angeles?

Are you planning on visiting Sawtelle Japantown in West Los Angeles? We have the ultimate tips and secrets to save you time in what to eat and where to go. We have selected the top Sawtelle Japantown tips to help you enjoy your time to the fullest.

Sawtelle Japantown isn't as large as Little Tokyo's Japantown. There is one main street called Sawtelle Blvd., from Santa Monica Blvd To Olympic Blvd which has all the Japanese businesses and long history.

Sawtelle Japantown Tips with History

 •  West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple - Formed almost 90 years ago (Authentic)

Sawtelle Blvd. - Things to Eat and See

 •  Giant Robot - Japanese anime and pop culture shop (Authentic)
 •  Giant Robot 2 Gallery - Art Gallery Museum (Authentic)
 •  Sushi Tsujita - Japanese Sushi (Authentic)
 •  Tsujita Annex - Ramen (Authentic)
 •  Tatsu Ramen - Ramen (Authentic)
 •  Furaibo - Japanese Izakaya (Authentic)
 •  Kiriko Sushi - Japanese (Authentic)
 •  Hide Sushi - Japanese Food & Sushi (Authentic)
 •  Daikokuya - Japanese Ramen (Authentic)
 •  Kimukatsu - Japanese Tonkatsu (Authentic)
 •  Sushi Stop - Japanese Sushi (Authentic)
 •  Black Market - Store
 •  ROC Kitchen - Taiwanese Cuisine
 •  Menya Tigre - Japanese Curry

 •  Hashimoto Nursery (Since 1928) - Japanese Nursery (Authentic)
 •  Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery (Since 1929) - Japanese Nursery (Authentic)

Sawtelle Place

 •  Curry House - Japanese Curry (Authentic)
 •  Max Karaoke Studio - Rent private room for yourself or friends.
 •  Nijiya Market, West LA - Japanese Market (Authentic)
 •  Beard Papa - Japanese Pastry (Add) (Authentic)
 •  Daiso Japan - Japanese Dollar Store (Add) (Authentic)

Not Japanese But Worth Checking Out

 •  Brian's Shave Ice

Top Places to Visit in Sawtelle Japantown

The following are places you should not miss on your list-Coffee Tomo. This is the perfect place to start your morning with house-roasted coffee and great snacks. The fresh an ambiance in this place is a real invite for all.

 • Alias books. Looking for a place to learn the history of Japantown Sawtelle? This is the best area in town.

 • BlackMarketLA. If you need the best gift for your friend, come to this place, and you will get it all. It is located across the street from Sushi Tsujita. Get your Sushi and get there.

 • Max Karaoke Studio. Love to sing? Get to Max Karaoke Studio, to the south of Sawtelle Japan town and sing to and extensive selection. You will get all the best songs from here.

Top Things To Do in Sawtelle Japantown?

The first thing you want to do in Sawtelle enjoys the traditional Japanese cuisine. There are several restaurants serving the best foods in the town. Start at the Sushi Tsujita who are famous for their latest Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle. It offers the perfect environment for enjoying Sushi as you sit at the table or a bar.

In the evening, get to Blockheads Shavery Co for a Taiwanese snow cream commonly known as shaved cream. You get to pick your own flavors and make sweet ice cream from there.

What is the Most Popular Japanese Event in Sawtelle, West LA?

July

West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon & Bon Odori Dance Festival / WEST LA OBON - Obon or 'Festival of the Dead' is celebrated in Japanese-American communities all over the country in the middle of July or August. In America, obon has become a key event for both the Buddhist temples and the local community, as well as a celebration of the rich Japanese-American cultural heritage. Obon features bon odori folk dancing, live music and taiko, games, and lots of food. Location West Los Angeles.

