game safari ikebukuro

ゲームサファリ池袋店｜ ゲームサファリ大山店

Throwback - Gaming in Japan

Sunday, april 20, 2014, arcade "game safari" - ikebukuro.

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• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

10 Things to Do in Ikebukuro

Often outshone by popular anime hub Akihabara, Ikebukuro has just as much to offer and more.

Ikebukuro is a bustling mix of work and play. You’ll see plenty of white shirts and school uniforms letting off steam in arcades, reading the latest comic books in Animate, and doing some much-needed retail therapy at the mall. Why not join them?

1. Explore the mini-metropolis of Sunshine City

It could take you days to try out everything this shopping mall has to offer — it’s called Sunshine City for a reason. Not only does it have floors of shops (some cheap, some expensive), but it also has — deep breath — an aquarium , observation deck ( Sky Circus ), planetarium (sometimes with adult-only shows), the world’s largest capsule toy store, theme park Namjatown , and the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo .

Be warned, it’s a bit of a money eater. Still, there’s sometimes free music and other entertainment in the Fountain Plaza.

2. Get on top of the stores

No, I’m not suggesting you parkour your way around Ikebukuro (although, that could be fun). Take an elevator up to the rooftop of the Seibu Department Store and find a place to take a breather, use the toilet, and grab a bite or a beer . The rooftop area is surprisingly large and there’s even a bridge and pond to add to the ambience. While there’s not much of a view, it is perfect for a sunny day chill spot.

3. Stroll down Otome Road

Just opposite Sunshine City lies a street that’s known for being the female-friendly equivalent of Akihabara. Some of the shops along Otome Road are K-Books, which has separate branches for doujinshi (fan comics), secondhand merchandise, and cosplay; Lashinbang, a secondhand merchandise and cosplay items shop; and Mandarake, another doujinshi shop. Take a peek to see if you can find other bargains and rare finds.

4. Enter Animate

Another one for the anime and manga lovers is the nine-story headquarters of the Animate brand along Otome Road. Soon to be the world’s biggest anime store (opening March 2023), it’s worth a visit even if you aren’t into Japanese animation. They have games, DVDs, comics, merchandise, figurines, and more (including body cushions and food) — everything a self-proclaimed nerd needs, really.

5. Check out the local food scene

Thanks to Ikebukuro’s bustling international scene, there are great choices in the city for wining and dining. People don’t mind queuing up for their favorite restaurant, so you might be waiting for a while if you want to visit Mutekiya, famous for its thick-cut braised pork ramen, or Katsu Midori , famous for its cheap sushi — we have some other sushi options if its full. Plus, there’s a host of highly rated Italian restaurants, along with Indian, Vietnamese, Shanghainese, and other cuisine.

6. Drop by the local temples

A short walk (approx. 15 minutes) from Ikebukuro Station is a lovely old temple called Kishimojindo , located in the Zoshigaya area (which is also where you’ll find Zoshigaya Cemetery, the place where Natsume Soseki was interred). The 350-year-old temple is dedicated to Kishimojin, the goddess of safe birth and child rearing. It’s a peaceful spot with zelkova trees and a gingko that has seen its 700th birthday. Another 15-minute walk will take you to another impressive temple, Gokokuji .

7. Watch the world go by at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park

While it may only be a park in theory, Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park is good for soaking up some sun and watching the world go by. You’ll find the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre here — and sometimes interesting clumps of drama types. The fountain is kind of cool, as are the stray cats, secret owls, and occasional weekend events.

8. Meet a maid or butler

Akihabara isn’t the only place to be served by cute girls and boys calling you “Master” and “Princess”; Ikebukuro has its own share and you’ll often find a maid or two on the streets leading customers into their establishments. There’s Wonder Parlor Café , which is a toned-down, classic maid Café; Honey Honey; and the famous Swallowtail Butler Café. Trying to find a maid café that doesn’t make you cringe? Check out our article .

9. Hit the arcades

Ikebukuro has a host of arcades and game centers for its young clientele and whether you want try out the purikura photo booths, crane games, gachapon toy dispensers, or VR, there’s something for you. Since the closure of Sega Mega Center, the arcade scene in Ikebukuro was looking dire, but there are still many places to get stuck into. Try out Ikebukuro Mikado Game Center for old-school games, Taito Station for the usual fair, and Reeast Room if you want to throw an axe and destroy stuff.

10. Be prepared at Bosaikan

Unfortunately, Japan gets its fair share of natural disasters, but being prepared needn’t be tedious or boring — enter Ikebukuro Bosaikan (Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center), putting the fun in disaster prevention. There’s a VR experience, earthquake simulation, smoke maze, and fire training. You can reserve online and they often have English-language sessions.

Fancy checking out nearby areas? Then take a look at our things to do in Shinjuku guide, and throw in Shibuya and Harajuku while you’re at it.

This article was originally published in 2016 but has recently been updated in October 2022.

Spot the owls

Appreciate some architecture

Pop into the rampo museum.

• Sunshine 60 Observatory (Tenbou Park)
• Seibu Ikebukuro Department Store
• Sunshine City
• Animate Ikebukuro
• Kishimojindo Temple
• Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park
• Ikebukuro Bosaikan
• Gokokuji Temple Tokyo
• Restaurants
• Wonder Parlour Cafe
• Katsu Midori Seibu Ikebukuro
• Featured-ikebukuro
• Sightseeing

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• The Inventory

Visit Tokyo's Best Arcades

While Japan has lots of excellent arcades, Tokyo is home to the country’s best. If you are visiting the city and like video games, these are the arcades you must check out.

Club Sega is a solid arcade experience with no fuss. There are locations in Akihabara, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku and Meguro. All of them are great (I’ve always been partial to the Shinjuku spot). The Ikebukuro location, however, does have a taiyaki stand with edible Sega logos .

Locations: ( Akihabara Building 1 , Building 3 ), ( Ikebukuro ), ( Shinjuku ), ( Meguro )

Joypolis claims to be “The largest indoor amusement park in the country.”

Yes, it has arcade games, prize machines and sticker picture booths. But what sets Joypolis apart is the attractions, simulators and rides. Don’t expect Six Flags type thrills or Disneyland quality. Also, know there is an entrance fee and a charge for attractions.

If you want more of a traditional arcade experience, although one from years past, check out Tokyo Dream, which is next to Joypolis, right up one flight of escalators. It has a surprising selection of vintage cabinets and makes for a striking contrast after a Joypolis visit.

The first floor has a decent selection of retro games and shmups, but if you like fighting games, your interests will be found upstairs. The number of fighting games here is staggering. Mikado also holds tournaments, including one with rounds lasting only seconds . The arcade is a vital part of Tokyo’s fighting game community. Apparently, you can have wedding parties here .

Natsuge Museum

This might be the best retro game arcade in the whole country. This place is incredible. It’s like walking into a museum and being allowed to touch and play with the exhibits.

What makes Natsuge Museum so special is that all the cabinets aren’t running on emulators, but the original boards and are often in their original cabinet housing. It makes this arcade like an old movie revival house that screens 16 and 35mm film prints.

The place is small and usually opened only on Fridays, but the place swaps out games on a fairly regular basis. It’s a treat—no, a privilege—to walk in Natsuge Museum and be able to play these games and touch these cabinets.

Note: Natsuge Museum is only open on select days (usually Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays as well as other sporadic days) so be sure to check the website before going.

Round One (Ikebukuro)

Ikebukuro has long been the place for rhythm and music games in Tokyo. Round One is a bowling chain, but its arcades are generally good. Its Ikebukuro location has a thriving Bemani scene, with well-kept machines and amazingly talented players.

If you want to play Bemani games in Tokyo, go here. Be sure to leave messages (and drawings) in the community notebooks!

Taito Hey Akihabara

There is no better place on Earth to play shumps (shoot ‘em up games) than here. Hey, short of Hirose Entertainment Yard, is home to around sixty classic shooting games. While it feels like bullet hell maker Cave has moved beyond twitch shooters, Hey has not.

Hey is filled with classic Cave shooters, like Mushihimesama , and iconic Treasure titles like Radiant Silvergun . Hey has several floors of gaming, but come here for the shumps .

Super Potato Akihabara

The top floor of Super Potato Akihabara is certainly not Tokyo’s greatest game center , but it’s terrific if you’re already shopping in Super Potato and want a quick and easy arcade experience. This is worth the trip upstairs.

There are fewer cabinets than typical arcades (and fewer niche games). But there’s a wide variety of well-known stuff that even non-gaming types will know like Super Mario Bros. , Tetris and Street Fighter II . Part of the draw is the dagashiya or traditional Japanese candy shop, selling inexpensive snacks and bottled soda pop. Note that this small arcade does allow smoking.

If you are travelling with someone who isn’t that into games (and doesn’t mind smoking), this might be a good spot to visit.

Taito Station

Like Club Sega, Taito Stations are good one-stop shopping for the Japanese arcade experience. There are locations throughout Tokyo (and Japan), but Akihabara and Shinjuku are the recommended stops.

Locations ( Akihabara ), ( Asakusa ), ( Ikebukuro , West Exit ), ( Kanda ), ( Shibuya ), ( Shinjuku , Shinjuku East Exit ), ( Ueno )

Tokyo Leisureland

Go at night. The outside of this arcade is lit up with Showa Era neon font. It looks fantastic, I think. Sure the big drawback (or, depending on your interests, big plus?) is that it’s across from an adult video shop, but don’t focus on the porno stuff. Just keep your eyes on the entrance of this arcade.

Tokyo Leisureland has a classic Japanese arcade floorplan with the crane games on the first floor. While there are retro classics, the upper floors are mostly packed with the latest releases.

Location ( Main Shop , Second Shop )

Try Amusement Tower

This is an incredibly solid arcade, and the staff have taken extra steps with the do-it-yourself decor. Of course, this arcade isn’t only about ambience. There are rarities and oddball games to be played, such as the Street Fighter II bootleg that changed history .

