Introducing the latest spots in Ikebukuro, a city with a diverse mix of cultures, where you can enjoy leisure, anime, and gourmet delights♪

Kishimojin is the goddess of child rearing and safe childbirth, who has been revered by people since the Edo period.

We started our trip in the Zoshigaya area, a 10-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Station. We walked through the elegant streets and visited Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple, which is an essential part of Zoshigaya’s history.
The history of Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple dates back to the Azuchi-Momoyama period, when a statue of Kishimojin that had been dug out of the ground during the Muromachi period was enshrined at a temple built at the present location. During the Edo period, Kishimojin was widely worshipped as a god of child rearing and safe childbirth, and numerous worshippers are said to have visited the temple since that time.

Kishimojindo Temple is a “Gongen-zukuri” style building consisting of three buildings: the hall of worship, the “ai-no-ma” (the “room between”), and the main hall. The main hall was built in 1664, and the hall of worship and ai-no-ma were added in 1700. Because of their high historical value, they were designated as Important Cultural Properties in 2016.

It was said that Kishimojin was feared because she would take and eat infants from the neighborhood. Seeing this, the Buddha was said to have hidden the youngest child of Kishimojin and preached about the sorrow of parents who lose their children. After this, the then reformed Kishimojin became a goddess of safe childbirth and child rearing who watches over people. A statue of Kishimojin with a peaceful expression can be seen in one corner of the temple precincts.

Two statues of the Niō guardian kings stand on either side of the approach to protect the hall. The two figures are of the same height and width, which is unusual.

The local toy of a “silver grass owl”, who appears in the story, makes a good souvenir of your visit to the temple.

Zoshigaya Kishimojin is also famous for a local toy, the “silver grass owl”.
Once, a local girl named Okume was said to have paid a hundred visits to Kishimojindo Temple to help her ailing mother. A beautiful butterfly was said to have appeared and told her to make owls out of the silver grass. When Okume made the silver grass owls they sold quickly among worshippers, and she used the money to buy medicine to help her mother get well. A cute “silver grass owl” in a box (1,800 yen per owl) is a beloved souvenir and good-luck charm for many visitors.

This “ema earthen bell” in the shape of an ema (votive tablet) sells for 1,500 yen. It makes a delightful clinking sound.

Owls used to live in the Ikebukuro area, and for this reason owl-themed artworks can be found throughout Toshima Ward. You can also see benches and monuments featuring owls in the temple precincts.

Three owls gaze at visitors with cute round eyes.

There are many other attractions within the tranquil temple grounds. Takeyoshi Inari, an ancient shrine located southeast of the temple precinct, has a proud history dating back to when the area was once called “Inari no Mori” (Inari Forest). The shrine is dedicated to Ukemitamano-mikoto, the goddess of good harvests. On Saturdays and Sundays only, “Osendango” sweet rice cake balls are sold with tea at Daikokudo, which enshrines Daikokuten, one of Zoshigaya’s seven deities of good fortune.

Onkashi-shi Beniya has been serving high quality and carefully crafted Japanese confections for more than 100 years since its establishment.

This Japanese confectioners is a 6-minute walk from Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple. It was established in 1924, when the area was still called Takada-machi, Kitatama-gun. The showcase was lined with beautiful traditional unbaked sweets, freshly-made sweet rice cakes, daifuku, and more.

The “chestnut dora” made with wasanbon (Japanese fine sugar) costs 400 yen. Sandwiched between the dorayaki skin is a very fine chestnut paste instead of the more usual red bean paste. What’s more, whole chestnuts with astringent skin are used, giving a taste similar to a rich Mont Blanc.

Particular care is taken to use traditional methods and ingredients. Hokkaido azuki beans are used for the red bean paste used in the famous “Shio Daifuku” (salted rice cake), which costs 220 yen per piece. You can enjoy the texture of red beans in the soft rice cake, as well as the sweetness of the slightly salty red bean paste.

The store is take-out only, so why not taste one in front of the store on your walk? The delicious salted daifuku made the hotel staff smile.

There are also Japanese and Western sweets named after the local legend of the owl, including this “Mimizuku Sablé Biscuit” (810 yen for 6 pieces). Crisp and light sablé biscuits with a buttery aroma, carefully baked one at a time. The “Mimizuku no Mori Monaka” (250 yen) is also popular as a souvenir.

