California on America’s West Coast. Cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are well-known among Japanese people. California is currently marketing itself as the “ultimate playground.”
According to research by the California Tourism Bureau, over 85% of consumers worldwide believe it is important to incorporate play into their lives, with 43% saying vacations are the only time they can truly let loose.
California offers a wide variety of adventures and experiences, from exhilarating cities, hiking in grand nature, watching sports, driving, relaxation at the beach, wine tasting, to experiencing museums and theater productions. It’s indeed the perfect destination.
The Center of Global Entertainment, Los Angeles
First up is Los Angeles, a city familiar to many Japanese people. Did you know that Los Angeles, often referred to as the center of global entertainment, has the highest number of museums and theaters in the United States?
Enjoy the world of movies at Universal Studios Hollywood, shop at boutiques in Beverly Hills, and walk along the beach in Santa Monica.
Los Angeles, a melting pot of various ethnicities, is home to world-renowned star chefs and offers a taste of popular cuisines from around the globe. From Japanese cuisine in Little Tokyo, Armenian communities in Glendale, to Korean-style BBQ in Koreatown, there’s a wide range of choices. Don’t miss out on the food trucks either.
For a walk after meals, visiting museums and art spots is a good idea. With many museums being free, including areas of the California Science Center that houses the Space Shuttle Endeavour, and the Los Angeles Zoo, where over 2,000 species of animals live, including Komodo dragons and orangutans.
The Mecca of Craft Beer, San Diego is Filled with Attractions Worth Spending Days Exploring
California’s second-largest city, San Diego, is known for its year-round warm climate. The 112 km-long coastline is dotted with surfing spots.
From the water park SeaWorld San Diego and Mission Bay Aquatic Park to the San Diego Zoo, which not only houses over 700 species and 14,000 animals but is also the largest koala breeding facility outside of Australia, and Balboa Park with its 20 museums and the world’s largest pipe organ comprising of 5,017 pipes, to Old Town known as the birthplace of San Diego with its rich Mexican culture, there are numerous tourist spots worth spending a few days exploring.
Referred to as the holy ground of craft beer, San Diego is home to over 150 breweries, making it one of the top beer-producing cities in America. Stone Brewing Company and Karl Strauss were among the pioneers of the craft beer boom, and many pubs and restaurants offer local craft beers. At Ballast Point’s The Kettle Room, you can enjoy dishes that pair well with beer.
The nightlife doesn’t end here. In the Gaslamp Quarter, restored from 19th-century buildings, enjoy Trendy dishes by Chef Leyla Javadoff while listening to live music. The Tipsy Crow is a collection of sports bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy the night in style.
San Francisco, the City of Gourmet, Where You Can Enjoy Seafood
Known for popular spots like the Golden Gate Bridge and the cable cars, San Francisco is also highly regarded as a gourmet city. From Michelin-starred restaurants to food trucks, there’s a wide variety.
At Fisherman’s Wharf, a favorite among tourists, you can enjoy various seafood dishes freshly caught from San Francisco Bay, including scallops, halibut, and fresh crabs. It’s also where ferries depart for Alcatraz Island, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of San Francisco’s cityscape and Golden Gate Bridge.
The redevelopment of the beachside SoMa district has made it a popular trendy spot. Stylish hotels, restaurants, IT companies, the home of the San Francisco Giants – Oracle Park, and the home of the Golden State Warriors – Chase Center are located here.
In San Francisco, known for its many slopes, cable cars are recommended for moving around. They provide access to upscale shopping streets like Union Square and Fisherman’s Wharf. CityPASS and San Francisco C3 tickets allow you to enter museums, aquariums, and art galleries at a discount.
Don’t Miss Out on Trendy Sacramento and Lake Tahoe
Sacramento, the capital city of California, is located north of San Francisco. A city that thrived during the 1850s Gold Rush, Old Sacramento still retains its charming historic cityscape and is designated a National Historic Landmark.
Now transformed into a trendy city with newly opened breweries, gourmet pubs, and trendy boutiques, Sacramento also boasts attractions such as the California State Railroad Museum, which displays the restored steam locomotive ‘Iron Horse’, and the dome-roofed State Capitol Museum with its numerous events and art museums.
Lake Tahoe, at an elevation of 1,897 meters and surrounded by the Sierra mountains, is North America’s largest alpine lake. What’s impressive is its 99.994% purity. Activities such as driving around the 116 km lakeshore, water sports like kayaking and paddle boating, child-friendly hikes to the Desolation Wilderness, and skiing in winter are popular. The panoramic view of the Tahoe Basin from the summit of Mount Tallac, approximately 3,000 meters in altitude, is another must-see.
For an Insider’s Fun, Head to Fresno, and Don’t Miss the Untouched Nature of Yosemite National Park
For those seeking a slightly more sophisticated pleasure, head to Fresno. California, one of the state’s main agricultural areas, is particularly famous for its production of raisins and almonds among other fruits and vegetables. Enjoy agritourism with early spring Blossom Trails and summer Fruit Trails.
Not limited to farm-to-table dining, one can enjoy a variety of global cuisines in Fresno, including Mediterranean, Mexican, Indian, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisine. Visit Fresno County’s website also recommends local restaurants.
An hour north of Fresno, Yosemite National Park, registered as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1984, is about 1.4 times the size of Tokyo Prefecture, with most of its vast area remaining untouched by human hands. The park offers breathtaking views, including a valley carved by glaciers up to 1,219 meters deep, lush forests, and several waterfalls such as El Capitan, Half Dome, and Yosemite Falls.
Guided tours are available. Note that reservations are required for summer visits by car, as millions of tourists flock to the park.
For a Comfortable Journey to Los Angeles, Choose American Airlines
For entry into California’s main gateway, Los Angeles, fly direct with American Airlines. Operating two daily round-trips between Haneda Airport and Los Angeles in a three-class configuration Boeing 787-8: Flagship® Business, Premium Economy, and Main Cabin.
Moreover, by utilizing joint services with Japan Airlines (JAL), including code-sharing flights, you have access to a broad selection of eight daily flights from Narita Airport and Kansai International Airport to San Francisco and San Diego as well.
With all seats offering aisle access and converting to full flat beds in Flagship® Business, promise a smooth journey through the skies. At the airport, speed through security with priority check-in and security lanes. Spend time before boarding in the Flagship® Lounge and board stress-free with priority boarding. Onboard, enjoy chef-designed course meals, award-winning wines, and amenities kit from Casper, Shinola, and D.S. & Durga for a comfortable flight. Upon arrival, be the first to receive your checked luggage.
