Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district is fun to visit day or night and home to massive malls, cute cat cafes, gaming arcades galore plus Tokyo’s biggest Pokémon Center.
A popular retail destination and geek chic centre, Ikebukuro comes alive in the evenings with neon nights, ‘red lights’ and traditional Japanese bites.
This post may contain affiliate links to tours and hotels. These help us earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.
Inquisitive about Ikebukuro? From anime cafes to Mandarake manga goods, there are so many things to do in Ikebukuro to bring out your inner otaku – it even has the largest Animate store in the world.
One of Tokyo’s more interesting neighbourhoods (and NEVER dull), here is our guide to the top things to do in Ikebukuro, Tokyo in 2025 with photos.
This article was originally published on 9 June 2024.
You might like these Tokyo neighbourhood guides:
Akihabara
Asakusa
Ginza
Harajuku
Ikebukuro
Nakano
Odaiba
Ryogoku
Shibuya
Shimokitazawa
Shinjuku
Also check out our
Where to stay in Tokyo guide
How to get to Ikebukuro / public transport
The best station to head to if you want to explore the Ikebukuro neighbourhood is Ikebukuro Station which is served by many lines:
- Tokyo Metro (Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line and Fukutoshin Line)
- JR Trains (Yamanote Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line and Saikyo Line)
- Tobu Railway (Tobu-Tojo Line)
- Seibu Railway (Seibu-Ikebukuro Line)
Japan checklist
We love using booking.com and agoda.com (use the Agoda code TAIWANDERERS for a discount) for researching and booking all our hotels. You can also purchase eSIMs from Airalo.
For booking tours, transfers and SIM cards we recommend Get Your Guide, Viator or Klook.
For booking rental cars visit Discover Cars.
Check out our Japan travel resources page >
Ikebukuro Accommodation
Recommended hotels include:
Budget ($)
HOTEL MYSTAYS Higashi Ikebukuro
Modern budget rooms located in a quiet area close to Mukohara Station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Mid Range ($$)
Sunshine City Prince Hotel Ikebukuro
Popular 4 star hotel located inside the Sunshine City complex. Facilities include four restaurants and a 24-hour convenience store. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Luxury ($$$)
Hotel Metropolitan Tokyo Ikebukuro
Clean and comfortable 4 star hotel with large rooms (some with Mount Fuji views) and located close to the train station. Check rates and availability on booking.com, expedia.com, trip.com and agoda.com
Check out the best hotels in Ikebukuro via Booking.com >
Ikebukuro, Tokyo – things to do
1. Mega Pokémon Center Ikebukuro
Nintend-oh! Mega Pokémon Center Ikebukuro is one of Japan’s biggest Pokémon stores – because you’ve gotta catch ‘em all!
Located in Ikebukuro (inside the Sunshine City alpa mall), the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is packed full of all your favourite Pokémon characters including exclusive Pokémon Japan merchandise, trading card games, Pokémon Go Lab and even a Pikachu Sweets Cafe – talk about Pika Mix!
From all the cute merchandise to the awesome Pokémon arcade machines, here is our ultimate guide to visiting the Pokémon Center Mega Ikebukuro with more photos >
Love cute and ‘kawaii’ stores in Japan?
Check out our shopping guides!
• Tokyo Character Street stores
• Studio Ghibli stores
• Don Quijote stores
• Doraemon Future Department store
• B-Side Label stores
• Mandarake stores
• Best Gachapon Capsule toys
• Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
Plus our guide to the best kawaii things to do in Tokyo >
2. Ikebukuro Nightlife
Perhaps best known for its late night bars, night-clubs and adult clubs, Ikebukuro is an izakaya hot-spot plus there are some very ‘interesting’ bars at night like the one with girls dressed as Playboy bunnies trying to beckon you in.
From maid and butler cafes to moonwalk bar, Bar Libre to Hub Pubs, Ikebukuro caters for all tastes at night, be they culinary or carnal.
Be aware that many bars in Ikebukuro charge for entry or company and prices can be expensive – buyer beware.
