[2025 Latest Edition] If You’re Going to Ikebukuro, Here Are the Top 7 Must-Visit Popular Tourist Spots

Ikebukuro in Toshima Ward is a “city with remarkable growth in both culture and commerce” located in the northwest of Tokyo.

The bustling streets are filled with business and tourism opportunities, and there’s even talk of it being the birthplace of Japanese animation, offering a wide range of attractions that are hard to fully capture in words.

However, for those who don’t live in Ikebukuro, it can be unclear which spots are trendy and popular, especially when coming from the surrounding areas.

In this article, “TOKYO LOCAL” introduces must-visit spots for tourists in Ikebukuro, places that you definitely don’t want to miss.

We hope you enjoy reading and that you find this information useful as a reference.

Tobu Department Store

Since opening in 1962 and expanding in 1992, the Tobu Department Store has become one of the largest department stores in the Kanto region, boasting the largest sales floor area.

From the popular basement food section (which sometimes has long lines) to various stores spread across each floor, there’s much to explore.

In addition to shopping for food and other items, the store hosts many events. When planning to attend an event, it’s important to check the website or social media for updates on monthly events!

The 6th floor is an event plaza, where you can experience products and attractions from other prefectures, such as the Nagasaki Product Exhibition and Gourmet Kyoto & Osaka Shops, which were held in January 2023.

The 4th floor hosts event spaces, and during certain months, you can find things like a women’s fashion bargain sale, making it a great place to visit with family members, especially mothers and daughters.

The basement food floor (1F) features event spaces for cakes, bread, and chocolate in Zone 2, as well as fashion and regional fairs in Zone 5, creating a space where you can see, touch, and enjoy eating.

If you are visiting Ikebukuro, be sure to stop by the massive Tobu Department Store!

Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store (Sanrio)

The Seibu Department Store, which changed its name to Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, is a must-visit tourist spot in Ikebukuro.

From the 2nd basement to the 12th floor, you’ll find stores selling wonderful products related to food, clothing, and living, making it a perfect place for shopping or window shopping.

One of the highlights of the Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store is the Sanrio Love Plaza (located at North 1-4, A4), which has been gaining popularity among women. If you’re interested, it’s a spot worth visiting.

This area features cute Sanrio goods, including items for children like Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll forget-me-not checkers, which are sure to excite those with a deep love for Sanrio.

Additionally, the store continues to release new items such as cute My Melody headbands (Akamelo and Momomero) that can be enjoyed by moms and children, sisters, or friends. It’s a place where fans can enjoy frequent visits due to its charm.

By the way, the 7th floor is dedicated to event spaces, which are also not to be missed. The content changes every month, with events like exquisite sweets exhibitions or Japanese craft displays, offering something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check the schedule and plan your visit.

Hareza Ikebukuro

Hareza Ikebukuro, created as part of the urban redevelopment of Ikebukuro, is a tourist spot that everyone living in Tokyo should visit.

With its stylish 33-story exterior, it’s so elegant that you’ll want to take a photo before even entering the building.

Inside, the Tokyo BrilliaHALL regularly hosts theatrical performances and musicals, making it a great spot to visit if you’re looking to enjoy a show.

Another highlight is the Haresta, which is produced by the well-known “Dwango” from the famous video-sharing site Nico Nico Douga. Here, you can enjoy virtual character shows that utilize the latest technology.

Additionally, TOHO Cinemas Ikebukuro offers 10 screens and 1,735 seats, with state-of-the-art equipment. In Ikebukuro, known as a mecca for anime, watching anime films or other movies here is an extraordinary experience.

The nearby Toshima Ward’s Naka Ikebukuro Park is also a great feature of the area. You can relax on the Aji stone benches, which are designed in natural shapes. It’s a spot that you won’t want to miss, so be sure to check it out!

Ikebukuro Plaza

Ikebukuro Plaza has been featured on TV and is a recommended spot that you’ll want to visit not just once, but multiple times.

