Source: Lonnie
When you see most travel books, you will see that they will advise you to skip Ikebukuro on your tour to Japan because what you can find there, you can find pretty much everywhere. This may be so, but this city has a beauty of its own. Most people know so little about this town. So if you are one of those people, view these top 30 things to do in Ikebukuro:
1. Hotel Metropolitan, Tokyo, Ikebukuro:
This is a magnificent 807 room luxury hotel and is located next to the Ikebukuro station, the second largest train station in Tokyo. The hotel is also close to other parts of the city. Guests can book single or double rooms to executive suites. All the rooms have internet facilities, TV facilities, and attractive décor. The hotel is filled with all kinds of facilities not usually seen in Asia. So you should go here and experience the hotel by yourself.
Information
- Name: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Ikebukuro
- Address: 1-6-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-8505, Japan
- Opening hour: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.hotelmetropolitan.jp/
2. Hang out at Ikebukuro Plaza:
The Ikebukuro Plaza is one of the top capsule plazas in the Ikebukuro region and the great thing about it is at a 5-minutes-walk from the Ikebukuro Station. It is one of the few hotels available to women. Meals are available there at the local restaurant. The visitors and guests can also relax in the communal bath, which is open 24 hours a day. The place is also very clean. So you should visit this place.
Information
- Name :Ikebukuro Plaza
- Address: 171-0014 Tokyo Prefecture, Toshima-ku, Ikebukuro 2-12-3, Japan
- Opening hour: 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m.
3. Visit the Sunshine Aquarium:
The Sunshine aquarium, located in Ikebukuro’s sunshine City complex, has been made on the concept of “oasis in the sky.” The main attraction is the gigantic sunshine Lagoon tank which has about 240 tons of water. There is a total of around 37,000 fishes with 750 species where the onlookers can come and enjoy the beautiful scenery. You should bring your kids along with you at this place because they will enjoy the sea creatures.
Information
- Name: Sunshine Aquarium
- Address: Sunshine City alpa, 3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 170-8630, Japan
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.sunshinecity.co.jp/english/
4. Visit Gokukoji Temple:
Gokokuji temple is another historically known site present in the eastern Ikebukuro. It was built in the 1600 and is popular because it was found by Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. Another reason for its popularity is that it survived the raids on Tokyo during the World War II. Many historical elites also resided here. There ae also beautiful restaurant around it where people can come and eat.
Information
- Name: Gokokuji temple
- Address: 5-40-1 Otsuka, Bunkyo, Tokyo 112-0012, Japan
- Opening hour: 5 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
5. Visit Sunshine 60 Observatory:
If you want a view of Tokyo from a tower or Sky tree, you can always pay a visit to the Sunshine 60 observatory. From this place, you can view Mount Fuji on fine sunny days and extreme bright illuminations during the night time. The observation deck is present on the top of Sunshine 60 observatory which is near the Sunshine city. The place claims to have one of the fastest elevators in the world and you can go the top for a fee of 620 yen.
Information
- Name: Sunshine 60 observatory
- Address: Sunshine 60 60F, 3-1 Higashi-IkebukuroToshima-ku
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
- Website: http://www.sunshinecity.co.jp/english/index.html
6. Visit Tokyo Metropolitan Theater:
If you want to do something cultured on your visit, then you should visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Theater. It was renovated recently in 2011 and opened for public in 2012. A variety of different shows goes on in the theater like music performances, dance and plays. Some events and lectures also take place there. The great thing about this place is that it is just a 2-minute walk from the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station. So you should visit this place.
7.Hang out at Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park:
If you want to enjoy your time admiring nature, then Nishiguchi park is your go-to place. Drama fans might know this place due to the success of the 2000 drama, Ikebukuro West Park. Due to the depictions in different films and movies, it has gained the popularity of being the place where bad people meet. However, you shouldn’t worry. It’s quite a secure place and plenty of people come and go in the park.
Information
- Name: Ikebukuro Nishiguchi Park
- Address: 1-8-26 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima 171-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
8. Shop at Tobu Department Store:
The Tojo line in Ikebukuro has its own departmental store located within a walking distance from the station. The department is popular for its variety of fashion and a vast amount of other merchandise. You can find anything here, from lifestyle goods to decorations pieces for your house. There are also many food stores and restaurants in the basement of the store where you can enjoy a variety of different tastes.