• ‪Bahasa Melayu‬
• Bahasa Indonesia

16 Fun Things to do in Ikebukuro: Recommendations for First-Time Visitors

Ikebukuro , easily accessible by the Yamanote loop line, is considered one of the greatest entertainment districts in Tokyo. It is lined with shopping malls , music venues, game centers, and a plethora of places for anime -lovers to enjoy. Ikebukuro is great for people of all ages, as well as families, because of its entertainment that stretches from aquarium to planetarium, museums to shrines , and endless dining options as well. Not only is it easily accessible from central Tokyo, but it is also conveniently accessed from neighboring prefectures such as Saitama, making for a great day trip no matter where you are. From morning to night, there’s never a dull moment in Ikebukuro with its options at hand for anyone who comes through. Main image: PIXTA

1. Sunshine City

2. shopping on sunshine 60 street, 3. sunshine aquarium and sky circus sunshine 60 observation deck, 4. namco namja town, 5. visit the otaku shops and otome road, 6. get the buzz on electronic products, 7. check out a maid or butler café, 8. hatoyama hall, 9. slurp up some ramen, 10. reeast room, 11. pokémon center mega tokyo, 12. kotsumate animal room, 13. tokyo metropolitan theatre, 14. explore shrines and temples, 15. listen to japanese bands at a local 'live house', 16. drink your way around town.

Sunshine City is one of the greatest symbols of Ikebukuro . The four-building complex boasts shops and restaurants, as well as a plethora of entertainment . Sunshine 60, the main and tallest building, has an observatory 240 meters above ground that is more than just your typical high rise with impeccable views. There are often promotional events and campaigns that occur here as well.

Sunshine 60 Street stretches for 200-meters near the East exit of JR Ikebukuro station, lined with a variety of shops for a shopping heaven experience on a lively street. It includes a cinema, arcades , cafes , restaurants, and retail stores from books to clothes, electronics to home goods, character goods to beauty supplies. There’s something for everyone, and if groups want to go at different paces, it’s easy to link back up after everyone gets a taste for their own shopping spree.

• Address 1-12-8, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Higashi-Ikebukuro Station （Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line） 7 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-3981-5849

The Sunshine Aquarium is one of the main attractions; they are known for their cute penguins! What’s unique about this aquarium is that it is located on a rooftop, 40 meters above ground, and its theme is an “Oasis in the Sky”. The aquarium is known for its breeding efforts for ocean sunfish, bowmouth guitarfish, and various other large sea creatures. It stays true to its “Oasis in the Sky” theme with seasonal events such as “Dance with zebra sharks” and “flying penguins”. Sky Circus is located inside Sunshine 60, which is different from the area where the aquarium is located. This area includes thrilling 4D and VR experience rides at the indoor amusement park , the Ancient Orient Museum , a planetarium, and a theater.

Namja Town is an indoor theme park . This theme park , also inside Sunshine City, is produced by Namco, a well-known Japanese video game company. The park has carnival-style games , a haunted house, and exclusive characters who live here. If you’re a video game lover, there are promotional events that happen year-round so it’s worth checking out. Namja Town is also famous for gyoza ; with over ten different styles of gyoza to try and even more flavors of ice cream at the Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho, it’s a perfect place to combine video game fun and food.

• Address The second floor of the sunshine city world import Mart Building, 3, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Higashi-Ikebukuro Station （Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5950-0765

If there’s one industry that Ikebukuro is a pro at, it’s Otaku culture. Otaku culture consists of anime , manga , and of course, video games . In this town, you can find rare goods for all the niche anime and manga . Some famous shops to visit include Animate, Mandarake, and K-Books. Otome Road is for a more niche crowd that mainly consists of female anime lovers. There is an annual Halloween cosplay walk that happens on this road as well, which is worth dressing up for or stopping by!

• Address 3, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Ikebukuro Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Seibu Ikebukuro Line / Tobu Tojo Line） 8 minutes on foot

Ikebukuro is known for huge electronic stores - similar to Akihabara . Shops such as BicCamera are great places to see and test out all kinds of electronics, from beauty to kitchenware. Duty-free shopping is also available at these shops.

• Address 1-5-7, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Ikebukuro Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Seibu Ikebukuro Line / Tobu Tojo Line） 3 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5958-7770

Speaking of anime and manga , you might have heard of maid cafés in Japan. Ikebukuro has a number of maid cafés, and even a butler café that caters to (but not limited to) a more female-oriented crowd. Dress up and head to the Swallowtail Butler Café for a fancy serviced meal under glistening chandeliers. Or, if you want a differently quirky experience, head to a cafe like Maidreamin, where you can eat kawaii (cute) food and chat with girls dressed as maids.

If all the gaming and character talk has got you exhausted, there are other types of entertainment available in Ikebukuro , too. Visit Hatoyama Hall, which is also known as Otowa Palace, a Western-style residence commissioned by Ichiro Hatoyama in 1924. The architect, Okada Shinichi, also famously produced the Kabuki -za. However, the Hatoyama Hall is more influenced by European architecture . Some of the most beautiful aspects of this building are the stained-glass windows with a Japanese twist, and the rose garden with around 80 varieties.

• Address 1-7-1, Otowa, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 112-0013 View Map
• Nearest Station Edogawabashi Station （Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line） 7 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5976-2800

Ikebukuro has an abundance of food options, but especially a lot of Japan’s beloved ramen . Because the area is full of universities and vocational schools, ramen became a quick and cheap meal to satisfy the students’ needs. In Japan, “quick and cheap” isn't a synonym for “bad”. In fact, there are many unique and absolutely delicious ramen shops here - picking just one to try would be the tough part!

Not enough stress relief? Kick it up a notch by visiting Reeast Room; this entertainment space includes axe throwing, paint throwing rooms, and break rooms where you smash goods such as tvs and lamps. It’s a fun place to visit with a group of friends, or even solo!

While there are a few Pokémon Centers around Tokyo, the Ikebukuro branch is unique because it also consists of a café and the Pokémon GO Lab where you can battle with trainers. The café offers Pikachu-themed sweets as well as savory dishes such as ramen and curry that are all Pokémon-themed. Find rare goods, grab grub, and enjoy playing Pokémon with new or old friends.

• Address Sunshine City Specialty Store Street Alpa 2F, 3-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 170-6002 View Map
• Phone Number 03-5927-9290

Located in Higashi Ikebukuro , the Kotsumate Animal Room is an educational space to learn about a variety of animals up close and personal. Interact with animals such as otters and hedgehogs, to learn about the species and how to take care of animals.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2020; it is a center for the arts and culture, and also known for possessing a pipe organ of the world’s largest class. Within the theater, there are four halls where various plays, music, dance, and art performances occur throughout the year. Not only that, there are halls used for exhibitions, conferences, and workshops as well. It’s worth noting what events are going on when you visit.

• Address 1-8-1, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, 171-0021 View Map
• Nearest Station Ikebukuro Station （JR Shonan Shinjuku Line / JR Yamanote Line / JR Saikyo Line / Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line / Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line / Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line / Seibu Ikebukuro Line / Tobu Tojo Line） 2 minutes on foot
• Phone Number 03-5391-2111

There are hidden gems in the form of shrines and temples all over Japan and Ikebukuro is no stranger to this. Shrines and temples often have a topic area they specialize in. For example, Zoshigaya Kishimojindo in Ikebukuro is known as the home to the goddess of healthy childbirth. Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine is a must-visit as you can spot adorable owl statues here (something you’ll soon see all over the town). You can also buy a small owl charm for good luck here. If you’re more of a fox lover, Sanja Shrine is an inari deity shrine , which is protected by foxes and a red torii gate.

Ikebukuro ’s music scene mostly consists of visually driven musical performances and Japanese Rock, which are exciting to experience since they’re rare to find overseas. At small bars and venues, walk-ins are usually welcome.

With any neighborhood in Tokyo, the possibilities for drinks in bars are endless. Choose from themed bars , such as Rock Bar Oasis; or you can choose by the type of drinks like beer or sake. You can have some places in mind (see the link below), or you can just wander around to find something you fancy.

Written by:

Nina Cataldo

Nina is a globe trotter and storyteller, constantly seeking adventures in her motherland of Japan. She's a collector of travel brochures, a lover of cats, and a half-daring foodie. She also likes to escape Tokyo city life from time to time to discover new trails in rural Japan, where she enjoys connecting with locals and wanderers alike. By profession, Nina is the co-author and editor of DUO Elements, a conversational English book series. Follow her on Instagram @nextstop_nina or Facebook @ninamcataldo.

• Area Ikebukuro
• Category Downtown Landmarks Other Contemporary Culture

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JAPAN, ARCADES & GAMING

Sunday 4 december 2011, ikebukuro arcade game centres.

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GiGO: Ikebukuro's Newest Spot for Gaming

Japan, a land of traditions and innovations, often dazzles its visitors with a mix of the old and new. For many international travelers, a highlight of their Japan trip is immersing themselves in the exciting world of game centers. Whether it's trying their luck at UFO catchers to snag that elusive plushie, or turning the dial of a gachapon machine in hopes of collecting a rare figurine, these gaming hubs often become a magnet for spare change and adventurous spirits. Ikebukuro (池袋) is a haven for those passionate about gaming and anime culture. Comparable to the iconic Akihabara (秋葉原) district, Ikebukuro has a number of game centers and specialty stores catering to anime and manga enthusiasts.

On September 18, 2023, Ikebukuro welcomed a fresh addition to its gaming landscape: GiGO. Spanning four floors, this game center promises a state-of-the-art experience. With its sleek and contemporary architectural design, GiGO beckons both locals and tourists alike. So, let’s explore this new spot.

Where is GiGO in Ikebukuro?

1f: a dreamland for claw machine lovers, 2f: arcade games for all ages, 3f: home to japan's grandest purikura & taiko ensemble, b1f: for music and game lovers.

GiGO is located on Sunshine Street, a mere 5-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. Its imposing structure with a massive screen ensures you can't miss it! While Ikebukuro has multiple GiGO branches, this latest addition not only marks the fourth in the district but also stands out as the largest.

From the entrance, rows upon rows of cabinets filled with the latest plushies and more beckon, each stocked with an array of prizes that'll leave you spoilt for choice. Truly a haven where everyone, from beginners to seasoned gamers, can indulge in the thrill of the catch!

