JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles

The exhibit of carpentry was amazing, beautiful work works. It’s is a free exhibit, ends January 22. Parking garage is easy to navigate and the museum does validate.

Truly a gem, the Japanese architectural woodworking exhibition at Japan House is fantastic. Do not miss the joinery examples near the entrance or the different woods and their shavings.

Lovely space with a gallery, shop, small library, and presentation room. A space for displaying Japanese art and culture in the middle of Hollywood. Welcoming staff and interesting exhibits, very much worth a visit.

Currently on display, SAMURAI and BEYOND Exhibition is Complimentary. Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Japanese Art and Cultural Centre. Area's and levels are still in development, but the Gallery is open. Located on the 2nd level inside the Hollywood and Highland Centre, adjacent to the Dolby Theatre. Wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and elevator.

OMGosh! What an amazing place. The exhibits are so worth the trip. It's a small place, but every inch of space is filled with interesting Japanese artwork, history, architecture, and other exhibits. The staff is also great and they have a great selection of items for sale. Enjoy!

I am a HUGE fan of Pokémon and their exhibit was nothing short of fantastic! Beautifully crafted pieces of work were on display here and I was amazed! 10/10!

I am a log building craftsman with over 35yrs. of experience and was blown away by the intricate of the woodworking on display

“A Captivating Journey Through Japan at Japan House, Los Angeles” My partner and I had an enchanting experience at Japan House, Los Angeles, located on level two at Ovation, Hollywood Mall. The recent collaboration with Pokémon added a delightful theme to our visit, showcasing a diverse range of Pokémon features. The attention to detail, especially with grown-up Pokémon, was impressive, highlighting the hard work invested in the artwork. As a tip for visitors, be mindful not to bring large luggage, as they might restrict entry due to legal reasons. Wearing your backpack in front helps prevent accidents in this treasure trove of potentially expensive items. The ambient transition from outside to inside is seamless, offering a high-quality immersive experience. Each section is guarded, ensuring the security of the exhibited products. Respect for the art is paramount; avoid touching statues, but feel free to take pictures and tag the artists. However, refrain from recording, as the emphasis is on an in-person experience. The overall customer experience is akin to stepping into Japan, and I highly recommend it. For parking, opt for a secure, paid spot, especially if you’re a tourist. Keep valuables out of sight. In conclusion, Japan House is a must-visit for anyone seeking a taste of Japan’s rich culture and creativity.

I actually stumbled upon this place because I was trying to kill a few hours before a show I was going to watch. Admission was free so I decided to go in. At the time that I went in, the exposition featured "Masters of Carpentry", where they feature tools and techniques that carpenters use to fabricate wood items, like teahouses and wood screens. There were really only 3 rooms to go through, plus the gift shop. It's a very small gallery, but it was very informative. There was a description written for every single thing that was displayed in there. There was even a small section with different types of trees that are used for different purposes where you could even smell the shavings. There's also a room that plays a video of the entire process of creating wooden screens and partitions and it was very interesting to watch. There were many different examples on display and very thorough descriptions of each one. It seems that they rotate the exhibitions every so often so I'm sure that there is something different on display every time you come to the mall. I'll be sure to check it out again and see what the next focus is on my next visit.

Cute free museum and exhibits in Hollywood. I love how there's parking validation for just 3 dollars. I've taken my friends and I to their kawaii exhibit 3 times and it doesn't disappoint. I enjoyed the interactive exhibits of the kawaii museum the most such as the VR Teddy bear and the sensory room full of kawaii. Will definitely be back for any future exhibits.

Came to see the current exhibit on Japanese carpentry. Fascinating & beautiful! Part gift shop, part/mostly mini museum. They also have a library & meditation lounge on the 5th floor of Ovation too. Free admission for all & they even had free iced matcha. All staff are Japanese except security. Makes me feel like being in Japan again.

For a Visual Art Space, it was super cool to walk into a Bedroom Full of Kawaii. You saw Hello Kitty Art pieces and just an explosion of Kawaii. It is a sight to behold. Sponsored and Funded by the Japanese Government. 1. Free Green Tea 2. Free Treat after Survey Japan House has a library that had a private event that I was attended. Super cool to see a bird's eye view of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. There are a lot of transients, be aware!

A wonderful place to host parties, I attended a seminar event here and it was great, the ambiance and decor is very modern and simple, the food was fresh and delicious and the staff was amazing. The atmosphere really enhances the enjoyment of the dishes served here, brings a nice cozy Japanese feel with the cuisine. They also have a library waiting area for you to peruse. Can't wait to come back!

Japan House LA is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and enriching cultural experience in Los Angeles. The captivating exhibits, stunning design, and commitment to fostering cultural exchange make it a true gem. Unlike many museums in Los Angeles, admission to Japan House is completely free. This makes it an accessible and affordable option for anyone interested in exploring Japanese culture. The ground floor features a shop showcasing a curated selection of Japanese design products, from homeware and fashion accessories to stationery and teas. It's a great place to find unique and beautiful souvenirs or treat yourself to a piece of Japanese design excellence. After checking out the museum, proceed to the fifth floor to peruse their free library featuring all textbooks related to Japan and its culture. While there, enjoy a complimentary hot green tea served by the friendly staff. Check their website or social media pages for upcoming exhibits, events, and workshops. They often have special programs and activities that cater to different interests.