Japanese and Western-style confections, each carefully crafted by artisans who truly value the taste and flavor of the ingredients. Seasonal sweets such as Hanami Dango and Strawberry Daifuku in spring, as well as Kusa Mochi in summer, are also available at the store. Please call by after visiting Zoshigaya Kishimojindo Temple.

Blissful ramen in a Hawaiian space overflowing with the owner’s affection.

This ramen restaurant was born out of the Hawaii-loving owner's desire to work in a space that he loves. The space is decorated with a Hawaiian interior and goods, and it feels like visiting a Hawaiian cafe.
We ordered the “Soy Milk Tantanmen Cheese Risotto Set” for 1,500 yen, which won the grand prize in a contest. The soy milk-based tantan soup is mild, rich, and addictive, and harmonized with the heat of the spices. Add the cheese doria (rice casserole) into the leftover soup and enjoy the luxurious taste of melted cheese.

This is the “Duck Wonton Soba”, which costs 1,350 yen. The base soup is made by slowly cooking and simmering Kibi black chicken, whole chicken, and aromatic vegetables, and is a perfect match for the homemade noodles made with water from Hawaii!　Various tastes and textures are concentrated in this bowl, including the tender char siu pork cooked at a low temperature, and the wonton dumplings, which have a deliciously smooth texture as you eat them!

The restaurant also offers a selection of sides that go perfectly with ramen. The Soft-boiled Egg and Onion Char Siu Donburi (580 yen) is a bowl of rice topped with pulled char siu pork and onions, served with a salty-sweet sauce. The famous “Spam Musubi” (380 yen) and “Hawaiian Beer” (850 yen) are also recommended.

The restaurant has both table seating and counter seating, and is a welcoming venue for single diners. In fact, many hotel staff visit after work.

The restaurant stands on a street corner about a 10-minute walk from the west exit of JR Ikebukuro Station. The rain shelter in front of the store reads “E komo mai” (welcome) in Hawaiian.

The owner, Mr. Furukawa, welcomed us with a smile. Trained at the famous “Chabuya” restaurant in Mikawashima, he continues to cook and serve ramen in person. The first day of every month is “Tomato Day,” when you can enjoy tomato ramen. He also offers creative ramen, such as the limited edition SOBA that appears each day of the week, and limited period collaborative menus. Try authentic ramen and Hawaiian cuisine in a cozy space brimming with love for Hawaii.

Dive into the world of stories and attend the Queen of Hearts’ dinner party!

This fantasy restaurant is based on the concept of Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Mysterious dinner parties are hosted in a gorgeous space inspired by the Queen of Hearts’ ancient castle, where characters from the novel await you.

A large picture book door appears at the bottom of a spiral staircase at a building in downtown Ikebukuro. Card Soldiers armed with spears guard the entrance. The door leads to the ancient castle of the Queen of Hearts.

The Big Chandelier Seat shines in the center of the floor. One semi-private room is available for you to enjoy a meal in a gorgeous atmosphere. Each room has a different concept, including the Dress Room with Magic Mirror inspired by the Queen of Hearts’ closet, and the Queen's Crystal Ball featuring a portrait of the Queen. The extraordinary spaces and unique ideas create thrill after thrill.

Posing for a photo in front of the Big Chandelier Seat. Holding red paint to paint the white roses and a giant spoon makes you feel just like Alice!

The Cheshire Cat Ragù Sauce Pasta (1,380 yen) features a mischievous Cheshire cat grinning in a rich meat sauce pasta dish. The authentic menu, inspired by the world of Alice, offers a wide variety of appetizers, meat dishes, pastas, and desserts. Cocktails inspired by the story are also available.

The lunch course, which includes the “Cheshire Cat Ragù Sauce Pasta”, costs 2,500 yen. The dinner course is 3,000 yen. The plates on which the dishes and desserts are served are also decorated with Mad Hatter’s tea party and playing card patterns, bringing the world of Alice to customers to enjoy.

At tea time, you can enjoy the Afternoon Tea Set for 3,500 yen (reservations required), which includes lovely sweets and savories, such as Eat Me Cookies, macaroons, and vanilla rolls, and a choice of tea or herbal tea drink.
This is the perfect venue for an anniversary or girls’ party. Or why not simply celebrate an ordinary day by visiting the Queen of Hearts’ old castle underground in Ikebukuro?