Add to that a gachapon spinning area, the rhythmic allure of the t aiko drumming game, and a plethora of other choices. It's a space where both the young and young-at-heart can dive deep into hours of arcade fun!

On your next trip to Japan, don't miss out on experiencing GiGO. Dive into this gaming wonderland and relish a unique facet of Japanese culture.

Access: 5-min walk from East Exit of Ikebukuro Station | Google Map

Opening hours: 10:00–23:30

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Niigata's Murakami City: Enjoy Fun Events, Sightseeing, and Local Cuisine!

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Ikebukuro: 30 Things to Do in Tokyo's Vibrant Entertainment District

Ikebukuro is a leading shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo. Read on to learn 30 fun things to do in Ikebukuro, from shopping for anime goods to enjoying city views, the Sunshine Aquarium, museums, cafes, ramen, and more.

Tokyo's Ikebukuro: A Bustling Entertainment and Shopping District

Ikebukuro is a Tokyo district with excellent shopping and entertainment facilities: the Sunshine 60 Observatory with great city views, the Sunshine Aquarium , the Animate flagship store, Pokemon Center MEGA TOKYO , museums, dining facilities, and much more.

Ikebukuro Station is served by the JR Yamanote Line and other lines offering direct access to Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno. If you're headed to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter , Kawagoe, or Moominvalley Park from central Tokyo, you'll likely use the Ikebukuro Station.

Read on to learn 30 fun things to do in Ikebukuro , from popular activities to little-known options.

Ikebukuro: 30 Fun Things to Do

Shopping 7. Seibu Ikebukuro 8. Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro 9. Sunshine City's Shopping Center 10. Ikebukuro PARCO: Unique Fashion 11. Don Quijote Ikebukuro: For Inexpensive Souvenirs 12. Bic Camera Ikebukuro: Tech Gadgets and Electronics

Dining: Enjoy Some of the Best Ramen in Tokyo 13. Mutekiya 14. Tori no ana 15. ROCK'AN DO 16. Kikanbo

Cafes and Restaurants 17. Coffee Valley 18. Sweets Paradise Ikebukuro 19. Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo 20. Neco Republic 21. Dining with City Views: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Culture 22. Tokyo Metropolitan Theater and Other Venues 23. Kumagai Morikazu Museum of Art 24. The Ancient Orient Museum, Tokyo 25. Tokiwaso Manga Museum 26. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter 27. Toei Animation Museum

Temples, Shrines, and Parks 28. Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple 29. Gokokuji Temple 30. Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park GLOBAL RING

Hotels in Ikebukuro

1. sunshine city and the tenbou park observatory.

Located at the east exit of Ikebukuro Station, Sunshine City is a complex commercial facility housing an aquarium, observatory, museum, planetarium, and shopping center.

Picture courtesy of Sunshine City

The 60th floor of Sunshine City was reopened in April 2023 as Tenbou Park . Unusually for an observatory, it features a grassy area and looks like an indoor park. Not only can you enjoy the view of Tokyo's landscape, but you can also experience the sensation of flying through the air on a swing installed next to the window.

Since there are no tall buildings around Tenbou Park, the allure lies in the 360-degree panoramic view. Particularly, the sunset and night views exude a romantic atmosphere. There's also a café where you can enjoy original drink menus while taking in the magnificent scenery.

Sunshine City

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2. Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium , a popular dating spot, is located on the top floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building.

Designed as an " oasis in the sky ," the Sunshine Aquarium is a place where visitors can see penguins seemingly flying in the air, as well as creatures living by the waterside and in the sea. Highlights include seal training, watching penguins during feeding time, and the live explanations by divers and caretakers.

Furthermore, the Jellyfish Area provides a novel and visually stunning experience, making visitors feel as if they are surrounded by jellyfish. This area is particularly popular and is a must-see spot.

In addition, the souvenir store called Shop Aqua Pocket offers a wide range of products such as plush toys, stationery, and snacks, making it the perfect place to purchase keepsakes.

As it tends to get crowded on weekends, it's recommended to visit on weekdays or purchase tickets in advance!

Supported by Sunshine City

3. Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is an official Pocket Monster (Pokémon) shop located inside the Sunshine City main building. This is the place to find Pokemon goods such as plush dolls and other items. The center often holds events where visitors can take part in Pokemon-themed games and competitions.

Pokemon Center MEGA TOKYO & Pikachu Sweets

4. NAMJATOWN

NAMJATOWN is a game and entertainment area located on the second floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building. Some of the attractions include a game of catching a giant fish, escaping a haunted hospital, and other games that are popular with dating couples.

The facility has a food court comprising the NAMJA Gyoza Stadium where you can try various types of gyoza (fried dumplings) and the Fukubukuro Dessert Yokocho , the best place to try photogenic sweets. The souvenir shop Naja Moja Market sells items designed with the three cute characters that represent NAMJATOWN

5. Animate Ikebukuro: The Largest Animate Store in Japan

Animate is an anime, comics, game, and character goods specialty shop that has expanded to over 100 locations in Japan. Their flagship store opened in Ikebukuro in 1983 and is now the largest Animate store in Japan. It is just a five-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station.

Products such as character-related T-shirts, plush dolls, figurines, plastic models, and everything you need for cosplay line the store’s shelves all the way from the first to the ninth floor. Events are regularly held at the store.

Animate Cafe Ikebukuro, located on floors 7 and 8 in the Animate Annex building, offers menus inspired by popular anime series. A must-visit for anime fans!

Animate Ikebukuro Main Store

6. Otome Road: Cosplay, Anime Shops, and Cafes

Otome Road , or Maiden Road, is an area in Ikebukuro near Sunshine City. Due to the multitude of shops and cafes catering to female anime fans, this area is known as a female otaku haven rivaling Akihabara.

The shops offer items designed with male anime and manga characters, as cosplay items.

Otome Road Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1 Google Map Access: 5-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station

Cosplay at Otome Road

Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest

There will always be cosplay where anime and manga fans gather. Some people meet up in costumes just to go shopping but there are also special events such as the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest where anyone can take part in their favorite costumes. If you want to do some cosplay yourself, you might want to consider checking the events in Otome Road.

Butler Café SWALLOWTAIL

SWALLOWTAIL is a popular butler cafe in Otome Road where female anime fans can feel like princesses waited on by butlers of all ages.

This cafe is very popular for its high-quality cake menu that changes monthly and for the impeccable service of the staff. Male visitors are also welcome so if you want to feel like an aristocrat for a day, pay a visit to Café SWALLOWTAIL.

Butler Café SWALLOWTAIL Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi Ikebukuro 3-12-12 Google Map Access: a 10-minute minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station Website: https://www.butlers-cafe.jp/

7. Seibu Ikebukuro: Shop for High-quality and Brand Items

Seibu Ikebukuro is the flagship store of the Seibu department store. The facility comprises several floors of shops selling clothing, accessories, cosmetics, home interior goods, and other products.

High-end brands such as Louis Vuitton and HERMES can be found on the first and second floors. MUJI, a Japanese brand specializing in organic clothing and goods, can be found on the first and second-floor annex. Loft, a stationery and household goods store, is situated on the ninth to twelfth floor of the south wing.

Events such as bargain sales and art exhibitions are always taking place in the department store event hall at Seibu Ikebukuro.

A must-visit area at Seibu Ikebukuro is the B1F where all the sweets and confectionery shops are located. You'll find here sweets treats and snacks for every occasion, including products that are ideal as gifts and souvenirs. Around special events such as New Year's and Valentine's Day or during cherry blossom and fall foliage season, the entire floor hosts limited-edition fairs.

English and Chinese speaking staff are usually available at the store, so go to the information desk if you have any inquiries.

Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store

8. Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro: Casual Shopping and Excellent Dining

Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro is a store with a slightly casual image. UNIQLO , located on the ninth and tenth floors, offers a full lineup of apparel and products, complete with a baby and kids corner.

This department store also contains the first-ever in-store location of the popular Japanese 100-yen store DAISO . This store has products from three brands: DAISO, Standard Products by DAISO, and THREEPPY, making it the DAISO store with the widest selection of products in Tokyo.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES

mont-bell is a famous outdoor sports goods store that combines design and functionality. The brand has stores in many outlets, shopping malls, and specialty stores around Japan, but most of them do not offer tax-free shopping. However, at Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, tax-free shopping is available for mont-bell products, making it an excellent opportunity to purchase mont-bell items!

Click here for a 5% discount coupon to use at TOBU Department Store Ikebukuro

The Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro also has excellent restaurants on floors 11 to 15. The restaurant street Dining City Spice (Japanese) has over 40 restaurants serving Japanese, Western, Chinese, and other Asian cuisines, as well as cafes that are ideal for a break from shopping.

Picture courtesy of PR TIMES If you're looking for edible souvenirs or gifts, check out the basement (B1) floor, which has a multitude of shops offering products for every taste.

Among them, New York Perfect Cheese is particularly famous. Their first store opened in Tokyo Station and remains a popular destination, with their products often selling out during the morning. Now their delicious cheese confectionery is also available at the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in their mouth-watering cheese creations!

This 5% discount coupon can be used at most of the shops within the Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro, so do consider using it.

Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro

9. Sunshine City's Shopping Center

Sunshine City , located near Ikebukuro Station’s east exit, is a popular shopping and amusement complex visited by many Tokyoites for its aquarium, observatory, planetarium, and food courts. The entire facility comprises five buildings, with the highest being the Sunshine 60 tower, which has 60 floors.

The shopping mall itself has a full line-up of shops for every budget handling everything from fashion and accessories to interior decoration items and outdoor activity gear, electronics, stationery, gifts, and much more.

There are plenty of spaces to rest while shopping, from benches inside the mall to cafes and restaurants.

Sunshine City Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1 Sunshine City Google Map Access: 8-minute walk from the East Exit at Ikebukuro Station (Exit 35), 3-minute walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) Official Website: https://sunshinecity.jp/en/

10. Ikebukuro PARCO: Unique Fashion

Ikebukuro PARCO is the best place to visit if you're looking for clothing with unique designs and fashion that stands out. Among the department stores in the area, Ikebukuro PARCO has a more youthful clientele. Many of the shops inside handle products by young and debuting designers.