Literally stumbled upon this place when we left the parking structure and were on our way to the El Capitan theater. No idea it was located there and was a delightful surprise as I saw ads for the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibit. The Poke'mon exhibit is currently part of their temporary pop up and they rotate out events and pop up exhibits. Fun fact, I did not know that X JAPAN drummer, Yoshiki, is an advisor for Japan House, pretty dang cool! There are workers there to greet you and answer any questions at the start. The front half is a small gift shop with items pertaining to the current pop up as well as other Japanese cultural items and gifts ranging from household goods, food, etc. The middle part of the exhibit features videos on how some of the artists created their Poke'mon pieces as well as physical drafts, illustrations, sketches, etc for the works that are displayed in the last part, the exhibit. It's pretty neat to see the wide array of medium used for the Poke'mon pop up ranging from ceramics, textiles, and much more. I can't say that I care for some of the pieces as some are a bit too hyper realistic and just not my style, but neat to see at the very least. It does give off a vibe of a fancy man museum as there are workers stationed at ever part to ensure that nothing is being touched and people aren't getting too close. I loved the last part where you can walk through the hanging "Pikachu garden". I can't say that I would head out of my way and brave the Hollywood traffic to visit here, but if you're in the area and you need to kill time before a movie showing or what not, this is a great free thing to check out!

my friend and i visited japan house for the, yes, kawaii is art, sebastian masuda exhibit. this exhibit is only available from 05/02-11/03. japan house is located in the ovation hollywood. we saw it on social and decided to visit and make a day out of it. the exhibit was really nice. it was a lot smaller than what we were expecting. i think we spent about 30-40m inside. lots of photo ops, history and merch. at the end of our visit, the associate told us that we should visit the library on the 5th floor. the gallery is located on the 2nd floor. Hours Mon. - Fri. | 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Sat. - Sun. | 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Admission Gallery and Library admission is free. Event admission varies. parking: paid parking garage, entrance highland ave. in front of loews hollywood. Transportation & Parking JAPAN HOUSE will offer $3 parking validation for up to 2 hours.

My teenaged son and I visited JAPAN HOUSE for the Pokémon x Kogei exhibit and had such a great time, we both want to go again. The exhibit was beautifully curated with a variety of traditional art styles on display. It was small enough to take in without being overwhelmed, and extensive enough to be worth the drive from Orange County. I feel like future exhibits would be similarly worthwhile. After the exhibit, we enjoyed the gift shop that features beautiful items from various regions of Japan, and we picked up some travel brochures as we are hoping to visit Japan- this place is a good resource for travel info, with friendly staff to help find information. There's also a lovely reading room with books in English and Japanese about all aspects of Japanese history and culture. The art and architecture books are especially fun to browse. The staff offered us cups of green tea, and we had a really nice, relaxing time poring over books and sipping tea. It was such an enjoyable experience. If you're near LA and you have an interest in Japan, this place is a great way to spend a few hours.

Japan House LA is an art gallery, restaurant, and event space that holds a lot of different Japanese culture events year round. I went for the Pokemon x Kogei exhibition after seeing some of my friends having visited it. Considering this is a free event, anyone who loves Pokemon definitely should visit this while it's still here. The exhibit is on the smaller side, with Pokemon themed ceramics, statues, and various types of art pieces. I loved the statues and ceramics as they were really unique and beautiful. There was no flash photography or videos allowed, so I went wild with pictures. There was not too much Pokemon related merch, however, there was an artbook that was sold out in store. The exhibit mainly sells different types of goods from Japan, such as wallets, ceramics, tea, etc. I made a reservation and the line wasn't too bad if you made a reservation. There was a long walk-in line that didn't seem to move. The staff seemed very helpful and kind, and gave parking validations after making a purchase. Overall, it was really nice to see unique exhibit here in LA, especially as someone who grew up playing Pokemon

My daughter told me about this exhibit, and we were able to get here today. It is a small exhibit, but for Pokemon enthusiasts, artists, crafters, the designs were exquisite, and provided artistic inspiration. We browsed the exhibit for about 45 minutes, took lots of photos (allowed) and one accidental video (not allowed). Security and signage is very clear there is not flash or video allowed. Oops. The crafting was a variety - pottery, textiles, paper materials, sculpture...everything but with Pokemon in mind. The detail is amazing with some of the items, and there is explanation of each piece with the artist's intention. The exhibit was on level two (with a shop at the front), while on the fifth level in another area (near Forever 21) there is a library, and that is where the restaurant is also as well as a hidden gem of a view. I mean...THIS VIEW!!! We enjoyed it and actually spent quite a bit of time on the fifth level. Highly recommend. Parking in structure - they validate for two hours I believe.

