Pasadena is your gateway to one of the biggest hubs of Asian Pacific American culture - the San Gabriel Valley. AAPI heritage is celebrated here all year long, with frequent reminders of the delicious, beautiful, and enriching contributions that these communities have made to our city and beyond.
Vroman’s Bookstore was founded in 1894 by Adam Clark Vroman, a man who loved books and loved giving back to his community. During World War II, Vroman’s donated and delivered books to Japanese Americans interned at nearby camps, returning on several occasions despite being fired upon by camp guards. All throughout the month of May, Vroman's Bookstore hosts events for children and adults to explore books written by AAPI authors.
Pasadena is blessed with fertile soil, favorable climate, and many botanical gardens. During the end of the 19th century, there was a widespread fascination with Asian culture and garden design. Enjoy the contributions of AAPI gardeners and botanists in Pasadena's living, and everchanging, botanical museums.
The Storrier Stearns Japanese Garden was created by Kinzuchi Fujii between 1935 – 1940 for Charles and Ellamae Storrier Stearns. It is also the only intact example of a major Japanese-style garden created before World War II for a residence in Southern California. A variety of events are curated monthly, including sound baths, evening access, tea ceremonies and more.
The Japanese Garden is one of the oldest gardens at The Huntington, started over a century ago. Stroll through the koi-filled ponds, the moon bridge built by Japanese craftsman Toichiro Kawai, the impressive bonsai collection, the Zen garden, the Japanese House built in Japan around 1904, and ceremonial tea house that was built in Kyoto and donated to The Huntington.
Liu Fang Yuan 流芳園 is one of the finest classical-style Chinese gardens outside of China. Designed through an international collaboration with designers and artisans in Suzhou and American construction workers, this garden is filled with plants of literary or cultural significance. Enjoy soloist musicians in the garden every Wednesday.
Enjoy the stroll garden, the stream-and-pond garden, the tea garden, and the raked-gravel garden (karesansui), often called (incorrectly) a Zen garden. Designed by Eijiro Nunokawa, the garden's teahouse was operated by Japanese American restauranteurs who commissioned architect Kenneth Masao Nishimoto to build a giftshop that emulates a Japanese farmhouse.
From cultural institutions and ornate landmark buildings to exhibitions and performances, enjoy the rich cultures and vital histories of AAPI heritage in Pasadena.
The City of Pasadena celebrates AAPI Heritage Month throughout the month of May with community events at Pasadena's public libraries. Programs and events include cultural and educational activities, workshops, and take-home craft projects—all of which aim to promote understanding, appreciation and respect for the AAPI community and their contributions to the city of Pasadena.
Indulge in the authentic flavors of AAPI culture through the abundance of culinary experiences in Pasadena. The area is rich in multigeneration and multiethnic AAPI diversity, allowing visitors to experience various subcultures through food.
Best Annual Events, Celebrations, and Festivals in Pasadena
Pasadena knows how to throw a party, and its annual events are the talk of the town. Whether you're a local or a visitor, there are plenty of festivals and city-wide celebrations to go around. Don't worry, we'll start with the granddaddy of them all – the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
Outdoor Dining Directory
Alfresco dining where diners can soak in the sun alongside some of the region’s most tantalizing cuisine
Memorable Museums
Pasadena is known for its abundance of renowned cultural institutions, many within walking distance of one another.
Shopping in Pasadena
Shopping in Pasadena is a popular recreational activity, count it in as sightseeing, catching up with friends, or treasure hunting.
