Sawtelle Japantown in West Los Angeles is smaller than Downtown’s Little Tokyo but has a unique charm of its own. It’s an area of the city where you can enjoy tantalizing Asian cuisine and do a little shopping. In all the years I’ve lived in L.A., I didn’t realize it was there, but it’s a hidden treasure!
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A Japanese American enclave
Japanese immigrants began moving into the area in 1910. In addition to being close to the ocean, they wanted to service affluent neighborhoods such as Westwood, Bel Air, Brentwood, and Pacific Palisades, which sought landscapers to tend to their exotic Asian-inspired gardens.
At the time, Japanese Americans weren’t allowed to purchase homes under the California Alien Land Law of 1913, which lasted until 1952. Most lived in boarding houses. “Little Osaka” as it was known at the time, was essentially a ghetto during the early days.
An area filled with nurseries
Japanese nurseries have a rich history in Sawtelle Japantown dating back to the early 20th century. At one time, there were as many as 26 of them. They specialized in flowers, exotic plants, and bonsai trees.
During World War II, many nurseries closed when residents were interned in camps. Most of them were sent to Manzanar in Inyo County.
After the war, the number of nurseries dwindled because the original gardeners got old and their children did not choose to succeed them.
A few of the old nurseries survive to this day, like Hashimoto’s and Yamaguchi Bonsai Nursery.
Sawtelle Japantown is a multi-ethnic gathering place
Today, Sawtelle Japantown is small and only encompasses a few blocks off Sawtelle Blvd, starting from Missouri Ave. to Olympic Blvd. There you will find an amazing collection of Asian-themed restaurants and unique stores.
A popular establishment is Giant Robot, which is known for its Asian pop culture items and toys. There are two Giant Robot businesses along Sawtelle. The other one is Giant Robot Gallery.
In recent years, efforts have been made to revitalize Sawtelle Japantown and preserve its Japanese heritage. However, you will also find Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, and Filipino restaurants and businesses.
No matter what your food preference is, you will never go hungry
I was looking for a place to have lunch and heard that Muragame Udon & Tempura was worth checking out. It had a delicious-looking menu, so I ordered the Tonkotsu Noodle Bowl, which was fantastic and affordable.
Patrons order at the counter and can choose additional items cafeteria style. I wish I lived closer by because I would be there every day.
I’m also glad I arrived early because, by the time I finished, the line was long. Now I know why it’s such a popular eatery.
There is a multitude of restaurants packed into the tiny area of Sawtelle Japantown. Whether you’re craving sushi, Soba, Ramen, Teriyaki, or anything in between, it is a bona fide foodie paradise.
There is more than just food
Sawtelle Japantown is also a fabulous place to shop and hang out, whether you are seeking vintage items, want to browse through Japanese manga comics, sit and sip delicious teas, find gorgeous gifts, dress yourself in Japanese fashion, or pick up exotic gardening supplies. Plan to spend at least several hours there, and I guarantee you’ll have a fabulous time.
I bought some quirky birthday cards at Black Market, which also sells gifts and fashion items.
The serene West Los Angeles Buddhist Temple was near where I parked. The only thing that wasn’t serene was that I got a ticket. I recommend that you park at the Westside Shopping Center’s free garage instead.
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Where to stay
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