What to Do in Ikebukuro


2017.04.27

NAVITIME TRAVEL EDITOR

What to Do in Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is a major entertainment district where you will most likely not find yourself bored. Everything from aquariums to Tokyo's biggest earthquake simulator can be experienced in the vicinity of the station. Here are a few suggestions on things to do in this interesting part of town.

  • 01

    Visit the aquarium

    There is an aquarium in "World Import Mart Building" which is a part of Sunshine City. A total of 37000 fish from about 750 species are on display here. At their outside section, you can enjoy events like a sea lion show and a fish circus, equally entertaining as they are educating.

    Visit the aquarium

    Visit the aquarium

  • 02

    Look for Owls

    Ikebukuro almost rhymes with fukuro, the Japanese word for owl. Because of this, Owls are something of a mascot for the area, and there are plenty of statues depicting these smart birds scattered all over Ikebukuro. The most famous one is called “Ikefukuro” and is a popular meeting spot located at the stairs leading to the JR part of the Ikebukuro Station. If you prefer living owls to statues, there’s also several owl cafés located in the neighbourhood.

    Look for Owls

    Look for Owls

  • 03

    Experience an earthquake

    Earthquakes are a horrifying part of life to most Japan residents. If you want to educate yourself and learn what to do in case a big one strikes, we recommend a visit to the disaster prevention centre and earthquake “museum” located inside one of the fire stations in Ikebukuro. In their simulator, you can experience a recreation of the violent tremblor that struck in 2011, fortunately in a safe and controlled manner. They also provide plenty of information on first aid rescue procedures, fire fighting and how to secure your home and make it safe before disaster happens.

    Experience an earthquake

    Experience an earthquake

  • 04

    Ride Tokyo's last remaining Streetcar

    Tokyo used to have an expansive network of streetcars servicing as many as 1,750,000 daily passengers back at its peak in the mid 1950’s. Today however, only one line remains – the Toden Arakawa Streetcar. This line connects Waseda and Ikebukuro with some other centres in the northern parts of the city, like Otsuka and Sugamo before reaching its eastern terminus at Minowa. The entire stretch is 12 kilometres long and takes 50 minutes to traverse from end to end.

    Ride Tokyo's last remaining Streetcar

    Ride Tokyo's last remaining Streetcar

  • 05

    Hang out in Minami Ikebukuro Koen (South Ikebukuro Park)

    Newly opened park on the east side of Ikebukuro Station that has quickly became a popular oasis among the locals. Have a big playground and a spacious wood deck where you can relax in the sun while snacking on food and drinks that you’ve purchased at Racines, the bistro located in the park.

    Hang out in Minami Ikebukuro Koen (South Ikebukuro Park)

    Hang out in Minami Ikebukuro Koen (South Ikebukuro Park)

    Ikefukuro
    place
    Tokyo Met. Toshima-ku Minamikebukuro 1-chome 28
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    Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro

    1-29-1, Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo

    Agoda
    • Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Suncity Ikebukuro
    Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center
    rating

    4.5

    66 Reviews
    place
    Tokyo Toshima-ku Nishiikebukuro 2-37-8
    phone
    0335906565
    opening-hour
    9:00-17:00 (until 21:00 on F…
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    Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro

    2-39-9 Nishiikebukuro, Toshima-ku Tokyo

    Agoda
    • Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro
    • Hotel Tetora Ikebukuro
    Minami Ikebukuro Park
    place
    Tokyo Toshima-ku Minamikebukuro 2-21-1
    opening-hour
    8:00-22:00
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  • Racines Farm to Park
    place
    東京都豊島区南池袋2-21-1 豊島区南池袋公園内
    phone
    0369070732
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