Where It's At: Little Tokyo

L.A.’s Little Tokyo celebrated its 140th anniversary this year — but reaching the milestone hasn’t been without challenges. High rents, affecting the city as a whole, hit the vibrant neighborhood so hard that in May, the National Trust for Historic Preservation designated it as one of America’s most endangered historic places. But Old World charm still abounds, and a new wave of youthful diversity is keeping things fresh. Here are some of the locale’s biggest draws.

Japanese Village Plaza

The centerpiece of Japanese culture in the area, this outdoor shopping space offers plenty of dining and boba options, plus unique stores to find collectible anime, Hello Kitty items and even Japanese rockabilly stuff (Kools clothing). For vending machine capsule toys (called gashapon), try your luck at shops like Bandai and Kiddleton. Also check out the adjacent Miyako Hotel and its grand new mural of L.A. Dodger star Shohei Ohtani by artist Robert Vargas. 335 E. 2nd St. japanesevillageplaza.net

Space City Vintage

This shop has been selling stylish recycled and retro clothing for the past six years in the building that used to house Suehiro (which moved to Main Street after a landlord dispute). Space City has endured — even taking over the first floor that formerly housed the Lethal Amounts gallery, and Family Mart before that. Upstairs, owner Zac Vargas has assembled an array of artisans handcrafting leather goods, new fashion and inking tattoos. He even showcases local bands on weekends. 339½ E. 1st St. instagram.com/spacecityvintagela

Far Bar

Just outside Far Bar, a giant neon sign with the words “Chop Suey” marks one of Downtown’s most eye-catching historical landmarks, where the Far East Cafe used to stand. Today, it’s a welcoming neighborhood spot with a groovy back patio where many locals love to hang out and relax. But first and foremost, it’s a place to celebrate Japanese whiskey. “I don’t think there’s another bar in L.A. that has the selection or quantity we have,” manager Julio Corrillo says. 347 E. 1st St. farbarla.com

Fugetsu Bakery

Providing mochi and manju to both the local community and visitors to Little Tokyo since 1903, this family-owned Japanese confectionery is the oldest of its kind in the U.S. There’s a lot to satisfy your sweet tooth, but everything is fun to look at too. Try the sampler boxes, which contain an array of wagashi in various colors and shapes, almost too pretty to eat. 315 E. 1st St. fugetsu-do.com

Sushi Enya

When it comes to flavor and fish quality, most agree that Sushi Enya is best. Serving tasty rolls, sashimi and nigiri for the past 13 years, the restaurant has expanded throughout L.A., but people come from all over to experience the original. As manager Tsubasa Muratami shares, the mix of old and new shops has helped Enya build a loyal clientele in the neighborhood. 343 E. 1st St. sushienya.com

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar

Little Tokyo offers lots of sushi options to choose from, and naturally there are debates about which spots are tops. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar, among the most fun, always has lines outside waiting for its conveyor-belt experience. Go for the atmosphere and the interactive fun of snagging plates and dumping them into the return slot. 333 E. 2nd St. kurasushi.com

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Nisei Week in Little Tokyo continues through Aug. 18th with the following schedule:

Saturday, August 17, 7 p.m. – Crazy Talented Asians: Nisei Week Edition 2024 : a musical cabaret night at David Henry Hwang Theater. eastwestplayers.org .

Sunday, August 18, 11 a.m. – Taiko drum and festival dancing at the Plaza Festival at JACCC and closing ceremony with street Ondo on historic 1st Street.