Ikebukuro PARCO comprises the main building, which contains women's fashion shops, restaurants, and a beer garden on the rooftop, and P'PARCO, where you'll find shops selling men's and women's clothing, musical instruments, and sportswear. The popular music retail store Tower Records Ikebukuro is also located on the sixth floor of P'PARCO.

If you're a fan of Neon Genesis Evangelion, do stop by the EVANGELION STORE TOKYO-01 located on the second floor of P’PARCO. This is one of the only two official Evangelion stores in Japan; the other shop is located in Hakone. Here you can find clothes, bags, accessories, stationery, and many other items with EVA designs.

Ikebukuro PARCO official website: https://ikebukuro.parco.jp/en/

11. Don Quijote Ikebukuro: For Inexpensive Souvenirs

The popular discount store Don Quijote has two locations near Ikebukuro Station: one right in front of the East Exit, and one that is just 3 minutes away on foot from the station's West Exit.

This is the place to go if you wish to buy inexpensive food items that make excellent souvenirs from Japan, cosmetics, household items, and basic electronic devices.

15% discount coupon to use at Don Quijote stores in Japan

Drugstores: For Japanese Cosmetics and Necessities

There are several excellent drugstores in the area around Ikebukuro Station where you can find cosmetics, medicine, and daily necessities. At the Ikebukuro stores of Matsumoto Kiyoshi or Sun Drug, the staff is accustomed to visitors who don't speak Japanese visitors; they even have staff available at the store speaking Chinese and English.

At these stores, not only can you buy products at affordable prices, but each store also sells its own brand of original items so how about visiting one to look for souvenirs?

12. Bic Camera Ikebukuro: Tech Gadgets and Electronics

Bic Camera Ikebukuro is a large electronics retail store located at the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. In addition to the main store, there are several buildings in the entire area of the east exit such as the Computer Building, Camera Building, and Outlet Building.

We recommend this outlet if you are looking for some bargains. The outlet store also offers popular snacks and cosmetics, usually at a reduced price. Make sure to have a look!

The store provides Airport Delivery (Japanese), a paid service that will deliver your purchased items for you to Haneda, Narita, Chubu Centrair International, or Kansai International Airport. With this service, you can enjoy your trip without carrying heavy luggage.

BicCamera Ikebukuro Main Store

Ikebukuro: Home to Some of the Best Ramen Shops in Tokyo

Ikebukuro is also known for its multitude of famous ramen shops , some of which have customers lining up at the entrance every day. We introduce some of them below.

13. Mutekiya: For Rich Tonkotsu Ramen

Mutekiya is a ramen shop known as having the longest line of customers every day in Ikebukuro. Their specialty is a rich tonkotsu (pork bone) soup that is not exceedingly fatty and is easy to eat even if you’re not good with rich foods.

The soup tastes delicious with the free garlic on the tabletop, so please be sure to try it. The shop has already gained support from international guests. Their menu is available in multiple languages including English.

Invincible home

14. Tori no ana: Chicken Paitan Ramen

Tori no ana is a popular ramen shop located about a five-minute walk from the East Exit at Ikebukuro Station. Their menu includes a dish called chicken paitan ramen, which consists of a cloudy soup created by slowly simmering chicken.

The soup looks similar to tonkotsu ramen, but it has a completely different flavor. It is both rich and light at the same time.

Chicken hole

15. ROCK'AN DO Noodles: Green Euglena Ramen

Deluxe Shio Green Noodles

At ROCK'AN DO Noodles , about a seven-minute walk from the East Exit at Ikebukuro Station, you can taste delicious and healthy ramen. The soup is made only with seafood ingredients and contains no MSG and additives; the green handmade noodles contain highly nutritious euglena.

This is a shop that customers with hesitations regarding high-calorie ramen should definitely try; these noodle dishes will change your mind about ramen.

ROCK'ANDO Six Senses

16. Kikanbo: Fiery Miso Ramen

Kikanbo is famous for offering some of the spiciest ramen in Tokyo. The dishes are made with a variety of spices and you can choose your preferred level of hotness. We highly recommend starting with a mild level and working your way up if you wish.

The shop itself is a place worth visiting even just for the interior and decorations. You are greeted by a variety of oni, or Japanese ogre, that will make you feel the heat as soon as you enter the shop!

Kikanbo Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 1-13-14 Google Map Access: 6-minute walk from the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station Website: http://kikanbo.co.jp/english

17. Coffee Valley

Coffee Valley is a coffee shop in Minami Ikebukuro, about 5 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station East Exit. The cafe occupies three floors and has a cozy atmosphere, very different from the bustling pace around the station.

This craft roastery handles a wide selection of coffee beans from all around the world; customers can choose the bean variety and have them ground on the spot. You can enjoy your coffee with delicious homemade cakes and muffins.

Coffee Valley Location: Tokyo, Toshima, Minami Ikebukuro 2-26-3 Map Hours: 9:00 - 20:00

18. Sweets Paradise Ikebukuro

Can't get enough of sweets? How about an all-you-can-eat sweets buffet?

The popular sweets buffet chain Sweets Paradise has a branch in Ikebukuro as well. Eat as many sweets as you want for up to 90 minutes and sample all the delicious treats Japan has to offer. They also offer salad and savory dishes as well as non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea.

Sweets Paradise Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashiikebukuro 1-1-２, 5th Floor Google Map Access: About 5 minutes walk from Ikebukuro Station Website: http://www.sweets-paradise.jp/ (Japanese)

Shibuya / Harajuku / Omotesando

19. Books and Coffee Fukuroshosabo

Picture courtesy of Doutor Coffee Co., Ltd.

Fukuroshosabo is an eccentric book café. Their books are lined up in bookshelves with both their titles and bindings hidden. They only have reviews of the book written on them. Visitors can purchase a book purely based on the reviews.

The homey interior is another charming appeal of the café. Visitors can enjoy drinks and a snack while reading their new book. You can relax in the lounge decorated with sofas, in the Forest Room, where sunlight comes in from the terrace, or outside on the Green Terrace when the weather is clear.

Fukurosho Chabo Esola Ikebukuro

20. Neco Republic

Neco Republic is a cat cafe with stores all over Japan. Visitors can not only play with adorable cats, but they can also adopt them! All of the cats are either friendly stray cats that have been neutered and vaccinated or pet cats that can't be kept by the original owner for some reason.

Even if you are just here on a visit and cannot adopt a cat, the proceeds from your visit go towards the care of these cats. Neco Republic tries its best to create an at-home feel so people can imagine what it would be like to take their chosen feline home.

Neco Republic Ikebukuro Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, Nishi-Ikebukuro 3-27-3, Nakane Building 4th floor Google Map Access: 5 min walk from West Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station Official Website: http://www.neco-republic.jp/ (Japanese)

21. Dining with City Views: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro , one of the best hotels in this district, is located near the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station. There are various dining facilities within the hotel that can also be used by non-staying guests.

We especially recommend their French-Italian restaurant Cuisine EST , located on the 25th floor, which offers a great view over Tokyo. Guests can enjoy an unobstructed city view while dining on refined cuisine.

Dining & Bar OVEST. Picture courtesy of Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro

Dining & Bar OVEST , also on the 25th floor, offers an excellent selection of beverages and casual Italian dishes.

If you wish to enjoy Japanese cuisine, the Japanese Restaurant HANAMUSASHI on the second floor offers delicious dishes carefully prepared to bring out the delicate flavors of seasonal ingredients.

Visit the official website of Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro for details on their dining facilities.

22. Tokyo Metropolitan Theater and Other Venues

Photo by Pixta Ikebukuro is home to several theaters and performance halls of various sizes - from cultural facilities with several halls to small theaters that host fringe performances.

Picture courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is a cultural facility hosting concerts, theater performances, and exhibitions. The world’s largest pipe organ is found in the concert hall, built exclusively for classical music performances.

The facility also has art goods shops, restaurants, and cafés that are ideal for taking a rest while in Ikebukuro. The art galleries can be accessed for free; they host temporary exhibitions of contemporary artists and creators.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theater

East of Ikebukuro Station, in Higashi Ikebukuro, there is Owlspot Theatre , another larger theatre with several halls and event spaces. They host a wide variety of performing arts, including shows for children and guest performances from overseas. The facility is accessible by wheelchair.

Live Music Clubs: Watch Indie Bands Performing Live

If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, how about watching a show at a live music club? Ikebukuro is home to many small live houses , the Japanese word for live music clubs.

The live houses in Ikebukuro feature mainly Japanese rock bands, including Visual Kei (1*). Ikebukuro EDGE might be the best place to go if you're looking for Visual Kei. At Ikebukuro Chop , you can enjoy indie rock and punk performed live.

These venues hold live performances almost daily, especially in the evening after 18:00. There are usually four or five bands playing every night. The shows are rarely sold out and walk-ins are always welcome. Some lives are even free and you only have to pay for a drink ticket!

1* Visual Kei: A music genre unique to Japan with a strong focus on the visual appearance of the performers. The term describes the look rather than the music.

Ikebukuro EDGE Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Minami Ikebukuro, 1-23-6 Google Map Access: A 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station East Exit Website: http://xxxrecords.jp/edge/index.html

Ikebukuro Chop Address: Japan, Tokyo, Toshima, Ikebukuro 2-46-3 Google Map Access: A 5-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station's 20a Exit Website: http://www.chop-tokyo.info/top.html

23. Kumagai Morikazu Museum of Art

The district west of Ikebukuro Station is known for its history as a gathering spot for artists even before the second world war. Because renting a place was cheap back in those days, many artists had their studios and homes in this area.

Kumagai Morikazu (1880-1977) is one of the Western-style painters who was active in this area. His former home and studio have been turned into the Kumagai Morikazu Museum of Art in 1985. The facility hosts permanent exhibitions as well as special events featuring the artist's works.

