What to Do in Ikebukuro

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

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

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

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

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)

Ikefukuro

Tokyo Met. Toshima-ku Minamikebukuro 1-chome 28

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Ikebukuro Life Safety Learning Center

Tokyo Toshima-ku Nishiikebukuro 2-37-8

0335906565

9:00-17:00 (until 21:00 on F…

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Higashi-ikebukuro-yonchome

Tokyo

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Minami Ikebukuro Park

Tokyo Toshima-ku Minamikebukuro 2-21-1

8:00-22:00

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