Try this – Local Bar and Ramen hopping Tour in Ikebukuro >
3. Gashapon Ikebukuro Main Store – Japan’s biggest gachapon store
As well as Tokyo’s largest Pokémon Centre, Ikebukuro is also home to Japan’s largest gachapon store!
An official Bandai Namco gashapon branch, the Gashapon Department Main Store in Ikebukuro can be found in the Sunshine City complex. P.S Check out the free Tokyo Bandai Namco museum in Asakusa >
In fact, Gashapon Department Store is the largest gachapon shop in the world! Now that is a lot of capsule toys!
The Ikebukuro store has between 3,000 and 4,000 gachapon machines at any one time although note some of these are repeats e.g. we noticed certain gachapon series repeated several times throughout the store.
One of the most popular things to do in Ikebukuro, most of the Gashapon Department Main Store toy capsules cost between 300 to 400 yen a time (as of summer 2025).
Check out Plan My Japan’s ultimate guide to gachapons and the coolest capsule toys >
4. Sunshine City Mall
Sunshine City is a huge entertainment complex and one of Tokyo’s oldest shopping malls.
Here you will find numerous stores and restaurants, plus an aquarium, planetarium, Gashapon Ikebukuro Main Store, Ancient Orient Museum, Sunshine City Prince Hotel and Namco Namja Town theme park (more on this later).
5. Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck
Located on the 60th floor of Sunshine City Mall, Sky Circus Sunshine 60 is an old-school observation deck with 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
It doesn’t rely on gadgets or gimmicks and is just about the views (well, apart from the children’s play area and seasonal selfie spots).
You can even see Mount Fuji on a clear day and there is a small cafe area where you can enjoy brews with views.
We visited Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck during the Japanese school holidays and it was full of families having a fun time, especially the kids in the play area.
Admission for adults starts from 700 Yen on weekdays when booked in advance with a maximum price of 1200 Yen during ‘peak times’ – book your advance Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck tickets on Klook >
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
You don’t necessarily need to be a theater-goer or culture vulture to visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre in Ikebukuro – it has won numerous design awards and even has the world’s largest pipe organ inside.
Visit the free galleries in the basement and upper levels or just enjoy the weird shaped seating inside.
The square outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre is also a popular, plus full of workers at lunch-time eating their packed lunches or takeaways.
You might like – Plan My Japan guide to Tokyo’s top sumo wrestling things to do >
7. Animate Ikebukuro – the world’s largest anime store
One of Japan’s largest anime chain shops, Animate has around 130 comic stores and manga merchandise shops, some of which even have special Animate cafes, which get taken over by cute kawaii brands.
The biggest Animate store in the world is this Ikebukuro main store – in fact, it is said to be the biggest anime store in the world, with storeys of Manga merchandise, geek gifts galore and there is even a new theater in the basement plus exhibition halls for events and artist signings on the top floors.
Animate in Japan are also known for their special “Only Shops,” which are pop-up shops dedicated to specific anime brands or Manga merchandise.
You might like – Anime, Manga and Weeb Otaku Activities in Japan >
8. Cat Cafe MOCHA Ikebukuro
Ikebukuro’s two Cat Cafe Mocha branches are some of the most ‘purr-fect’ things to do in Tokyo – ‘fur’ real.
With around 7 Mocha Cat Cafe locations in central Tokyo including Harajuku, Akihabara Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, you might have been to cat cafes in the past but the Tokyo Mocha Cat Cafes take it to the next kitty level.
We think cat feeding time at Mocha Cat Cafe might be the cutest thing we ever did in Japan (feeding time is at 10.30am and 7.30pm daily).
From prices to cute kitty pictures, here is our full guide to Tokyo’s Cat Cafe Mocha >
9. Ikebukuro Global ring
In the summer months, head to Ikebukuro’s Global Ring outdoor theatre stage for free performances and an immersive 360 degree light and sound system.
Very much in the heart of Ikebukuro, this is also known locally as ‘theater park’ with the 35 metre ring focal point said to look like a round pond that used to be here.