Kumagai's paintings stand out through their strong vibrant colors and playful compositions. Animals, flowers, and scenes from daily life are captured in whimsical pictures that linger in the memory of the viewer.

Kumagai Morikazu Museum of Art Location: Tokyo, Toshima, Chihaya 2 -27-6 Map Hours: 10:30 - 17:30 *Closed on Mondays Admission: 500 yen Website: http://kumagai-morikazu.jp/ (Japanese)

24. Ancient Orient Museum, Tookyo

The Ancient Orient Museum, Tokyo is located on the 7th floor of Sunshine City's Bunka Kaikan building. This is a research facility actively involved in archeological investigations in the Near East and Central Asia.

The museum exhibits unique artifacts of historical, artistic, and archaeological value. Visiting this facility is like time-traveling to the ancient Near East!

The Ancient Orient Museum, Tokyo Location: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi Ikebukuro, 3-1-4, Sunshine City Bunka Kaikan Bldg. 7F Hours: 10:00 - 17:00 *Closed on Mondays Admission: Adults 600 yen, Students 400 yen, School children 200 yen Website: https://aom-tokyo.com/english/

25. Tokiwaso Manga Museum

Tokiwaso Manga Museum is located one stop away from Ikebukuro Station on the local Seibu Ikebukuro Line. The nearest stations are Shiinamachi and Higashi-Nagasaki; the facility is located mid-way between them.

We mention it here because it's a must-visit for anime and manga (Japanese comics) fans! Tokiwaso Manga Museum opened in 2020 and showcases the history of Tokiwaso, a lodging and studio facility for some of Japan's most prominent classic manga artists.

Tezuka Osamu, (1928-1989), the creator of Atom Boy among other characters, Fujiko F. Fujio (1933-1996), known especially for Doraemon, and Mizuno Hideko (b. 1939), whose work played a central role in developing the shojo manga (girl comics) style are just some of the artists who lived for a while at Tokiwaso.

The facility has permanent exhibits and also host time-limited special exhibitions several times a year.

Tokiwaso Manga Museum

Tokyo / Marunouchi

26. Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter

Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter―the world's largest indoor Harry Potter entertainment complex―opened in Tokyo in June 2023.

The expansive theme park is home to recreations of beloved locations from the Harry Potter movies such as the Great Hall in Hogwarts Castle, Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley, the Ministry of Magic, and others. Moreover, some of the souvenirs handled at the gift shop are unique to Tokyo!

To access Tokyo's Harry Potter theme park, take a local train on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line train from Ikebukuro Station and get off at Toshimaen Station (13 minutes, 190 yen).

Nerima / Itabashi / Akabane

27. Toei Animation Museum

The Toei Animation Museum displays original drawings and precious works related to some of the most beloved animation films and series created by the Toei Animation Studios. These include Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, ONE PIECE, World Trigger, and many others.

The exhibits change regularly, so every time you visit, you'll see new displays. Moreover, admission is free !

The museum also has a gift shop with unique merchandise that you might want to check if you're a fan of their works.

Toei Animation Museum Location: Tokyo, Nerima, 2-10-5 Map Hours: 11:00 - 16:00 Official website: https://museum.toei-anim.co.jp/

28. Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple

Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple is dedicated to the deity of safe birth and child raising. It can be reached in about 15 minutes on foot from Ikebukuro Station's East Exit. The main hall is a historical building with impressive architecture and has been designated an Important Cultural Asset.

The alley leading to the main hall is lined with ginkgo trees; their foliage turns to brilliant yellow hues in November attracting many visitors. The temple has become a famous fall foliage spot in Tokyo.

Located on the temple grounds is Kamikawaguchiya , a small candy store that has operated since 1781. Its exterior, which has never been changed and is said to be Japan’s oldest structure, became the model for Studio Ghibli’s animated film “Only Yesterday.”

The shop sells dagashi (inexpensive Japanese sweets) and keychains of Fumi and Ishimatsu (400 yen each), the shop’s two mascot cats that lived for seventeen years. You’ll also find a postcard of the shop depicting the thirteenth-generation store owner (200 yen per card).

Every Sunday and on the 8th, 18th, and 28th of every month, you can also purchase a type of dango (sweet dumpling) called Osen Dango at the central building on the temple grounds.

Zoshigaya Kishimojindo

29. Gokokuji Temple

Picture courtesy of Gokokuji Temple

Gokokuji Temple is a historical temple established in 1681. The Kannondo Hall, the main building, has not changed its appearance despite encountering earthquakes and disasters.

You’ll find 2.5-meter-tall Buddha statue on the way through the Furo-Mon Gates located above the stone steps. It may seem small when compared to the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura , but it is something rarely found in a city temple and quite impactful.

Gokokuji Temple (Shingon Sect Toyoyama School Omotoyama / Kamijiy...

30. Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park GLOBAL RING

Photo by Pixta Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park , formerly known as Ikebukuro West Gate Park, is located right in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater near the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station.

This park has been designed as an outdoor theater, with a stage for live performances and seating. There are several public art pieces in the park, making it the favorite gathering spot for art lovers.

The Global Ring monument completed in 2019 has been conceived as a circular torii gate that connects present-day Ikebukuro with its origins. There used to be a natural pond on the grounds of this park, called Maruike, created by a natural spring. Maruike stands at the origin of the district's name, Ikebukuro.

The circular shape of the Global Ring evokes this ancient pond and has become an icon of Ikebukuro.

Ikebukuro is home to many hotels for every taste and budget. If you're looking for comfort and stylish rooms, we recommend Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro , a classic hotel located near Ikebukuro Station's West Exit.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com Tokyo Stay Ikebukuro is an affordable accommodation located within a 4-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station. It offers modern and comfortable rooms and an excellent breakfast service.

Picture courtesy of Booking.com For a truly unique hotel experience in Tokyo, consider staying at OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts , which is located just one station away from Ikebukuro, near Otsuka Station. The rooms have an innovative design, and the facility's staff will guide you to the best dining spots in the area--a great way to learn more about the history and culture of this part of Tokyo.

For other options, click on the blue link below to find other hotels in the Ikebukuro area on Booking.com.

Ikebukuro, a Great Place for Every Kind of Entertainment

Ikebukuro Station is large and serves various lines such as the JR, Seibu Railway, Tobu Railway, and Tokyo Metro Lines.

The major shopping spots are gathered at the front of the station, so it’s a district where it is easy to enjoy shopping even on rainy days.

We hope this article will spark your interest in the area and that you will visit Ikebukuro next time you are in Tokyo.

The MATCHA editorial department. Our articles feature useful travel information for visitors to Japan, from how-to guides to recommended places to visit.

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10 Best Things to Do in Ikebukuro – for anime, cosplay and gaming fanatics!

Located in northwest Tokyo, Ikebukuro is a leading shopping and entertainment area especially famous for its shopping centers and anime-inspired facilities. It is often out shadowed by popular hubs like Shinjuku and Shibuya , but Ikebukuro also has a lot to offer! Located right at the heart of Tokyo, it is also the world’s third busiest station and home to many fun activities. But before we dive into the best places to see and things to do, let’s talk more about the name first.

Ikebukuro – 池袋

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Ikebukuro is written using two kanji: 池袋. The first kanji resembles pond and the second one bag , so the pond bag… That doesn’t make much sense right? But bag is pronounced as fukuro in Japanese, which also means owl and the place Ikebukuro is commonly known as owl central by locals. When you are in Ikebukuro try to spot the many statues or smaller signs referring to the names. The chance you will spot a real owl is nil, but surely you will recognize some subtle hints dotting around!

Things to Do in Ikebukuro

Now that you learned about the name, let’s have a look at some of the best and most fun places to visit in this bustling part of Tokyo.

Ikebukuro Station has a direct underground connection to several department stores, shopping malls, and shopping arcades. TOBU and SEIBU are two famous department stores located in the West Exit and the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station. You can find high-brand stores, gourmet shops, and a wide variety of restaurants and cafes. If you are looking for Japanese traditional souvenirs, we recommend you to visit Kyukyodo located on the 8th floor in TOBU Ikebukuro. Kyukyodo specializes in Japanese traditional papers including wrapping papers, notebooks, postcards, letters, and origami. SEIBU Ikebukuro owns a relaxing rooftop garden Shoku to Midori no Kuchu Teien on the 9th floor. The garden has a pond designed to recreate a painting by Claude Monet’s Water Lilies. There are several food vendors as well as places for people to sit and enjoy food and drink in the open air.

2. Sunshine Aquarium

Ikebukuro’s symbol is Sunshine City, which is a shopping and entertainment complex not far from Ikebukuro Station. Sunshine Aquarium is located on the rooftop of Sunshine City. This urban oasis owns about 70 tanks with 550 marine animals. Exhibits include the Jellyfish Tunnel and Penguin in the Sky, a large overhanging tank where you can see African Penguins swim overhead. Sunshine Lagoon is a large tank created to resemble a shallow-water coral reef. It is a great place to relax, enjoy, and learn about ocean animals in the heart of the city. 

Sunshine Aquarium 9am – 9pm spring and summer 10am – 6pm fall and winter Admission ¥2,400 ▶ Get your tickets online and don’t wait in line!

• 8 minute walk from Ibebukuro Station Exit #35
• 3 minute walk from Higashi Ikebukuro Exit #6 or #7

Next to Sunshine Aquarium, you will find Planetarium Manten, which was newly renovated and reopened in 2015. It features some really cool technology: you can enjoy the realistic night sky created by a special full-dome high-resolution projector, and a special star projector (capable of projecting over 360,000 stars). The colors and twinkling of the stars will make you feel like you are in some deserted beautiful place outside! The place is managed by Konica Minolta Planetarium, which also manages two other planetariums in Tokyo: Tenku in Tokyo SKYTREE TOWN and Planetaria Tokyo in Yurakucho. Though we recommend you to go to this one as these are generally much more crowded (and more expensive).

