City Guide
Directions: Los Angeles
20 July, 2026
Hello! I just got back from spending two weeks in Los Angeles. Now, I hadn't been to the US since I was in my early twenties, so I had a feeling things were going to be a little different. I flew over to visit my longest and dearest friend, who moved to LA a couple of years ago, and if I'm honest, I wasn't quite sure how I'd feel about it. As you probably know, Japan is usually where my heart (and my passport) takes me.
But it's safe to say LA completely won me over.
The sun seemed to shine every single day, the cocktails were always cold, the pool was the perfect escape from the heat, and I found myself constantly inspired by the galleries, architecture and incredible homes tucked away throughout the city.
My favourite part, though, was exploring neighbourhood by neighbourhood - finding little coffee shops, wandering independent stores, and slowly starting to feel less like a tourist and more like a local.
Stay
The Hollywood Roosevelt
Even though Hollywood isn’t a place I would want to hangout in all the time, it’s fun to do a few nights here. It feels like old world Hollywood and the pool is perfect.
01
Silverlake.Silverlake
Counter Space
A beautiful space filled with Japanese, European and American vintage homewares.
Wasteland
There are a few of these around but if you like designer/vintage resell stores this is your place
Gift of Garb
A wonderful selection of vintage designer fashion and accessories
Seco
I had the best Vodka pasta ever here.
Mohawke General store
Get your wallets out, this shop will send you broke. It’s full of the best fashion brands like Margiela, The Row, Studio Nicholson etc etc
02
Seco03
Counter Space.Sqirl
I have owned her cookbook for years, so it was so nice to finally eat here. It didn’t disappoint
Courage bagels
Yummy bagels and good coffee
Brain Dead Studios
This particular Brain Dead store was very cool. I wanted to buy half the shop.
Building Block ETC
The best shop ever.
04
Canyon Coffee.05
Building Block.Echo Park
Canyon coffee
It’s a bit of an institution here and I can see why. The coffee is great, they do toast.
WoodCat
This is a coffee shop as well as a home goods store. I didn’t drink the coffee, but I did do a lot of shopping.
Loz Feliz
Maru coffee
My favourite coffee shop. They have a couple around, but this was my go-to. The coffee is just like Australian style, but the décor feels like Japan.
06
Proof.07
Maru.Atwater Village
Proof
This little bakery has a line each day. It’s delicious
Dune
I ate here so many times. It was delicious Mediterranean food.
Nicos
This wine shop was the coolest. It had the best merch too and I had to buy it (obviously)
Baby Battista
this is a bar at the back of Nicos. It’s a vibe.
08
Nicos.Block Shop
I lot of you probably have heard of this store but going in person is always better.
Goodies
Well priced ceramics.
Quat
This coffee shop is a place to chill out in the courtyard. I would even bring my laptop here and chill.
Bar Sinzki
Whether it’s a breakfast of eggs or a cocktail at sunset, I appreciated the vibe here.
Modern Merchant
Antiques, mid-century furniture and really nice art.
West Hollywood/Hollywood Etc
Schindler House
The Schindler House, also known as the Schindler Chace House was designed by architect Rudolph M. Schindler. It reminded me of Japan but in a Californian way.
Bode
While Bode is well and truly out of my price range, it’s still nice to visit and appreciate the clothes and their overall wonderful aesthetic.
The Tower Bar
Eating dinner poolside is where it’s at but the bar inside is where you might see a celeb or two.
Chateau Marmont
Just to feel like you’re in an old Hollywood movie, I would visit for a martini and the truffle fries.
09
Chateau Marmont.10
Schindler House.Musso & Frank
I see why so many people told me to visit here. It’s 107 years old and feels like so many old-world Hollywood stars would have dined here.
Book Soup
I think this was my favourite bookshop. It had so many magazines, coffee table books and lots of Eve Babitz.
Galerie Half
This was like a gallery of divine antique furniture.
Saddle Ranch Chop House
It’s a bit of an institution here. There’s a mechanical bull and all.
Stir Crazy
11
Musso Frank.12
Book Soup.Downtown
Dover street Market
The Good Liver
Reminds me of a Provider Store
Departamento
Fancy men’s fashion
Grand central market
Nepenthes
13
Tara in hollywood.14
Eames House.Extras
LACMA
This was one of my favourite art galleries.
The Broad
Eames House
Makes you want to move in.
Hollyhock House
For those Frank Lloyd Wright fans.
Rosebowl Markets
Pack cash and an extra bag