Ikebukuro, Tokyo - A Wondrous Multicultural District

• Table of Contents
• Ikebukuro Station
• Higashi-Ikebukuro
• Nishi-Ikebukuro
• Minami-Ikebukuro
• Kita-Ikebukuro
• Conclusion

With approximately 2.64 million passengers daily, Ikebukuro Station is the third busiest terminal station in the world, following Shinjuku and Shibuya.

Alongside Akihabara and Nakano, Ikebukuro is a renowned hub for pop culture. It's a paradise for anime, cosplay, art enthusiasts, and all things otaku.

Additionally, Ikebukuro is a major business district in Tokyo, home to many offices and bustling commercial activity.

Join us as we explore Ikebukuro, a fascinating city of mixed cultures, by dividing it into its distinct areas.

Ikebukuro Station

Ikebukuro Station is the third busiest terminal station in the world, with approximately 2.64 million passengers per day.

Hosting JR East, Tobu Railroad, Seibu Railroad, and Tokyo Metro lines, the station is a bustling hub of activity day and night.

The station is directly connected to several large shopping complexes, including the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, Tobu Department Store, Lumine Ikebukuro, and Ikebukuro Parco, allowing visitors to enjoy dining, drinking, and shopping regardless of the weather.

Things to See

One of the notable landmarks inside JR Ikebukuro Station is the stone owl statue, affectionately known as "IKEFUKURO."

It serves as the station’s mascot and is a popular meeting spot for many passengers.

Ikebukuro Station

1-chome, Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022

Higashi-Ikebukuro

Higashi-Ikebukuro, located on the north side of Ikebukuro Station's East Exit, is the heart of downtown Ikebukuro and one of the busiest areas in Japan.

It is home to the Toshima City Office, Sunshine City, numerous restaurants, and various retail facilities.

This area is also famed as a "sacred place" for otaku, with numerous manga and anime-related stores and facilities lining the streets.

Additionally, GTN 's headquarters is located in Higashi-Ikebukuro.

Things to See

Sunshine City, a landmark of Ikebukuro, is a massive shopping complex featuring a wide array of restaurants, stores, movie theaters, an aquarium, hotels, and bus terminals.

It is a must-visit spot when you come to Ikebukuro.

Sunshine City

170-8630 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Ikebukuro Sunshine City is a complex located in Toshima-ku, Tokyo. There is an observation deck called "Sunshine 60" that is about 240 meters high, and from here you can see the whole cityscape of Tokyo. The night view is especially spectacular. There are also restaurants and cafes in the observation deck, so you can enjoy a meal or tea while enjoying the view. In addition, the shopping mall "Sunshine City Alpa" has a wide variety of products, from fashion items to miscellaneous goods and food. There is also a restaurant area and a movie theater, so you can enjoy shopping and watching movies. In addition, Sunshine City also has attractions such as "Sunshine Aquarium" and "Namco Nanja Town". In particular, Namco Nanja Town has various amusement facilities that you can enjoy with your family or friends.

Nishi-Ikebukuro

Nishi-Ikebukuro is located on the southwest side of Ikebukuro Station, just outside the west exit.

This area features shopping complexes and restaurants, along with educational and cultural facilities like the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre and Rikkyo University. It also hosts important municipal offices such as the Ikebukuro Police Station, Ikebukuro Fire Station, and Toshima Tax Office.

Things to See

The Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, located a short distance from the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, is a comprehensive arts and cultural facility. It hosts numerous concerts by renowned Japanese and international performers, as well as performances by universities, other schools, and community orchestras.

If you’re interested in music, theater, dance, and other forms of arts and culture, this is a must-visit location.

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre

171-0021 1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is a facility where you can enjoy a variety of arts and culture, including concerts, plays, and exhibitions. Classical music lovers will especially love the performance hall, which is equipped with the world's largest pipe organ. The facility also has a wide selection of art-related goods stores, as well as restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy light meals. In addition, classes where you can experience playing the pipe organ are regularly held, providing visitors with an opportunity to deepen their artistic experience.

Minami-Ikebukuro

Minami-Ikebukuro is located on the southeast side of Ikebukuro Station, south of Green Boulevard.

The area is lined with many restaurants and is bustling at night with after-work businessmen and university students.

Zoshigaya Cemetery is located in Minami-Ikebukuro 4-chome, and there are also many temples and shrines associated with the cemetery.

Things to See

Minami-Ikebukuro Park is a spacious park covered mostly in lawns and open to visitors. On a fine day, you can spread out a blanket and enjoy lunch or even take a nap.

The park also features a café-restaurant where you can relax with a cup of coffee or a meal while enjoying the view from the terrace seats.

Racine Farm to Park

2-21-1, Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0022

Kita-Ikebukuro

Kita-Ikebukuro is located on the northwest side of Ikebukuro, just outside the Ikebukuro West Exit.

It’s an entertainment district with many restaurants and bars.

However, it's important to be cautious, as the area is known for not being very safe.

Things to See

The area features numerous Chinese restaurants run by Chinese locals, offering authentic Chinese cuisine.

It’s an entertainment district with many restaurants and bars.

Conclusion

What do you think?
We hope this guide helps you enjoy a stroll around Ikebukuro Station and its surroundings.
You're sure to have a wonderful time.

By the way, is your internet ready?
If you're coming to Haneda Airport, please stop by GTN.
We can assist you with SIM cards, travel advice, and more.