Ikebukuro Station viewed from the Sunshine City observation deck
Ikebukuro (’r‘Ü) 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.
Manga and cosplay shops along Otome Road
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
Tobu
Hours: 10:00 to 20:00 (upper floors 10:30 to 19:00) Restaurants: 11:00 to 22:00
Located on top of the station's west exit is the Tobu Department Store, one of Tokyo's largest department stores. It belongs to the Tobu Group, which also operates several suburban railway lines, including the Tobu Tojo Line which terminates at Ikebukuro Station.
Seibu
Shops: 10:00 to 21:00 (until 20:00 on Sundays and national holidays) Restaurants: 11:00 to 23:00 (from 10:30 on weekends and holidays)
Located on top of the station's east exit is the flagship Seibu Department Store, another of Tokyo's largest department stores. It belongs to the Seibu Group, which also operates several suburban railway lines, including the Seibu Ikebukuro Line which terminates at Ikebukuro Station.
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
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:00) Closed: No closing days Admission: 700-1200 yen depending on the day
An observation deck is located on the top floor of the 240 meter tall Sunshine 60 skyscraper, offering nice views over the city.
Namja Town
Hours: 10:00 to 21:00 (entry until 20:00) Closed: No closing days Admission: 1000 yen (entry only), 3700 yen (entry and unlimited rides)
Namja Town is an indoor theme park by Namco, the creator of Pacman and many other arcade games and leisure products. Namja Town includes various small rides and attractions. There are two food corners specialized in gyoza and desserts in a Showa Period town setting with recreated old alleys.
Sunshine Aquarium
Hours vary; typically 9:30 to 21:00 in spring and summer, and 10:00 to 18:00 in autumn and winter Closed: No closing days Admission: 2600-2800 yen depending on the day
The Sunshine Aquarium exhibits creatures from seas, oceans and tropical forests around the world, including stingrays, sunfish, frogs, snakes, penguins, seals and otters. It is located on the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building in the Sunshine City complex.
Electronics stores
Bic Camera
Hours: 10:00 to 22:00
Bic Camera, one of Japan's leading electronics retailers, has its flagship store at the east exit of Ikebukuro Station. Several more branch stores are located on both sides of the station, including an outlet branch.
Yamada Denki
Hours: 10:00 to 22:00
Yamada Denki is another of Japan's most successful electronics chains and has two branches around Ikebukuro Station in direct competition with Bic Camera.
Other attractions
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space
Times and fees vary by event
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space is a public art center that stages performing arts, especially concerts, operas, theater and musicals. Its main hall is equipped with one of Japan's largest pipe organs.
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.
Hotel hisoca ikebukuro is ideally located in the centre of Tokyo, and offers a shared lounge, free WiFi and a terrace. The property is around 200 metres from Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park, 300 metres from Nishi-Ikebukuro Park and 600 metres from Ikefukurou Statue. Private parking is available on site. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a wardrobe, a kettle, a fridge, a toaster, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a shower. Hotel hisoca ikebukuro offers 4-star accommodation with a sauna. The accommodation can conveniently provide information at the reception to help guests to get around the area. Popular points of interest near hotel hisoca ikebukuro include Metropolitan Plaza, Ikebukuro Station and Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 24 km from the hotel.
Located in the centre of Tokyo, Dormy Inn Ikebukuro is situated 300 metres from Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park and 700 metres from Hinodechou Park. The property is set 800 metres from Shusseinari Shrine, 800 metres from Koyasuinari Shrine and 700 metres from Ancient Orient Museum. Private parking is available on site. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a desk. All units will provide guests with air conditioning, a safety deposit box and a flat-screen TV. Dormy Inn Ikebukuro offers 3-star accommodation with a sauna. Speaking English and Japanese, staff are willing to help at any time of the day at the reception. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Wacca Ikebukuro, Ikebukuro Suiten-gu Shrine and Honryuji Temple. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 27 km from Dormy Inn Ikebukuro.
Situated in the Toshima district in Tokyo, MIMARU Tokyo IKEBUKURO offers 4-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is close to several well-known attractions, 700 metres from Metropolitan Plaza, 800 metres from Wacca Ikebukuro and 700 metres from Ikebukuro Suiten-gu Shrine. The property is 500 metres from Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine, and within 500 metres of the city centre. The hotel will provide guests with air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a kettle, a fridge, a microwave, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with a bidet. At MIMARU Tokyo IKEBUKURO the rooms have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park, Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro and Ikebukuro Station. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 25 km from MIMARU Tokyo IKEBUKURO.
Situated in the Toshima district in Tokyo, Eisei Stay offers 3-star rooms with free WiFi. The property is close to Wacca Ikebukuro, Ikebukuro Suiten-gu Shrine and Ikefukurou Statue. The property is 500 metres from the city centre and 700 metres from Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine. At the hotel rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a desk, a balcony with a city view, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, bed linen and towels. The rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Eisei Stay include Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park, Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro and Koyasuinari Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 27 km from the accommodation.
