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Time Business News
15 hours ago
- Time Business News
Darjeeling Tour Packages & Tourism Guide 2025 – Toy Train, Tea Gardens & Himalayan Views
Set in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas, Darjeeling is where colonial charm, tea-scented breezes, and Kanchenjunga sunrises come together. It's a place that blends serenity, culture, and natural beauty — perfect for honeymooners, families, and solo travelers alike. Whether you're sipping tea on a foggy morning or riding the UNESCO-listed Toy Train, Darjeeling tourism offers more than just a trip — it offers timeless memories. And with our expertly curated Darjeeling tour packages, you can experience the very best of this charming hill town without the hassle of planning. 🚞 This is your one-stop guide to Darjeeling tourism and the best-value Darjeeling tour packages ✅ Highlight 💡 What You'll Experience Himalayan Sunrises View of Kanchenjunga from Tiger Hill Iconic Toy Train Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (UNESCO) World-Famous Tea Visit and taste at Happy Valley Tea Estate Peaceful Monasteries Ghoom, Dali, and Japanese Peace Pagoda Colonial Heritage British-era schools, churches & architecture Family & Couple Friendly Safe, walkable, and culturally rich Day Experience Day 1 Arrival, stroll along Mall Road & Observatory Hill Day 2 Tiger Hill Sunrise, Batasia Loop, Ghoom Monastery, Toy Train Ride Day 3 Himalayan Zoo, HMI, Tea Garden Visit, Peace Pagoda Day 4 Local market shopping + departure 🧘 You can add Kalimpong, Mirik, or Lamahatta as optional day trips. Package Name Duration Price (Per Person) Darjeeling Scenic Getaway 3 Days / 2 Nights ₹6,999 Classic Darjeeling Tour 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹9,499 Darjeeling + Kalimpong Combo 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹12,500 Family Holiday in the Hills 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹11,499 Darjeeling Honeymoon Delight 4 Days / 3 Nights ₹13,999 Darjeeling Tea & Heritage Trail 5 Days / 4 Nights ₹14,800 🧾 All packages include hotel stay, breakfast/dinner, sightseeing, permits & private vehicle. ✈️ Flight/train fare can be added on request. If you're visiting Darjeeling and want to add a short Himalayan trek to your trip, the Sandakphu Phalut Trek is a perfect extension. Located just a few hours from Darjeeling town, Sandakphu (11,930 ft) is the highest point in West Bengal and offers panoramic views of four of the five highest peaks in the world — Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga — in one stunning frame. EasoTrip specializes in organizing guided Sandakphu treks with comfortable homestay stays, experienced local guides, and optional Land Rover safaris for non-trekkers. Whether you're a first-time trekker or looking for a peaceful mountain experience, EasoTrip's Sandakphu packages provide a seamless and scenic extension to your Darjeeling holiday. Trek along the India–Nepal border ridge ridge Pass through beautiful villages like Tumling and Kalipokhri Stay in warm homestays (no tents needed) (no tents needed) Spot red pandas and blooming rhododendrons in season View the Sleeping Buddha range at sunrise from Sandakphu 🏞️ Perfect for those who want to explore beyond tea gardens and monasteries. This is where Darjeeling meets raw Himalayan adventure. 👉 For detailed Sandakphu trek itinerary, cost, and travel guide, click here. Hotel Name Location Why Stay Here Cedar Inn Near Mall Road Heritage luxury + valley views Mayfair Darjeeling Opp. Governor's House 5-star colonial vibe Hotel Seven Seventeen Gandhi Road Budget + central location Windamere Observatory Hill Classic British-era charm Muscatel Himalayan Resort Near Clock Tower Affordable & modern From Mode Details Bagdogra Airport Flight + Road 3.5 hrs by private cab NJP Railway Station Train + Road 3–4 hrs drive to Darjeeling Siliguri Shared taxi / car Available all day 🚞 Toy Train runs between NJP → Ghoom → Darjeeling (limited tickets). Watch the Kanchenjunga Sunrise from Tiger Hill from Tiger Hill Ride the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway Toy Train Visit Batasia Loop & Ghoom Monastery & Ghoom Monastery Explore the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute & Zoo & Zoo Sip tea at Happy Valley Tea Estate Walk to the Japanese Peace Pagoda