 •  West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Annual Summer Obon Festival - WLA (2 Days) Live Taiko, Japanese Food, Children Games..
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Top 20 Things To Do & See Around Downtown Los Angeles

Things that are not Japanese Related

Visit the Hollywood Sign

See a show at the Hollywood Bowl

Visit Griffith Observatory

See Hollywood Walk of Fame - Public Sidewalk

Visit the TCL Chinese Theatre and see movie star handprints (Grauman's Chinese Theatre)

Drive down Famous Sunset Blvd.

Visit Universal City Walk & Universal Studios

Have a picnic in Barnsdall Art Park

Hike Runyon Canyon

Visit the Grammy Museum

Tour Warner Bros. Studios

Walk along El Pueblo at Olvera Street, Los Angeles

Visit Chinatown

Explore the Walt Disney Concert Hall

Eat at Grand Central Market

Explore Fashion District in Los Angeles

Vist Los Angeles Arts District in Downtown

Take a train ride out of Union Station, Los Angeles

Catch the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Dodgers, Kings

Visit California Science/iMax Center/Space Shuttle

Eat at the Orginal Pantry Cafe (1924)

Visit Griffith Park: Los Angeles Zoo, Horse Rides, Merry Go Round, Train Parkm Hiking..

Ride Horses at Sunset Ranch

Visit Petersen Automotive Museum

Top Attractions Outside of Downtown Los Angeles

Disneyland and California Adventure

Visit Santa Monica Pier and ride the Ferris wheel

Visit Santa Monica Place & 3rd Street

Visit The Getty Center

Go for a walk or bike ride along the Venice Beach Boardwalk

Ride a bike along Redondo Beach, Manhattan Beach to Venice Beach

Take a boat ride to Catalina Island

Explore Venice Canals

Visit The Queen Mary

Catch the Los Angeles Rams

See a Comedy Show at a club

Shop on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills

Visit the Grove in Los Angeles

Eat at Lawry’s The Prime Rib on La Cienega Blvd.

Eat at Pinks Hot Dogs (1939)

Walk on Melrose Blvd (Shops and Dining)

Visit a Theme Park: Knotts Berry Farm, Ragin Waters, Six Flags

Eat at the Redondo Pier, Santa Monica Pier, Manhattan Pier, Hermosa Pier

Catch the Los Angeles Angeles, Ducks

Visit La Brea Tar Pits

What Other Japantowns Can You Visit and Learn About Japanese Culture

Sawtelle Japantown is the smallest and newest Japanese American community in California. There are three other offical Japantowns, San Francisco, Little Tokyo and San Jose. Go visit these Japantowns and learn about the Japanese Immgrants and their struggles and success in America.

Sawtelle Japantown, West LA Little Tokyo Japantown San Francisco Japantown San Jose Japantown Seattle Seattle Historic Japantown Seattle Bainbridge Island

Sawtelle Japantown Authentic Japanese Restaurants, Attractions and Shopping in West Los Angeles

Plus Authentic Japanese Cuisines Outside of Sawtelle Blvd.

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Sushi Restaurants in Los Angeles

Best Sushi Bar and Freshest Sushi in West Los Angeles: Tuna, Spicy Tuna, Shrimp, Salmon, Sashimi..

• 
  Hayama Restaurant (Est. 1990)

  Chef Shiro Kashiba is the owner and executive chef of Hayama Restaurant. He is a renowned sushi chef with over 50 years of experience, having trained in Tokyo and Seattle. Kashiba was one of the fi...
  

• 
  Hide Sushi

  Japanese food, sushi.

  
  
• 
  Kiriko Sushi

  Sushi

  
  
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  Sushi Stop (6 Locations)

  At SushiStop, everything is served on small plates at a fixed price of $3.25. No, that’s not a typo: every dish is $3.25. We do this to encourage our customers to be adventurous with our diverse ...
  

• 
  Tsujita Sushi

  Sushi restaurant with Omakase - chef's choice.
  
