Explore JACCC: Japanese Culture, Events, Gardens & Directions
The Japanese American Cultural & Community Center (JACCC) is a cultural landmark in Little Tokyo, Downtown Los Angeles. Visitors come for Japanese and Japanese American art, exhibitions, live performances, traditional crafts, culinary workshops, community celebrations and cultural spaces.
Located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, JACCC is home to the James Irvine Japanese Garden, Isamu Noguchi Plaza, George J. Doizaki Gallery, Aratani Theatre and several workshop and event spaces.
Information checked October 25, 2026. Event schedules, admission arrangements and facility availability may change.
Find What You Want to Do at JACCC
Explore exhibitions, cultural celebrations, Japanese arts, live programming and seasonal community gatherings.
View eventsLook for sashiko stitching, kintsugi, Japanese food culture, traditional arts and other hands-on learning activities.
Find workshopsDiscover the James Irvine Japanese Garden, known for its symbolic stream, landscaped surroundings and cultural heritage.
Garden detailsSee Isamu Noguchi’s architectural plaza and its sculpture honoring Japanese American immigrant generations.
Explore the plazaDiscover Japanese cuisine, food demonstrations and cultural dining experiences at the Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center.
Culinary centerRequest a venue for meetings, weddings, cultural gatherings, exhibitions or approved private functions.
Rental optionsJACCC Events: October–December 2026
JACCC’s published calendar features exhibitions, workshops, cultural activities and community events. The following are examples of events scheduled for the remaining months of 2026, rather than a guarantee that every session still has tickets available.
Community market programming connected with Little Tokyo. Check individual dates, operating times and vendor details.
Japanese ceramic repair and craft programming. Individual workshops may have separate booking dates and fees.
Japanese textile-stitching and mending workshops. Confirm the chosen session’s availability and materials requirements.
A hands-on program introducing Japanese-associated fermentation-based composting practices. The published session runs 1–3 PM.
How to Find and Book an Event
- Open the official JACCC events page.
- Identify your activity: performance, exhibition, craft workshop, culinary experience or community gathering.
- Select the individual event and read the date, time, venue and visitor information.
- Check the age restrictions, ticket cost, admission availability and refund conditions.
- Follow the event’s official booking link, where applicable.
- Save the ticket email and QR code, and note the correct entrance and check-in time.
For comparison with other arts-oriented community venues, our Gorton Community Center events and performances guide explains how another cultural center combines theatre, classes and public programming.
JACCC Opening Hours & Visitor Contacts
| Area | Published Hours / Contact |
|---|---|
| Main office | Monday–Friday, 9 AM–6 PM. Closed Saturday and Sunday. |
| General enquiries | (213) 628-2725 info@jaccc.org |
| Aratani Theatre box office | Wednesday and Friday, 11 AM–2 PM. (213) 680-3700 boxoffice@jaccc.org |
| MISE shop | Tuesday–Friday by appointment; Saturday 11 AM–5 PM; closed Monday and Sunday. |
| MISE contact | (213) 656-1120 mise@jaccc.org |
| Exhibitions & workshops | Hours vary by event, exhibition and registration arrangements. |
| Japanese garden | Access varies by scheduled program, organized event or approved visit; no universal daily public hours confirmed. |
The center’s published visitor information is available through the official Plan Your Visit page.
Explore the JACCC Campus
Also called Seiryu-en, or Garden of the Clear Stream, this landscaped space was completed in 1980. Its flowing water symbolizes the experiences of different generations of Japanese Americans.
The garden is a cultural and aesthetic highlight, but visitors should check whether it is accessible during their chosen event.
Designed by artist Isamu Noguchi in 1983, the plaza features the sculpture To the Issei, honoring first-generation Japanese immigrants and their contributions.
The plaza also provides outdoor space for selected cultural celebrations and gatherings.
A major exhibition space on the campus, associated with visual art, cultural presentation and Japanese American creative expression.
Check the current exhibition before visiting. Specific exhibition hours and admission policies may differ.
Created to celebrate Japanese culinary traditions through food experiences, demonstrations, classes and cultural programming.
The official venue listing gives a maximum capacity of 190 for approved events.
