55 things to do in Ikebukuro

Step back in time at this museum that celebrates Japan’s Showa era (1926-1989). It’s housed in a former commercial complex from around 1945-1955 that used to have shops and apartments spread over two floors. Four rooms have been preserved and filled with collections from the Showa period, and there's also a manga library here. Tokiwaso-dori Showa Retro Museum

This two-storey apartment building is the former home of Japanese manga luminaries such as Tezuka Osamu, Fujiko F Fujio and Shotaro Ishinomori. It’s now preserved as a museum full of Showa period (1926-1989) charm and recreated rooms dedicated to some of Japan’s most important manga artists.

Today many of the rooms have the same interior as before, while the common kitchen and toilet have been kept as close to the original as possible. The rooms were recreated by speaking to the manga artists who lived in the building. This level of detail can be seen (or rather, heard) in the staircase, which was rebuilt to make a creaking sound, just like it did in the past. Toshima City Tokiwaso Manga Museum

You’ll find this unassuming café in Higashi-Nagasaki, a quiet neighbourhood along the Seibu Ikebukuro line that’s becoming a hotspot for cool cafés and trendy shops. At the centre of it all is Mia Mia Tokyo, a friendly coffee joint run by husband-wife duo Vaughan and Rie Allison. Well-versed in Tokyo’s third-wave coffee scene, the duo have created an inviting space that’s not just about the coffee, but also about welcoming you into the local community.

Coffee beans are sourced from roasters in Japan and Australia, including Scandinavian mainstay Fuglen, and even a special blend from Tokyo kissaten Chatei Hatou. Mia Mia also serves up a handful of baked treats including canelés, ice cream sandwiches and rice flour shokupan (Japanese milk bread). Mia Mia Tokyo

This cosy Italian restaurant near Higashi-Nagasaki Station is well-known for its handmade pasta and duck dishes that pair well with the selection of natural Italian wines. It's so popular among locals that seats fill up every day.

Behind the restaurant is chef Naoyuki Arai, who uses locally-sourced produce like veggies from Ome Farm, western Tokyo. Chef Arai is also known for his pasta-making skills, which he learned while training in Puglia, Italy. Cadota only serves dinner on weekdays, but it opens from 3pm on weekends for sunny afternoons on the terrace. Reservations are only accepted via Instagram DM. Cadota

Kitchen Nagasaki has been serving up yoshoku cuisine (Japanese-style Western food) since 1963. It certainly looks the part as well, with its retro awning and signage. Once inside, you'll find a cosy atmosphere and comforting food. The menu is displayed on the wall, listing dishes like pork saute, hamburg steak and spaghetti. You’re also sure to notice the price as each dish goes for under ¥1,000. If you’re having trouble choosing, a popular order is the omurice (rice wrapped in an omelette). You can get this classic yoshoku dish with a traditional omelette or a fluffier soft-scrambled one, both of which come with a side of pickled cucumbers and miso soup. Kitchen Nagasaki

This is the only store in Tokyo that speciaises in onta-yaki pottery, which today is made by just nine kilns in one Japanese city. Onta-yaki is produced in Onta Pottery Village in Hita City, Oita prefecture using techniques that have remained unchanged since the Edo period (1603-1867). 

At Ontayaki Sonomono, you can browse various examples of this pottery. Onta-yaki is glazed with soft, pastel-like colours derived from natural pigments and decorated with patterns using the traditional Japanese tobi-kanna and hakeme brush strokes. Drop by the shop in the evening (from 6.30pm) from Friday to Tuesday to see it transformed into a sake and snack bar serving seasonal delicacies on onta-yaki pottery. Ontayaki Sonomono

This café boasts an impressive collection of vinyl records dedicated to classical music, plus an exceptional sound system. You can enjoy listening to the 12,000 analogue LP records through a large speaker, handcrafted by the owner himself. As for food and drinks, the café specialises in hand-drip coffee and brews curated by a loose-leaf tea expert. You can also indulge in cakes and baked goods, making this an ideal place to spend a refined afternoon listening to top-tier records. Biblio Classic

This communal park also doubles as a disaster prevention facility – the largest of its kind in Toshima ward. Though the park boasts a variety of flowers and foliage throughout each season, the facilities here get extra points for their functionality in the event of a disaster. Some of the benches, for instance, are also furnaces that can be used for cooking food, while power generators can provide up to 72 hours of energy in the event of a blackout.

