Located in Tokyo’s northwestern area, Ikebukuro is one of the three major secondary city centers alongside Shinjuku and Shibuya.

With multiple train lines converging at Ikebukuro Station, the surrounding area boasts a wealth of shopping malls, department stores, electronic retailers, and entertainment facilities.

Whether you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine, looking for shops dedicated to anime and games, or in need of conveniently located hotels, Ikebukuro is a popular destination for visitors. In this guide, we introduce you to the history of Ikebukuro Station, directions to get there, as well as our recommended tourist spots, dining options, and hotels.

This article will give you an overview of the Ikebukuro area in Tokyo. For a more detailed list of things to do in Ikebukuro, be sure to check out the Japan Web Magazine list of Things to Do in Ikebukuro.

What Kind of City is Ikebukuro?

Originally part of the Musashino natural landscape, Ikebukuro derives its name from an oval pond called “Fukuro-ike” that once existed near its west exit. In April 1903 (Meiji 36), Japanese National Railways opened the Toshima Line between Ikebukuro and Tabata, marking the debut of Ikebukuro Station. During the Taisho era, additional lines from the Tojo Railway and Musashino Railway began serving the area, transforming Ikebukuro from a rural town into a bustling urban center.

Popular Tourist Spots in Ikebukuro

Sunshine Aquarium

The Sunshine Aquarium is Japan’s first urban aquarium, built on the rooftop of Sunshine City under the concept of a “sky oasis.” Here you can encounter various creatures such as otters, penguins, and jellyfish.

NAMJATOWN

Located within Sunshine City, NAMJATOWN is an indoor theme park where you can enjoy attractions regardless of the weather. It features four themed districts including a retro “Lucky Bag 7-Chome Shopping Street” that recreates a 1950s Japanese townscape and “Mononoke Bangai-chi,” which offers a haunted-house-like atmosphere.

Homyoji Temple

Located in Minami-Ikebukuro, Homyoji Temple (法明寺) was originally founded in 810 as the Shingon sect temple “Ikkoji” and later became a Nichiren temple known as “Ikkozan Homyoji” in 1312. Its approach is lined with cherry trees, and the temple has been famed as a cherry blossom spot since the Edo period.

Ikebukuro Shopping Highlights

Sunshine City

Sunshine City is a comprehensive commercial complex composed of five buildings, including the Sunshine 60 building and the World Import Mart Building. Alongside a variety of shopping and dining options such as ALTA and Arupa, it houses attractions like the Sunshine Aquarium, NAMJATOWN, an observation deck, and a planetarium.

Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo & Pikachu Sweets

This is the official Pokémon store located within Sunshine City. It offers a wide array of exclusive Pokémon merchandise and frequently hosts special events. Pikachu Sweets, a takeout shop without the need for reservations, serves themed sweets and drinks inspired by your favorite Pokémon.

Read the rest of this guide at Japan Web Magazine!

^{This content is republished from https://jw-webmagazine.com/ikebukuro-guide/ with permission. The original article was published on Feb 28, 2025. ©2025 Inbound Platform Corp. All Rights Reserved}