  
  

  
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Ramen, Udon, Shabu Shabu Restaurants

1) Ramen is a Japanese noodle soup dish popular throughout the world.
2) Udon (うどん or 饂飩) is a thick noodle made from wheat flour.
3) Shabu-shabu is a Japanese hotpot dish of thinly sliced meat, vegetables boiled in water.

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  Daikokuya, Sawtelle

  Ranked one of the best ramen in los Angeles. Other location in Little Tokyo, Monterey Park.
  
  Some tips for the best bowl of Ramen (perfect broth, noodles):
  - Get on yelp waiting list...
  

• 
  Kaz the Soba Place (Cold Japanese Hand-Made Noodles)

  Kaz's buckwheat is made from organic buckwheat flour produced by contract farmers in Linneus, Maine.
  
  Linneus is located at 47 degrees north latitude, which is in the middle of the wilder...
  

• 
  Killer Noodle Tsujita, Sawtelle Japantown

  From Tokyo from Beyond.  In the beginning, Mr. Takehiro Tsujita started Seito Masamune Tantanmen Tsujita in Tokyo in 2016. With the success of Tsujita LA Artisan Noodle, Mr. Take...
  

• 
  Marugame Udon, Sawtelle Japantown

  Marugame Udon provides hand crafted udon bowls, tempura, and beverages from a theater kitchen, allowing guests to watch as their food is prepared. Our udon noodles are made to order to ensure that ...
  

• 
  Tatsu Ramen, Sawtelle

  Tatsu is the brainchild of .ange. And Tommy Nadeau who fell in love with Tokyo and its lively ramen scene. Tatsu's iconic taste started with recipes that .ange. Created in her home kitchen and was ...
  

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  Tsujita Annex (Ramen)

  Ramen noodle shop.

  
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Authentic Japanese Desserts

Where You Can Get Tasty Desserts

• 
  Beard Papa's (Best Cream Puffs)

  World's best cream puffs. In 1999, a small bakery opened in the small town of Osaka, Japan. People in the town couldn’t resist the aroma of the bakery, or the kind face of the owner, Yuji Hirota....
  

• 
  Blockheads Shavery (Permanatly Closed)

  Desert Place.  Taiwanese shave ice spot.  Not Japanese.

  Blockheads Shavery presents a unique treat we’re proud to call Snow Cream (or shaved ice cream, as we like to describe it!). We use...
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Japanese Restaurants (Various Food Dishes)

More Delicious Japanese Food Choices: Izakaya, Tempura, Teriyaki, Sashimi, Vegetables, Miso Soup, Rice..

• 
  Furaibo

  FuRaiBo, Over 50 yrs in Business, More Than 100 Locations in Japan.
  Nagoya Japan the home of FuRaiBo is known for it's Teba-Saki Chicken Wings that were first developed and created by FuRaibo...
  

• 
  Gottsui Restaurant (Okonomiyaki)

  Okonomiyaki

  
  
• 
  Hayama Restaurant (Est. 1990)

  Chef Shiro Kashiba is the owner and executive chef of Hayama Restaurant. He is a renowned sushi chef with over 50 years of experience, having trained in Tokyo and Seattle. Kashiba was one of the fi...
  

• 
  Kimukatsu (Deep-Fried Pork Cutlets)

  Japan-based chain named for its signature deep-fried pork cutlets.
  
  Kimukatsu is not just another Japanese restaurant. Kimukatsu is an international hot-spot, with almost two dozen locati...
  

• 
  Menya Tigre

  Authentic ramen restaurant located in the heart of Sawtelle, serving Japanese style curry dishes but specializing in Curry Noodles made from 100% chicken broth.

  ...
  
• 
  Plan Check

  Haumburgers place.  Not Japanese. 
  
  
  

  
  
• 
  ROC Kitchen - Taiwanese Cuisine

  Taiwanese cuisine.

  
  
• 
  Sonoritas Prime Tacos, Sawtelle Japantown

  We believe food should be prepared with nothing less than the best.
  
  That's why our salsas and dishes are all made from scratch. Made with only seasonal, local and preferably organic ingr...
  