Planetarium Manten 11am – 8pm General seats from ¥1,200 Premium seat from ¥3,500 *The price changes depending on the show

4. Sunshine 60 Observatory

This observatory, which is situated on the 60th floor of Sunshine City, is nothing like an ordinary observatory. The observatory is renovated and reopened on April 18, 2023. After its renovation, it’ll be like a park in the sky with a lawn and plants which allows visitors to have a picnic at the park any day, any time – either day or night or in hot or cold weather outside. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city with cozy music and fresh floral aroma filling in the observatory. It’s also kid-friendly with a playground. A whole new and different way to experience Tokyo at a great height, though, in essence, it is still an observatory located on the top of the 240-meter-tall Sunshine 60 building.  Quiz fact: at the time of completion in 1978, the skyscraper of Sunshine City, Sunshine 60, was the tallest structure in Asia.

Sunshine 60 Observatory 10am – 10pm Access from ¥1.200, with extra charges for the different VR-experiences

5. Namjatown

Namjatown is a family-friendly indoor theme park located in Sunshine City. It’s divided into four different areas that include the area for cats (yes, there are about 30 fluffy cats in the area to interact), the food area dedicated to gyoza and deserts, the light horror area suitable for kids, and fantasy themed area where you can enjoy some games and attractions.

Namjatown 10am – 10pm Admission fee ¥800 (entrance fee), ¥3,500 for a one-day pass (¥500 and ¥2,800 for children )

• 8 minute walk from Ibebukuro Station
• 3 minute walk from Higashi Ikebukuro

If you are interested in manga and anime, Animate is the place to go. Animate Ikebukuro is the largest store in Japan for anime and manga-related goods. From the 1st to the 7th floor, there are manga books, magazines, character items, video games, and various merchandise related to voice actors of famous anime characters. The 8th and 9th floors are for anime exhibitions and events. Sometimes voice actors hold live concerts or special events here. While not as large or well-known as manga hubs like Akihabara , Ikebukuro also has a lot to offer for manga and anime fans.

Animate 10am – 9pm

If you are exploring the anime side of Ikebukuro, don’t forget to drop by Otome Road, right next to the Sunshine building. It is often described as the female Akihabara . It is a place where mainly female anime fans get the merchandise of their favorite male anime and manga stars. In this street you will also find some butler cafes, which are basically the same as maid cafes but directed at the female clientele. You will almost certainly see people dressed up in their favorite costumes, just shopping or attending an event such as the Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Fest .

8. Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo

If you are a Pokemon-fan, this spot cannot be missed! Pokemon Mega Center Tokyo opened in 2014 on the 2nd floor of Sunshine City Alpa, and is one of the largest Pokemon stores in Japan! Pikachu and Charizard greet you at the entrance of the store. The store sells the largest variety of Pokemon-themed goods from stationary to tasty treats like Pokemon ramen. Some of the products can only be found in the Mega Center. 

5 minutes from Ikebukuro East Exit, you can find this lovely little park with a large grass area, wooden decks, and a playground for kids. It offers tranquility in the middle of Ikebukuro. Get your bento or drinks from one of the nearby coffee shops and eateries and enjoy a little picnic on the grass. There is also a café in the park with outdoor seating, which serves healthy, hearty meals throughout the day. Minami Ikebukuro Park is a perfect place to relax away from the bustle of the city!

Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro is one of the largest bookstores in Japan. You can find all kinds of books including novels, travel guidebooks, children’s books, comic books, and art books. The sales floors are from B1 up until the 9th floor, with books written in foreign languages are located on 9th floor. 

Junkudo Bookstore (Japanese only) 10am – 10pm

• Book and Bed Ikebukuro – quiet and packed with books like a library, this friendly boutique hotel offers bunkbeds, a cozy atmosphere and good happy hour!
• APA Hotel Yamanote Otsuka Eki Tower – This western like hotel is conveniently located close to some of the area’s highlights as well as the JR-station
• Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro – Conveniently located in the heart of Sunshine City entertainment and commercial complex, this hotel boasts incredible city views!

The other side of Ikebukuro If you want to visit the Ikebukuro area with a guide, take this walking tour exploring backstreets and find hidden gems in the area. You will visit some beautiful architecture and the historical site and gardens and a park. Find the deeper side of Ikebukuro with this tour!

There are many places where you can have a good time in Ikebukuro, especially when you are into anime, cosplay, and gaming! Another bonus of this city is that there are many activities inside, so great for a visit when it’s raining!. We hope you have many unique and fun experiences in Ikebukuro.

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Happy traveling!

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Guide to Ikebukuro, Tokyo: Anime, Video Games, Shopping, and Cats

For me, walking into Ikebukuro, Tokyo  for the first time was a bit like walking into Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory. I didn’t know what to expect, but I had a wonderfully surreal experience, and I couldn’t wait to go back. On various visits, I have:

• Seen a man in blue plaid pants walking two dogs dressed in identical blue plaid pants
• Traipsed around the streets dressed as Sailor Moon during a public Halloween parade
• Been laughed at by kids for failing so badly at a rhythm game in a video game arcade
• Come across businessmen in sharp suits smoking cigarettes while betting on virtual horse races
• Accidentally walked into an Attack on Titan cosplay group’s photo shoot
• Paid money to play with really adorable cats (no regrets)

And now, with this guide, you can experience some of the unique things Ikebukuro has to offer, too! Here are some cool places to check out on your next trip. 

Table of Contents

Sunshine City

Sunshine City is a massive shopping and entertainment complex that houses tons of stores, restaurants, an aquarium, a planetarium, a performance stage, and Namja Town and J-World Tokyo indoor theme parks.

If you’re a Pokémon fan or have some Pokémon fans back home, the Pokémon Center is chock-full of merchandise from the video games, card games, and TV show. It’s the perfect place to buy a souvenir or two or three. There’s room in your suitcase for another Pikachu or Eevee or Meowth plushie, right?

Harajuku isn’t the only place to find Japan’s latest fashion trends. Sunshine City has a bunch of cool Japanese clothing stores like Axes Femme , full of romantic, dreamy looks (think lacy dresses and billowy sleeves), and Ingni , which sells sophisticated casual attire.

Tokyu Hands

Do you want beautiful stationery? Art supplies? New luggage? A build-it-yourself miniature Honda S600? You can find all this and more at Tokyu Hands , an 8-story department store that seemingly sells everything. There are several Tokyu Hands throughout Japan, but Ikebukuro’s is very noticeable with its bright green sign and hands logo beckoning you in from the street. Though it’s technically built into Sunshine City, it gets its own section here since it’s an adventure all on its own.

Anime and Manga Goodies at Animate

There are many stores dedicated to anime and manga goods in the area, but the largest of all is Animate , a chain that has its flagship store in Ikebukuro. The multi-level store is overflowing with CDs, DVDs, manga, magazines, capsule machines, and merchandise. Everything is very organized with each display for popular franchises lovingly designed by the shop staff. It’s a bit of a sensory overload at first with the sights of shelves packed with merchandise, the bright fluorescent lights, and the stereos and TVs blaring advertisements for new music and shows. But that just makes the shopping experience more memorable.

Note: From my understanding, instead of buying everything in one go once you’re done shopping, you have to pay separately at every floor you want an item. Don’t be like me and take merchandise up to another floor, setting off some sort of alarm. There are probably signs telling you not to do this, but I must have been too over-stimulated by everything else to notice.

Vegetarian/Vegan Food at AIN SOPH.Soar

For some healthy bites, head over to AIN SOPH.Soar , a vegetarian and vegan restaurant with a rustic yet elegant feel that’s open for lunch and dinner. The menu consists of sandwiches, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, and fluffy pancakes. For drinks, they offer specialty blended herb teas, coffee, and cold press juices.

I went for lunch and had a sandwich packed with a rainbow medley of vegetables, a side of thick fries, and herb tea. It was all delicious. Speaking of delicious…

Astrology-Themed Desserts at Milky Way Café

For amazing desserts  in Ikebukuro, go to the Milky Way Café , a star-themed restaurant . It offers meals like omurice and sandwiches along with colorful ice cream soda floats, but the real draw is the parfait menu . Each parfait is artfully arranged to represent an astrological sign, with variances in ice cream flavors, sauces, add-ons like fruit and chocolate and whipped cream, etc. But there’s one consistent item – they are all topped with super cute star-shaped cookies!

The restaurant can be recognized by its tantalizing dessert display on the first floor and the star motifs found throughout the blue and white dining space on the second floor. A seat by the window grants customers a neat view of Ikebukuro’s busy streets. It’s open for lunch and dinner, and deciding what to order isn’t hard – just pick whichever dessert corresponds to your astrological sign!

Video Games at the Sega Arcade

Going to the Sega GiGO arcade for the first time was a surreal experience. I have always loved arcades, but Japan takes the concept and runs with it to create a giant behemoth of an arcade spanning multiple floors with games for everyone. Each floor is dedicated to a certain genre – one for crane games and UFO catchers, one for rhythm games, one for token games, etc. The top two floors are lined with purikura photo machines, one with a cosplay area.

Even more fun than the games themselves is just exploring every floor to see what unique things are offered. Some floors are covered with black walls, the room lit by the colorful illuminations emanating from the neon glow of the game machines. One floor, which smelled strongly of smoke, was full of Japanese businessmen betting on virtual horse races. In the purikura area, I once happened upon an amazing group of cosplayers dressed perfectly like characters from Attack on Titan. There are several Sega arcades around Japan, but the one in Ikebukuro is my favorite!

Note: The unspoken rule is that men should only enter the purikura floors if they are accompanied by a woman.

Adorable Kitties at a Cat Café

There are several cat cafés in Ikebukuro, but the one I went to was called 猫の居る休憩所299 , roughly translating to “Rest area with cats 299.” I’m not sure what the 299 represents (they do NOT have 299 cats) but regardless, the cozy interior and warm lighting are designed for the ultimate relaxing experience – with dozens of adorable cats hanging out around you. They are everywhere: draped on shelves, sleeping in their beds, lounging on chairs, curled up in boxes, and playing with guests. You can tell they are well taken care of by the staff.

The venue has a drink station, wifi, and lots of lounges, desks, and chairs set up, so you can pick from the 2,000 manga lining the shelves, plop down in a comfy seat, and read in peace while a cat curls up on your lap. Since many apartments in Tokyo do not allow pets, this is a nice way for residents to interact with animals they wouldn’t be able to have at home. And it’s fun for tourists, too!