A special thank you to my yelp buddy Quintin E. for sharing this great find! Love Q and his Q tips! I made a reservation for the Pokemon x Kogei exhibit (July 25, 2023-Jan 7,2024) prior to my visit to Japan House Los Angeles. The reservation and visit was FREE. I thought it was required, but on the day of our visit I saw a long line waiting to enter, so I'm glad we had the reservations. PARKING - Underground parking at the Ovation Hollywood structure. Japan House LA will provide validation so it is $3 for the first 2 hours. It is $2 for every 20 minutes after. From the structure take the elevators or escalators up to Level 2 for the Gallery or Level 5 for the Library. My boyfriend and I started off in the Gallery since we arrived near our appointment time. I presented my reservation email and we were immediately welcomed into the gallery. I'm really grateful that it was a free experience, but I was surprised to see how small the exhibit is. Nevertheless the art they had on display was incredible. The Pokemon x Kogei exhibit is a playful encounters of pokemon and Japanese craft and the amount of details and intricacies that went into every piece displayed is incredible. Staff was also friendly and passion and excited to tell us fun facts about some of the art work as we explored. I could easily recognize the original pokemons but I'm not up to date with all the new ones. It was a fun visit. Then we were off to their Library on the 5th floor of Ovation Hollywood. It was a bit hard to find. At the library staff offered a sampling of matcha tea that was nice and refreshing for a hot summer day. The library was small but still interesting to visit. Nice fun FREE adventure if you are in the area, but it's such a small exhibit I don't know if I recommend it to someone who is coming from far... unless you super love pokemon. Also I would have enjoyed it more if it was less crowded.

Japan House LA... You so cute!! This ever rotating themed/exhibit art and cultural space houses two levels at the Hollywood/Highland Ovation Shopping Center. On the second floor you can enjoy the amazingly layout though limited space collection of the season(s) as well as amazing authentic products, home goods and more from Japanese culture. For the current Art Exhibition - Kogei x Pokemon you need a reservation (much like previous others). It's 100% complimentary with parking validation and a very more than reasonable time window to enjoy this amazing assortment of beautiful pieces made with metals, wood, silks and various creative materials to showcase a 27 year old anime that has capture the hearts of so many. I definitely went pitcure wild as they didn't allow for any video or flash photography for this exhibit. I did compile a fun photo reel via TikTok and Instagram after to capture my experience with Pikachu, Rookidee, Charizard, Shaymin, Gengar and quite a bit of the now over 1k rest! It's best to arrive early if possible though they have a 20 minute grace period before you'd have to try for a different time slot anywhere from 11 AM - 7 PM in increments of 30 minutes though you're welcome to stay for 45. I was truly impressed with the kindness of all the staff, including security and personability as well as professionalism. I got turned around and ended up 10 minutes later than planned but was truly grateful for that 20 minute loop hole (thank you frequently asked questions).... Weekends are definitely the busiest days to go, but also the most fun. Previous groups/parties and those proceeding will come and go during your time, but they do limit capacity. They do have some metal ropes in front of some display you should not cross as well as signs for things or areas not to be crossed or touched including the art which is a given for an art collection. You can also enjoy more of Japan House on the 5th level which features a wonderful library, event venue of the multi-purpose variety, high views of the city and pop up restaurant that's done some crazy amazing pop up experiences like Saido's Vegan Way w/ Chef Katsumi Kusu, Defining Modern Kaiseki with Chef Hiroo Nagahara and numerous others. I absolutely want to explore more and come back with friends or family soon... But I have to admit a date day with yourself, taking the train/Metro B Red Line and getting off at the Hollywood/Highland station, less than a 3 minute stroll away is just as fun. When making a reservation for the exhibit online you can add up to 5 guest and must have/input their names though you can make changes up until the time of your schedule visit. Give them your name in front at the reception desk and enjoy your visit. It's as easy as evolving a Caterpie, evolving an Eevee or setting off on an adventure with your starter mon of choice.

JAPAN HOUSE is a two-level (gallery and store on the 2nd floor and the library and restaurant on the 5th floor) cultural centers featuring various exhibitions, talks, workshops, and food labs. In fact JAPAN HOUSE is sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Recently our party came here for the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibit (from 07/25/2023 - 01/07/2024) and the exhibit is located on the 2nd floor of the popular Ovation Hollywood. [Parking]: Parking is available at Ovation Hollywood (enter from North Highland Avenue). $3 for the first 2 hours with validation and $2 for every 20 minutes thereafter with a daily maximum charge of $20. I asked the staff at the entrance of JAPAN HOUSE at the 2nd floor and received a separate validation ticket. [Ticket]: Free ticket, but advanced reservation is required. [Duration]: For ultra casual fans who just want to take quick pictures like my friend, then visitors can get in and out of the exhibit in less than 15 minutes. For other fans who take their time reading stories for each art pieces, then the exhibit could take 30 - 45 minutes to complete. No video recording, but photos are allowed (no flash). Our party did not get a chance to visit the 5th floor, but overall the exhibition was cool and it was also a good chance for us to check out nearby attractions like the TCL Chinese Theater.

