Instagrammable Spots in LA County that Looks Like Asia
Step into the beautiful spots of Los Angeles County that will make you forget where you are. These 7 Instagrammable spots of LA will make you feel like you’re wandering in Asia. Let this list give you a chance to travel to different countries of Asia without stepping into a plane. Yes, passport is not required here!
This list is not going to mention the obvious places such as China Town, Korea Town, Little Tokyo and many more, but it’s definitely worth visiting each of those towns to explore each culture and their delicious cuisine.
1. Malibu Hindu Temple – India
Address: 1600 Las Virgenes Canyon Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
Open:
Mon-Fri- 9am-12:30pm ; 5pm-7pm
Sat-Sun- 8am-7pm
Fee: Free, donations accepted
The Malibu Hindu temple is a large temple of the Hindu God Venkateswara in the Santa Monica mountains in Calabasas. It is another beautiful serene place of worship that you have to visit due its unique look. You’ll be fascinated by its beautiful exterior which almost looks like pure white stone with detailed carvings. It’s a great place to expand your knowledge on Hinduism. Make sure to show respect and take off your shoes before entering. Explore the place and take it all in!
2. Korean Friendship Bell – Korea
Address: 3601 S Gaffey St, San Pedro, CA 90731
Open: 7AM – 7PM
Fee: Free
The Korean Friendship bell is hidden gem featuring its massive bronze bell that is rung at certain times. According to Atlas Obsucra, the bell is rung on Independence Day (July 4), National Liberation Day of Korea (August 15), New Year’s Eve (December 31), Korean-American Day (January 13), and September 17. You can also hear the bell on the first Saturday of each month at 12:15 p.m. The bell was created to honor the friendship between Korea and United States.
There is a basketball court and park area next to it with a beautiful view and nice breeze. This place is a great place for a peace of mind with a panoramic view and fly some colorful kites.
3. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens – Japan
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Open:
Wednesday-Monday- 10am-5pm
Tuesday- Closed
Fee: General Admission is $29
The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens is a large beautiful space with collections of multiple gardens, art galleries, exhibits and many more. You can easily spend hours in this landmark as there is so much to see. The Japanese garden is a calming place to relax and have a picnic with a panoramic landscape view. Make sure to check out their tea house and gorgeous bonsai exhibit.
4. The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
– China
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
Open:
Wednesday-Monday- 10am-5pm
Tuesday- Closed
Fee: General Admission is $29
Next to the Japanese Gardens at the Huntington Library is the Chinese Garden. You can easily fool anyone that you are in China with its beautifully detailed architecture. It’s a great place to walk around, explore and cool off because it can take a whole day to enjoy the whole Huntington Library. The Chinese Garden can be very peaceful and even has a beautiful waterfall to look at.
5. Yamashiro Hollywood – Japan
Photo: @decent.exposureAddress: 1999 N Sycamore Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90068
Open Times:
Mon- Closed
Tues-Thurs- 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat- 5pm-11pm
Sun- 11am-3pm ; 5pm-10pm
Yes, I’m going to include one restaurant here because it does give you the Japan feel once you are in this area from its exterior to interior. They have a Japanese style garden in the middle of the dining area with its plants imported straight from Japan. Then, you get a beautiful view of the city from above. It’s definitely an upscale dining where you pay for the venue and ambience. If you have the budget, you should try their sushi boat, King Salmon and sushi pizza.
6. Hsi Lai Temple – China
Address: 3456 Glenmark Dr, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745
Open: Daily 9am-12pm
Fee: Free, donations accepted
This Buddhist temple was designed to replicate Ming and Ching dynasty. This Chinese architecture is phenomenal with statues of the Buddha all over the place. They do have friendly monks living in there walking around. They also have a museum with some cool Chinese and Buddhist artifacts. It’s a great way to learn the history and religious practices of the the Chinese and Buddhist religion. Try to visit on Lunar Year as they put up some nice and colorful decorations for the event.
Near LA County:
1. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir – India
Address: 15100 Fairfield Ranch Rd. Chino Hills, CA 91709
Open: Everyday 9AM- 7:30PM
Fee: Free
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan is a breathtaking Hindu temple and architectural masterpiece with detailed carvings all over. You’ll have to see each work up close to appreciate it more. This temple will give you a religious Hindu experience so you must know to respect their rules. There is a dress code especially for women. If your shoulders or legs are showing, you’ll be given a sarong to cover them and everyone will need to remove their shoes before entering. You can learn more about the culture and history of Hinduism at their exhibition museum then enjoy some authentic food and drinks at their market & cafe.