• 
  Tempura House, Sawtelle (Est. 1949)

  Tempura House is a restaurant that specializes in tempura dishes. Tempura is a Japanese dish that consists of battered and deep-fried seafood, vegetables, and other ingredients. Tempura House...
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Japanese Attractions

Walk Little Tokyo Historic Past

• 
  Dr. Jack Fujimoto Square, (Mississippi Ave & Sawtelle Blvd) - Japantown

  Dr. Jack Fujimoto Square is Dedicated in Sawtelle, Japantown
  Oct 23, 2023.  The dedication of Dr. Jack Fujimoto Square is a fitting tribute to an incredible man who made imme...
  

• 
  Giant Robot 2 Gallery

  Giant Robot 2 is an art gallery located in Sawtelle Japantown in Los Angeles, California. It is run by Giant Robot magazine, which is a bi-monthly publication that focuses on Asian and Asian-Americ...
  

  Events (1)
• 
  Max Karaoke Studio

  This karaoke studio features an extensive selection of songs, from which you can choose to sing and record. You get to rent a private room for just yourself and your friends, so you can sing to you...
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Japanese Shopping

Sawtelle Japantown Has Cute Stores!

• 
  Black Market

  Women's and men's clothing and shoes, accessories like scarfs, jewelry, candles.. that have creative merchandise. 

  
  
• 
  Daiso Japan Sawtelle

  Japanese variety-store chain with housewares, toys, stationery, decorations, bento supplies & gifts.
  
  History of Daiso Japan
  With 2,800 stores in Japan and over ...
  

• 
  Giant Robot Store

  The other Giant Robot store on Sawtelle Japantown that sells merchandise is called Giant Robot Store. It is located at 2015 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025. The store is open from 11am to 7pm,...
  

• 
  Kinokuniya - Santa Monica

  Kinokuniya USA offers a wide variety of books, magazines, and stationery from Japan.
  We are proud to bring you our extensive collection of Manga, graphic novels, art and design books, cookbook...
  

• 
  Nijiya Market, West LA

  Japanese market.

  
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Authentic Japanese Gardens

Visit the Oldest & Largest Retail Plant Nursey in West Los Angeles.

• 
  Hashimoto Nursery (Since 1928)

  The first of the Hashimoto brothers settles in the Sawtelle area around 1928, which was then a burgeoning Japanese community. Realizing an opportunity, he summons 3 of his brothers to join him and ...
  

• 
  Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery (Since 1929)

  Japanese nusery.

  
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Best Hotels & Stays

Closest Places Inside Sawtelle Japantown

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Japanese Buddhist Temples

• 
  West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple

  Welcome! Our temple is situated in the very busy West Los Angeles Sawtelle area of Southern Califonia that brings together many unique international cultures and traditions from the past and presen...
  

  Events (7)

2023 Los Angeles Things To Do & See (Not Japanese)

While in Los Angeles Don't Miss These Places

• 
  Amtrak - Union Station, Los Angeles (1939)

  Built in 1939, Los Angeles Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States and is widely regarded as “the last of the great train stations.” The station’...
  

• 
  Anaheim Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney

  3 Magical places to visit: Anaheim Disneyland, California Adventure, Downtown Disney.

  
  
• 
  California Science Center & iMax Theater (Movies)

  Our permanent galleries, including Space Shuttle Endeavour are FREE and do not require a reservation. Timed tickets are required for the IMAX Theater. Please purchase your tickets online before arr...
  

• 
  Chinese 6 Theatres at Hollywood & Highland Center

  The TCL Chinese Theatre is the most iconic movie palace in the world. With over 50 events a year, including movie premieres, imprint ceremonies, and film festivals, the theatre continues to make Ho...
  

• 
  Crypto Arena

  Crypto.com Arena has undoubtedly developed an unrivaled reputation for excellence having established itself as the Sports and Entertainment Center of the World. Beginning twenty-two years ago with ...
  

