The best gardens, temples and attractions in Little Tokyo

Even with no prior interest in the subject, you'll be drawn in to the story of Japanese immigration by the perfectly pitched displays, such as a reassembled interment barrack from the Heart Mountain internment camp in Wyoming, where approximately 10,000 Japanese Americans were held. Aside from the permanent exhibition, the museum stages an engaging roster of temporary documentary and art shows. To cap it all off, there's a lovely gift shop at the end to explore that's full of quirky keepsakes and cultural curios. Continue the conversation with a group tour at the JANM’s adjacent National Center for the Preservation of Democracy, an educational institute aimed at preserving and promoting democracy in the US.

On the top floor of the unassuming Weller Court shopping center hides the Blue Whale, a jazz club known for its intimate performance space and steady calendar of shows. Owner Joon Lee, who performs at the club himself every now and again, books local and international talent and keeps his space focused on the music: The house and bar are lit low to keep the artists center stage, while audience members lounge on short, blue cubes that allow a good view of the show no matter your vantage point. Considering this is one of the best venues in the city for jazz, the $5 to $15 show tickets are incredibly affordable.

The Union Center for the Arts building, which has served the community since the ‘20s, houses three community arts organizations worth visiting: LA Artcore, East West Players and Visual Communications. LA Artcore exhibits contemporary and traditional techniques from various cultures and underrepresented groups with free admission Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5pm. The East West Players stage musicals and plays that include original works written by members of the troupe, reproductions of classics—Sweeney Todd and The Tempest—and Japanese spin-offs of well-known stories such as The Nisei Widows Club: How Tomi Got Her Groove Back. Finally, Visual Communications promotes intercultural understanding through workshops and training sessions dedicated to portraying Asian-Americans honestly and accurately through film and photography.

A typical karaoke experience in Japan involves friends belting out verses in a private karaoke room—how else would the tonally challenged feel comfortable singing their hearts out? Of course, there’s no need to fly to the Land of the Rising when Little Tokyo has quite a few karaoke bars, each one boasting binders thick with songs old and new. If you don’t require a glamorous atmosphere, the Little Tokyo branch of Max Karaoke Studio is a fan favorite. A long, blue hallway links a collection of private karaoke rooms equipped with the necessary gear—and a funky couch or two—for a night of good vocal work. Bring your own food and drinks for a nominal fee, as there’s no kitchen here. For an all-inclusive experience, there’s also Tokyo Beat, a full restaurant and bar with a main stage and two private karaoke rooms available.