Japanese American National Museum

Opened in 1992, the JANM is the largest museum in the U.S. dedicated to the experience of Americans of Japanese ancestry. In 1999, the museum moved into its current building, a 85,000 square-foot ultra-modern pavilion located in the heart of downtown L.A.'s Little Tokyo neighborhood. Notable past exhibitions include "Isamu Noguchi and Modern Japanese Ceramics," "Issei Pioneers: Hawaii and the Mainland, 1885-1924" and "Bruce and Norman Yonemoto: Memory, Matter and Modern Romance."

Visiting

The museum is located in the heart of Little Tokyo, at 369 East First Street, near Alameda St. Museum hours are Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The museum is closed Mondays, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. General admission is $8 but visitors get in free every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and every third Thursday of the month. There is no parking at the museum but pay parking lots can be found around the neighborhood.

Dining and entertainment

Little Tokyo offers numerous dining options, most of which are within walking distance of the museum. You'll find several good choices along 1st St., including Daikokuya, Chop Suey Cafe & Lounge and Mr. Ramen. In the nearby Japanese Village Plaza, you'll find the excellent Curry House and the Suehiro Cafe.