The 880-seat performance venue has hosted Japanese and Japanese American performing arts, music, dance and theatrical productions for decades.
2026 status: Temporarily closed for building improvements. Do not assume regular shows or rentals are available.
Rooms in the Center Building support small meetings, educational gatherings and cultural activities. Published individual room capacities range from 10 to 40.
Booking requires venue availability and an approved rental arrangement.
Aratani Theatre: 2026 Closure Update
The Aratani Theatre has played an important role in JACCC’s performing arts programming since 1983. In June 2026, JACCC announced a temporary closure to complete building work, including a new cooling system and related structural improvements.
The official theatre venue page continues to identify the theatre as unavailable for rental until further notice.
Other parts of the cultural campus, including workshops, culinary programs, galleries and community spaces, can continue operating during the theatre closure.
Read the official Aratani Theatre venue update.JACCC Map, Metro Directions & Parking
JACCC is located in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles, between the area’s cultural attractions, restaurants, shops and transit connections.
Arriving by Metro
- Take a Metro A Line or E Line train serving Little Tokyo/Arts District Station.
- Exit the station and follow a walking route toward South San Pedro Street.
- Allow approximately seven minutes for the walk under ordinary conditions.
- Enter the JACCC campus through the access point specified on your event ticket or visitor instructions.
Arriving by Car
A nearby paid parking option identified in JACCC event information is Joe’s Auto Parks / Sho Tokyo Garage, 350 East 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
Some event information has listed parking at approximately $15, but this is not a guaranteed current rate. Pricing, operating hours, and availability can vary with events and local demand.
Metered street parking may also be available in Little Tokyo, subject to posted limits and restrictions. Do not assume parking is free or reserved for JACCC visitors.
JACCC Event Venues & Rental Capacities
JACCC offers spaces for exhibitions, cultural programs, workshops, conferences, weddings and approved private events. Capacity figures below are published venue maximums, not guaranteed capacities for every seating layout.
| Venue | Listed Maximum Capacity |
|---|---|
| Isamu Noguchi Plaza | 1,000 |
| Aratani Theatre | 880 — currently unavailable for rental |
| Toshizo Watanabe Culinary Cultural Center | 190 |
| George J. Doizaki Gallery | 144 |
| James Irvine Japanese Garden | 70 |
| Toshizo Watanabe Exhibition Center | 55 |
| Conference rooms | Up to 40 depending on room |
| Kosaka Center for Art & Crafts | 40 |
JACCC does not publish one universal rental price that applies to all these spaces. Final costs may depend on the event date, duration, setup, technical requirements, staffing and additional services.
How to Request a Rental
- Choose the venue based on your estimated guest count and event type.
- Review the space’s posted maximum capacity and features.
- Prepare your preferred date, alternate date and proposed event schedule.
- List requirements for catering, furniture, audiovisual equipment, accessibility and staffing.
- Open the official JACCC venue rental page.
- Submit an enquiry and obtain a written proposal before paying or announcing a confirmed booking.
When comparing cultural venues for celebrations, readers may also find our Italian American Community Center visitor and event-space guide useful for understanding how cultural programming and private venue reservations can differ.
Japanese Cultural Programs & Community Experiences
JACCC supports Japanese and Japanese American heritage through both traditional and contemporary activities. Program availability depends on seasonal calendars, instructors and registration.
Calligraphy, ikebana flower arranging, Japanese tea culture, textile arts, origami and heritage practices.
Visual exhibitions, modern craft, design, contemporary performances and creative collaborations.
Cooking experiences, culinary demonstrations, cultural dining, food storytelling and seasonal workshops.
Intergenerational activities, Japanese American history, cultural conversations and community-led events.
JACCC’s cultural mission can also be compared with other nonprofit heritage organizations. Our Indian Community Center cultural programs guide covers another California-based organization that brings together traditional arts, festivals, education and community activities.