As long as there aren’t any natural disasters, however, the park operates as an everyday space for the local community. There’s a children's area adjacent to the park as well as a weekend farmer’s market. Ike Sunpark

This sunny joint near Nishi-ikebukuro Park serves up Americanised Mexican bites with a Californian influence. Signature dishes include hearty carne asada fries – a speciality in San Diego – which come topped with guacamole, sour cream and shredded beef. You can switch out the beef for toppings like pollo asado (roast chicken) or carnitas, made by slow-cooking pork until it's irresistibly tender and flavourful.

For drinks, don't overlook the Smash milkshakes, which come in five flavours: banana caramel, strawberry, mango, pina colada and maple bacon (make yours boozy for an extra ¥200). For the best bang for your buck, get the Smash Course for ¥4,000 per person, which comes with seven main menu items, including the carne asada fries, the burrito of the day and a choice of tacos. Smash

This cozy café is located in a charming wooden house built in 1947. The owner of the building was an avid plant lover and has cultivated a beautiful garden. Despite being only a ten-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, the café has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere. On the menu are four types of dessert terrines and a selection of drinks such as lattes and herb teas, which you can enjoy while sitting on the spacious tatami mats inside or the veranda outside. The café is especially popular among matcha enthusiasts, who rave about the rich matcha terrine and matcha latte. Chanoma

Hareza Ikebukuro is a comprehensive facility that's home to offices, theatres, the Toshima Civic Center and Naka-Ikebukuro Park. There are eight theatres in the complex that host a variety of performances, including VR, kabuki, anime, subculture and cinema.

Visitors can find out about the city's attractions at the Toshima Civic Center, while families with young children can take advantage of the well-equipped kids' space. If you visit the Naka-Ikebukuro Park in October, you'll be able to catch the annual Ikebukuro Halloween Cosplay Festival. The event draws over 100,000 cosplay enthusiasts each year and is the largest festival of its kind in Japan. Hareza Ikebukuro

This striking building near Minami-Ikebukuro Park piques the interest of many passersby.  Created by the architect Bon Juko, also known as the 'Japanese Gaudi', the building doubles as an art installation that can be loosely translated as 'Hiraki: Philosopher's Stone'. 

While currently used as an office, it was once a residence, and the entrance to the building still retains its original form. Visitors can explore this mysterious space brimming with life. On the first floor, there's a standing izakaya bar called Tachinomiya Kihei, perfect for a quick toast before heading home. It's important to note that eating and drinking is not allowed in the entrance area. Visitors are also asked to refrain from littering, smoking or defacing the building in any way. Le Bois Hiraki Minami-Ikebukuro

The animate flagship store in Ikebukuro, which has been in business since 1983, recently underwent a major revamp and expansion. It now features ten floors of shops, event spaces, cafés and a theatre.

The lower basement level now includes a newly-expanded theatre. On the first floor, the cafe serves anime-themed lattes and cookies adorned with characters. Floors two to three sell manga and art supplies, while floors four and five focus on merchandise featuring well-known characters.

