By Eric Harris
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| Things To Do In LA previews Delicious Little Tokyo 2025. Iced jasmine white grape tea from Yoboesyo! Superette (Green Eats & Treats Tour). Photos by Eric Harris / TTDILA. |
Mark your calendars for April 19, 2025, as Little Tokyo in Los Angeles transforms into a culinary wonderland for the 10th annual Delicious Little Tokyo food festival. Presented by the Little Tokyo Community Council, this beloved festival promises a day filled with delectable delights, cultural immersion, and community spirit. The Things To Do In LA team enjoyed an exclusive preview of the festivities and had the first-hand opportunity to explore and savor the offerings. Our verdict: Little Tokyo remains undeniably delicious!
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| Shirataki noodle tofu salad – Far Bar (Green Eats & Treats Tour) |
This year’s event offers three unique walking tours that highlight the neighborhood’s rich culinary history and four interactive workshops designed to showcase Japanese creativity in a hands-on way. The walking tours include "Matcha Mania," which indulges visitors in a variety of matcha-infused treats; "Green Eats & Treats," a collection of vegan delights for plant-based food lovers; and the "Food History Tour of Little Tokyo," led by the Little Tokyo Historical Society, which combines storytelling with tastings of the neighborhood’s most iconic dishes.
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| Vegan age gyoza – Kaminari Gyoza (Green Eats & Treats Tour) |
Beyond the walking tours, the workshops dive deeper into the artistry of Japanese cuisine and culture. Attendees can learn the fundamentals of mixology with the "Cocktails 101 Workshop" by Wolf & Crane, explore the rich history and applications of soy sauce with "Shoyu Workshop" by HAKKO, learn the eco-friendly art of furoshiki wrapping with Nellita’s Craft & Rafu Bussan, and craft adorable Miffy & Piggy emoji-inspired treats with "Emoji Workshop" by Okayama Kobo & Nellita’s Craft.
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| Kouraku Restaurant – America’s oldest operating ramen shop (Food History Tour) |
Little Tokyo isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a culinary pioneer that has profoundly shaped American food culture. This historic district is celebrated for its many innovations, including the origins of the fortune cookie, the California roll, breaded frozen fish sticks, mass-produced tofu, and mochi ice cream. It also boasts the United States’ first sushi bar and shabu shabu restaurant, as well as the country’s longest-operating ramen shop. With each festival, Delicious Little Tokyo pays tribute to these groundbreaking contributions while inspiring new generations of food lovers.
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| Mini matcha crème brûlée – Azay (Matcha Mania Tour) |
Adding to the festive ambiance, Delicious Little Tokyo 2025 coincides with Sustainable Little Tokyo’s Earth Day celebrations. From 12 to 4 p.m., the Japanese American National Museum Pavilion will host free live entertainment that honors the environment and community, blending cultural performances with a vibrant atmosphere. The festivities don’t stop there—whether you’re indulging in a matcha treat, learning the art of cocktail-making, or enjoying live music, every moment serves as a reflection of Little Tokyo’s enduring commitment to heritage, innovation, and community.
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| Matcha soft serve – Midori Matcha (Matcha Mania Tour) |
Delicious Little Tokyo is more than just a food festival—it’s an experience that connects visitors with the flavors and stories that have shaped American culinary history. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time visitor, this celebration offers a chance to savor, learn, and support the small businesses that make this historic neighborhood thrive.
Plan Your Visit
Location
100 N Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Date
Hours
12–4 p.m.
10 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Admission
Tours: $45 per participant
Workshops: $35–$100 per participant