When performances are not on, the Global Ring Cafe is a popular meeting spot to grab a quick bite or some booze.
Love theatre? Check out our guide to the Tokyo’s best immersive events and experiences >
10. Tobu Shopping Mall
Ikebukuro has lots of shopping areas and districts to shop ‘til you drop. Tobu shopping mall is one of Ibebukuro’s biggest shopping malls with17 floors (yes, 17 floors) of fun, fashion and food.
From a two floor UNIQLO to Sanrio, you’ll find lots of famous Japanese and international chains, plus floors 11 to 15 are full of restaurants and dining.
Each floor has different types of shops, from toys, stationery and books on level 7 to a basement food court selling international and Japanese food.
There is also a small roof-top with bars (it was closed when we visited in winter) plus a tourist tax refund and information centre on level 2.
You might like – Our guide to Japan’s largest UNIQLO store in Ginza, Tokyo >
11. Ikebukuro Gaming Arcades / Taito
There are plenty of games arcades and retro gaming machines in Ikebukuro but the biggest ones are Taito Station Ikebukuro, Mikado Game Center and SEGA Ikebukuro GIGO.
They all have the usual UFO / claw machines, dance machines, photo booths and cool games like Taiko no Tatsujin Japanese Drumming Game. If you only have time to visit one, our recommendation would be SEGA Ikebukuro GIGO.
Try this – Top Tokyo Go Karting experiences >
12. Round One Ikebukuro
Round One is a large entertainment complex chain that has 100+ branches across Japan.
The Round One in Ikebukuro is located on the busy Animate Street and offers a variety of activities over several floors such as arcades, bowling, gachapon machines, billiards, karaoke, darts, table tennis, plus food and drink.
Google says it is open 24 hours a day, but many of the recent reviews say it closes at 1am. Many reviewers also mention the claw machines are difficult to win so bare that in mind if you plan to visit.
13. Don Quijote Ikebukuro – various branches
Don Quijote Japan discount department stores are home to thousands of items generally at low prices, from sneakers to stationary, Hello Kitty to Kit Kats (plus more interesting ‘adult sections’ featuring TENGA).
There are three Don Quijote branches in Ikebukuro, all of which are open 24 hours.
Also new, Tokyo’s largest MEGA Don Quijote Narimasu has opened close to Ikebukuro (around a 15 minute ride away).
You might like – Our ultimate guide to Don Quijote stores or our visit to Japan’s only Don Quijote ferris wheel in Osaka
14. Aka Oni Okonomiyaki restaurant
One of our best nights in Ikebukuro was eating at the Aka Oni okonomiyaki restaurant during a Tokyo baseball game.
The restaurant is renowned as a popular spot to watch the Tokyo and Hiroshima teams playing, and has baseball merchandise and posters all over the walls – a cool way to watch live Tokyo baseball with local fans.
Better still, the Aka Oni Okonomiyaki was one of the best okonomiyaki we had in Tokyo, cooked on a hot griddle in front of us, served up with ice-cold beers.
The place was packed with workers eating well, drinking highballs and watching the sign. Highly recommended.
You might like – Our guide to going to a Tokyo baseball game and Tokyo Dome tickets >
15. Mandarake LaLaLa Ikebukuro
Mandarake stores in Japan are otaku heaven – from second hand games to retro toys, Mandarake is one of Japan’s most famous second hand and used good shops.
Mandarake is one of the biggest second-hand retailers in Japan with shops in all the big Japanese cities including Kyoto, Sapporo, Osaka and Fukuoka.
This particular Ikebukuro Mandarake is unique as it is dedicated to female manga magazines and ‘Doujinshi’ self printed comics and titles.
Check out our guide to Mandarake stores in Japan or Super Potato retro gaming stores in Japan.
16. Hub Pubs in Ikebukuro
‘Kanpai’ to a little bit of Britain in Ikebukuro – there are several British themed Hub Pubs in Ikebukuro including HUB+82 Ikebukuro WACCA, HUB Ikebukuro Sunshine Street and several dotted around the station exits.