A 7-minute walk from Exit C6 of Ikebukuro Station, Hatoya Hotel offers affordable accommodations with free Wi-Fi throughout. Each Western-style room is equipped with a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. The lively Shinjuku Station is a 16-minute train ride away. The air-conditioned rooms feature a refrigerator. The en suite bathroom includes a bath and toilet. Slippers are available as well. En electric kettle, coffee cups, shampoo, body soap and hairdryer can be borrowed, upon request at check-in. The hotel offers luggage storage service. Hotel Hatoya is a 30-minute train ride and walk to the famous Meiji Shrine and the Harajuku shopping district. Convenience stores and supermarkets are located near the property.
Located in Tokyo, OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts is offers various facilities, such as a terrace, a shared lounge and a bar. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is a minute's walk to JR Otsuka Station and a 20 minute train ride to Tokyo Station. The units in the hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV. With a private bathroom fitted with a bath and free toiletries, rooms at OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka by Hoshino Resorts also offer a city view. All rooms will provide guests with a fridge. A Full English/Irish breakfast is served each morning at the property. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden is 6 km from the accommodation, while Japan Imperial Palace is 6 km away. Tokyo Haneda International Airport and Narita International Airport are 1 hour away by train from the property.
Hotel Wing International Select Ikebukuro features air-conditioned rooms with satellite flat-screen TV in the Toshima district of Tokyo. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and luggage storage space. The property is close to popular attractions like Koyasuinari Shrine, Ikebukuro Suiten-gu Shrine and Honryuji Temple. All rooms in the hotel are fitted with a kettle. The rooms come with a private bathroom with a bidet, a hairdryer and free toiletries. The units will provide guests with a fridge. Popular points of interest near Hotel Wing International Select include Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park, Wacca Ikebukuro and Hinodemachi Park. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda International Airport, 35 km from the accommodation. At the cafe corner on the 1st floor, between 6 to 23 o'clock, we offer petit cakes and drinks, including the hotel's original handmade bread "Owl Bread". If you would like to have breakfast, you can request to the front desk.
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro is located in central Tokyo next to Ikebukuro Train Station, offering easy transport links. The hotel features a spa, 6 restaurants and free in-room wired internet. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. The air-conditioned rooms at Hotel Metropolitan Ikebukuro feature panoramic city views. Each room includes tea-making facilities and a flat-screen TV with cable channels. Guests can relax in the spa bath, swim in the 2-lane indoor pool or work out at the fitness centre (all with minimum age limit and surcharge). The hotel also features an aesthetic salon. Dining options at the hotel include Japanese, Chinese and European cuisines. The 25th-floor Est Italian Restaurant and Ovest Bar offer spectacular city views. Cross Dine Restaurant serves an international buffet spread. Ikebukuro Station offers 5 train lines and 3 subway lines, including direct access to the Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya areas. Airport buses to Haneda and Narita Airport come directly to Metropolitan Hotel.(The limousine bus may be suspended due to the coronavirus (COVID-19).)
Conveniently located in the Toshima district of Tokyo, HOTEL APERTO (Adult Only) is set 400 metres from Koyasu Tenman-gu Sugawara Shrine, 400 metres from Otsuka Mosque and 300 metres from Tenso Shrine. This 3-star hotel offers room service, a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi. The property is 300 metres from Sugamo Park, and within 1.5 km of the city centre. All guest rooms at the hotel feature air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, Blu-ray player, and a private bathroom with a bidet, free toiletries and a hairdryer. At HOTEL APERTO (Adult Only) all rooms have bed linen and towels. Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Toshima Ward Minamiotsuka Park, Shusseinari Shrine and Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 26 km from HOTEL APERTO (Adult Only).
Attractively located in the Toshima district of Tokyo, Super Hotel Premier Ikebukuro Natural Hot Spring is situated 700 metres from Ikebukuro Nishi-guchi Park, less than 1 km from Tobu Department Store Ikebukuro and a 10-minute walk from Metropolitan Plaza. The 3-star hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a private bathroom and free WiFi. The property is 400 metres from the city centre and 700 metres from Ikebukuro Mitake Shrine. At the hotel, rooms come with a desk. The rooms in Super Hotel Premier Ikebukuro Natural Hot Spring are fitted with a flat-screen TV and free toiletries. At the accommodation guests are welcome to take advantage of a hot spring bath. Popular points of interest near Super Hotel Premier Ikebukuro Natural Hot Spring include Koyasuinari Shrine, Wacca Ikebukuro and Ikebukuro Suiten-gu Shrine. The nearest airport is Tokyo Haneda Airport, 27 km from the hotel.
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