Some cat cafés charge by the hour, others by every 10- or 15-minute increment. This particular one charged 200 yen every 10 minutes. For an additional 500 yen, you can feed the cats some snacks. When I went, several cats were eagerly huddled around a couple feeding them treats. It was adorable just to watch.

I was the most at ease I have ever felt while in this kitty haven, so a visit makes for a relaxing way to end a fun day in Ikebukuro.

(All photos taken by Clara Juliette)

Clara hopes to share her love of exploring cultures and inspire others through the power of storytelling. In addition to writing and travel, she loves psychology, nature, green tea, and cats.

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Ikebukuro (�r��) is one of Tokyo 's multiple city centers, found around the northwestern corner of the Yamanote loop line . At the district's center stands Ikebukuro Station, a busy commuter hub traversed by three subway and multiple urban and suburban train lines. It is one of Japan's busiest railway stations, handling over a million passengers per day.

Ikebukuro offers plenty of entertainment, shopping and dining opportunities. It is the battleground between the Tobu and Seibu conglomerates, which operate large department stores on each side of the station, as well as train lines from Ikebukuro into the suburbs. Seibu has also a stake in Sunshine City , a large commercial complex not far from the station.

While not as well known as Akihabara , Ikebukuro is also a center of otaku culture . Unlike Akihabara, Ikebukuro caters more to a female clientele with butler cafes and anime, manga and cosplay related shops. The center of the female otaku scene is located along Otome Road just north of Sunshine City . It is also said to be a good place to find dojinshi, or self published manga or novels, especially those produced for women.

Department stores

Sunshine City

Opened in 1978, Sunshine City is Tokyo's first city within the city . The focal point of the complex is the 240 meter tall Sunshine 60 skyscraper. The complex contains shops and restaurants, an aquarium , planetarium, museum, indoor theme parks , as well as the Sunshine Prince Hotel and offices. Sunshine City's shops are open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 and its restaurants from 11:00 to 22:00.

Sunshine 60 Observation Deck

Sunshine Aquarium

Electronics stores.

Yamada Denki

Other attractions.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space

Getting there and around.

Ikebukuro Station is a major station on the JR Yamanote Line . It is also served by the JR Saikyo Line , JR Shonan Shinjuku Line , Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Marunouchi, Yurakucho and Fukutoshin subway lines.

From Tokyo Station

15 minutes and 210 yen by the Marunouchi Subway Line or 25 minutes and 210 yen by the JR Yamanote Line.

From Shinjuku Station

8 minutes and 170 yen by the JR Yamanote, Saikyo or Shonan-Shinjuku lines.

Orientation in Tokyo

Questions? Ask in our forum .

Links and Resources

Tobu department store, seibu department store, sunshine namja town, hotels around tokyo.

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Friday, June 3, 2011

Day 9 - ikebukuro safari arcade.

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HamsapSukebe

Pimping good jdoramas since 2005

Saturday, June 04, 2011

Day 9 - ikebukuro safari arcade.

omfg you battled the legendary Umehara-san.

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• Location guides
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• The 15 Fun Things To Do In Ikebukuro On Your First Visit

Ikebukuro is among the most bustling and eventful district in Tokyo, aside from the renowned Shinjuku and Shibuya. So the number of things to do in Ikebukuro is endless, and one-of-the-kind experiences await you on every corner.

Not sure where to even begin and what to do here ? Try completing this checklist of 15 things to do in Ikebukuro on your very first visit.

1.   Go hopping at these themed cafes

Animal cafe – cats and owls.

Owl café in Ikebukuro

There are various novel cafes and bars where you can enjoy seeing and playing with animals. For instance, Owlpark offers you an exceptional experience to meet “friendly” owls and cute hedgehogs. Fun facts, owls are the signature animal of Ikebukuro.

Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, 1-17-1 Minami-Ikebukuro

For more information:  https://www.ikefukuroucofe.com/in-engrish

         SEE MORE:

• Things To Do in Odaiba – A comprehensive guide
• 15 Cutest Cat Cafe In Tokyo – Put This List In Your Pocket

Of course, for the cat persons, don’t miss the Neco Republic. Specifically, it is a cat cafe that also offers adopting services. Even if you stop by here for a while and can’t adopt a cat, the money you paid for a coffee here will contribute a lot to maintain this shelter for the cats. Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, Nishi-Ikebukuro 3-27-3, Nakane Building (4th floor)

For more information:  http://www.neco-republic.jp/

Butlers Café

While Akihabara is well-known for its maid café, our Ikebukuro has a high-class Victorian-inspired Swallowtail butler café. It is a place where the ladies come to have a feast whilst Japanese waiters in neat vests wait for you and your friends. Such an unforgettable affair!

Butler Café

Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, 3 Chome-12-12 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Showa Building,

For more information:  http://www.butlers-cafe.jp/  (Japanese only)

Book and bed Ikebukuro café

What if we combine a library and a hostel? Then, we will get a unique yet comfortable space designed to getting lost in your reading. Moreover, Book and Beed is decored with stylish interiors that are definitely Instagramable.

Book and bed café

Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, 1-17-7 Nishi-Ikebukuro, 7F Lumiere Building

For more information:  http://bookandbedtokyo.com/en/

2. Have the time of your life as an Otaku

Even though you may not really an Otaku, someone obsessed with anime or manga, there’s still enough fun to had on Otome Road. Located just west of the Sunshine 60 Building, Otome Road is Ikebukuro’s must-go place for some merchandise like books, cosplay outfits, toys, and collector items. Indeed, this street is somehow Akihabara that’s more customized for women.

Address: 3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

Animate store

Also situated on Otome Road is the seven-floor headquarters of Animate, which stores a huge collection of anime-related stuff. Other anime retail giants including Mandarake, K-Books, and Lashinban all have branches here.

Japan Adventure: Ikebukuro, Otome road! ♡

3.   Watch Penguins fly in the sky at Sunshine City

Heading for the east side of Ikebukuro Station, you will find Sunshine City which is a popular complex containing a shopping mall, observatory, museum, and aquarium. Due to the special location on the rooftop of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building, it is considered “oasis in the sky”. As a result, here you can see penguins that look like they’re diving above you, and watch other marines on waterfronts.

Flying penguin

Address: Tokyo, Toshima, Higashi-Ikebukuro 3-1 Sunshine City Sunshine 60

For more information:  https://www.sunshinecity-global.com/en/facility/aquarium/

4. Catch phenomenal views over Tokyo at Sunshine 60 Observation Deck Sky Circus

In Sunshine city, you will see Sunshine 60, a shopping mall with a Sky Circus area on the top floor. In fact, the building is called 60 because it has 60 floors (240m high), so it is very noticeable.

View of Tokyo

This Circus is home to an observation deck panoramic views of Tokyo, peeking as far as Mount Fuji on uncloudy days. In addition, other landmarks to look out for are Roppongi Hills, skyscrapers in Shinjuku and Tokyo Tower. You can occasionally get a sight of Tokyo Disneyland, Mount Tsukuba, and even the Izu Peninsula as well.

Address: 60F Sunshine 60, 3-1-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

For more information:  http://www.skycircus.jp/english/

5.  Uncover the cool stuff at these shopping gems

Tabineko zakkaten – a cute souvenir shop.

It just takes you 6 minutes to walk from Kishibojimmae Station to reach Tabineko Zakkaten. From every corner of Japan, random sundries, old books, and toys have been gathered here. In my opinion, it’s so satisfying to pop in a store like this, with its cozy atmosphere.  That is not to mention their adorable folk toys make perfect souvenirs of your travel to Japan! Furthermore, a great idea to go around the whole area, cause Zoshigaya is the totally different side of Tokyo. Covered by trees, cafes, bookstores, it brings about the quiet life of Tokyo.

Tabineko Zakkaten store

Address: 2-22-17, Zoshigaya, Toshima ward, Tokyo, 171-0032

Tokyu Hands Ikebukuro

Tokyu Hands is a kind of store where you can hardly leave without buying anything since it sells a thrilling shopping experience. This is mainly thanks to the sheer breadth of products living up to a multiple set of interests. Whether you are a traveler, the craftsperson, the design geek, and so on, you find something here. For example, from kimonos to ceramics, all made from regional materials and crafted using traditional Japanese techniques. Last but not least, this branch in Ikebukuro is a superstore with 8 floors worth of diverse products.

Tokyo hand store

Address: 1-28-10 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

For more information:  https://ikebukuro.tokyu-hands.co.jp/en/

6. Try the best miso ramen in Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is the ideal destination to eat ramen since there are a bunch of ramen restaurants and each bowl is high quality, appetizing, and budget-friendly! The most popular is Mendokoro Hanada Ikebukuro Store. Thus, it’s about 5-minute away from the east of Ikebukuro Station. And many people have fallen in love with its really thick noodles and the crazy rich miso soup that match perfectly together.

Address: Tokyo, Toshima ward, 1-23-8, Higashi Ikebukuro, Higashi Ikebukuro ISK building 1st floor

For more information:  http://www.eternal-company.com/

7.   Admire temples in the heart of the cities

Tokyo is such a modern city, however, there are well-kept sacred temples where you can discover traditional Japanese culture.

Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple

Firstly, this majestic place, used since the 1600s to pray for childbirth, makes you feel like going back to the old Edo. Secondly, it is on the street connected to Zoshigaya Station, in which small wooden stores and outdoor markets are usually held here.

Above all, come to the Kishimojindo Temple in October to see people playing taiko drums and release sky lanterns during Oeshiki Festival.

Address: 3-15-20 Zoshigaya, Toshima ward Tokyo

Gokokuji Temple

In case needing a break after all intensive sightseeing, what about ending your tour of Ikebukuro with a visit to the tranquil Gokokuji Temple? Since it was built about 400 years ago, the temple is known for miraculously pull through the World War II. Besides the main temple, Gokokuji’s territory offers you a bunch of things to see including Buddha statues, artworks, and various cherry trees.