Metropolitan Hotels’ flagship hotel celebrates 40 years in business

Hotel Metropolitan celebrates its 40th anniversary in June 2025. To express the hotel’s gratitude to its guests, it has been offering a variety of commemorative plans, including special accommodation plans, restaurant menus, and banquet plans since April. The special accommodation plan, limited to five rooms per day, offers 40% off the basic plan price!　Why not enjoy a hotel stay at a bargain price?
The City View Twin room pictured here is located on the upper floors at the 22nd to 23rd floors. It offers a stylish space, and has a calm and luxurious bed throw that catches the eye.

The 83 rooms on the 6th and 7th floors were completely renovated to mark the 40th anniversary of the hotel’s opening. The interiors of the Moderate Rooms feature concept artwork that evokes images of Ikebukuro, a place where diverse cultures circulate, meet, and intersect. Please look for the “Single Seed”, an object built from reused discarded wood, that can be found somewhere in your room.

“Jade Blue” is used as the symbol color around the windows. The Moderate Twin room shown in the photo has spacious 120cm wide Simmons beds and a large suitcase storage space. It goes without saying that in-room facilities and amenities, such as a refrigerator and a hair dryer, are also available.

A breakfast buffet unique to the hotel♪ Omelets made by the chef in front of you.

Located on the first floor of the hotel, All Day Dining Cross Dine is a buffet restaurant where you can enjoy a wide variety of the best Japanese, Western, and Chinese dishes prepared by the chefs. Fluffy omelets made to order are popular in the Western section of the breakfast buffet. Crispy bacon, fresh vegetable salad and soup are also served.

The Japanese area includes freshly cooked rice and miso soup, grilled fish, simmered dishes, and Japanese-style dishes and pickles. Tasting such a wide variety of dishes in one meal is a truly enjoyable experience. Rice porridge with garnishes and udon noodles are also available, so please enjoy these to suit your own taste.

A buffet counter with colorful dishes. Freshly prepared dishes are delivered from the live kitchen, where they are prepared in front of you.

Steam rose from the steaming basket, revealing hot steamed dumplings

Freshly baked bread is available in six or seven varieties, including butter rolls and Danish pastries, as well as pancakes and waffles. After eating, relax with a cup of coffee, tea, or fresh juice.

The restaurant has a high and open ceiling. The tables are also generously spaced, allowing you to dine without worrying about neighboring seats. The regular lunch and dinner buffet includes the famous roast beef and white mapo tofu. Don’t miss the special buffets prepared each season!

Hotel Metropolitan has the perfect location, just a 3-minute walk from the west (south) exit of Ikebukuro Station. The hotel features 805 comfortable and functional guest rooms, and eight directly-operated restaurants, bars, and lounges, as well as banqueting facilities and a fitness gym.
The hotel offers popular accommodation plans with a unique Ikebukuro twist, such as plans that include tickets to the Sunshine 60 Observation Deck and the Sunshine Aquarium, and the “Fans’ Favorite Accommodation Plan”, which includes cake and illuminations in the favored color. You can be sure that Hotel Metropolitan will continue to evolve further while preserving its traditions.

We visited the world’s largest anime store!

This is the general flagship store of animate, which has 125 stores (as of May 2025) in 47 prefectures throughout Japan. In addition to selling products related to anime, games, and comics, it also hosts numerous events and fairs, and has become known as a mecca for subculture.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in the spring of 2023, the building had a grand opening after an expansion and major renovation. In March 2024, it was recognized by Guinness World Records™ as the world’s largest anime shop.

The floors range from the second basement to the ninth floor, and the sales floor area is approximately double that of its previous location. The entrance hall is an open space with a three-floor atrium, a large screen showing anime images, and capsule cabinets lined up at the storefront.

animate cafe Gratte Ikebukuro on the first floor is the perfect spot to enjoy drinks and cookies. You can enjoy “graphic lattes” and “icing cookies” with characters printed on the cream on top of your drink.

Space is also available for visitors to enjoy various events.

The second and third floors focus on shonen and seinen manga and light novels. Take a look at the recommendation corner to find out what is popular at the moment! The aisles are wider than previously, making it easier to find the book you are looking for. There is also an art supplies corner on the third floor.

The character merchandise floors on the 4th and 5th floors offer a wide range of genres & an impressive assortment of items. Space A la mode, located in a corner of the 4th floor, sells apparel and goods made in collaboration with anime and manga series. It focuses on T-shirts, hoodies, and other items for everyday use.

There is also a multi-purpose theater with a maximum seating capacity of 208 on the second basement floor, an event space specializing in exhibitions on the 8th floor, and an event space for autograph sessions and talk shows on the 9th floor. Fully enjoy anime culture as you search for your favorite works and characters.

