Ikebukuro is a bustling place which is only eight minutes away by train from Shinjuku. Since Ikebukuro Station is a terminal station, many people go through this area for connection to other lines. However, Ikebukuro is also a fun place to stroll around. We will introduce you to lots of attractive and fun aspects of Ikebukuro, such as anime culture, events, entertainment, and delicious food!
Anime, Manga, and Cosplay…
Centering on Otome Road, the street located at the west side of Sunshine 60, specialty shops and variety stores selling anime-related goods and items can be found here and there.
Otome Road
ACOS Ikebukuro Flagship Store
Animate
ACOS Ikebukuro Flagship Store
There are original fairs held regularly and products with special benefits can be only obtained here. Nearby “Animate Annex” has “animate cafe” which is a collaboration/concept cafe and “ACOS”, a cosplay shop.
ACOS Ikebukuro Flagship StoreACOS Ikebukuro Flagship Store
K-BOOKS
There are 14 branches of K-BOOKS, each of which is specialized by type, such as anime, cosplay, games, and entertainment, around Otome Road.
K-BOOKSK-BOOKSK-BOOKS
※Please check the website for more details of each shop.
The Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival is one of the largest Halloween events in Japan where 100,000 cosplay fans gather around in Ikebukuro. You can enjoy the event safely and securely as the event is operated in an orderly fashion with a specified start/end time as well as providing a place for changing costumes. Additionally, you can buy a costume from a nearby cosplay shop and join the event impromptu!
“Dengaku,” a traditional performing art from 800 years ago has been revived and re-created today to be “Daidengaku.” Performers dance in costumes with five Japanese ancient colors dance with flower-decorated hats and musical instruments. There will be a performance in collaboration with cosplay culture.
Sunshine City Flying Penguins at Sunshine Aquarium
Sunshine City is a large-scale commercial building with leisure facilities, such as Sunshine Aquarium, SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory, and planetarium, along with a shopping center and other facilities.
Penguins in the Sky
Sunshine Aquarium has an exhibition in which about 40 penguins look like they are flying in the sky.
Such an exhibition is reportedly the first one in JapanPenguins in the Sky
Since these penguins are often more active in the morning, it is recommended to visit the aquarium in the morning.
In addition to the penguins, you can see pelicans and sea lions freely swimming around as if they too are flying in the skyFrom below, you can see parts of sea lions which are usually hidden, such as their bellies and extremities!
You can also see various other creatures, such as ocean sunfish, rays, jellyfish, and frogs.。
Super cute river otter!Sunshine LagoonColorful display of “Australian Ocean: Great Barrier Reef”Blue tangJellyfish tunnel
Various kinds of performances are shown several times a day.
Sea lion performance
Aquarium underwater performancePenguin feeding
An observatory where you can play: SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 Observatory
This is an observatory on the 60th floor of the Sunshine 60 Building. To enjoy the view is one reason to come here, but there is another reason. It is to play!
This is an observatory on the 60th floor of the Sunshine 60 Building. To enjoy the view is one reason to come here, but there is another reason. It is to play!Nighttime viewThe interior creates a fantastical atmosphereSKY trampoline
You can even feel wind, so you can feel as if you are flying in the air.
Enjoy “Mosaic SKY” along with the viewWonder Mirror You might see someone else in the mirror! A popular photo-taking spot.Infinitescape
You can experience a surprising, endless world along with videos of the seasons in Japan. There are five kinds of VR (virtual reality) attractions.
“Tokyo Bullet Flight” offers you a bit of thrill where you can experience future Tokyo“Swing Coater” takes you to must-see spots in Ikebukuro
At the observatory, you can have fun even on a rainy day!
MAZARIA: immerse yourself into the world of anime and games
This VR entertainment facility just opened in July 2019. You can enjoy 19 kinds of VR attractions, such as Taiko no Tatsujin, Mario Kart, Gundam, and Zombie Survival Game.
MAZARIATaiko no TatsujinTaiko no TatsujinMario Kart
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