Hey Reader!

I’ve been living in the LA area for over eight years now, making it the place I’ve lived the longest in my adult life. I’ll admit, sometimes I do get sick of it (the rumors are true — it is expensive). But other times, I’m reminded of just how cool it is.

ittle Tokyo has become one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore in LA, and it really highlights what exactly can make Los Angeles so special — it’s deeply historic and culturally significant, as one of only THREE official Japantowns in the U.S., and it’s also full of amazing food, and tons of shopping.
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I visited for the first time in probably a year over this past weekend, and I couldn’t wait to immediately make a bunch of updates to my Little Tokyo guide. You’ll find all my up-to-date restaurant and shopping recs, plus other tips for visiting here and where to stay in that guide.

But here are a few quick highlights.

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🗺️ destination spotlight: Little Tokyo, Los Angeles

WHERE TO EAT: Pasta e Pasta for Japanese-Italian fusion (highly recommend their “Mentai Cream Japanese Style” pasta with cod roe and mushrooms); Sushi Gen for fresh sushi that will possibly change your life, Fugetsu-Do Bakery Shop for mochi from a shop that’s been around since 1903 (get the six or eight piece box so you can try different flavors).

WHERE TO SHOP: Bunkado, which has been open since the ‘40s, and has lots of Japanese household and gift items; Space City for vintage clothing and records; Catch for gachapon, a Japanese coin-operated vending machine with toys and other little trinkets.

+ DON’T MISS: The Japanese American is currently closed for renovations, but be sure to bookmark it for when you visit. It shares a ton of really important context about the history of Japanese immigration in the U.S., the founding of Little Tokyo, and the internment camps during World War II. A really well-done museum, and one of my favorites in LA!

TIP: Little Tokyo is actually well-connected by public transportation, if you want to take the Metro. You’ll also find a lot of parking lots and garages in town, but be prepared to spend $10 to $20. I usually try to find free street parking in the Arts District, the next neighborhood over, around a 10-minute walk from Little Tokyo.

💖 Get the full Little Tokyo guide here.​

🌺 this week I’m loving …

​“Weathering With You” ​

I’m no anime expert by any means, but my husband has introduced me to a few movies over the years, and after our visit to Little Tokyo the other day, we decided to stick with the Japanese theme.

This one has an interesting premise, and follows a boy who moves to Tokyo and meets a “sunshine girl” who has the power to stop the rain. I preferred “Your Name” by the same writer and director, Makoto Shinkai. But the art was really beautiful, and it was an entertaining watch.

🎧 Rent it on Amazon Prime here​

Happy travels,

Tess