Downtown Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple

Photographed By Craig Baker

1. Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Marker

Inscription.
Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, built 1924-26. Declared October 24, 1986 Historic-Cultural Monument No. 318 by the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission, Cultural Affairs Department.

(second marker:)
Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple, Nishi Betsuin 1925-1969. The Temple relocated from this site to East First and Vignes Streets.

Erected 1986 by City of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 313.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Asian Americans • Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is October 24, 1986.

Location. 34° 2.973′ N, 118° 14.352′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Downtown Los Angeles. Marker can be reached from the intersection of 1st Street and Central Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 355 1st St, Los Angeles CA 90012, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. History Mural - Little Tokyo (within shouting distance of this marker); Little Tokyo (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Honor Award Story (within shouting distance of this marker); Home Is Little Tokyo Mural (within shouting distance of this marker); Aoyama Tree (within shouting distance of this marker); Atomic Cafe (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fugetsu-Do (about 400 feet away); Sei Fujii (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Regarding Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple. Built in 1925; designed by Edgar Cline; one of the first religious structures serving the city's Asian population; later became the Japanese American National Museum, which has since moved next door. The building now houses the Go For Broke National Education Center.

Designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 313 in 1986.
This is one of 13 buildings in Little Tokyo designated a National Historic Landmark in 1995.

Significance Statement:
The property meets the criteria for LAHCM designation because it reflects the broad cultural, political, economic or social history of the nation, state, or community, as the

Photographed By Craig Baker

2. Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Marker

oldest extant Buddhist temple in Los Angeles. The property served an important religious, cultural, and social function for Japanese in Los Angeles, and signifies the growth of that community. The Period of Significance ends in 1969, the year Nishi Hongwanji relocated to another facility. The property was converted for use as the Japanese American National Museum in 1992, and later served as the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy.