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Local Expert: Marael Johnson

Award-winning travel writer Marael Johnson has written for many prominent print and online publishers on areas as diverse as Outback Australia, Europe's Basque region, Louisiana's Cajun country, and remote South Pacific islands. She grew up in Los...

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Latest posts from our Los Angeles expert:

April 30, 2008
Food

A Tour Through Little Tokyo

Little Tokyo, the historic and culture center of L.A.'s Japanese community since the late 1800's, is situated downtown near City Hall. This revitalized area offers some interesting attractions, as well as year-round events. An easy walking tour reveals intriguing tidbits and scintillating surprises--much like a visit to your favorite sushi bar. Begin your discovery at the Japanese American National Museum, which serves to preserve the Japanese-American heritage through art exhibitions, educational lectures, and a resource center. Although it has nothing to do with the rest of the neighborhood except for the location, contemporary-art enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA, a branch of the Museum of Contemporary Art. Pay tribute to the thousands of WWII Japanese-American veterans at the Go For Broke Monument. Do a bit of shopping or take a lunch break at the Japanese Village Plaza before heading into the nearby Koyasan Buddhist Temple. See the sites within the Little Tokyo Historic District, beginning along the north side of First Street. Various sculptures along the walking trail include the "Friendship Knot" by Shinkishi Tajiri and a statue of community leader Sontoko (Kinjiro) Ninomiya by Junichiro Hannyo, and "To the Issei" by renowned artist Isamu Noguchi in the plaza of the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center. Cap off the day with a performance in one of the cultural center's multiple spaces or at a smaller playhouse such as East West Players at the David Henry Hwang Theater. Then grab some sushi or hit a karaoke bar and grab some sushi.

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