Ikebukuro Guide: Shopping, Anime, Dining, Hotels, Museums, 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, along with dining, shopping, and hotels.

Ikebukuro Guide 2024

Use the Yamada Denki coupon for discount shopping 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.

Supported by Sunshine City

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 mete...

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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

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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.

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets

170-6002 3-1-2 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Sunshine City Speci...

Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo is located in Sunshine City, Tokyo, and is a Pokemon specialty store. It has a wide selection of Pokemon character...

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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

NAMJATOWN

Sunshine City World Import Mart Building 2F & 3F, 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebuk...

Namco Nanja Town is an indoor theme park located in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro. There are 11 types of attractions to enjoy, and there is also...

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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

170-0013 1-20-7 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Animate Ikebukuro is an anime and manga specialty store located in Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, and is known as a mecca for anime fans and...

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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/

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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

171-8569 1-28-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store is a large department store located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, and is a popular shopping spot for locals and tourists a...

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

1-1-25 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-8512

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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.

Bic Camera Ikebukuro Main Store

170-0013 1-41-5 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Bic Camera Ikebukuro Main Store is one of Japan's largest electronics retailers, located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The vast store area, which str...

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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 House

171-0022 Niigata Prefecture, Toshima-ku, Minami-Ikebukuro 1-17-1 Sakim...

"Mutekiya" is a famous ramen shop in Ikebukuro. This shop serves delicious, fragrant pork bone ramen, and is popular with locals and tourist...

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

170-0013, Tokyo, Toshima-ku, Higashi-Ikebukuro 1-39-20 Keita Building...

At the popular ramen shop "Tori no Ana," located a 5-minute walk from the Ikebukuro East Exit, you can enjoy Tori Paitan Ramen, a cloudy sou...

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

101 Sun Phoenix Yamada, 2-23-5 Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 171-0014

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

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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)

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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.

Fukuro Books and Sabo Esola Ikebukuro Branch

171-0021 4F, 1-12-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

Books and Coffee Fukuro Shosabo is a unique style book cafe. Each book has a review and the reason why it is recommended. There is also a sp...

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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)

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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.

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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 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. Clas...

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.

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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

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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)

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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/

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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

3-9-22 Minami Nagasaki, Toshima, Tokyo

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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).

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 Kishimojin Temple

171-0032 3-15-20 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku, Tokyo

A 15-minute walk from the east exit of Ikebukuro Station is a shrine dedicated to the god of safe childbirth and child-rearing. Within this...

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 (Head temple of the Tozan sect of Shingon Buddhis...

112-0012 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Founded in 1681, this temple has undergone numerous restorations, but the main hall, the Kannon Hall, still retains its original appearance....

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.

Hotels in 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.