Cultural CenterEvent VenueArt GalleryJapanese Restaurant
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is a place for new discoveries, offering experiences that showcase the best of Japan through its spaces and diverse programs. Occupying two floors at Ovation Hollywood, the second floor features an exhibition gallery and WAZA Shop. The fifth floor offers a variety of programs and events at the multi-purpose hall (Salon), along with a library, and a restaurant space where special dining experiences are offered.
Customers praised the variety and quality of exhibits, particularly the Pokémon and Japanese culture displays.
Staff
The staff received positive feedback for being friendly and helpful, although there were some reports of unprofessional behavior.
Accessibility
The location is noted for being easily accessible with ample parking, though some found it difficult to locate the exhibits.
Gift Shop
The gift shop offers unique Japanese merchandise, though some customers found prices to be high.
Overall Experience
Visitors generally enjoyed their experiences, highlighting the cultural immersion and free admission.
AA
Ashley
5 days ago
5.0
It was a fun place to look around and it's free!
DH
Deidre Hongkham
Dec 29, 2025
5.0
What a fun experience. The decorative foods were beautifully made. The exhibit is very pleasant. Our family enjoyed assembling the bento box and then take a picture with the backdrop afterwards. Printing out the photos was a great bonus. I highly recommend this place.
BF
brian frankel
Dec 13, 2025
5.0
Awesome place in the heart of Hollywood. I came for a soy sauce making events and lecture. It was super fun and the instructor was amazing. The food exhibit was really cool. And the best part is the staff are so friendly and kind. I love them so much. I also got a cool oil diffuser from the gift shop.
KP
Kim Peterson
Dec 2, 2025
5.0
Incredible. The wax food exhibit was so awesome. I’ve been wanting to go and I’m so glad I caught it before it closed.
What a treat.
TA
Tricia Avenido
Nov 30, 2025
4.0
This was my 2nd visit here and I appreciate how the space has expanded and the displays keep changing.
When I went this time, it was dedicated to Japan's food replicas. When I went last year, it was more of a general overview of Japanese design, from something as simple and small as a toy top, to something as ancient as Jamon swirl carved pottery.
I've been fascinated with Japanese culture for years now back to when I used to watch anime to now when I still watch their travel shows, like "Journeys in Japan" online on their NHK website, so to be able to see these things I've only ever seen on screen in person instead means a great deal.
I regret forgetting to try their free iced matcha tea. I was too caught up trying to figure out how to use their printer.
One of the things you could do was print a free photo of yourself with a special border exclusive to the exhibit. You would take it after creating your own bento box with some of the fake food. However, even though I followed the directions, at one point I got stuck and my phone wasn't doing what I think it was supposed to.
When I tried asking one of the employees for help, she just pointed back to the printed out directions. I think it was a combination of fearing not being able to speak English well enough to explain, which I know is a common fear among Japanese, and not being technologically savvy themselves. Either way, in the end I just left without the printout.
However, while I was waiting for help, I filled out a survey and got a free pair of chocolate sticks wrapped in origami paper, so at least I went home with that.
Also, there's a gift shop where you can look at and buy authentic Japanese merchandise. Some of it was too expensive for me, but last year I did buy some miso balls that could be dropped into hot water and turned into soup. Everything from the packaging to the experience to the taste was beautiful and unique.
One thing I did last year, but not this time was go up to the 2nd portion of the museum which is on the highest floor. There's a quiet library where you can look through some Japanese books and if you go out on the balcony, you'll get amazing views of Hollywood Blvd.
Overall, it was a good experience. Even the bit of inconvenience can be viewed as something you'd experience if you actually were in Japan trying to figure something out with both a language and cultural barrier in-between.
Frequently Asked Questions About JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles
What is JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles is a cultural center showcasing the best of Japan through exhibitions, a shop, a Michelin-starred restaurant, events, and a library, located at Ovation Hollywood.
Where is JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles located?
It is located at 6801 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028, USA, inside Ovation Hollywood.
What are the opening hours of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
Open Monday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It is closed on November 27 and December 25, 2025.
What types of services are offered at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
Services include a shop, gallery, restaurant (UKA), library, and event space for programs and exhibitions on Japanese culture.
Does JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles have wheelchair accessible entrances?
Yes, it has wheelchair accessible entrances to accommodate all visitors.
What payment methods are accepted at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
They accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards.
How can visitors contact JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
You can reach them by phone at +18005160565 or email at info@japanhousela.com.
What nearby shopping options are available around JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
Nearby shopping includes the Hollywood & Highland Center, GUESS clothing store, MAC Cosmetics, and the souvenir shop MNM Collection, ideal for exploring before or after your visit.
Are there entertainment venues close to JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
Yes, nearby entertainment options include the Kodak Theater Box Office, AFI FEST cinema, and Lucky Strike Hollywood bowling alley to enjoy around your visit.
Which nearby food and beverage places can visitors check out near JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles?
Visitors can try Randy's Donuts, Soundcheck Live bar, and Auntie Anne's Pretzels at Hollywood & Highland for diverse dining and snack options near JAPAN HOUSE.