Found this gem in the heart of Hollywood by chance when showing around some friends from out of town. JAPAN HOUSE is spectacular! A slice of magnificent Japan right here in Los Angeles. If this was not great enough, admission is FREE! So far, I've been here twice and enjoyed being here both times. The interior design is so impressive and Japanese, minimalist and clean, yet vibrant and calming. The staff consists of young Japanese from Japan and Americans. I could see they went to great lengths to hire impressive and knowledgable staff. Everyone here is very friendly. GREAT GIFTS FROM JAPAN can be found here as well. They carry quality items for the home, cute gifts, stationary, teas etc. A great place to get a unique and impressive gift not available in other stores. The exhibits are rotating so what you see one time might not be there when you get back. Follow them on social media for updates on exhibits.

Japan House Los Angeles is part art gallery, library, restaurant, and event space all in the heart of Hollywood, California. We're so lucky to have so many museums and galleries in SoCal and Japan House is a great addition. It currently has an amazing Pokémon X Kogei exhibition featuring art like sculptures and ceramic pieces inspired by Pokémon. It is quite incredible as I've seen exhibits like this in Japan, so it's super cool to see in the states. I made reservations in advance, but they also accept walk ins. The space takes up two floors, specifically the gallery and store on the 2nd floor and the library and restaurant on the fifth floor. Parking is at the Ovation parking structure. Parking is $3 for two hours with a validation. They also provide complimentary green tea on the fifth floor.

Pokemon has high influence in a lot of things. Its pop culture following is so strong it brought me to Hollywood/Highland aka Ovation and to Japan House LA. Although I came solely for the Pokemon x Kogei exhibit I did check out some of the offerings Japan House LA offered. It makes me curious to know when there is no art installations what else goes on? What fills the space? What is the purpose for Japan House? There was a survey that you could take after your visit and it asked for your input on things that didn't even relate to my specific visit. Something in the nature of if I would be more inclined to want to learn about Japanese culture. These types of questions from the survey really started making me ask, what is the goal of Japan House LA? The exhibit I originally intended to check out didn't have some art installations and quickly found out they rotate. I will be returning to check those out and now that I have these questions and experience in mind. I shall be more prepared on my return. Parking: private lot underground w validation VERDICT: Rinse and repeat

Just very nice people. Thoroughly worth a visit if you care about Japanese culture at all. Kind of a hidden gem. They referred us to a Japanese Carpentry exhibit in a different part of the mall. It was amazing.

JKA Kaiseki is the newest Kaiseki player in town. Judging from my experience tonight, it'll become a force in the Kaiseki dinner scene of L A. Tonight's menu included 9 courses (one hidden). Every one is as impressive as it could be. The most stand out dish is the Kinme Dumpling in Dashi. The mixture of shrimp and sea breem was very tofu like. Nobody could have guessed the content of the "tofu" without being told. It exceeded the "wow" factor and was simply outstanding. If I have to nit-pick a weakness. The weakest link is the dessert. It was excellent by all means. Compare to other awesome courses, its luster faded a little. Definitely recommend Japan House for the special occasion.

A Small Yet Fascinating Peek into Pokémon World I recently visited Japan House for their Pokémon exhibit, and while it was on the smaller side, it was undeniably captivating. The display featured numerous items, and what really stood out was the fact that many of them were out of their display cases. This allowed visitors to get an up-close look at each item. Note your are not allow to touch the pieces! The attention to detail on these pieces was truly extraordinary. Personally, my favorite part of the exhibit was the evolution of Eevee. Being able to see all three forms of Eevee in one place was a treat for any Pokémon fan! Additionally, the kimonos on display were exquisitely designed, showcasing the rich culture and artistry of Japan. The presence of guards throughout the exhibit ensured that no one touched the items, which is especially important if you have curious kids with you. They also provided reminders about this, which I totally understand. To visit, you'll need to secure a time ticket in advance, which you can easily book on their website. The validation they offer for parking is a nice touch! It comes to $3 for 2 hours. The exhibit took less than a hour. Overall, my experience at Japan House's Pokémon exhibit was a good one. While it may not be the largest exhibit, the quality of the items and the chance to see them up close more than made up for it. If you're a Pokémon enthusiast or simply appreciate fine craftsmanship, this exhibit is worth a visit!

I had visited Japan House many years ago but this was their 5th year celebration held feet away from their store. The celebration had many performances including a taiko performance by Asano Taiko. Amazing drumming! I got to check out the Pokemon exhibit which was really amazing! Definitely worth coming to check it out! Store promotes traveling to Japan with many flyers and guides to Japan. There is also all sorts of Japanese decorations being sold, incense, handbags, and more. A boutique Japanese store :)

I was sad I missed the Pokémon exhibit at OCMA, so I made sure I made this one. Japan House LA is along the Hollywood stars strip. It's in a mall. Parking: you can park at lot 745. It's paid parking, you can validate your ticket at the museum. It's $3 for 2 hours. The exhibit: I never thought of a pop up to be in a mall. I would think a separate building or part of a museum. It was creative to place this in a mall along Hollywood. The art was cute!! From small and dainty to things I would want to actually own and use in my every day! A cute exhibit for those who love Pokémon. A fun place to visit but not very kid sensory friendly if that's what you're looking for. Very traditional in the sense that you walk around and look. I spent about 30 minutes looking but around 45 to take pics and read everything.