It offers a variety of healing services, including capsule rooms for relaxation and accommodation, saunas and spas, as well as body treatments and exfoliation services.

The capsule rooms themselves have a stylish, vintage feel, creating an aesthetically pleasing space that may leave you feeling enchanted.

After refreshing from your daily fatigue, we highly recommend visiting the lounge, which is a signature feature of Ikebukuro Plaza. You can enjoy reading comics for free and even have food and drinks at the large tables.

You can relax in a reclining chair with a power outlet and TV, or take a nap in the custom-designed partitioned nap beds created by Ikebukuro Plaza. It’s truly a healing sanctuary right in the heart of the city.

Ikebukuro Parco

“Ikebukuro Parco” is a fashionable building with a predominantly white exterior that will lift your spirits. It’s one of the top tourist spots in Ikebukuro that you should definitely visit.

With digital signage scattered throughout, even just walking around the stores offers new discoveries and excitement.

The building spans from the 2nd basement floor to the 8th floor, with the fashion floors on the upper levels showcasing wonderful stores that are in line with the latest trends. On the 7th and 8th floors, you can enjoy meals, so considering Ikebukuro Parco as a lunch or dinner option might be a good idea.

There are also events to look forward to, such as a collaboration cafe between Hatsune Miku and THE GUEST cafe & diner, which was held from January to March 7th, 2023.

If you’re a Hatsune Miku fan, you’ll certainly be satisfied with the cute frozen drinks and special plates available at the cafe.

AWESOME STORE ＆CAFE IKEBUKURO

“AWESOME STORE & CAFE IKEBUKURO” is a recommended tourist spot that features a photogenic space.

The interior, inspired by the streets of New York, is spacious, and you can enjoy walking around just as much as shopping.

The AWESOME STORE focuses on food, goods, and experiences, offering not only items for sale but also a cafe where you can enjoy a meal.

The neo-pop art wall designed by artist Kamishinichi, which replicates the NY street vibe, is an impressive design that looks great in photos. Don’t miss walking around while looking at the wall with a camera in hand, enjoying the NY-inspired atmosphere.

After checking out the goods, it’s also recommended to relax at the cafe inside the store. You can enjoy a latte or vanilla latte for just a coin, and the bagels are filled with delicious ingredients, served in a round, cute shape that will make you want to take a bite immediately.

The AWESOME STORE, where you can enjoy goods, gourmet food, and American culture all in one spot, is definitely a must-visit attraction in Ikebukuro!

Sunshine City

If you’re considering places to visit in Ikebukuro, be sure to add Sunshine City to your list.

With attractions like an aquarium, observation deck, and planetarium, this fantastical leisure complex captivates visitors with its sparkling water and stars.

At the Sunshine City Aquarium in 2023, events focusing on deep-sea creatures allowed visitors to enjoy a relaxing time while admiring the fish. It’s an experience you’ll definitely remember.

Another highlight is the “Character Play Plan,” a tour of various character-themed shops that are lined up. You can visit stores featuring characters like Crayon Shin-chan, Sanrio characters, and Disney, and enjoy playing in the same space as adults.

Additionally, on the 2nd floor of Sunshine City’s Alpa, you’ll find the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, a must-visit for Pokémon fans. With a Pokémon card battle space available every day, it’s a great spot to enjoy, and the Pokémon concierge is also there to answer any questions, making it a reliable place to visit.

If you enjoy your time at Sunshine City, don’t forget to check out the adjacent Cultural Center, where game events and other exhibitions are held!

Summary

That concludes our introduction to the must-visit tourist spots in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Have you found a place that interests you?

There’s so much to see and do around the station area that you could easily spend an entire day here.

Since many of these spots are multi-purpose commercial complexes, there’s no shortage of entertainment for both adults and children.

With ongoing new developments and redevelopments, be sure to check out these spots and any exciting new areas that may pop up!