Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro (池袋) is a district of Tokyo, Japan found in the Toshima Ward. Along with Shibuya and Harajuku, Ikebukuro is one of the youth culture hubs of Tokyo. Ikebukuro Station is a major stop on the JR Yamanote line and can also be accessed via the Seibu Line, Tobu Line, Marunouchi Line, and Yurakucho Line.

With a mild population the city of Ikebukuro is currently working its way up to being one of the most popular tourist districts in all of Tokyo. Its key location has driven this success as it is serving as the central area for transportation in the Toshima and surrounding wards.

For tourists seeking a little adventure Ikebukuro is an appealing destination. Entertainment venues can be found all around the district including theatres, gaming centers, music shops, and museums. Ikebukuro is also the home of many famous Japanese restaurants.

Aside from tourism, Ikebukuro has flourished as a commercial and shopping district. With two of the most popular and highest class department stores, Tobu Department Store and Seibu Department Store, along with a huge Bic Camera store, the city is a popular place for Japanese people to shop for the latest items such as clothing, fashion accessories, gadgets and electronics, and home décor items.

History of Ikebukuro

The area now known as Ikebukuro district was first a city called Sugamo. At this time the city was driven by affordable land and housing bringing in thousands of struggling artists and temporary foreign contractors. The high amount of foreign residents created a basic work related atmosphere leaving little to bring in tourists.

It wasn't until late 1932 that the city of Sugamo was reorganized becoming Ikebukuro-mura in the Toshima Ward. With this change the city quickly evolved bringing in larger companies seeking a permanent location for their headquarters. Since the establishment of the official district in Tokyo, Ikebukuro has flourished and become an international tourist destination.

Ikebukero Points of Interest

• Sunshine City - Sunshine City is a large and famous shopping complex located in Ikebukero. Sunshine City houses several attractions as well as many shops and restaurants

• Namja Town - Namja Town is a food theme park located inside of Sunshine City. The Namja Town theme park is operated by the Japanese video game company Namco.

• Sunshine International Aquarium - This aquarium, located in the Sunshine City mall is known for being the highest aquarium in all of Japan. All sorts of ocean species, are displayed in thousands of exhibits. The aquarium includes penguins, snakes, endangered frog species, and even seals and otters.

• Ikebukuro West Gate Park - A small park area near the West Exit of Ikebukuro Station. Indie Japanese bands often play free live shows in the evenings and on weekends. Other events are held throughout the year.

• Amlux - The Amlux is a high-tech showroom exhibiting the latest and up-and-coming models of automobiles. It is a place where visitors can get a peek the future of private transportation. All cars are developed and designed by the Toyota Motor Company, a Japanese automobile company.

External Links

• Japan Tourist Organization Ikebukuro (English)