Came here for the POKÉMON X KOGEI exhibit, which was definitely worth the visit! We must have spent over an hour admiring all the sculptures and art here. What a beautiful way to honor traditional Japanese art by blending them with a modern multi-generational love for Pokemon!

Been meaning to visit this place for a long, long time. Finally made the trek over after eating at Smorgasburg for the Pokemon x KOGEI exhibit and it was 1000% worth it. I hope everyone gets a chance to visit before the exhibit ends in January 2024! It's really rare we get such amazing work imported over from Japan, especially a Pokemon collaboration like this one. The Pokemon exhibit is located on the second floor, you can get validated parking for the Ovation Hollywood parking structure. Don't forget to bring your ticket! I recommend you reserve a time slot for your visit to this exhibit. They have walk-ins available, but it depends on the traffic inside the exhibit at the time. I'd say it wasn't overly crowded, but there was definitely a decent amount of people within the entire time. My friend and I spent roughly an hour in the space, as it only spans two large rooms. That being said, the work that they brought over was absolutely stunning. There's a good mixture of Japanese ceramics/pottery, metal work, fabrics/clothing, and more. I'm aware they're rotating a few pieces from the exhibit and will be stopping by to see what they swap in. There are also a few employees there to watch and make sure not one gets too close to the artwork. They're stern, but not rude about it. Just don't lean over the table line or roping and you'll be fine. It's a small exhibit, but worth the trip. I can't wait to come back! I didn't get to check out the 5th floor (which contains a library and event venue), but I'll be making sure to stop by there next time just to see what it's like.

Great free gallery. Went to their Pokémon talk event with Game Freak cofounder. The gallery and the event space was a distance from each other. Event space was on the top floor tucked in a corner. Gallery was on a couple floors lower by the escalator. You have to pay for parking. The parking structure is huge and I got lost so remember your parking. Staff was very polite and helpful. I would definitely visit again considering it's free. Japa house is located in an outdoors mall. It was extremely hot when I went in the summer so keep that in mind

Japan House Los Angeles is located in the city of Hollywood. I came here with a few friends because they have a Pokemon exhibit that is a limited time and wanted to check it out. It is inside the mall area where I had lunch at Chado Tea. Parking is simple since they have a large parking area for all the stores, food, and places inside. I made reservations online to pick the time that we could enter. Everything is free which is also a bonus! The museum itself is very well organized and just beautiful. If you want to check out some cool art this could be a place to consider and then go outside to walk along the Hollywood stars and check out the TCL Chinese Theatre. All of this is close to the museum within a 5-minute walk.

Most excellent art exhibit, staff, and overall experience! I've had the Japan House on my to-do list for quite some time - so when my friend visiting from the East Coast came to town, we checked it out and wow!!! We were lucky enough to be visiting while they are exhibiting the bamboo art installation by 4th generation bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV - and it is truly an immersive, beautiful, and inspiring piece! It took him 2 weeks and 4 apprentices to complete his piece - and he used 11,000 strips of several types of endangered bamboo! The art piece is massive - And it's all handmade - and held together by only tension! No glue, no nails, only the skilled weaving of this bamboo master! It is truly something you should witness - words and photos don't do it justice! The artist's hope with his bamboo installation is to reconnect humanity with nature and inspire use of bamboo for the health of the bamboo forests and to maintain the ancient, traditional trade. Once the exhibit is finished, he will tear it down and use the same bamboo strips in the next one, while adding new strips to increase the size of the art piece. And his work is never the same twice!! It's only on display until January 15, 2023 so don't miss it! There's a great little movie playing in the installation as well that shows he and his family/apprentices harvesting and working with the bamboo - as well as demonstrating the peace of the bamboo forests by immersion - with forest sounds and all. They also had a bamboo flute player scheduled at certain intervals on our Sunday visit and he was also fantastic!! The staff at Japan House are all incredibly passionate about their exhibits - so full of information and details and very eager to share. Staff member Tai was kind enough to tell us a bit more about the artist and family history than is shown on the info cards - and she even showed us samples of different sizes of bamboo reeds and all the different types of bamboo! Who knew there were so many varieties?! Japan House also has a gift shop attached to the art space with very interesting wares - my favorite were the zodiac animal sake cups! They have a restaurant as well but I didn't try it so can't speak to it, although I hear it's excellent. PRO TIP: they have a hidden gem - a secret library on the 5th floor with some very fascinating books, a great space for reading and relaxing, and incredible views from the balcony of Hollywood Blvd and the DTLA skyline!! What a find! I even found a book that explained the dos and don'ts of eating sushi - I had no idea - I've been doing it wrong the whole time hahaha! You'll find the Japan House inside the Ovation Hollywood shopping center. Parking is best inside Ovation's garage and Japan House will validate for a discount. They have plenty of clean restrooms and lots of food choices as well. We made a day of it and I can highly recommend. I will definitely be back!