• 
  Grand Central Market (Since 1917)

  Grand Central Market is a bustling downtown Los Angeles marketplace filled with fresh, local produce, international flavors and more.
  
  Spanning an entire city block along Broadway betwee...
  

• 
  Griffith Park - Merry Go Round

  Located in Park Center between the Los Angeles Zoo and the Los Feliz park entrance, the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round has been a Los Angleles family attraction for over five generations. Built in 19...
  

• 
  Griffith Park - Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

  The Griffith Park Pony Ride has been making children’s dreams to ride a pony a reality since 1948. This is an experience to allow a young child the opportunity to ride a pony in a safe and contro...
  

• 
  Griffith Park - Travel Town Museum

  In the late 1940s, Charley Atkins, a Recreation and Parks employee, along with a handful of rail enthusiast friends, had the idea that a steam locomotive would make an attractive addition at the Gr...
  

• 
  Griffith Park Observatory

  General Information
  Griffith Observatory is an icon of Los Angeles, a national leader in public astronomy, a beloved civic gathering place, and one of southern California's mo...
  

• 
  Hermosa Beach Pier

  Hermosa Beach has almost 2 miles of ocean frontage with 94 acres of public beach and is one of the most popular beaches in Los Angeles County due to the excellent surf, good swimming areas, and the...
  

• 
  Hermosa Comedy Club

  Hermosa Comedy Club, hermosa Beach's premier comedy showcase, has been a destination for some of the funniest comedians around since its founding in 2010. From up-and-coming comics to seasoned vete...
  

• 
  Hollywood Bowl

  Since its opening in 1922, the Hollywood Bowl has been the premier destination for live music in Southern California, hosting everyone from Billie Holiday to The Beatles to Yo-Yo Ma under the iconi...
  

• 
  Laugh Factory - Hollywood

  The club's owner, Jamie Masada, built the Laugh Factory from the ground up. He came to the United States at the age of 14 armed with a little money and a dream of becoming a famous comic. Working o...
  

• 
  Lawry's the Prime Rib, Beverly Hills

  Located in beautiful Beverly Hills, Lawry’s is a steakhouse of grand style, classic elegance, luxurious comfort and home of the world famous Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. The unique menu features our ...
  

• 
  Los Angeles Arts District in Downtown

  The Arts District is a neighborhood on the eastern edge of Downtown Los Angeles, California in the United States. The city community planning boundaries are Alameda Street on the west which blends ...
  

• 
  Los Angeles Zoo, Griffith Park

  Through the passion of our team, the Los Angeles Zoo is leading the way in saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by providing exemplary animal care, delivering distinctive a...
  

• 
  Manhattan Beach, The Strand

  The Manhattan Beach Pier is a pier located in Manhattan Beach, California, on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. The pier is 928 feet (283 m) long and located at the end of Manhattan Beach Boulevard. ...
  

• 
  Petersen Automotive Museum

  On June 11, 1994, Robert E. Petersen and his wife, Margie, fulfilled a longtime dream when they became founding benefactors to start the Petersen Automotive Museum, donating $5 million to the Los A...
  

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  Redondo Beach Pier (1888)

  Originally built in 1888 to handle the enormous lumber trade from the Pacific Northwest, Redondo’s Wharf 1 was the first of Redondo’s era of piers, wharfs, and harbors. The current seventh gene...
  

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  Santa Monica Pier

  Jutting out into the Pacific Ocean at the intersection of Ocean and Colorado, it symbolizes the heart of Santa Monica and is one of the most photographed locations in the world. Discover more than ...
  

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  Santa Monica Third Street Promenade

  Downtown Santa Monica is equal parts shopping haven and street-performer stage. Just east of the Pier, the 3rd Street Promenade consists of three open-air, car-free blocks that are anchored by upsc...
  