The sixth floor is the place for CDs, DVDs and video games, while the seventh floor hosts sales and event spaces. Finally, the eighth floor is dedicated to exhibitions whereas you'll find more event spaces on the ninth floor. animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store

Opened way back in 1926, when Japan's era name was changed from Taisho to Showa, the Kinen-yu bathhouse was renovated in 1989 – the first year of the new Heisei era. Its funky, space-themed interior recalls those halcyon days. Otsuka Kinen-yu

Satisfying your cravings for extra-spicy noodles from lunchtime to late at night, every day of the year, Yan has become an integral part of the Ikebukuro food scene. Don't miss their soupless dan dan mien – a sweat-inducing speciality with just the right amount of heat. Yan No.2

Penguin-lovers, rejoice: this store is dedicated to all things themed on your favourite flightless bird. Stowed away for years to make sure they're retro enough, the black-and-white knickknacks on sale include true rarities. Penguin-do Zakkaten

Operating luxury properties throughout Japan, Hoshino Resorts are trying something different with OMO brand – a budget hotel where resident ‘OMO rangers’ are always on hand to give you a custom tour of Otsuka (some tours cost extra). Hoshino Resorts OMO5 Tokyo Otsuka

Feeling like some beer and a nibble? Drop by this gyoza place, found in a little alley near the station, where the jumbo-sized, succulent and chewy dumplings are sure to satisfy. Kailaku

Old books, folk toys and random knickknacks collected from every corner of Japan line the shelves at this quirkiest of shops, a place sure to inspire all you tired souvenir-hunters. How about a Japanese-style brooch or a colourful paper pouch? Tabineko Zakkaten

The traditional ichiju sansai – one soup and three dishes, plus a bowl of white, brown or mixed grain rice – meals at this homely eatery make for a healthy and satisfying lunch. Hours are from 11am to 3pm (last orders 2.20pm), but the more popular options tend to sell out long before closing time. Mimatsu

It's Japanese tradition to celebrate your 60th birthday in red clothing. Considered a symbol of vitality and protection from harm, these garish garments are everywhere in Sugamo, but Maruji stocks the most impressive range of styles. Sugamo Maruji

Relaxation is the name of the game at Yurucafe, a decidedly laidback spot occupying an old prefab warehouse. The flavourful curry is a particular highlight, but you'll also want to consider the artisanal iced coffee, perhaps with a piece of house-made cake. Yurucafe 

There are plenty of great deals for senior citizens in Sugamo, but this nail salon's age-related discounts take the prize. Anyone over 50 gets 50 percent off, those over 60 get 60 percent and so on – 100-year-olds can have their talons tended to for free. Sugamo Nails Uruulu

Opened in 1968, this certifiably retro ‘amusement building’ houses a cinema, arcade, bowling alley, pool hall, tennis courts and several restaurants, making it both a local community hub and a unique tourist attraction. Rosa Kaikan

Stroll down the Sunshine-dori street to find this sweet shrine to colourful and cute parfaits, themed on the 13 zodiac signs. They have some savoury options too, and even a cup of coffee will make you feel special – thanks to the starry cups, pots and sugar cubes. Milky Way

European antiques, leather couches and a top-of-the-line sound system make for an unlikely but strangely satisfying mixture at One's, a casual cocktail bar where local DJs stop to spin house and techno tunes. Music Cafe Bar One's

Sourcing organic veg directly from producers throughout Japan, the chefs here conjure up healthy Italian cuisine that’s best enjoyed out on the terrace on a sunny summer day. Grip

Located near Frank Lloyd Wright's Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan, this small park boasts a traditional garden designed for an optimal view over its ponds and waterfall. Take a hike to the viewpoint, then enjoy a picnic on the perfectly maintained grass. Mejiro Garden

Made with Hokkaido buckwheat ground on the premises, Kisshoan’s soba noodles are cut fresh and boiled to order, giving them a refined, firm texture. The lunchtime specials, which include tempura and rice bowl sets, offer excellent value. Kisshoan

Otsuka is known for its concentration of gig spots and music festivals, and this comfy, long-established jazz bar offers a great introduction to the local scene. Top musicians strut their stuff here day and night. Live Jazz Bar Donfan

Otome Road ('Maiden Road') runs for 200m along the west side of the Sunshine 60 building and is packed with shops including K-Books, Mandarake and a Butler Café that attracts the kind of lady who's fascinated by manga or Japan's subcultures. Otome Road 