The Kawaii is Art Exhibit is FREE and very interactive! The employees were kind in helping us connect our phone to print photos we took at the exhibit to post on the wall and take some home! They had some freebies like a decorate your own fan to take home

The Pokèmon exhibition was nothing short of amazing! They were so detailed and cute and intricately crafted! Security is strict on wild kids, touching artwork, videotaping, or flash photography. They don't sell much here besides expensive chopsticks and crafts from Japan.

Underwhelming. It's split into 2 different floors/areas. The first floor has the gift shop and exhibit but exhibit was closed (when I went) to transition for the Japanese woodworking housing display... for people like me (americans) who are going out of my way to visit a place like this, it's because I'm pretty close to getting ready to visit Japan someday soon so it would be nice if this place had more information regarding how to prepare for a trip to Japan, from how to ride the metro transit to the most common phrases to know in Japanese for non-speakers to tour groups or companies that I can consider to go with, etc... this place is called Japan House LA for Christmas sake! Shouldn't it be the bridgeway for me to go from LA to Japan?? I mean, I don't even know the Japanese sister city to LA! I feel like this place shouldn't just be here to display Japanese culture but to further inspire and even compel me to go visit Japan! Otherwise what is the point... the 2nd floor wasn't much better... a room for some artificial meditation and relaxation... it's hard to do when I'm stuck inside a barren room inside a busy intersection of touristy LA with traffic and congestion all around outside... the library was okay... I grabbed a book on sushi by Jiro and enjoyed it but.. without coffee or matcha to pair reading time with it just felt a bit forced... I don't think LA really understands or appreciates the importance of the Japan House concept... if you're going to house something like this here, you better do it justice... or just don't do it at all. LA culture should learn from Japanese culture... don't do anything halfway or so-so. If you're going to do it, commit all the way or don't start at all. Otherwise we're left even more lost and confused than when we started and then what's the point. I appreciate the effort but I know it can be better...

Got to visit the Pokémon exhibit hosted at Japan House. I loved it. Recommend making reservation but don't have to. There's a line for walk ins. It was such a cool and nostalgic, experience. The materials making up the characters very so unique and delicate. The attention to details were outstanding. I wanted to take them home Would recommend checking out their visit Japan section. The lady hooked us up with all the information I needed for my next trip to Japan. It's an event for all. Reminder: parking is validated. So you don't have to struggle finding street parking in Hollywood

Wonderful for its size. This is part exhibition space and Japanese cultural and travel exhibition space in the Ovation Mall at Hollywood and Highland. The streets at Hollywood & Highland always seem a bit congested but you can get in the parking structure off Highland pretty easily. Finding Japan house was tough the first time but the event space is on the second floor. There's another space with a library and other periodic events located on the 5th level. The 2nd floor space I'm discussing is located between Pink and Pandora opposite where Dave & Busters is now. You enter the facility and there is a store display for Japanese products you can order online, then a trade and travel section, a small exhibit and then the main space. When we visited, there was an eye opening exhibition on bamboo and a half a football field sized exhibit on bamboo weaving. Called Life Cycle it should end mid 1/2023. The staff is pleasant and helpful in a very Japanese fashion. At one spot one can print photos off your smartphone - somebody told me you can print up to ten images of things you've seen in the exhibit. There is no stated limit, but I got feeling once you hit 5 images boundaries are being stretched so maybe there is no stated limit but 5 is polite use of the printer. The area is not real big, but you could easily spend an over an hour there looking around. The place is not very kid friendly, so unless your child is in a stroller I would hold off on child below middle school age. The entry is free and they validate parking!

Amazing place with great staff. I was visiting for Sake Flight Week LA. The event was one week long and being able to learn and sample 20 different kind of Sakes made it very special. It is a Japanese cultural center and a must visit if you are planning to visit Japan or simply interested to learn more about the Land of the Rising Sun. It is little hard to find, located on the 5th floor of Ovation Hollywood, can take the stairs or elevator. The complex has plenty of parking.

Did you know there's a restaurant space tucked away towards the back upstairs facing the street where the Line Store is located? We came here during this ramen festival and the view at the restaurant is amazing. There are giant windows that give you a nice view to la La land. There's a bar and the tables have booths. During the ramen festival, there were different ramen being served throughout the week/month. On the day we came, this ramen contained a lot of char siu and the broth was pork so it was quite a hearty dish. While the ramen was delicious, I did feel a little sick afterwards but I was very full. The green tea provided was also quite helpful. There were refills on the green tea and a much needed beverage after consuming a giant bowl of ramen. If you're visiting, check out the restaurant for any special events they may be holding.