Information
- Name: Tobu Department Store
- Address: 1-1-25 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima 171-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Website: www.tobu-dept.jp/
9. Stay at Centurion Hotel Ikebukuro:
Located at just a five-minute-walk from the Ikebukuro station, the Centurion Hotel is one of the best hotels in Tokyo. The rooms are nicely built and excellent service is provided. The staff is quite helping and caring; they can speak both English and Japanese, so you won’t have any language trouble. There are lots of eating places nearby. Once you stay at this place, you will automatically be driven to it again.
Information
- Name: Mark Manley
- Address: 1-8-9 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima 1700-013, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
10. Shop at Seibu Department Store:
The Seibu Department store is easily accessible as it is located at the East exit of the Ikebukuro station. It is one of the most popular stores in the area and is owned by the Seibu group, which also operates many railway lines. It is spread over fourteen floors and includes a dozen of restaurants. The two level foot hall is the biggest in Tokyo and you should view it. The basement store contains some elite stores, so if you have some spare cash, go there.
Information
- Name: Seibu Department Store
- Address: 1-28-1 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0022, Japan
- Opening hour: 10 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Website: https://www.sogo-seibu.jp/seibu/
11. Enjoy at J-World Tokyo:
It is a popular themed park by Namco which was opened in July 2013 and includes the characters and attractions from popular manga series. Popular manga series, like Naruto, Drago ball z and one piece are all featured here. Different live situations are present in the park where you can interact with the manga characters. If you have come from abroad, you should visit this place because they have a special discount of 50 Yen for tourists.
Information
- Name: Geraint
- Address: 3chome Higashi-ikebukuro | Sunshine City World Import Mart 3F, Toshima, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.namco.co.jp/tp/j-world/en/
12. Visit Bic Camera:
If you need to buy any electronic accessory, then what better place to do so than Bic Camera. It is the Japan’s leading electronic retailer and has stores on the East end of the Ikebukuro station. Many other branches are present at both side of the station, including a new branch outlet. Tourists can come here and get special discounts on Ipad and cameras.
Information
- Name: Bic Camera Ikebukuro
- Address: 170-0013, 1-6-7, Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Opening hour: 10 a.m. t0 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.biccamera.co.jp/
13. Visit Konica Minolta Planetarium:
The Konica Minolta Planetarium, located in the Sunshine City, is a worth-visiting site. Here visitors are introduced to new ways of enjoying planetariums. You will expect to see planets but in reality, it’s a visual audio experience totally worth the money. You will get a calming sensation in watching the seas and stars and the catchy music is present everywhere you need. The place also has reclining seats where you can sit comfortably.
Information
- Name: Konica Minolta Planetarium
- Address: 3-1-3 Higashiikebukuro | Worldimportmart Bldg Rooftop, Toshima 170-0013 , Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.konicaminolta.com/planetarium/
14. Visit Sakura Hotel
Whether you are visiting with alone, on a business trip or with your family and looking for a cheap place to spend a night or two, Sakura hotel in Ikebukuro is your go-to place. It is comfortable, clean and superb for your budget. This hotel is also located about 5 minutes walk from the station, so you won’t have any troubles. The hotel is located in quite a busy area with tons of places in the surroundings to eat.
Information
- Name: Sakura Hotel, Ikebukuro
- Address: 2-40-7 Ikebukuro, Toshima 171-0014, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
- Website: http://www.sakura-hotel-ikebukuro.com/
15. Visit Animate
To get out your inner kid, you should visit the Animate Shop located in Ikebukuro. There is a wide range of games, comics and anime at the place. You should bring children here because there are different anime character toys here. Animate can be reached conveniently as it is just about 5 minutes from the station. So any person dedicated to the anime world should visit this place.
