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July 2024 by ekim5632
Great selection of rice papers, especially Chiyogami - amazing. Ladies working here are very kind and helpful.
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September 2023 by MARIA U
A very nice, curious and fun place. He's lost a lot but he's still curious
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June 2023 by Brian Luu
Excellent store for gifts and things to fill your home with.
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March 2023 by Eli Kluiszo
This is the best shop in all of Little Tokyo. Super legit, non-touristy at all, and filled with really cool books, prints, antiques and sculptures. The owner is great to talk to and is really passionate about the community. I now have a ton of recommendations for art and cultural events in the neighborhood! The store is cash only, so make sure to come prepared.
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August 2021 by Jana R.
Came here recently with my friend over the summer, and it was really cluttered. If you have a large tote you have to keep it close to your body or else you will end up knocking something over!! The lady (I don't remember her name, i'm so sorry), was helpful in answering my questions. She kept staring at me though which was uncomfortable at times. The selections of vintage clothing is so pretty. I regret not buying an embroidered top that had butterflies on it.. Like all the kimonos here are museum level quality. It's hard to believe they're over 20+ years old! Very well kept. Overall, I wish the space were a little more organized. There are so many small unique finds here, like small gold jade jewelry and table runners. I'd love to browse forever... But it's hard to move in! Also -- It's cash only! If you're planning to buy a whole kimono, be aware that it easily goes into the $200+ range.
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August 2021 by Steve Korell
A must visit when in little tokyo, full of authentic vintage Japanese items and the shop owner is very friendly!
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September 2020 by Cory Frank
Yeah, this is pretty much cute overload, full of kawaii tack engrish-laden stuff that will make you want to find uses for stickers and start writing snail mail letters again. If you're in Japantown anyway, you could do worse than to swing by.
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March 2020 by Deanna Washington
Words fail me ! I can't express the helpful and friendly service I had here this morning! I will definitely put this shop on my first stop for gifts list. Thank you Chanel 5 for telling us about this gem.
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December 2019 by Tina Mitchell
Stepping into this mall at Little Tokyo Arts & Gifts Circle is a very relaxing and calming change from the rest of LA.
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July 2019 by Kathryn B.
Very interesting little shop. If you look carefully there are beautiful vintage statues and other great finds. Elaine showed me some nice pieces and I am happy with my purchases.
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March 2019 by Knn3th F
Nice place, so much options and excellent paper for Origami
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June 2017 by Gary I.
Little Tokyo Arts & Gifts is very old school on First Street in the heart of Little Tokyo, DTLA. I remember a kind older Japanese lady running the gift shop years ago, and now it appears that her daughter is the store keeper. In many ways it is like going into a time capsule. It may be disorganized but look around, and you may find a charming objet d'art, an obscure book, Origami paper or greeting cards that haven't been made for years. It's kind of like a store found mostly in movies where you might find a witches' book on incantations; possibly a man-eating plant in the back like in the Little Shop of Horrors. The store is eccentric, off beat which, to me, is one of its charms. There were some excellent, well illustrated children's books on quality paper & bound well. I bought Mary Poppins, & 1,000 & One Dalmations where Cruella DeVille cast an evil shadow in a drawing that looked almost as good as a cartoon cell. The lady owner was helpful in helping me choose which books may be of interest for an 8 year old. 4 Yelp stars for a quirky, idiosyncratic, unusual store that dares to do its own thing, and not worry about projecting a conventionally boring, "corporate" image.
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June 2017 by Jamie C.
One of the few little gems of a store in Little Tokyo! Purchased my second kimono robe here! Authentic robes for men and women made in Japan! Prices are reasonable and Elaine the owner was so friendly and helpful. Let's support the few mom and pop shops left in the community!
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April 2016 by B C.
I remembered this shop to have unique and unused vintage clothing and gifts. When I went inside, my memory served me well, I was not disappointed. It was a lot more interesting than most of the typical tourist shops in Little Tokyo. The owner, Elaine, was very helpful as I tried on various kimonos. She eventually brought out a vintage silk kimono made for a petite woman that she had recently acquired from a man from Kyoto. (Much of her merchandise was imported by her dad, over twenty years ago). I fell in love with this traditional kimono and purchased it for a very reasonable price. She taught me that one wears their kimono, left over right. (Right over left is for the dead.) It did not have a sash, but she kindly looked through her "extra sashes" and added it in for a couple of dollars. She only took cash, but there were a couple of bank ATMs across the street. As I left the store, I felt really good about finally getting the silk kimono I always wanted and for supporting this small business.
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November 2014 by Edward S.
Went by yesterday at 3:00 PM. Not open. Waited until 3:10PM. Called them, left a message. Went and had tea. Came back at 3:45, still not open. No return call. Called at 3:15 PM today, no answer. Looks nice inside, trying to buy a gift for a birthday party today. Very strange.