5 stars for the Life Cycles bamboo exhibition and the video was excellent. The bamboo artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV reuses all the bamboo material to create his sculptures for every exhibition. There are no metal supports or glue used! I also enjoyed seeing the art created by 4 generations of weavers. You can find the gallery on 2nd floor near escalators. If you are going to a workshop it's on the 5th floor. I wish there was better communication on how to get to the 5th floor for workshop participants.

Located on the second floor of the shopping center, this exhibit was so cool to see in person. The sheer size and scale of the work is breath taking. I wish there was more to the exhibit but it was still cool to see the process on the video projection and feel the different types of bamboos. 4th generation bamboo artist. Highly recommend if you're in the area. Is located on Hollywood Blvd so there will be a lot of tourists. Comments: parking can be validated in either the second floor or the 5th floor library/events room.

Came here to see the bamboo art installation. It was very impressive and fun to check out. I loved seeing the intricate details in all of the differently designed goods in the gift shop as well. With the staff's wonderful help, we printed one of our photos at the gallery with their in house printing machine. Such a nice and unique souvenir to take home. The library and meditation room are located nearby just a short walk away and elevator ride up to the 5th floor. The restaurant was not open but I hope to see it and try whatever pop up dishes they have next time. Parking is in the underground structure on Highland: $3 for 2 hour validation. The pay station on the first floor was finicky and declined multiple credit cards! Try the P2 pay station instead.

Japan House Los Angeles is located in Hollywood on the 2nd floor of the Ovation Hollywood, better known as the Dolby Theater Complex. It is on Hollywood Boulevard, across the El Capitan. I stopped in for the Art of Ramen exhibit. Luck be my lady and: 1. found street parking 1/2 a block away 2. Japan House Los Angeles was not crowded 3. Dolby was not crowded 4. Hollywood Boulevard was not crowded 5. The exhibit was exquisite, educational and informative 6. Japan House Los Angeles staffing were so very polite and accommodating Next time I visit I will prepare a schedule allowing me time to visit the Library on the 8th floor. I'm also tuning in because the exhibit is about to rotate and another production will be installed next month, July If you like museums, this is a place for you. Structure parking (fee currently is $3) or street parking available

Went here last year (2021) and they had this awesome art installation promoting the Olympics in Japan. So I thought it was temporary. But this year, they're still here! and now they have this exhibit on The Art of The Ramen Bowl... which is amazing. They're right: sometimes, we only have eyes on the ramen, and the bowl it sits in is ignored. This exhibit had a great "from-cradle-to-grave" display on ramen bowls. Best of all, it's FREE!

This place is separated into two sections, with the 2nd floor one being an exhibit (currently showcasing ramen bowl designs and art) and the 5th floor being a library and mini popup restaurant. This time, I went to both the exhibit and restaurant which I had reserved a spot for about a month ahead of time. The ramen being served that week was Keika, which had giant chunks of pork and cabbage in the ramen. The ramen was absolutely delicious. The soup broth was extremely flavorful yet light. The pork was tender and the fat could practically melt in mouth. I loved the addition of the egg and scallions. After eating, I went to the second floor exhibit. It was a free entry exhibit so I did not have to pay. The exhibit was very informative and I enjoyed looking through the history and art of ramen bowls. I purposely didn't post any pictures of the exhibit itself aside that one giant ramen bowl sculpture to say that its worth going to see in person. Overall, I enjoyed the experience that Japan House had created this time. If another opportunity comes up, I would definitely want to reserve myself a spot again.

I would have never known about this place if it wasn't for me trying to kill some time before my movie started at El Capitan. A few months ago I was walking by and just looking through the windows to see what this place was even about. Their security guard started talking to me enthusiastically about Japan House and how the exhibit is closed in preparation for the Art of the Ramen Bowl exhibit. Here I was this past weekend checking out the exhibit and in awe with how much science and art goes into crafting these vessels to serve noodles. They also have a pop-up located somewhere else on the 5th floor that showcases different styles and taste of ramen from actual shops in Japan. I got to try Keika Ta-Ro Ra-men which is a Kumamoto-style ramen with pork broth and it was pretty good. I'm looking forward to trying the snapper ramen next month and it's sounds unique and different from typical ramen dishes. The restaurant space on the 5th floor totally reminds me of being in a classy westernized restaurant in Tokyo. Definitely check out Japan House for their quarterly rotating exhibits to learn more about Japanese culture beyond the typical kawaii, Anime, Pokémon and such.

This is a true gym to enjoy some history. They have a variety of books on ranging from the history of Japan in multiple languages to great exhibits and gift shop. You can come here to chill and work to enjoying some of their events. I signed up for their newsletter to keep up to date on their events. The staff is very helpful and Aki is friendly and will help you with any questions.

Museum is a little hard to find, you gotta make a turn at Pinks. It is a small venue & photo ops are available. Staff were super friendly, informative & accommodating. Come with a reservation but walk-ins are welcome. Really wished they had a gift shop with Pokémon merch to purchase as souvenirs instead of the pottery in the front center. Enjoyed my visit but I hoped for more.

