Ikebukuro – 池袋 – إيكيبوكورو

” Ikebukuro (池袋), the largest city located in Toshima ward, is a commercial and entertainment district of Tokyo, Japan. Toshima ward offices, Ikebukuro station, and several shops, restaurants, and enormous department stores are located within city limits.

At the center of Ikebukuro is the train and subway station, a huge urban gathering shared by the JR East lines, the Seibu Ikebukuro Line and the Tōbu Tōjō Line. It is one of the main commuter hubs in the western Yamanote area of Tokyo. Ikebukuro Station is the second busiest station in Japan, second only to Shinjuku Station.Around the station are the Seibu and Tōbu department stores. Seibu, written with the characters for “West” and “Musashi (province)” 西武, is on the east end of the station and Tōbu, written with the characters for “East” and “Musashi” 東武, is on the west end. East of the station, on the site of Sugamo Prison, stands Sunshine 60, which was Tokyo’s tallest building at the time of its construction. Otome Road, a leading shopping area for otaku products aimed at women, is located nearby. Marui and Don Quijote also have department stores in the area. The principal electronics retailer in Ikebukuro is Bic Camera. There is a small pleasure district similar to Shinjuku’s Kabukichō, but less lively and less attractive for tourists.” (Wikipedia, accessed July 17, ’10).

Ikebukuro is one of my favorite areas in Tokyo mainly ‘cos of two reasons. First, Ikebukuro is where I’ve stayed during my “FIRST” visit to Tokyo. Second, it’s fun and busy all day. Ikebukuro is not usually included in tourits’ must-see places/locations as Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ginza may attract typical tourists more, besides their more convenient locations compared to Ikebukuro.