13 ways to enjoy Ikebukuro, Tokyo’s eclectic hub!
Along with Shinjuku and Shibuya, Ikebukuro has become one of the busiest and most popular quarters in Tokyo. A unique place bustling with a quirky, lively atmosphere. We picked some of the cool places where you can sample the best of Ikebururo!
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1. Sunshine City: J-world TOKYO (Higashiguchi/East gate)
Head straight to J World Tokyo and join in the fun, especially if you are a fan of anime and cartoons! You will be surrounded by the world of Dragon Ball Z, One Piece, Naruto just to name a few, non-stop fun with all the beloved characters who are famous around the world. You will also find colorful themed menus in its restaurant, which are equally fun. Keep your eyes out for the special events, which are often held.
HP: www.namco.co.jp/tp/j-world/en/
Address: 3-1-3 Higashi-ikebukuro, Sunshine City World Import Mart 3F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
2. Sunshine City: Sunshine Aquarium (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
Although smallish, this rooftop aquarium offers a unique atmosphere of being outdoor and entertainment. Extended hours in the evening during the summer, where you can enjoy a beautiful effect of illumination and a rare chance to see the fish swimming under the night sky. It is quite romantic for couples as well.
HP: www.sunshinecity.co.jp/aquarium/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 3-1-3 Higashi-ikebukuro, Sunshine City World Import Mart rooftop, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
3. Sunshine City: Sunshine 60 Sky Circus (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
240m/788ft above the ground level, you can enjoy a sweeping view of Tokyo from the 60th floor of Sunshine 60 building. On a clear day Mount Fuji can be seen on the horizon. It reopened April 2016, now offering various attractions and became much more than a simple observatory.
Address: 3-1 Higashi Ikebukuro, Sunshibne 60 bldg. 60F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
4. Sunshine City: Konica Minolta Planetarium “Manten”
Equipped by a cutting edge technology, this is a planetarium for the whole new generation. You can enjoy the breathtaking, amazingly realistic view while comfortably stretched out on a spacious seat (some are designed to feel like you are lying on a cloud, or lawn) Three different presentations are available daily, so you can choose depending on your mood!
HP: www.planetarium.konicaminolta.jp/manten/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 3-1-3 Higashi-ikebukuro, Sunshine City World Import Mart, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
5. Ikebukuro Parco: Aloha BBQ Beer Garden (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
A rooftop beer garden represents the Japanese summer. This is a Hawaiian themed beer garden, it features a Hawaiian barbecue, a perfect companion for beer! You can also enjoy a wide selection of wine and mixed drinks. All you can drink for 1500yen! It is near the station, so if you are in the area between April and September, do check it out!
HP: aloha-ikebukuro-parco.beergardens.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-28-2 Ikebukuro Parco rooftop, Minami Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
6. Parfait Terrace Milky Way (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
This charming café is so popular that it has become a symbol of Ikebukuro. You can enjoy 13 types of parfait (or ice cream sandae) to the theme of every zodiac sign, savory meals such as gratin and sandwiches are served as well. The interior is also decorated to the starry theme, a perfect spot for a break overlooking the hubbub of Ikebukuro streets.
Address: 1-12-8 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Fujiki bldg. 2F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
7. Animate Ikebukuro (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
“Animate” is a pure anime mania heaven, jam packed with anime/manga related items such as figurines, games, cosplay costumes, not to mention extensive stock of comic books. Knowledgeable staff, frequent special events; if you are an anime fan, take note and be prepared for a shopping spree!
HP: www.animate.co.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-20-7 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
8. Ike-Fukuro Café (Higashiguchi/East Gate)
Fukuro means “Owl” in Japanese. Truly a unique, feel-good cafè where you can meet and cuddle with cute, fluffy owls while you enjoy a drink! Hanging with adorable feathery friends is a perfect anti-stress therapy! Photos allowed. It is extremely popular, therefore reservation in advance is highly recommended.
HP: www.ikefukuroucafe.com/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 1-17-1 Minami Ikebukuro, Sakimoto bldg. 6F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
9. Book and Bed Tokyo (Nishiguchi/West gate)
“Bookshop where you can sleep over”, where you can read all you want, and go to sleep when you want in your private compartment. The shelves are filled with books of just about any genre imaginable, magazines, comics, novels, you will also find selections of books in English and travel guides. A heaven for bookworms!
Also Check:Book and Bed Tokyo in Ikebukuro: A Book Shop Transformed into a Hostel
Address: 1-17-7, Lumiere buillding 7th floor, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo (Google Map)
10. Rikkyo University Main Students Cafeteria (Nishiguchi/West Gate)
Surprisingly, this students cafeteria is open to public. In a classic building that reminds you of an old fashioned English college, you can enjoy a tasty meal reminiscent of home cooking at less than 500yen. A special experience where you can eat like a regular Japanese kid, by ordering their typically favorite dishes!
HP: tabelog.com/tokyo/A1305/A130501/13095006/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 3-34-1 Rikkyo University Campus, Nishi Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
11. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre (Nishiguchi/West gate)
Hiroyuki Tsuruno/Flickr
One of the best cultural venues in Japan to enjoy various performing arts, such as concerts and theater. The impressive and ultra modern structure houses one of the largest pipe organs in the world. Various workshops are often held here as well, this is an ideal place to come in contact with the latest cultural movement in Japan!
HP: www.geigeki.jp/
Address: 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
12. Sakura Cafè & Restaurant (Nishiguchi/West gate)
Annexed to a hotel frequented by young international tourists, this cafè/restaurant is a great place to make new friends. You will find tasty dishes from around the world and wide selection of beer, an oasis also for anyone who couldn’t get used to the typical Japanese food. Open 24hrs with free Wifi, you could easily spend hours!
HP: www.sakura-hotel.co.jp/eat-drink
Address: 2-39-10 Ikebukuro, Sakura Hotel Annex 1F, Toshima-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
13. Gokokuji (Station Gokokuji)
A little distance away from the bustles of Ikebukuro, Gokokuji was built by the order of the fifth shogun Tsunayoshi Tokugawa back in 1681. You will find many structures of historical significance, It will take about a half day to see them all. Its garden is spectacular during the spring, when the flowers bloom.
HP: www.gokokuji.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)
Address: 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)
The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.
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