Very cool selection of Pokémon collection. Made reservation online, im sure just for headcount.

These folks have the best events! Love the gift shop. Great food and service at the restaurant and like the ambiance of their library room. They just workshops and presentations as well as other festivals throughout the year. It's inside the Ovation Hollywood mall right along the walk of fame so stop by if you are in the area.

I visited Japan House on Tuesday, January 3rd, which is admittedly a day when tourists flock to Madame Tussaud's, the Chinese theater and the Walk of Fame on Hollywood Boulevard. Japan House claims that it's located within Ovation Hollywood, which, frankly, seamlessly merges with the din of Hollywood Boulevard. There is no signage, and Japan House is very difficult to find, occupying two unconnected commercial spaces within Ovation. One wonders, what exactly is this place doing here? And however did they choose this spot? I went for "Life Cycles" the exhibit of woven bamboo sculpture by artist Tanabe Chikuunsai IV. The exhibit itself was small, but delightful with installations placed alongside two- and three-dimensional demonstrations of the artist's process. A quiet area in the back features a film of a bamboo forest, set to sounds of nature, with a comfortable leather bench for relaxing and viewing. The gallery space also houses a small gift shop of well curated tchotchkes of Japanese origin. The gift items were perhaps as interesting as the art installation. The hospitality of the staff was mixed and, without wanting to overgeneralize or make cultural assumptions, similar to the reception I received in Tokyo. The Japanese are exceedingly polite, but not as forthcoming as Americans. So when I inquired about the restaurant, one docent explained that it's only a pop-up, a space where chefs can schedule private dining events for the public. Another guide added more information, explaining that one can receive invitations to these pop-up events by joining their newsletter. On the fifth floor of Ovation is Japan House's library, salon and event space. This is also difficult to find. I was instructed to walk further into Ovation, past Forever 21, into a back hallway to the only elevator at the end. It was rather circuitous, but I was delivered to the space. The library and salon and furnished handsomely in sleek, unfussy woods, with a large table at the center. The public is invited to use this space free of charge during certain hours of the week. There is a meditation room beyond, with a tatami mat and cushions in the center, where one is invited to sit quietly for reflection. I was the only guest and was greeted courteously by the two hosts. Two beautiful rooms with a well curated library of books on Japanese art, design, history. There is even a small children's section. I had a lovely, quiet break from the hustle of the day and was treated well. While the gallery area is all interior with no windows and feels rather retail to me, the fifth floor space is truly elegant. But I kept wondering, why have they chosen this spot at Ovation, why is there no signage and why are no others visiting. I suppose this all worked to my benefit because I had a lovely quiet moment to myself. Giving only three stars for the poor signage and the enclosed retail feel of the second floor space. Also was disappointed that the staff was not as forthcoming with information as I would have liked. I'll be interested in going back for the pop-up culinary events. Thank you Japan House!

My partner and I visited Japan House a few weeks ago for the Pokémon x Kogei exhibit. Growing up with Pokémon, we wanted to check out the exhibit and enjoy the artistic aspect of the sculptures. Luckily, we made reservations, but we still had to wait in a line for crowd control. There is a walk-in line too for those who didn't make a reservation beforehand, but that line is very long. So, I suggest reserving a spot or two before visiting. The exhibit is quite spacious inside with a lot of exquisitely crafted sculptures. High praise and respect to all the artists who devoted their time to creating these beautiful pieces of artwork for the public to enjoy. The artwork ranges from sculptures to books to wall installations. And the amazing thing is that admission is completely free! There is a small gift shop corner at the front of the entrance and although they are pricey, it's always great to support artists and culture.

A FREE EVENT! If you are in the Hollywood area & looking for something to do for a 1/2 hour or so, then you should check this place out. It's called the WAVE Exhibit @ Japan House in the under construction Hollywood & Highland Complex. The event runs thru November 28th 2021. You'll have to Show ID & Proof of Vaccination to enter. You can see some of the latest products from Japan including wallets, bags & a bunch of other useful items. There is also a gallery of the latest graphic art pieces on display. It focuses on new & current trends in the Visual Art World from Japan. They hand out a Free booklet you can read all about the Art Work & Artist. It's pretty interesting & IT'S ALL FREE! It used to be, you had to have Mega Bucks & be really Rich to have the Good Life, not anymore. The Game has changed. You've been Upgraded. Now You Can Live Like a King on a Limited Budget!

Parked in the Dolby Theater and stumbled upon this place as I was trying to find my way out to the street. Pretty empty on a Friday afternoon. When I went last week it was a Ramen Bowl exhibit, but the lady told me that they change exhibits every month or so. It was a free exhibit and even validated some of our parking!!!!!! Super aesthetically pleasing and informational. Perfect for ramen/art lovers. After reading the reviews, seems there are different floors of the exhibit so I missed so stuff ): Perfect free activity to do if you're in the area!