Kyoto Gardens: The Japanese Rooftop Oasis Few Know About
High above the chaos of downtown Los Angeles lies a hidden oasis that feels worlds away from the streets below. This is Kyoto Gardens — a rooftop sanctuary inspired by traditional Japanese garden culture. Perched atop the DoubleTree Hotel, the garden blends Zen minimalism with the urban skyline, creating an almost shocking harmony of nature and city life. It’s the kind of balance you’d expect to find in Tokyo — not LA.
Built in 1977 by Tokyo-based Kojima Corporation, the garden was originally part of the New Otani Hotel (later the Kyoto Grand, and now the DoubleTree by Hilton). It occupies about half an acre of rooftop space above the hotel’s main entrance, filled with classic elements of a Japanese garden — ponds, stone lanterns, waterfalls, and winding paths surrounded by meticulous landscaping. Despite its small size, Kyoto Gardens uses its features to great effect, producing a variety of spaces to explore.
A Photographer’s Hidden Gem
Even though the garden is compact, it’s one of my favorite places to photograph in Los Angeles. It’s surprisingly quiet and often empty, making it easy to take your time and explore. Every few steps offer something new: shifting light, reflections in the water, and shadows across the stonework, buildings, and other structures. Because the space is so dense, you can find multiple compositions without moving more than a few feet.
And then there’s the view. Being above ground gives you clean sightlines to the nearby buildings, creating an urban backdrop that contrasts perfectly against the garden’s natural textures. It’s that same wonderful duality you feel walking through Tokyo — calm but vibrant nature, among sterile man-made surroundings.
How to Visit and Shoot
As mentioned earlier, the garden sits atop the main entrance to the DoubleTree Hotel in Little Tokyo, on the corner of 2nd Street and Los Angeles Street. There’s a small parking garage under Weller Court, next to the hotel, but honestly, any of the parking areas and garages in the area will do. The hotel is also about two blocks from the Little Tokyo / Arts District Metro Station.
Access is simple enough. You can get to Kyoto Gardens through the DoubleTree Hotel lobby via the elevator in the back. Technically, the garden is only meant for hotel guests, but I’ve never had an issue just walking in and heading up. Just be respectful and low-key — it’s a peaceful space, and I think the hotel staff know that people go and are generously leaving it accessible. Additionally, it occasionally gets rented out for events, so I wouldn’t plan a trip just to visit the garden, as there’s always a chance that it will be off limits.
As for when to photograph, you can probably shoot here at any time of day, and in any lighting conditions. Sure, golden hour is probably a safe bet, as the warm tones will compliment the greens and the water reflections and the setting sun produces softer light. However, I’ve only shot there at midday, and the garden still photographed well — there’s plenty of shaded areas and the abundant stone and water often fills dark shadows with lots of reflected light.
A Living Connection to Little Tokyo & Big Tokyo
The garden’s history feels almost symbolic of Little Tokyo itself. The hotel has changed names and ownership several times, yet the garden has endured — a quiet constant that continues to welcome visitors. In that way, it mirrors the community that surrounds it: ever changing, yet enduring, anchored by cultural roots that define its identity.
Ironically, though it’s named after Kyoto, the garden feels much more like the gardens in Tokyo (as I alluded to as the start of this article)— compact, layered, and contrasted with modern architecture. Despite the fact that it resembles a sea of buildings, Tokyo is pockmarked with countless little green spaces that pull you out into a surreal and tranquil respite that feels like you’re somewhere else entirely. Kyoto Gardens captures that exact same feeling- it’s one of the few places in Downtown LA that manages to do that.
So next time you’re in Little Tokyo, make Kyoto Gardens part of your itinerary. Bring your camera, take your time, and enjoy this hidden piece of Japan tucked above the city. And if you do capture something special, tag me on Instagram — I’d love to see what you find up there.
