This Saturday and Sunday, August 16 to 17, is the closing weekend of Nisei Week, Little Tokyo’s annual celebration of Japanese culture and community first organized in 1934. Held primarily at locations around Little Tokyo, this year’s Nisei Week events are easily accessible via Metro Bus or Rail.
Some highlights of the festival’s final days include:
- Nisei Week Japanese Festival/JACCC Plaza Festival: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Japanese American Culture & Community Center. (Be sure to check out the exhibits on bonsai, calligraphy, embroidery and kimekomi dolls going on inside the JACCC.)
- Day-Lee Foods World Gyoza Eating Championship: Saturday, 2 p.m. in LA City Lots 7/2 (behind MOCA/Japanese American National Museum).
- Nisei Week Car Show: Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 100 N. Alameda Street (1st/Alameda).
- Ramen Yokocho Festival: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. in LA City Lots 7/2 (there is a $5 entry fee).
- Ondo (folk music/dance) and Closing Ceremony: Sunday, 4 p.m. along 1st Street in Little Tokyo.
To arrive at Nisei Week via Metro Rail, take the Metro Gold Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District Station, one stop southeast of Union Station. Trains arrive every 7-10 minutes during the weekend. Helpful hint: Load your TAP card with enough cash fare for a round-trip or with a Day Pass when starting your trip to avoid long waits at the TAP Vending Machines on your return.
For bus service to the festival, Metro Bus 30/330 stops at 1st Street/Judge John Aiso Street in Little Tokyo every 10 minutes during peak hours. Please note that DASH A, D, and OCTA Line 701 do not run over the weekend.
Finally, don’t forget–Metro customers enjoy a Destination Discount with the Japanese American National Museum. Show your TAP card and receive $2 off museum admission and 10% off your bill at the Chado Tea Room!
Categories: Go Metro, Metro Lifestyle