During the month of May, Plymouth celebrates the humanity and contributions of our Asian and Pacific Islander siblings. The AAPI umbrella term includes cultures from the entire Asian continent—including East, Southeast and South Asia—and the Pacific Islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia. As of 2019, there were about 22.9 million people of Asian or Pacific Islander descent in the United States.

The Seattle area has a wealth of places to go and things to do to learn more and experience the rich and varied AAPI cultures. Some ideas include:

• The Chinatown-International District (CID) is the cultural hub for Seattle’s AAPI communities. The district is made up of different Asian cultures, mostly family-owned shops and restaurants, perfect for a day of exploring. Visitors can also explore the district’s landmarks, including Hing Hay Park and the Historic Chinatown Gate. 
• The Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience is a must-visit all year long. Located in the CID, Wing Luke tells the story of the Asian Pacific American immigrants in Seattle and beyond. The museum also offers a “Redlining Heritage Trail Tour,” which is a walking tour that explores themes of gentrification and displacement in Seattle neighborhoods. Foodies can check out their Rice Stuff Food Tour, where you will eat your way through the CID while learning about the role of rice both historically and in our lives today.
• The Panama Hotel, located in the CID, has a unique place in Seattle’s history as it once provided lodging to immigrants from Japan. During World War II, its basement was used by the Japanese community as a storeroom before they were sent to internment camps. Today, visitors can tour its preserved traditional bathhouse, which is the only remaining facility still intact and in place.
• The Pacific Bonsai Museum in Federal Way is one of only two museums in the U.S. dedicated solely to bonsai. The museum maintains a collection of 150 bonsai trees from Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and the U.S.
• The Japanese Cultural Community Center is a great place to learn more about Japanese language, culture, and community. 
• Kubota Garden, located in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, is a must-visit. The garden was founded in 1927 by Fujitaro Kubota, a Japanese immigrant, and is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the garden in accordance with his vision. 
• The Seattle Asian Art Museum, located in Volunteer Park, is home to an extensive Asian art collection. 
• The Seattle Chinese Garden is a place to learn more about the rich heritage of Chinese arts and culture via a beautiful Sichuan-style garden. 
• Experience the Seattle Japanese Garden located in the Washington Washington Park Arboretum UW Botanic Gardens featuring curving pathways, beautiful foliage, flowing water and a teahouse. 
• Te Fare O Tamatoa is a nonprofit organization that spreads knowledge of Tahitian culture through dance and music.