Welcome to Part II of my Los Angeles “alt-travel” suggestions! This post covers Japan-related parties, stores and neighborhoods in LA. For Goth/industrial/alternative attractions, please take a gander at this blog post. And let me know if I’ve left anything out.

J-ROCK CONCERTS & JAPANESE POP DANCE PARTIES
† I hosted a party for Tune in Tokyo, a DJ collective that spins your favorite J-pop and rock music. Their events always have a Japanese theme, such as Gyaru or purikura, and bring in a flamboyantly dressed crowd. Tune in Tokyo also organizes J-rock band nights and special events, such as Cure Mini Live with Satsuki, and SiSeN’s most recent appearance with Moon Kana. Visit their website to find out about upcoming events.
† 2nd Street Jazz, also known as Matsumoto’s, is a popular venue for indie and American J-rock bands to rock out.

SHOPPING & FOOD
† Jungle/Cure is a one-stop shop for Harajuku fashion, anime, manga, J-rock, robots and more.
† Little Tokyo is my favorite neighborhood: there’s amazing sushi and izakaya fare, cute Hello Kitty gift stores and Japanese markets…
† Kinokuniya bookstore in Little Tokyo has racks of Visual Kei and Gothic Lolita fashion magazines, along with books and products related to Japan. You can find copies of my books inside; I did a signing at Kinokuniya last fall.
† I also signed copies for Giant Robot on Sawtelle Blvd (in Santa Monica). There are some cute Japanese design and gift stores on the same street.
† For your sticker picture fix, there’s a purikura booth in Burbank and an entire store of machines at Kira Kira in the City of Industry.

† Royal/T houses a maid cafe, just like in Akihabara; the waitresses cosplay as French maids! The art space contains a boutique for kawaii toys, Japanese dolls, design books and other wonderful things. Bring your camera: the open, well-lit space and giant art props are perfect for an impromptu shoot. You can see photos of Royal/T here and here, as well as from the Gothic Lolita Phaidon book release party.

If you’re travelling to Tokyo, you may want to take a gander at my Goth Lolita Rococo Punk shopping guide and cyber Goth industrial club listings. Got questions or suggestions? Leave them in the comments and I’ll write back.