One of Japan’s biggest bar chains with over 100 pubs, the 82 Ale House and HUB pubs are British themed pubs that have (VERY) happy hours, pub grub style food plus bar interiors just like British pubs.
If you are planning a big night out in Ikebukuro, the Hub Pub happy hours are an expensive way to kick-start your evening – they are a great spot to watch live sports too like Tokyo baseball.
Check out our full guide to Japan’s British Themed HUB Pub Bars and 82 Ale Houses here >
17. We Road Street Art Toilet Tunnel
No, you aren’t imagining things – one of Tokyo’s unlikeliest tourist attractions is the Ikebukuro Zoshigaya Tunnel and toilet block – honestly, we aren’t taking the p*ss.
Located underneath Tokyo’s Ikebukuro Station, this tunnel was spruced up by local artists and named ‘We Road’. However in 2022, a very artistic toilet block opened right next to the tunnel in order to encourage people to stop using the tunnel as a toilet.
This well wicked WC has artwork inside (kind of like a space-scene) plus roof adornments – definitely one of the more weird and wonderful things to do in Tokyo.
Try this – Tokyo food tours with Viator or a Tokyo: Tsukiji Outer Market Food and Drink Walking Tour
18. Ikebukuro Owls
Whilst walking around the streets of Ikebukuro, you’ll likely spot some owls, either in hedge form (like there are near Ikebukuro JR west exit), cute cartoon owls or even as stone statues.
The most famous Ikebukuro owl statue is of a mother owl with her baby owl brood near Ikebukuro Station’s east exits (think of the Hachikō Memorial Statue in Shibuya but less well known)
And why are there so many owls in Ikebukuro? It is because the word ‘bukuro’ (as in Ike-bukuro’) sounds very similar to the Japanese word for ‘owl’ so the feathered friends are a marvellous mascot for the local area.
You might like – Our Japan convenience store guides including 7-Eleven, Lawson and FamilyMart plus ‘konbini’ egg sandwiches
19. Seibu Rooftop Garden Ikebukuro
One of Tokyo’s largest free roof terraces located atop Seibu Department Store, this Ikebukuro rooftop garden is a gorgeous green space with water features, including a lily pond and fountain (swish).
When we visited, we found it full of studying school kids and young couples – we guess it is a bit quieter than the streets of Ikebukuro below.
Grab a seat on one of the benches and enjoy some alfresco snacks from the nearby food kiosks – talk about a treat after shopping!
Take the elevator as it is quite easy to get lost on the stairwells, like we did – not every stairwell goes to the rooftop garden!
You might like – the best parks and gardens in Tokyo >
20. Bic Camera
Bic Camera is big in Japan – one of the most popular electronics and department stores across the country, most Bic Camera stores have several floors of goods, services and tax free shopping.
Bic Camera Ikebukuro Main Store is one of the biggest Bic Cameras in Japan and sells everything from tourist SIMs to Studio Ghibli clocks, craft beers to gashapon capsule toys – there are several Bic Cameras in Ikebukuro to browse.
So from products to promotions, here is our ultimate guide to BIC Camera in Japan with photos >
Try this – The best of Tokyo tours and day trips with Klook >
21. Ikebukuro Love Hotels
If you feel the need to rent a hotel by the hour in Tokyo (lucky you), head to the love hotels in Ikebukuro (it rivals ‘Love Hotel Hill’ in Shibuya).
Tokyo is known for its love hotels and Ikebukuro is a hotspot of hourly hotels, known for their affairs and romantic themed rooms like Hotel West One.
If you haven’t seen love hotels before, it is quite the surreal experience walking around Ikebukuro’s backstreets – you can even see some quite weird and wonderful posters in the hotel windows where you can rent ‘toy’s and the like. Probably not somewhere you will want to visit with your parents or elderly relatives!
