Location: Ikebukuro
Top Things to do in Ikebukuro
What to do and see in Ikebukuro, Kanto: The Best Sights & Landmarks
Tradition collides with pop culture in Tokyo, where you can reverently wander ancient temples before rocking out at a karaoke bar. Wake up before the sun to catch the lively fish auction at the Tsukiji Market, then refresh with a walk beneath the cherry blossom trees that line the Sumida River. Spend some time in the beautiful East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, then brush up on your Japanese history at the Edo-Tokyo Museum. Don’t forget to eat as much sushi, udon noodles, and wagashi (Japanese sweets) as your belly can handle.
Restaurants in Tokyo
1. St. Mary's Cathedral, Tokyo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Reviewed By JensTetz - Berlin, Germany
There are so many temples, shrines and pagodas to see in Tokyo – that makes visiting a church sometimes a bit more special (even when you are European). This cathedral is definitely something extraordinary. It's a masterpiece by Japanese architect Kenzo Tange. You can take the metro to Gokokuji Station and then walk about 15 minutes. You will find an iconic modern church which is stunning from the in- and outside. You can visit it free of charge but it's officially not allowed to take photos. If you are in the area you can also visit the Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo Garden which is close to St. Mary's.
2. Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 60 reviews
Reviewed By Swarovski - Melbourne, Australia
It is amazing to see a FLW design in Tokyo and his design is so recognizable throughout this well preserved old building. It was originally started as a school for girls and now it is used for lectures and seminars. There are some early photos - a bit like a museum - but the day we visited there was a lecture on. Just a 5 or 10 minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station.
3. Sunshine 60
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 397 reviews
Tokyo's tallest building
Reviewed By 371pepperw
This giant shopping plaza is a must for tourists. It houses lots of speciality boutiques, as well as well known brands. The restaurants are of course all amazing and there's a few hidden gems like the Momin cafe, and we also found all you can eat. There's an observation deck, a VR area, aquarium, Namja town, J-world for the anime lovers, and an awesome massive screen showcasing Japanese mini documenteries with a fountain and light show to go with it. If you read through the reviews their all different, that's because there really is something for everybody here.
4. Sugamo District
5. Sugamo Jizo-dori Shopping Street
6. Sky Circus Sunshine60 Observatory
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 258 reviews
Reviewed By dianeo347
Because we went to the aquarium we got a half price on this sky circus and it was so entertaining..u walk thru diff areas on ur own n the hi tech things they have r so amazing n fun!! We wish we had this in America! And of course everything is so clean!! We also got a bird's eye view of the whole Tokyo from the top 60th floor and also rode the fastest elevator in the world which goes up in 35 seconds n is so modern!!
7. Gokokuji Temple
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 148 reviews
Reviewed By ries770 - Tokyo Prefecture, Japan
It is very rare to find an original temple from the 17th Century Edo/old Tokyo given the severe earthquakes, air raids from WWII and fires in Tokyo. However, the main hall of this temple dates back to the original built by the then Tokugawa shogun in 1681. You can go into the main hall for free and enjoy the art from this period, Genroku period, famous for the flourishing of Kabuki and Ukiyoe, entertainment for the masses. Gokokuji temple is very quiet and hidden away, in spite of the great and easy access from Gokokuji metro station in front of the temple. Enjoy the tranquility! For more, please refer to "hiddenjapanguide" if interested.
8. Kishimojindo
9. Togenukijizo Kogan Temple
10. Higo-Hosokawa Garden
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
〜Suburban Residence of Daimyo, to the Hosokawa Family〜 This place had been used as a residential site for a retainer of the Shogunate since the mid-Edo period. In the late Edo period, the suburban residence of the Shimizu family, one of the three counts of the Tokugawa family, was located here. Later, it became the suburban residence of the Hitotsubashi family and then that of the Hosokawa family, the feudal lord of Higo Kumamoto (540,000 koku). 〜Establishment of the Park〜 After the Second World War, the owner of the site changed several times. In September 1961, a Tokyo metropolitan park opened on the site, and in April 1975, the jurisdiction over the park was transferred to Bunkyo City. The view from Shouseikaku has remained the same since the Meiji period: a pond in front, a grove on the left slope, and some lanterns. Comparison between the view and the picture passed down to the Hosokawa family will show the history of the garden.