Shop for woolens, local art, and Darjeeling tea at Mall Road Day Trip to Lamahatta Eco Park Explore Mirik Lake & Pine Forests Paragliding in Kalimpong Stay at a tea bungalow Sunrise Photography at Tinchuley Hike to Tiger Hill View Point (early morning walk) ✅ Honeymoon Specials – Romantic stays with decorated rooms, private cab, and candlelight dinners ✅ Family Packages – Includes Toy Train ride, Himalayan Zoo visit, and kid-friendly stays ✅ Budget Backpacker Options – Affordable homestays, shared cabs, and local experiences ✅ Senior Citizen Itineraries – Fewer hotel transfers, relaxed sightseeing, and attentive care ✅ Darjeeling + Sikkim Combo Tours – Seamless travel plans connecting both regions Whether you're traveling with your partner, family, or solo — EasoTrip's Darjeeling experts design packages that balance comfort, safety, and local experiences. With verified drivers, handpicked hotels, permit assistance, and 24×7 support, you're in safe hands from pickup to drop. 📞 Ready to plan your Darjeeling escape? Contact EasoTrip now via WhatsApp or call: +91 70017 24300 Or visit: 🎒 Trusted. Transparent. Tailored for You. Q1: Is Darjeeling safe for solo travelers or couples? Yes! It's one of the safest, cleanest, and most welcoming hill stations in India. Q2: Can I visit Darjeeling year-round? Yes. March–May and October–December are ideal. Winter (Dec–Feb) is great for clear skies and fewer crowds. Q3: What's the best view spot in Darjeeling? Tiger Hill at sunrise – shows the Sleeping Buddha (Kanchenjunga range). Q4: Is Darjeeling good for families with kids? Absolutely. Zoo, Toy Train, and gardens keep kids entertained while adults relax. Can I extend to Sikkim or Kalimpong? Yes – we can build combo tours (Darjeeling + Gangtok + Pelling + Kalimpong). Want to visit Sikkim but not sure where to begin? 👉 Click here to explore your perfect Sikkim trip now — plans for every traveler, every season. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time Business News
16-06-2025
- Time Business News
Best 5 Hill Stations Near Kolkata
As soon as he holds his grip on Kolkata in summer, many passengers breathe fresh air in the nearby hills. Fortunately, Eastern India is blessed with a series of amazing Best 5 Hill Stations Near Kolkata that are not only visible, but also culturally rich and easy to use. Every destination offers an ideal migration from the legendary tea gardens of Darjeeling to the spiritual peace of Gangtok, and from the blurred peace of Kalimpong to the beauty of the forest of the Dures Valley – the beauty of the forest of the Dures Valley. Whether you are craving for a single traveler, a family, who is looking for a luxurious retreat, or looking for a romantic shelter to a couple, these hill stations provide a fresh summer migration to suit all kinds of wanders. These places are not just about beautiful ideas; They offer lively local cultures, colonial attractions, Buddhist monasteries, wildlife safari, tea tasting experiences, and more. Cool Mountain Breeze, Mist-Laden Morning, and Starry Nights make for a magical experience that lasts long after the journey ends. This guide examines five best hill stations near Kolkata – how to reach, top attraction, best time to travel, things to travel, and required trips to help you avoid the right mountain. You can read Why Choose Jim Corbett for Your Next Corporate Group Tour? Overview Nestled at ~2,050 m in the Lesser Himalayas, Darjeeling is famed for its tea estates, colonial heritage, panoramic views of Kanchenjunga, and the UNESCO-listed Toy Train. By air/rail : Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to NJP. : Fly to Bagdogra or take the train to NJP. By road : A 3-hour scenic drive (~90 km) along winding hills brings you to Darjeeling. Tiger Hill : Spectacular sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Everest & Makalu . : Spectacular sunrise views of Kanchenjunga, Everest & Makalu . Batasia Loop & War Memorial. & War Memorial. DAR Himalayan Railway ride. ride. Tea estates like Happy Valley. like Happy Valley. Peace Pagoda, colonial Chowrasta , and local markets. Mid-March to June offers crisp, clear skies ideal for sightseeing. October–November is also pleasant post-monsoon. Sunrise at Tiger Hill. Ride the Toy Train. Tea plantation tours & tastings. Stroll Mall Road, enjoy local momos & Darjeeling