Despite the ‘stand’ moniker, Gen-chan is not a standing-only joint; rather, it’s a regular fish-focused izakaya renowned for its lunchtime kaisendon (sashimi over rice), which features generous amounts of tuna, salmon and other marine treats. Stand Gen-chan

Lighter and softer than your average unagi, Kyosui eel from Shizuoka prefecture is offered at only 30 or so restaurants in Japan – including this one, where sitting at the counter lets you watch the chefs do their thing up close. Mejiro Zorome

Founded and owned by a group of American craft beer importers, this craft beer pub by Otsuka Station has 12 taps, a plentiful selection of canned and bottled brews, and different atmospheres on all three floors – just pick the one you like and settle in. The gyoza dumplings are worth a shot, too. Titans

After snapping a photo of this warehouse-like space's colourful, highly Instagram-friendly exterior, open the door and you just might stumble upon a congregation of local artists and creatives, who regularly get together here to show off their work. Note the irregular opening hours. Komagome Soko + Kayokoyuki

A legendary repertory house in Ikebukuro showing a wide range of films, from Japanese classics to Hollywood no-brainers. The all-night screenings on Saturday nights are particularly popular. Shin-Bungeiza

There are countless tiny bars in the cluster of alleys known as Otsuka Norengai, but only this one offers free karaoke to go with its ¥3,000, two-hour all-you-can-drink deal, including four different types of snacks. Pour yourself a beer, order a plate of gyoza from the shop downstairs, and get that show started. Karaoke Bar Tao Pai Pai

Besides literary pilgrims seeking out the nearby graves of renowned authors, this sanctuary of peace and quiet gets most of its visitors in spring, when the cherry blossom trees on its grounds burst into a spectacular bloom. Somei Cemetery

A quirky bar dedicated to Osaka's famous octopus balls, Ogo-chan rules over the local competition with its uber-fluffy takoyaki, which can be paired with homemade sangria, whisky and – if you're really hungry – a plate of chewy yakisoba noodles. Takoyaki Stand Ogochan

Peek into this comfy little bar between 10pm and 1am and you’re likely to find it packed, so we recommend going earlier or later than that for the chance to appreciate one of Ihara’s renowned fruit cocktails in peace and quiet. Bar Ihara

Arranged to look like little bouquets, the fruit parfaits at this unassuming greengrocer's excite both the eyes and the taste buds. They're wildly popular, so you'll need to make an online reservation in advance. Fruits Sugi

A bar and café specialising in fortified wines from the Atlantic island of Madeira, Leandro holds the Guinness world record for the greatest variety of such wines available in a single place. The attentive master is happy to recommend specific bottles, the oldest of which date back to the 1700s. Leandro

Low on inspiration? You’re bound to find something to stimulate your creativity at XYZ Collective, an art gallery where the frequently changing exhibitions are all curated by up-and-coming Japanese artists. XYZ Collective

Savouring a cup of tea master Masami Mori’s extra-rich matcha – known as the ‘espresso of tea’ – while hanging out by the counter in his casual shop is a surefire way to arouse an interest in the intricacies of verdant brews. Mori no Chashitsu

Hidden away on the ninth floor of Lumine Ikebukuro, Chano-Ma looks like your typical trendy café but stands out with its many family-friendly details. We love the huge, bed-like seats, where babies can crawl around freely and fall asleep whenever they feel like it. Chano-Ma

A proper dim sum brunch usually doesn't come cheap in Tokyo, so this modest second-floor eatery is really pushing the envelope with its weekday deal: about ¥3,500 for two hours of all-you-can-eat action, with over 70 house-made dishes to pick from. Chakan

Enjoy a quiet moment over a cup of impeccably balanced pourover coffee at this classic second-floor café, which feels a world away from the bustle of central Ikebukuro and also sells its own home-roasted beans. Note that laptops are no allowed. Hyaqtoh Coffee

Re-opened in spring 2016 after five years of renovations, this park is a popular hangout and lunch spot for locals. You'll find a few cherry blossom trees here and there too, so checking it out in spring should be well worth it. Minami-Ikebukuro Park