LINCOLN HEIGHTS, Calif. (KABC) — Dodger fans from Japan are traveling thousands of miles to see Shohei Ohtani — and some are finding a special home away from home in Los Angeles.
After moving from Japan to Los Angeles in 2018, Yuko Hattori fell in love with the city and with her now-husband, Zachery Gaither. Together, they recently renovated part of their Lincoln Heights home into a short-term rental designed specifically for visiting Dodger superfans.
Hattori's rental has gained attention online, especially through her Instagram account, @LosAngelesLAguide.trip, where fans can book a stay and explore her recommendations around the city.
"For many Japanese, to see Ohtani or to go to Dodger Stadium is a once in a lifetime experience," Hattori explained.
Inside, the space is decorated wall-to-wall with Dodgers memorabilia: from bobbleheads and jerseys to baseball books and signed balls. Visitors are greeted with thoughtful touches meant to make them feel at home. Hattori provides a Japanese-language guidebook she wrote herself, offering tips on local attractions.
For Hattori and her family, the homestay has become more than a side business.
"We have a Japanese-American child, so we want to show him both cultures as a family," she said.
Her husband Zach says the best part is when guests turn into friends over backyard barbecues.
"We meet amazing people from Japan that come and get to stay and enjoy the vibe of the home," Gaither said. "We're happy, we're really happy to share it."
Proof that sometimes, the real magic of baseball happens beyond the field.