tea. Book early during peak summer and clear days. Mornings for mountain views; afternoons often misty. Layers are essential—even summers can be chilly at dawn. Overview Sitting at ~1,247 m, Kalimpong is a serene Himalayan ridge-top town overlooking the Teesta Valley. Known for its slower pace, monasteries, and flower nurseries. Via NJP/Bagdogra + ~2.5-hour ride (about 100 km). Deolo Hill for valley views & paragliding. for valley views & paragliding. Durpin Monastery . . Cactus Nursery —Asia's biggest commercial collection. —Asia's biggest commercial collection. Morgan House , a historic colonial mansion. March to June when flowers bloom and skies are clear. Paragliding off Deolo. Quiet monastery meditation. Exploring local bazaars; savor Tibetan-Bengali snacks. Nurseries full of exotic plants. Avoid heavy monsoons—landslides can occur . Evenings can be cool—pack a light jacket. Stay centrally to avoid long climbs. Overview A peaceful lakeside town in the Darjeeling district, known for its serene atmosphere and tea gardens From NJP/Siliguri: approx. 2.5-hour drive (~130 km). Mirik Lake (Sumendu Lake) with boating and lakeside walks. (Sumendu Lake) with boating and lakeside walks. Nearby tea gardens and lush orange orchards. and lush orange orchards. Walk the quaint Fishery Market for fresh trout & local flavors. April to June: pleasant weather and blooming gardens Paddle on the lake. Trek through tea plantations. Sample fresh fish and local cabbage curry. Ideal for a peaceful 2‑day escape. Best when journeying between Darjeeling and Kolkata or blending with Kalimpong. Overview The vibrant capital of Sikkim at ~1,650 m, Gangtok is a blend of monasteries, mountain views, and cultural charm. Via NJP/Bagdogra, then ~4‑hour mountain drive (~140 km). MG Road : clean, pedestrian-friendly hub. : clean, pedestrian-friendly hub. Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery . . Day-trips to Tsomgo Lake and Nathula Pass . and . Hanuman Tok for sunset panoramas. Best Time to Visit March–June and post-monsoon Sept–Dec Explore monasteries. Take cable car rides. Shop Sikkimese handicrafts. Visit wildlife sanctuaries just outside town. Carry permits for border areas. Bring warm gear—it can get cold at altitude and in evenings. Plan buffer time for day-trips due to traffic and altitude. Overview A lush, sub-Himalayan forest expanse at the foot of the eastern Himalayas, teeming with wildlife, rivers, and grasslands Road or rail from Siliguri (approx. 2 hours, 80 km). Samsing, Suntalekhola : riverside charm and forest treks. : riverside charm and forest treks. Mahananda & Chapramari Sanctuaries for wildlife and safari. for wildlife and safari. Latpanchore Tea Gardens : rich bergamot landscapes. November–March, with dry, wildlife-friendly conditions Jeep safaris and elephant rides in jungles. Bamboo rafting / mild river rafting on Teesta or Jaldhaka. Birding in wet grasslands. Walks through tea estates. Reserve forest lodges early in peak season. Mosquito repellent is essential early spring and monsoon. Hiring a local guide boosts wildlife spotting chances. Advance booking is key in peak summer (Apr–Jun). is key in peak summer (Apr–Jun). Layered clothing —prepare for cold mornings/evenings even in summer. —prepare for cold mornings/evenings even in summer. Check the road/landslide conditions during monsoon (Jun–Sep). during monsoon (Jun–Sep). For Sikkim (Gangtok) and border excursions, secure permits well ahead. well ahead. Combine trips efficiently: e.g., Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Mirik, or Siliguri → Dooars. efficiently: e.g., Darjeeling → Kalimpong → Mirik, or Siliguri → Dooars. Stay properly hydrated and rest-acclimatize , especially climbing to higher altitudes. Q1: What are the best hill stations near Kolkata for summer? A: Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, Gangtok, and Dooars Valley are the most popular options. Q2: How far is Darjeeling from Kolkata? A: Around 615 km. You can reach via train to NJP or by flight to Bagdogra followed by a 3-hour drive. Q3: Is a permit required to visit Gangtok? A: No permit is needed for Gangtok city, but inner-line permits are required for places like Nathula Pass and Tsomgo Lake. Q4: What is the best time to visit these hill stations? A: March to June and September to November offer the best weather. Q5: Can these places be covered in a single trip? A: Yes! Many travelers do a loop covering Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Mirik, and Dooars in 5–7 days. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