Programs for Different Age Groups
| Visitor Group | Suitable Activities to Explore |
|---|---|
| Families with children | Family-friendly festivals, craft activities, cultural celebrations and age-appropriate workshops. |
| Teenagers and young adults | Creative workshops, Japanese cultural education and selected youth programs. |
| Adults | Art exhibitions, culinary experiences, concerts, classes and seasonal cultural programs. |
| Older adults | Selected bilingual cultural classes, community gatherings and creative enrichment programs. |
| Tourists | Little Tokyo sightseeing, garden experiences when available, public events and Japanese American cultural history. |
For visitors seeking a different type of community assistance in Los Angeles, the All Peoples Community Center services and activities guide covers family programs, youth activities and neighborhood support in South Los Angeles. That organization is separate from JACCC and serves a different primary purpose.
First-Time Visitor Checklist
- Use the correct address: 244 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
- Check whether your preferred activity is available on the date you plan to travel.
- Remember that the main office schedule differs from event, gallery and garden schedules.
- Do not plan a theatre visit without checking the Aratani Theatre closure status.
- Check whether tickets are required and whether any age restrictions apply.
- Keep your e-ticket or booking confirmation accessible on your phone.
- Read the event instructions for entry location and check-in time.
- Confirm parking charges or use the Metro A/E Line to Little Tokyo/Arts District.
- Ask ahead about accessibility accommodations or special requirements.
- Allow additional time for downtown traffic, transit connections and nearby event crowds.
Why JACCC Matters in Little Tokyo
Founded in 1972, JACCC was created to provide a lasting home for Japanese and Japanese American cultural expression. Its campus opened in phases between 1980 and 1983.
The center is closely connected to Little Tokyo’s identity as a historic Japanese American neighborhood. Through performances, art, storytelling, gardens, education and community gatherings, it contributes to preserving heritage while supporting contemporary creativity.
The cultural importance of JACCC extends beyond individual events. Its programs create opportunities for different generations and communities to connect through Japanese and Japanese American culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where is the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center?
JACCC is located at 244 South San Pedro Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, in the Little Tokyo neighborhood of Downtown Los Angeles.
2. What are JACCC’s regular opening hours?
The main office is open Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 6 PM and closed on Saturday and Sunday. Gallery, garden, shop and event access may follow different schedules.
3. Is admission to JACCC free?
There is no single universal admission price for every JACCC activity. Some public events or areas may be free, while workshops, performances, exhibitions and special experiences may require paid tickets or registration.
4. What events are held at JACCC?
JACCC hosts Japanese arts workshops, exhibitions, cultural celebrations, culinary experiences, community gatherings and performances. The schedule changes throughout the year.
5. Is Aratani Theatre open in 2026?
Aratani Theatre is temporarily closed for building improvements and is unavailable for rental until further notice. Check JACCC’s official theatre page for the latest reopening information.
6. Can visitors enter the James Irvine Japanese Garden?
Garden access depends on scheduled activities, events and current visitor arrangements. The official website does not confirm one universal daily public visiting schedule, so contact JACCC before traveling specifically for the garden.
7. What is the nearest Metro station to JACCC?
Little Tokyo/Arts District Station is approximately a seven-minute walk from JACCC. The station serves the Los Angeles Metro A and E lines.
8. Where can I park near JACCC?
Nearby paid parking includes Joe’s Auto Parks / Sho Tokyo Garage at 350 East 2nd Street. Availability and rates may change. Metered street parking may also be available subject to posted restrictions.
9. Can I rent JACCC for a wedding or private event?
Yes. JACCC offers rental enquiries for spaces including the James Irvine Japanese Garden, culinary center, plaza, gallery and meeting rooms. Availability, capacity and pricing depend on the venue. Aratani Theatre is currently unavailable for rental.
10. How can I contact JACCC or buy event tickets?
For general enquiries, call (213) 628-2725 or email info@jaccc.org. For event tickets, start with jaccc.org/events. Aratani Theatre box-office enquiries can be directed to (213) 680-3700 or boxoffice@jaccc.org.
Official Information & Resources
- JACCC Official Website — cultural programs and organizational information.
- Plan Your Visit — office hours, address, public transit and contact details.
- Official Events Calendar — upcoming exhibitions, programs and workshops.
- Venue Rentals — event spaces, capacities and booking enquiries.
- Aratani Theatre — venue details and rental availability.
- James Irvine Japanese Garden — history and venue details.
- Official Center Building Conference-Room Layout PDF — venue reference material.
Independent visitor information. This website is not the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center and does not sell JACCC tickets or make reservations on its behalf.