The biggest problem living here is the noise. I used to live on the side of the building facing 2nd street and it would be constantly noisy at night from the 2nd street jazz club directly facing the building. I thought the noise would cease once I moved to the side of the building facing Cntral Ave. Wrong. You still get noise from buses and trash trucks in the morning barrelling through the streets, preventing you from ever being able to sleep in. In addition, the bar across the street (I think the Cuban restaurant or Weilands) has really loud music playing late into the nights on Thursdays through Saturdays. I don't know why they didn't think to use better construction materials to insulate residents from the noise. I anticipate that as Little Tokyo grows, the noise will just get worse and worse. I suspect, though, that the interior apartments are much less noisy. There really is no peace and quiet here. You open your window and it's really noisy, you close your window and it's less noisy. The noise never goes away. Though, I'll have to say that the neighbors in the building have been very quiet and respectful.

I know I sound like some old lady that can't stand a bit of noise, but I have lived in the busiest parts of Manhattan and have never been bothered by the noise there, so take my review for what it's worth.

My other complaint is that the rent is quite pricey for what you get. I guess you have to pay a premium to live in a building that will house an American Apparel and the accoutrements of hipsters, I have no idea. But if you are looking for an apartment, I advise looking into the units at the Artisan on Second. Bigger units go for less than the rent I am paying here, and it is quiet over there. Plus, you have access to the LT scene so you are not missing out.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/02/2008
Maybe you should try living in the suburbs in Montana. I love living downtown and I live in the Hikari also. I don't think it is noisy at all. Actually I am quite inpressed with the double paned windows and the service in the building is impeccable. The staff is extremely helpful and responsive. I even get a email sent to me when a package arrives. I highly reccomended the Hikari because of the great location, great service and great amnenities. Plus it is so great to be able to work to everything. The Hikari is a steal! Starbucks is just outside the door! The Artisan doesn't even compare...it is out of the way and they have no amenities. There units may be bigger, but bigger in this case does not equal better. The Hikari rocks!
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/07/2008
"Doulbe paned" windows...are you kidding me! What a joke. Double paned windows at Hikar are NON-EXISTENT. Related totally cheaped out when it came to insulation at the Hikari. This is the first apartment I've ever lived in that doesn't have double paned windows. I absolutely agree with everything this poster says...especially, b/c I too live on Central. To all potential Hikari tenants: YOU'VE BEEN WARNED!!!!!!!
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/25/2008
I guess I'm not the only one that thought that!
From: gweilojake	Date: 10/23/2008
Well, it's almost 01:00 on Wednesday night and the club is still blaring, with club patrons howling on the sidewalks. I lived in Manhattan and Hong Kong for 5 years and thought I endured a few decibals, but this is agonizing. I too was told of "only weekends" and "double paned window glass". I wish I had the common sense of touring the premises at night. The Hikari should dose out free Ambien as part of the tenant hospitality package.

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