Los Angeles Hompa Hongwanji Buddhist Temple (Nishi Betsuin) — Local services in Los Angeles

Where do I begin?! Nishi Center and staff have become family to us this past 2 years. Ms. Gaby, the wonderful and nurturing teacher that took care of our girls as if they were her own. She is a true gem of Nishi and we are beyond lucky to have had her a teacher. We started our oldest child in August 2022, and she has blossomed and grown into a confident, outgoing, funny and smart girl. Our second child started January 2024 and has also really bonded and loved the environment and teachers. A true blessing and real evidence that Nishi really nurtures the children, teaches them care and kindness and is a fun and creative environment. These caring and gentle schools are hard to find these days, and I feel so lucky to have landed in this school.

We also love the Japanese aspects of Nishi, since my children are part Japanese. They sing songs in Japanese, have Odori class with Japanese songs, celebrate Japanese holidays like Setsubun, Obon, and Hinamatsuri. They also have Japanese snacks, Japanese class for Kinder, and other Japanese American community activities. Not to mention their plethora of field trips! Every week it seems like there is something going on! From field trips to aquariums, libraries, parks, to birthday parties, fun themed lunches, holiday celebrations like Valentine's Day or Halloween. The list goes on and on.

We loved being part of the Nishi community, whether it was helping out with Obon, or doing gymnastics or Odori or basketball, every aspect was educational and loving for our girls. I loved that I could text the teachers anytime to ask how our girls were doing, they would send us plenty or pictures and updates. I initially had so much anxiety transitioning our first child to a new school and took the worry away, gently easing her into the new school.

Do not think twice, send your children here from TK - K, you will not regret it! The staff, Ms. Susan, Ms. Gaby, Ms. Maria, Ms. Paola, Ms. Andrea, Ms. Emily and Ms. Cindy are truly one in a million. Thank you Nishi for all the love...

The original location was built in 1925, one of the first religious structures serving the city's Asian community, it later became the Japanese American National Museum, which has since moved next door. That historic building now houses the Go For Broke National Education Center. It is a City and National Historic Landmark. This location was...

Really disappointed. The "tour guide" left for a long break, I made the trip for literally a photo of the outside of the temple. It's never a problem that folks need breaks, but we should be informed to schedule a time for a walkthrough to avoid...