Enjoy an “Ikimono Discovery” at a place where something is always happening!

Sunshine City, a large complex of five buildings, is a landmark of Ikebukuro. It boasts an aquarium, planetarium, NAMJATOWN and other entertainment facilities. This time we visited the Sunshine Aquarium, located on the roof of the World Import Mart Building.

The Sunshine Lagoon is a large tank in the center of the first floor of the main building. It has a water volume of about 240 tons, with a white sandy bottom and blue ocean background. Visitors can admire giant stingrays swimming above the sand, moray eels living among the rocks, and fish of all sizes swimming elegantly by. Sunshine Aquarium, is hosting events under the theme of “Ikimono Discovery” - a journey of discovery into living things - and you can always find something going on somewhere at the aquarium. You can watch the animals being fed throughout the aquarium. Explanations are also given with trivia about the animals. You are certain to make new discoveries!

The Immersive Space of Jellyfish exhibit conveys the remarkable world of jellyfish. It has six tanks, including the Jellyfish Panorama tank, one of the largest in Japan with a width of approximately 14 meters, as well as the Jellyfish Screen, home to sea nettles with beautiful tentacles.

The rooftop Marine Garden is a tropical hanging garden with palm trees. Penguins, otters, sea lions, and other sea creatures spend their time in this bright, open space.
The main attraction is Penguins in the Sky, a giant tank spanning 12 meters. The tank has been built overhead from the front and has a unique structure that allows you to see some penguins swimming in front of you against the backdrop of Ikebukuro’s city buildings, and others swimming freely above your head. In the background, you can hear the sound of waves and underwater bubbles, and become soothed by the feeling of being underwater.

Penguins in the Grassland is a tank inspired by Cape Town, South Africa, home to Cape penguins, giving you a glimpse into life for penguins in their natural habitat.

Excellent health management♪ Sea lion training is conducted several times a day.

Sea lions were being trained on the performance stage. The audience applauded the wonderful tricks, which included handstands and balancing a ball on their noses. This is one of the unscheduled “Ikimono Discovery” events, so hopefully you will be lucky enough to see it on a visit!

On stage, the sea lions have their teeth brushed and weighed to manage their health. You can feel the trust and affection between the aquarists and the sea lions.

The Sky Path feels like walking through a garden but with an aquarium above you. Look up to see the White Pelicans. The surface of the water glistens in the sunlight as the White Pelicans enjoy the sunshine.

Shop Aqua Pocket sells a wide variety of original products and other products associated with the sea and living creatures. The body of this stuffed baby cape penguin was made with a special texture under the guidance of the aquarists.

The Icebox Cookie Otter sells at 540 yen for 10 pieces. Otter cookies come out of the otter package one after another!

The original Jellyfish Gummy Jelly (486 yen) comes in four varieties: strawberry, mandarin orange, pineapple, and muscat grape.

Sunshine Aquarium offers guided exploration tours (40 minutes, 1,000 yen per person) twice a day (three times on Saturdays and Sundays). The tours give visitors a sneak peek into backyard areas not normally seen. You will be impressed as you listen to the aquarists’ recounting their fascinating anecdotes. Please see the video to get an idea of what the actual tour looks like.

A park in the sky, full of greenery and with 360-degree panoramic views

The Sunshine 60 Building, the core of Sunshine City, is a 239.7 meter tall, 60-story skyscraper. Sunshine 60 Observatory, Tenbou Park is located on the top floor. It offers 360-degree panoramic views of Ikebukuro, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Sky Tree®.

Located in one corner is the Tenbou-Park CAFE, where you can enjoy the original food menu and drinks, while enjoying the outdoor scenery. The banana-based Sky Smoothie (880 yen) uses the superfood spirulina to express a blue sky. The whipped cream is topped with colorful “oiri” (sweet rice puffs). The Tenbou-Hill latte (750 yen) is a matcha latte with black honey and warabimochi, inspired by the grass in the venue’s Tenbou Hill area.

The Rich Banana and Chocolate Parfait costs 950 yen. Cereal is covered with strawberries and vanilla soft serve ice cream, with a topping of sweet cut bananas. Fresh cream and white chocolate are used to represent clouds.

The windows give views of the blue sky and the city center outside. Why not take a break with a cute drink?

Tenbou Hill is a place where both adults and children can spend time lying down, reading books, etc., surrounded by green vegetation and lush artificial turf. The photo spot allows you to get as close as possible to the window frame, where you can take commemorative photos while enjoying the thrill of being 251 meters above sea level.