Information
- Name: Animate
- Address:1-20-7 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima-ku
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Website: https://www.animate.co.jp/
16. Visit Marui Department Store:
Marui Department store is a Japanese retail company which operates many department stores in Tokyo and all over Japan. They are widely popular for producing the women’s accessories for ages between 25 and 35 years. The Marui Ikebukuro station is located a few blocks from Ikebukuro station and sells men’s and women’s clothing goods and household accessories. The staff there is also very friendly and helpful for the tourists. So you should visit the place.
Information
- Name: Marui Department Store
- Address: 2-7-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda 100-0006, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- Website: http://www.0101.co.jp/
17. Shop at Yamada Denki:
Yamada Denki is pretty much the largest electronic retailer companies in Japan. Almost all the stores sell electronic stuff, however, some shops also sell other products, like books. Recently, the company has opened the branches in Ikebukuro. The great thing about this branch is that it is easily accessible as it is just 5 minutes from the Ikebukuro station. So if you are a geek or any person in love with electronics, you should visit this place.
Information
- Name: Yamada Denki
- Address: 170-0013, 1 Chome-41-1 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan
- Opening hour: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.yamada-denkiweb.com/
18. Dine at Hulu Lu
If you like ramen, then you should visit Hulu lu because it serves both salt and soy sauce based ramen. The quality of food is amazing and the furniture is quite sophisticated. You can just listen to the Hawaiian music being played there if you get bored of eating. The place is located at just a 10-minute walk from the station. So it is a must-visit place with reasonable pricing and ease of access.
Information
- Name: Hulu Lu
- Address: 2-60-7, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Opening hour: 11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Website: hulu-lu.com
19. Visit Zoshigaya Kishimojin Temple
Zoshigaya Kishimojin is quite a popular temple in Ikebukuro where Kishimojin, the goddess of safe birth and childbearing is worshiped. Even if you don’t believe in many gods and goddesses, it’s a worth-visiting site if you have come from somewhere far away. The orange pathway and the lovely sculptures add to its beauty. You can also reach the place easily, as it is about 10 minutes from the Ikebukuro station. So bring your kids and family members along with you and visit this place.
Information
- Name: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Ikebukuro
- Address: 3-15-20 Zoshigaya, Toshima-ku
- Opening hour: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
20. Dine at T.G.I Fridays
You must get really tired eating Japanese food all the time. So, if you want to eat North American food for a change, visit T.G.I Fridays. The burgers here are quite tasty and for a moment, you will forget that you are in Japan. The staff here consists of English people. It’s your choice to speak English or Japanese with them; they can speak both the languages. This restaurant provides you some of the best American foods around. So go and dine at the place.
Information
- Name: Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo, Ikebukuro
- Address: 1-21-13 Higashiikebukuro | 2F Ore Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
- Opening hour: 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Website: https://www.tgifridays.com/
21. Stay at Changtee Hotel
Let us admit one thing. When you are traveling, you are looking for the cheapest places to stay ad Changtee Hotel fulfills your needs here. It’s one of the cheapest hotels around. It’s also just five to ten-minutes-walk from the west side of Ikebukuro station. If you just need to sleep and go outside, then this hotel is for you. If you need something more, then spend more money. If you compare the price with the location, it’s a great hotel to stay in.
Information
- Name: Changtee Hotel
- Address: 2-32-4 Ikebukuro, Toshima 171-0014, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Website: http://www.changtee.com/us/
22. Visit Ancient Orient Museum
The Ancient Orient Museum is a small museum located in the Culture Building of Sunshine City. You can visit it from 9 to 5 and see the many collections of Central Asia. You will find a mix of Asian and Mediterranean culture in the unique pieces. However, you should be warned beforehand that the museum isn’t that much large; it just contains four rooms. Yet for 900 yen, it is an interesting and affordable place to visit.
Information
- Name: Ancient Orient Museum
- Address: 3-1-4 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima 170-8630, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Website: http://aom-tokyo.com/
23. Dine at Akiyoshi
Located in Ikebukuro, Akiyoshi does very few things but it does them perfectly. They grill meat, serve cold and provide side things required with grilled meat. The kitchen is open with staff moving to and fro to deliver food to the customers. It is a perfect place for tourists because they have English menus and reasonable prices, about 400 to 500 yen depending on what you order. So you should definitely visit this place.
Information
- Name: Akiyoshi
- Address: Toshima-ku, Nishi-Ikebukuro 3-30-4.