India.com
30-05-2025
- India.com
Explore The Top 7 Summer Vacation Spots In India For Scenic Views And Pleasant Weather
photoDetails english 2908213 Updated:May 30, 2025, 12:41 PM IST 1 / 9 As the temperatures rise and the sun blazes overhead, there's no better way to beat the summer heat than by planning a refreshing getaway. India, with its diverse landscapes and climates, offers countless destinations where you can escape the scorching weather. From cool hill stations in the north to lush green retreats in the south, the country is dotted with scenic spots perfect for a summer vacation. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or a family-friendly break, here are the top 7 destinations in India that promise a perfect blend of comfort, beauty, and memorable experiences. Manali, Himachal Pradesh 2 / 9 Nestled in the Kullu Valley, Manali is a popular hill station that attracts tourists with its snow-capped mountains, pine forests, and adventure sports. Whether you're looking for a peaceful getaway or adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding, river rafting, and trekking, Manali is a complete summer package. Highlights: Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, Hidimba Temple, Mall Road Best Time to Visit: April to June Darjeeling, West Bengal 3 / 9 Famous for its scenic tea gardens, colonial charm, and panoramic views of the Kanchenjunga, Darjeeling is a cool paradise during summer. The toy train ride on the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway is a UNESCO World Heritage experience you shouldn't miss. Highlights: Tiger Hill sunrise, Batasia Loop, Peace Pagoda, Tea Estates Best Time to Visit: March to June Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir 4 / 9 Known as the 'Heaven on Earth,' Srinagar is a dream destination for summer vacations. With its blooming tulip gardens, cool lakes, and houseboat stays, it offers a unique experience that combines beauty with serenity. Highlights: Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, Shankaracharya Temple, Gulmarg nearby Best Time to Visit: April to June Ooty, Tamil Nadu 5 / 9 Also known as the "Queen of Hill Stations," Ooty in the Nilgiris is a favorite summer destination in South India. With its cool climate, sprawling gardens, and scenic train rides, it's a perfect retreat for families and couples. Highlights: Botanical Gardens, Ooty Lake, Nilgiri Mountain Railway, Doddabetta Peak Best Time to Visit: March to June Munnar, Kerala 6 / 9 A serene hill station in 'God's Own Country,' Munnar is covered in lush green tea plantations and misty valleys. It's ideal for nature lovers, honeymooners, and those seeking peace away from the hustle of city life. Highlights: Eravikulam National Park, Tea Museum, Mattupetty Dam, Anamudi Peak Best Time to Visit: April to June Ranikhet, Uttarakhand 7 / 9 If you're looking for a quiet and less commercialized hill station, Ranikhet is your go-to spot. Surrounded by pine trees and offering stunning views of the Himalayas, it's perfect for a calm and scenic summer break. Highlights: Chaubatia Gardens, Jhula Devi Temple, Golf Course Best Time to Visit: March to June Coorg, Karnataka 8 / 9 Often referred to as the "Scotland of India," Coorg is known for its coffee plantations, misty hills, and rich culture. The pleasant weather and aroma of coffee make it one of the most relaxing summer destinations. Highlights: Abbey Falls, Dubare Elephant Camp, Coffee Plantations, Raja's Seat Best Time to Visit: March to May 9 / 9 A summer vacation is not just a break from the heat but also a chance to unwind, explore new places, and create lasting memories. Each of these top 7 destinations in India offers a unique experience—be it the tranquility of the hills, the charm of tea gardens, or the thrill of adventure sports. So, pick your favorite spot, pack your bags, and embark on a summer escape that will leave you refreshed and recharged. After all, there's no better time than now to discover the cooler side of India.
National Geographic
19-02-2025
- National Geographic
Why you should visit the three remaining Japantowns in the U.S.