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  Sunset Ranch Hollywood Stables

  One or two hour rides provide an amazing view of the Hollywood area and surrounding communities. These rides are available seven days a week, anytime between 9am and 3:30pm. All rid...
  

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  The Geffen Contemporary Art Museum (MOCA) - Little Tokyo

  A former police car warehouse in Little Tokyo renovated by the noted California architect Frank O. Gehry, The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA (formerly The Temporary Contemporary) opened in 1983. This ...
  

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  The Getty Center, Los Angeles

  The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting and interpreting works of art of outstanding qua...
  

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  The Original Pantry Cafe (1924)

  The Original Pantry Café was opened in 1924 and is owned by former Los Angeles Mayor, Richard Riordan.
  This LA diner has dished up classic American fare since opening. Literally, straight thr...
  

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  Tommy's Original Hamburger (1946)

  Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers™.  A Tradition Since 1946.
  
  Started in 1946. Tommy’s was founded in 1946 by Tom Koulax. The son of Greek immigrants, Tom...
  

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  Universal Studios Hollywood

  Universal Studios Hollywood is a film studio and theme park in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles County, California. About 70% of the studio lies within the unincorporated county island k...
  

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  Universal Studios Hollywood City Walk

  Whether you want to sample traditional Mexican favorites like fajitas, tacos, and enchiladas at Antojitos Cocina Mexicana, indulge in one-of-a-kind sweet snacks or just want to pick up some of the ...
  

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  Venice Beach Boardwalk

  There's no place quite like the Venice Beach Boardwalk. From the iconic muscle beach to the eclectic mix of shops and performers, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights:
  

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  Walt Disney Concert Hall

  Walk Disney Concert Hall is an iconic landmark in Los Angeles, and a visit to the building is certainly worth it. Once inside, visitors can explore the grand lobby and its spectacular architecture,...
  

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  World Famous Venice Canals

  Venice Canals Location Map

  
  

2023 Sawtelle Japantown Help and Support

Questions About Sawtelle Japantown?

Sawtelle Japantown Popular Japanese Festival Events in West Los Angeles

May Include Other West Los Angeles Events

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  1) Yokai Show 2023 - Presented by GR 2 (An Art Exhibition of Folklore & Fables) (Sunday,04 June,2023)
  Yokai Show - An Art Exhibition of Folklore & Fables.  Yokai is a term from Japanese folklore that... [Event Details]
   
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  2) 2023 Bon Odori Practice - Venice Japanese Community Center - VJCC (Thu/Sat) (Thursday,08 June,2023)
  Ondo Dance practice for Venice Japanese Community Center (VJCC) Natsu Matsuri Festival. Bon odori dance... [Event Details]
   
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  3) 2023 Annual Venice Japanese Community Center Natsu Matsuri Summer Festival (Ondo Dancing, Japanese Food, Taiko, Games, Martial Arts..) VJCC (Sat Only) (Saturday,24 June,2023)
  2023 VJCC Annual Summer Natsu Matsuri Festival.  Celebrate * Socialize * Dance.Food, games, martial arts,... [Event Details]
   
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  4) 2023 Bon Odori Dance Practice - WLA - West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple (WLA) (Tuesday,27 June,2023)
  Ondo Dance practice for West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon Festival. Bon Odori dance practice begins... [Event Details]
   
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  5) 2023 Venice Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Annual Obon Festival (Bon Odori Dancing, Japanese Food, Dango, Games, Auction, Special Udon..) VHBT (2 Days) (Saturday,15 July,2023)
  Venice Hongwanji Obon Festival Event (VHBT) - Obon or 'Festival of the Dead' is celebrated in... [Event Details]
   
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  6) 2023 West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Annual Summer Obon Festival (Bon Odori, Live Taiko, Japanese Food, Games..) (Different Times) WLA (2 Days) (Saturday,22 July,2023)
  West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple Obon & Bon Odori Dance Festival Event Obon or 'Festival of the Dead' is... [Event Details]