- Opening hour: 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
24. Travel By Seibu Railways
You should visit Seibu Railways on your trip to Ikebukuro. In fact, you should use it for traveling. All you have to do is to go there and stand for a few minutes and the train will be there to drop you at your destination. The only problem with this railway, as with all railway station, is that it is quite busy during rush hours. However, the railway has nice and comfortable seats which makes it better than other railway lines.
Information
- Name: Seibu Railways
- Address: Toshima, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
- Website: http://www.seibu-group.co.jp/railways/tourist/english/
25. Drink Coffee at Gorilla Coffee
On your visit to Tokyo, you should definitely visit the Gorilla Coffee in Ikebukuro. It isn’t like your everyday star bucks but they serve some great coffee and breakfast. The coffee tastes wonderful as it is mixed with chocolate mousse and peanut butter. The staff is quite friendly. It’s a complete family place. So you can bring your family and enjoy a nice coffee.
Information
- Name: Gorilla Coffee
- Address: 12-, I．Tower 1 Chome-20-1 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0021, Japan
- Opening hour: 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://gorillacoffee.jp/
26. Hang out at Mejiro Garden
Entering Mejiro Garden will just cost you 200 yen. However, it is smaller than you’d expect it to be. But still, it is extremely gorgeous. Plus, it is a short walk from the bus station, so, you won’t have any problems getting here. You can spend your time sitting across the pond or walking around and viewing the wonders of nature from season to season. It sure is a refreshing experience and you shouldn’t miss it.
Information
- Name: Mejiro Garden
- Address: 3-20-18 Mejiro, Toshima, Tokyo 171-0031, Japan
- Opening hour: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
27. Dine at Harbs Lumine
If you want to eat cake, then you should visit Harbs Lumine. You can order coffee and tea with a piece of cake and enjoy yourself. The cake pieces are large which you can easily share. They cost 1,700 yen with two pieces, but considering the place and the surroundings, it isn’t too much. The staff is also quite helpful and wants you to go away with positive thoughts. So you should visit this restaurant.
Information
- Name: Harbs Lumine
- Address: 3 Chome-38-1 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022, Japan
- Opening hour: 10:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Website: http://www.harbs.co.jp/harbs/eng_shop.html
28. Honryu-ji Temple
All the traveling and touring of Japan must take a toll on you. So why not visit some place quite like Honryuji temple. It is quite a well-maintained temple with a beautiful cemetery. You would be amazed to hear that it was built back in the 15th century. There are different cherry trees from where you can eat cherries. The place has a mesmerizing effect and is just five minutes from the bus stop. So you should visit it.
Information
- Name: Honryu-ji Temple
- Address: 2-20-37 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima 171-0022, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
29. Visit Vivo Beer + Dining Bar
Vivo beer has become probably the best drinking place in Ikebukuro since its start in 2003. There are 20 different offerings of Japanese, Belgian and American beers. The atmosphere is quite good because no smoking is allowed. In this respect, it is better than other places. The furniture and the staff is also nice. Considering the fact that it is just a 3-minute walk from the Ikebukuro station, you should definitely visit it.
Information
- Name: Vivo Beer + Dining Bar
- Address:1-4-3 Higashiikebukuro, Toshima 170-0013, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.
30. Take Picture with Ikebukuro
Lastly, before boarding the train and going where you are staying, how about taking a memorable picture with Ikefukuru, the famous owl statue at Ikebukuro station. This place is mainly popular because it is a meeting place for many people. The name “fukuro” stands for owl in Japanese. So, just take a camera and take your selfie with it or ask a friend or stranger to take your photo.
Information
- Name: Ikefukuro
- Address: Minami-Ikebukuro | Ikebukuro StatIon, Toshima, Tokyo Prefecture
- Opening hour: Open 24 hours
Seeing these many things to do in Ikebukuro, you will definitely disagree with the tour guides which instruct you to skip Ikebukuro. With its many attractions, Ikebukuro is truly a heaven. When you are touring Ikebukuro, one thing is for sure: You will never get bored. So plan your next trip to Ikebukuro.
Have a good trip and travel!