Address: Tokyo, Bunkyo City, 5 Chome-40-1 Otsuka

For more information: http://www.gokokuji.or.jp/english/about

8.   View a cultural performance at Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

The Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is a cultural hub and world-class venue for a variety of concerts and art performances. Therefore, many tourists come here to watch plays, opera, and dance.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

Address: 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima ward, Tokyo 171-0021

For more information: https://www.geigeki.jp/english/about/index.html

9.   Hand make your soba from scratch

Soba making classes

For a truly Japanese one in a lifetime experience, you can join a soba making course (bonus some history) with a soba chef! To your concern, this activity is suitable for kids and adults. Indeed, nothing is better than the taste of fresh soba noodles that is the fruits of your labor, trust me. Therefore check out the link below for some courses to make soba noodles yourself in the neighborhood

10. Be surrounded by cute Pokemons at Pokemon Center

So, good news for all pokemon fans who are visiting Tokyo! From this year, Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo released a major extension of itself, which is the first Pokemon GO official store in the world, the massive Pokemon Card Game Station, and a takeaway style cafe, called Pikachu Sweets. In conclusion, you can indulge in your favorite game in lots of ways and go crazy over what this new space offer!

This mega-shop offers the overwhelming selection of Pokemon merchandise, including plenty of limited-edition items.

Address: Sunshine City World Import Mart Building 2F, 3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

11. Take a breath at Nishi-Ikebukuro Park

Nishi-Ikebukuro Park or the Ikebukuro West Gate Park is situated next to the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater, and before the Ikebukuro Station. As a result, the park gives an aesthetic feeling with dozens of art sculptures inside it.

Despite looking unlike a park, this place is ideal for enjoying a sunny day and watching the world go by.

Address: 1-8-26, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo, 171-0021

12. Go on a food tour in CHINATOWN

Ikebukuro’s lately opened Chinatown is the place to go if you want to indulge in Chinese cuisine. Located in the center of the district, Chinatown is within a 1-minute walking distance from Ikebukuro Station. The town has several restaurants with delicious dishes, for example, tantanmen (spicy noodles), spit-roasted lamb, and Eisho-Shanghai fried dumplings. In addition, menu prices are reasonable, some restaurants offering lunches for under $10.

Eisho-Shanghai fried dumplings

Best restaurants in Ikebukuro’s Chinatown

• Chiin Shokudo (Szechuan cuisine)
• Jufukuro (Chinese BBQ)
• Eisho (desserts, tea)
• Chugoku Chakan (Chinese Tea House)
• Yang-Chugoku Katei Ryori (gyoza, ramen)

13. Singing all night long at Karaoke Bar

On the road named Otsuka Norengai, there are countless tiny bars, but only Karaoke Bar Tao Pai Pai offers free karaoke if you can finish the 90-minute all-you-can-drink deal. To start with, drink out a cup of beer with a gyoza dish from the downstair restaurants, then you are in the game. Although Karaoke Bar Tao Pai Pai opens from 5 pm to 3 am for most nights, in Monday, the closing time is much earlier, midnight.

Karaoke bar

Address: Tokyo, Sugamo, Otsuka,

14. Dip your feet in Niwanoyu Onsen

You don’t have to transport far from the city to experience an onsen because Niwanoyu Onsen is near Ikebukuro than any other. Meanwhile, it offers a wide range of onsen baths enjoyable for both children and adults. Some pools are assigned as bathing suit areas. Hence, those who have qualms about experiencing onsen because they are shy about bathing in the nude won’t have any problems here.

Address: 3-25-1 Koyama, Nerima-ku, Tokyo

For more information:  http://www.niwanoyu.jp/niwa/  (Japanese only)

15. Shop like you’ve never shopped before

shopping in Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro Station is heaven for shopaholics because this is where you can own anything you ever want (of course you have enough money). This is because there are fancy department stores covering all streets and huge shopping centers that can be seen from miles away. So, some places I suggest are Seibu, Sunshine city and Tobu. Also, for Japanese high-quality electronic devices, visit “Bic Camera”.

Less common things

Observe the starry sky at konica minolta planetarium.

Also in Sunshine City, a planetarium is designed by a Japanese tech genius, Konica Minolta. In a word, it offers an engaging view of the galaxy. And your seat is exclusively made to accompany you throughout this amazing and relaxing journey to the cosmo in all senses.

Konica Minolta Planetarium

Address: Rooftop Sunshine City World Import Mart Building, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo

For more information:  https://planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/manten/  (Japanese only)

Eat a yummy Suzumeya Dorayaki – favorite sweet of Doraemon

Suzumeya Dorayaki is one of the most in-demand food for sweet tooths (or Doraemon fans) in Ikebukuro. It is close to the east side of JR Ikebukuro Station. But mind that you may want to arrive early in the morning, to avoid waiting in a long queue to buy this famous cake.

Suzumeya Dorayaki

Address: 2-18-5 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima ward, Tokyo

For more information:  http://www.d-suzumeya.com/  (Japanese only)

Discover new flavors of Street Food in IKEBUKURO

What is Ikebukuro known for?

On the one hand, Ikebukuro is very well-known as a commercial and entertainment area. It offers for its low-cost accommodation for travelers, otaku cultures street, shopping centers, yet quiet historical temples at the same time. On the other hand, you can find a lot of universities and cultural places like theater here.

A Beginner’s Guide to Ikebukuro

Is Ikebukuro worth visiting?

It depends on you, actually. Briefly, if you enjoy these types of activities I mention above, Ikebukuro is definitely worth a visit.

What is there to do around Ikebukuro Station?

There are a lot because from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, you will find the main entertainment district. Remember the Nishi-Ikebukuro Park (West Gate Park), Sunshine 60 building (in front of the station), and Sunshine city, they are actually all nearby. In fact, of many downtown areas in Ikebukuro, this is the most thriving area, and it is always crowded from dusk till dawn. Besides, it contains a lot of character games and goods shops, so it is where you can enjoy Japanese hobby culture.

Is Ikebukuro safe?

Ikebukuro is clean, friendly, and safe, as is anywhere else in Japan. So, you are most surely safe from being robbed or attacked. There are also little threats of being pickpocketed or deceived unless you let the bad people make use of your naïve. However, the most possible risk may be facing drunk commuters, then just pretend that you don’t see them. In that situation, stay in groups, avoid guys trading drugs, fake goods, and things that appear to be good deals on the street. On the whole, even if you are a solo female traveler or traveling family with small children, you will be fine.

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Street Fighter 4 Arcade Machine Location Tracker

Below is a list of arcade locations around the globe that have Street Fighter 4. While we try to keep this list accurate, it's possible some of these locations no longer carry the game or have dropped off the face of the earth.

Whenever possible it's strongly encouraged that you call in advance or ask some other people if the location you're planning on traveling to still has the game.

Arcades sometimes disappear over night and they don't usually mention it when they do.

United States of America

Connecticut

Pennsylvania

Richmond, b.c., burnaby, b.c., montreal, qc.

United Kingdom

New zealand.

From what we hear, nearly every big arcade in Japan has a machine, but these are the ones we could confirm with addresses in English.

Beppu, Oita

United arab emirates.

Unconfirmed Locations

The places listed below have not yet been confirmed, you should probably call in ahead of time to see if a machine is there.

If you know of any locations that have a machine that's not listed here, contact us or leave a comment below — but make sure you include an address.

*KIT cabinet means it's a SF4 board in another game's cabinet.

they just recently purchased 2 sf4 arcade cabinets at the santa cruz beach boardwalk in cali. the buttons oar sanwas along with the stick.

Geez Man D.C. and Maryland gets no love??? smh -_-

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Where is: Game Safari Ikebukuro, Tokyo, Japan

Started by zos'la, January 11, 2011, 03:05:19 PM

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Immersive Gamebox - Valley Fair

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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Immersive Gamebox - Valley Fair - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Sun - Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM
• Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
• (0.17 mi) Nesuto Studios Inn
• (0.34 mi) Hotel Valencia Santana Row
• (0.20 mi) Luxury Condo in Santana Row - Silicon Valley - Levi's Stadium
• (0.24 mi) Clean Comfortable Santana Row Condo
• (0.24 mi) Contemporary Santana Row Condo (Facing the Row)
• (0.08 mi) Din Tai Fung
• (0.08 mi) Jamba
• (0.04 mi) Starbucks
• (0.05 mi) AnQi Shaken & Stirred
• (0.04 mi) Pizza My Heart

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Hours: Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm

Phone:   408-244-2793 Email:   [email protected]

Safari Kid of Santa Clara, CA

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At Safari Kid, we believe childhood should be celebrated! Our proprietary preschool curriculum takes inspiration from a mix of both traditional methods (Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Waldorf) and reflects current brain research on early childhood development. This has resulted in a focus on the whole child, in which we offer the perfect balance of learning and play. Our daycare and preschool programs are carefully developed to ignite curiosity and encourage lifelong learning, but it doesn’t end there! We also offer a well-rounded after-school program for children in kindergarten through 8th grade, which provides a combination of valuable academic support and engaging extra-curricular enrichment.

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After a tough day at work, Safari Kid parents feel comforted knowing their child has not only successfully completed their homework but also enjoyed learning something new! Safari Kid offers a comprehensive After School Program. We offer structured learning and tutoring coupled with a diverse choice of extracurricular activities. Our Safari Kid After School Program offers daily help with schoolwork but also provides supplemental mathematics and English Language Arts lessons that align directly with Common Core Standards. While academic learning is our primary goal, we also ignite interest beyond the core subjects through exciting enrichment activities that promote a love for new learning. Depending on demand, centers offer such enrichment classes as creative writing, public speaking, chess, robotics, visual arts, and performing arts. Students participating in Safari Kid’s After School Program consistently test above grade level, and many earn awards for academic achievement. We’re so proud of our Safari Kids and excited to be a part of their amazing growth!

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Explore other programs offered by safari kid.

Safari Kid is a Global Chain of Preschools and After School Programs, founded by Ms. Shy Mudakavi in the heart of Silicon Valley in Newark, California. Over fifteen years, 35,000 children going through the program have shown consistent excellence in elementary and middle schools.

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