Travelers can visit the Peace Pagoda in San Francisco's Japantown Peace Plaza. The five-story concrete stupa—a gift from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco in 1968—symbolizes the friendship between the United States and Japan. Travelers can visit the Peace Pagoda in San Francisco's Japantown Peace Plaza. The five-story concrete stupa—a gift from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco in 1968—symbolizes the friendship between the United States and Japan. Travelers can visit the Peace Pagoda in San Francisco's Japantown Peace Plaza. The five-story concrete stupa—a gift from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco in 1968—symbolizes the friendship between the United States and Japan. Travelers can visit the Peace Pagoda in San Francisco's Japantown Peace Plaza. The five-story concrete stupa—a gift from Osaka, Japan to San Francisco in 1968—symbolizes the friendship between the United States and Japan. Dozens of communities were destroyed after tens of thousands of Japanese Americans were forced from their homes during World War II. But culture and history still run deep through these neighborhoods. There are 3 Japantowns left in the U.S. Here's how to visit them. Before World War II, there were over 80 Japanese communities across America with at least 40 of them located in California. The development of these communities came to an abrupt halt on February 19, 1942, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066 and had people of Japanese descent forcibly removed from their homes to be incarcerated in concentration camps. In response to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, the national order identified Japanese Americans as 'enemy aliens'. It resulted in about 120,000 people detained, over two-thirds of whom were born and raised in the United States. More than 1,800 Japanese Americans died during their imprisonment. In 2022, President Joe Biden declared February 19 the Day of Remembrance to commemorate the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II and reflect on its consequences. Executive Order 9066 not only disrupted the lives of individuals and families but destroyed entire cultural enclaves. It's estimated the Japanese lost an estimated $400 million during their incarceration. Many survivors attempted to return home only to discover their belongings had been stolen and their properties vandalized or sold, effectively erasing their existence from their neighborhoods. From the 1950s onward, Japanese communities were further wiped out in urban renewal projects targeting new investors and commercial developments. Dozens of people gather to learn how to make origami at Origami Palooza in San Francisco's Japantown neighborhood. Photograph by Gabrielle Lurie, San Francisco Chronicle/AP Images Today, three officially recognized Japantowns in the United States are in San Francisco, San Jose, and Los Angeles. Below are their stories. By visiting these vital spaces and supporting their businesses, travelers can contribute to preserving Japanese culture and heritage. (Related: Restoring Hawaii's forgotten World War II internment sites.) Japantown, San Francisco In the 1940s, Japantown in San Francisco was home to more than 5,000 Japanese residents and 200 Japanese-owned businesses. Today, it is the largest and oldest of the three remaining Japantowns in the U.S. San Francisco's Japantown is the largest and oldest of three remaining Japantowns in the United States. Its history dates back to the 1800s when San Francisco served as the main port of entry for Asian immigrants to mainland America. Japanese set up enclaves in Chinatown and South of Market that thrived until the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Undeterred, they relocated to the city's Western Addition. By 1940, Japantown was home to more than 5,000 Japanese residents and 200 Japanese-owned businesses, making it one of the largest Japanese communities outside Japan. 'Japantown used to occupy 40 blocks and you could get anything done from getting your shoes shined to your suit made,' says Dr. Emily Murase, executive director of the Japantown Task Force (JTF), a San Francisco non-profit dedicated to preserving and developing the neighborhood. The bustling neighborhood all but vanished when its residents were incarcerated as a result of Executive Order 9066. The Japanese attempted to rebuild their community when they were released but faced an uphill battle. After World War II, urban renewal became a huge focus for America, and Japantown was one of the first areas targeted for a large-scale project known as the Western Addition Redevelopment project. Half of the neighborhood was torn down by 1960 and redevelopment continued through the 1980s. Murase says about six blocks of Japantown remain today. Although it has evolved into more of a shopping, dining, and entertainment district than a residential neighborhood, it stands as a testament to the Japanese American community's strength. 'Japantown was crushed not once, but twice,' she says, referencing both the earthquake and the war. 