Japantown

Few visitors make it to Japantown, northwest of Civic Center. Though a tight-knit Japanese-American population thrives here, there is little of interest to outsiders. The fortresslike Japan Center, with its often deserted, sprawling cement plaza, is a most unwelcoming centerpiece. However, if you're fascinated by Japanese culture, the Japan Center mall's Kinokuniya Bookstore is worth a detour. An almost universal draw is the delightful Kabuki Springs & Spa, where locals of every stripe (and tattoo and piercing) come for contemplative, peaceful pampering. If you do end up in Japantown, stick to the small streets north of Japan Center. If you don't end up here, you haven't missed much.