If you don’t get lucky in Ikebukuro’s love hotels, you can always check out our ‘stimulating’ guide to TENGA, Japan’s biggest love toy company >
Looking for Ikebukuro accommodation but not just for the hour? Check Ikebukuro accommodation availability with Booking.com >
22. Namjatown
Visiting Ikebukuro with your children or are you just a big-kid at heart? Namjatown is one of Tokyo’s top indoor theme-parks with several themed zones including Fukubukuro, Mononoke, and Dokkingham Plaza.
Everyone loves the retro gyoza stadium food court plus there are regular anime pop-up shops and even a Kawaii cigar stall (hmmmm…)
Namjatown is manned by hosts dressed in huge cat outfits (fine furries) and there is also an onsite cat cafe (although nothing as cool as Cat Cafe Mocha).
Open from 10am to 9pm daily, Namjatown admission prices in 2025 start from 1,000 Yen admission for adults and children over 13 (younger children 600 Yen). Attraction and ride costs are extra).
23. Swallowtail Butler Cafe
You’ve heard of maid cafes, so why not try a Tokyo butler cafe in Ikebukuro?
Swallowtail is a Butler cafe staffed by men in traditional black and white waiting outfits, whose main training is to watch ‘Downton Abbey’ on repeat (probably).
Once sat in the Swallowtail lounge, choose from an extensive afternoon tea menu or pamper yourself with some prosecco or champagne – cheers!
Each table has a traditional bell you can ring, beckoning your butler to bring you more – alas photos are not allowed inside so make sure you take ‘mental pictures’.
You might like – Top 20 things to buy at Daiso Japan >
24. Kura Sushi Ikebukuro
Kura Sushi has to be Japan’s most joyful revolving sushi bar (“kaitenzushi”) and conveyor belt restaurant.
Popular with locals and travellers alike, Kura Sushi is one of the most fun and inexpensive dining experiences in Japan and we found their Ikebukuro branches a lot quieter than in say Ginza or in Asakusa.
All the food and drinks arrive by conveyor belt, plus putting away your finished dishes has been ‘gamified’ (for every five dirty plates you drop into a slot on your table, you get a free go at an online game – smart!)
As prices at Kura Sushi in Japan start from just 110 Yen ( less than $1 / £1 a piece), it is a cheap place to eat in Ikebukuro
From ordering food to sushi conveyor belt etiquette (plus our visit to Japan’s largest Kura Sushi), here is our ultimate guide to eating at Kura Sushi in Japan >
25. Shakey’s Pizza Ikebukuro
Japan’s famous all-you-can-eat pizza and salad buffet, Shakey’s started out as an American pizza chain which branched out into the Land of the Rising Sun.
On our last trip to Ikebukuro, we indulged at Shakeys (please don’t judge us – it was a two month trip and we fancied a change).
Shakey’s Pizza has 10 restaurants in Tokyo and a further six Shakey’s Pizzas across Japan.
Whilst you could argue the quality isn’t amazing, you get all you can eat pizza, salad and soft drinks for around 1,700 Yen at weekday lunchtimes and around 2,200 Yen on weeknights and weekends.
We include Shakey’s in our 20+ best Japanese chain restaurants guide >
26. Ikebukuro Animal Cafes
From mini pigs to owls, cat cafes to doggy dessert shops, Ikebukurois home to a menagerie of animal cafes. Seriously, we think this might be the highest concentration of dog cafes and animal cafes anywhere in Tokyo after Harajuku.
Other than Cat Cafe Mocha, we didn’t visit any of the animal cafes in Tokyo as it just seems a bit off. Make up your own mind though.
Check out this Micro Pig Cafe experience in Ikebukuro >
27. Other things to do in Ikebukuro & tours
Hopefully we’ve given you a good overview of all the things to do in Ikebukuro – however, if you like some local guidance or authentic experiences, try these Ikebukuro tours:
Ikebukuro anime walking tour >
Local Izakaya and ramen hopping in Ikebukuro >
Found this things to do in Ikebukuro article helpful?
Did you enjoy our things to do in Ikebukuro guide? Let us know in the comments or by sharing it on social media.
You can follow us on:
Instagram
Tik Tok
Facebook
Pinterest
YouTube