'The fact that it still exists demonstrates the resilience of the community. This is our little village and we're proud of it.' Things to do in San Francisco's Japantown Murase recommends that visitors take the Japantown History Walk—a self-guided audio tour featuring historically and culturally significant landmarks—to better understand the neighborhood. One of the most important landmarks is the Peace Pagoda, a five-tiered stupa donated to San Francisco by the people of Osaka, Japan. For food, Udon Mugizo serves bowls of housemade traditional udon noodles and Hikari Sushi delivers conveyor belt-style sushi on miniature bullet trains. Those looking for unique gifts can stop at Asakichi, an antique specialty store known for its traditional iron teapots, and Paper Tree, a family-owned origami museum and shop that offers origami-folding classes. (Related: These little-known sites help families connect to Asian American history.) Japantown, San Jose In the late 1800s, Japanese foreign nationals began immigrating to the Santa Clara Valley because of its abundant farm work opportunities. They initially settled in San Jose's Chinatown but went on to establish their own community alongside the Chinese, and later, immigrants from the Philippines. After Executive Order 9066 was issued, all people of Japanese ancestry were told to report to the San Jose State College men's gymnasium for registration without knowing they would be incarcerated for the next three years. Historian Curt Fukuda, author of San Jose Japantown: A Journey, says that many Japanese, including his parents, chose to settle in San Jose—after they were released—because of its large Asian population. 'There was still anti-Japanese sentiment in the area, but there was enough tolerance that they felt safe,' he says. 'After the war, the Japanese population doubled from what it was before.' Today, although the upward mobility of the immigrants' children and grandchildren has resulted in many Japanese Americans moving away from Japantown; it remains a strongly-rooted community that caters to residents rather than tourists. 'By comparison to San Francisco Japantown and Los Angeles' Little Tokyo, San Jose Japantown is very humble,' Fukuda says. 'It's a living community that serves its neighborhood.' Things to do in San Jose's Japantown He recommends visitors take advantage of the city's no-frills food scene, which is full of tiny restaurants serving down-home cooking. 'Nobu's fantastic, but you won't find that in San Jose Japantown,' he says with a laugh. Check out Minato for its katsu curry and Gombe for Japanese-style fried chicken and oysters. Fukuda says the Shuei-do Manju Shop is 'a must' for its manjū, a traditional Japanese confection. To delve into Japantown's history, visit San Jose Betsuin, a Buddhist church founded in 1902 to bring together Japanese immigrants, and the Japanese American Museum of San Jose, which chronicles more than a century of Japanese American history and features a barracks room that's an accurate recreation of a family's living quarter at one of the concentration camps. (Related: Why does the U.S. have so many Chinatowns?) Little Tokyo, Los Angeles Artist Robert Vargas created an artistic homage to Shohei Ohtani, an L.A. Dodgers pitcher and designated hitter. Art aficionados can find the mural in the Little Tokyo area of Los Angeles. Photograph by by Ted Soqui, Sipa USA/AP Images Little Tokyo celebrated its 140th anniversary last year, but like the Japantowns in San Francisco and San Jose, it's had to overcome plenty of adversity over the years. Most recently, the National Trust for Historic Preservation named it one of America's most endangered places. 'We have a long history of fighting for our neighborhood,' says Kristin Fukushima, executive director of Little Tokyo Community Council (LTCC) in Los Angeles. It's estimated that 37,000 Japanese Americans from Los Angeles County were incarcerated during World War II and that over a third of them chose to relocate elsewhere when they were released. Remaining residents and community activists united to preserve the neighborhood amid urban development, leading to Little Tokyo's revival in the 1970s and its designation as a National Historic District in 1986. Things to do in Los Angeles' Little Tokyo Today, Little Tokyo is home to more than 50 legacy businesses, which the LTCC defines as businesses that have been part of the neighborhood for at least 20 years. That includes Kouraku, the longest-running ramen shop in America, and Sushi Gen, a family-run sushi spot in a strip mall that's as popular with locals as tourists. Bunkado is a one-stop gift shop that offers a wide range of traditional items, including ceramics and paper lanterns. The Japanese American National Museum is dedicated to educating the public on the Japanese American experience and includes an exhibit on the community's incarceration during World War II. (It's currently closed for renovation but will reopen in late 2026.) Other popular attractions in Little Tokyo include East West Players, the country's first professional Asian American theatre organization, and Japangeles, a clothing boutique that specializes in Tokyo and Los Angeles-inspired streetwear. For street art, Miyako Hotel boasts a 150-foot-tall mural featuring Shohei Ohtani, a Japanese baseball star and designated hitter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. 'When people visit us, they can also think of it as supporting a historic community and what so many generations have fought for,' Fukushima says. 'We would not still be here if it weren't for them.' (Related: In L.A.'s Koreatown, travelers find a 'second Seoul'.) Erika Hobart is a Japanese American travel writer and photographer based in Marrakech, Morocco. Follow her on Instagram Save $5 on a Nat Geo Digital Subscription Your interests, backed by facts and science—now only $19 SAVE NOW