The Tenbou Park Walking Map shows at a glance where you can go and what you can see at the venue.

A street piano, redesigned by artist Shiho Ueda, has been installed in the event space for a limited time.

Built on the top floor of the Sunshine 60 Building, Tenbou Park is full of greenery and is a comfortable place to spend time, even on rainy or windy days. There was also Crawl Space on the same floor, where people with small children seemed to be enjoying themselves. Discount tickets are available that also include the Sunshine Aquarium, so please check them out.

An incredible sense of openness♪ Lunchtime on the lawn looking up at the blue sky and buildings

Minami Ikebukuro Park, located in downtown Ikebukuro, is a leisure spot with a bright green lawn. At RACINES FARM TO PARK, located adjacent to the park, is a relaxing café where you can enjoy meals from morning to evening in front of the refreshing scenery.
Lawn rugs are available for rent at the cafe for a 1,000 yen deposit, so on a sunny day be sure to spread out a rug under the blue sky and enjoy a picnic.

The cafe is self-service, so please order and pay ahead of time. It has an open space with high ceilings, and the first floor is a natural space with a wood-grain interior. On the second floor, a large bookshelf makes you feel at home, as if you were in your own living room.

As the café’s name FARM TO PARK suggests, this is a place where producers and consumers can connect through food. Incorporating seasonal fruits and vegetables from contracted farmers, the restaurant offers a diverse menu of fresh salads, sandwiches, grilled dishes, and more.
The popular brisket sandwich (980 yen) is made with smoked beef brisket that is tender enough to fall apart, and accented with crispy onions. Adding nachos for an extra 300 yen is an excellent choice.

Fish and chips, known as the British soul food, is served for 1,100 yen with tartar sauce. The café also has a section selling doughnuts and ice cream, including limited seasonal flavors made with seasonal fruits.

Our top drink was the lemonade, which is made with Setouchi lemons!

From the drink menu, we recommend the lemonade, made using safe and reliable Setouchi lemons from the Fujikawa Orchards in Kagawa Prefecture. Three types are available for 650 yen each, including standard lemonade (shown on the left) and lavender lemonade.

From mid-May to mid-July, the lawn is closed for the changeover from winter to summer grass. At this time, please enjoy your meal inside, or outside on the terrace seats, until the grass is firmly established.

Children play freely on the lawn, while others lie down to read a book, creating a peaceful scene that you would not expect to find in the middle of a city. At night, the venue is lit up and transformed into a fantastic atmosphere. You can enjoy the special craft beers and cocktails while watching the moon at night and the lights of the city buildings.

We ended our day by enjoying an artistic “night parfait”

This parfait bar carries on a “night parfait” culture that was born in Sapporo, where parfaits are eaten to finish off a night of drinking. On the day of our photo shoot, a line had already formed even before the bar had opened in the evening. “Night parfait” culture seems to be becoming popular even among guests who haven’t had a drink!

Momobukuro offers a menu of around six different types of parfaits, all of which are only available for a limited time because of the use of seasonal ingredients. The patissier carefully creates each gelato, mousse, and confiture after receiving the order, taking care to ensure that the ingredients match perfectly.

The Pistachio and Chocolate (1,980yen) (shown on the left) is a parfait for adults with Valrhona 70% chocolate, pistachio gelato, hazelnut cream, and a hint of alcohol. The “Ikefukuro no Tomarigi” (2,580 yen each) (shown on the right) features an owl perched on a burdock chip branch. The pure white owl is made from white chocolate cream, with rich café mocha gelato emerging from the inside.

”Ringo Jo”, with its gorgeous bright red roses, costs 2,480 yen. It is a refreshing apple sorbet topped with bamboo charcoal mascarpone cream and rose petals made from light compote apples. The glass contains an alcoholic Calvados and ginger ale jelly, but it can be ordered without alcohol.

Ordering a set, which includes the cost of the parfait plus a drink from 300 yen, is recommended. In addition to coffee and soft drinks, there is an extensive alcohol menu, including wine, whiskey and cocktails.

The menu has cute illustrations of momonga - a Japanese flying squirrel. The name of the restaurant is derived by combining the “Ezo-momonga” flying squirrel of Hokkaido with “Ikebukuro” to coin the name “Momobukuro”.
Reward yourself after a hard day’s work by savoring an artistic parfait that allows you to enjoy all your senses in a hidden setting. Why not treat yourself to a luxurious time?