Yodobashi Camera will be moving into Seibu Ikebukuro and Mayor Takano is against it. As he feels it reduces Ikebukuro’s cultural identity and discouraging wealthy individuals from shopping there. I get it. But I also understand the generational shift, as Ikebukuro has become similar to Read More …
BIC CAMERA IKEBUKURO EAST EXIT has shut down on January 11th. According to the company, the reason for the closure was not just the influence of the Coronavirus but also demand for cameras and video cameras are changing as many needs of people have changed Read More …
I have been staying in Ikebukuro in Toshima ward for several years, whenever I’m traveling to Japan. It’s economical, it’s near the Yamanote Line and there is an interesting charm to the area especially when you visit the West and East side of the area. Read More …
When it comes to supermarkets that I visit near where I stay in Ikebukuro, I often visit the Gyomuyo Supermarket SHIODAYA. What is SHIODAYA? It began in Showa 26 (1951) as a wholesale restaurant for delicacies in Shinjuku opened by chairman Homma Isamu. In 1958, Read More …
Not far from where I stay in Ikebukuro is a green grocery store known as Freshland Felca. I have no idea what Felca is, as I have googled it and I read Felca is like Peter Pan’s hat. But I don’t know if that is Read More …
Located in Ikebukuro (right across from Minami-Ikebukuro Park) is Beer & Burger Darcy’s. The concept of the restaurant is creating an image of a pub somewhere in the United States, where one can have a delicious burger and a good beer and after the meal, Read More …
In Japan, it’s becoming the norm of having a garden terrace above a highrise or huge shopping complex. In Ikebukuro, near the East Exit is the Seibu Roof Garden on top of the big Seibu shopping complex, right next door to Parco and Ikebukuro Station Read More …
Possibly the biggest of the shrines in west Ikebukuro, Ikebukuromitake Shrine is a fascinating shrine because of its history. As many shrines pay their respects, the main deity is Yamato Takeru no Mikoto no Shinwa”. The shrine also pays honor to Yamato Takeru, son of Read More …
It’s true that early morning breakfast at a restaurant is a concept that has not been fully embraced by Japanese just yet but there are a few restaurants that are popping up or are established in Tokyo in the past few years. Especially knowing that Read More …
Quite often people recommend Akihabara for anime, manga, video game and idol fans. And Nakano Broadway for those collecting figurines and old school anime collectibles. But the other place that should be on top of the list is Ikebukuro (East Exit) area. The area is Read More …
Located near many popular restaurants in Ikebukuro is a small park known as Minami-Ikebukuro Park. No, there are no trees as one expect to see at other parks, but it’s more of an area where people tend to gather, especially families during the not-so-hot days. Read More …
While I wasn’t able to stay to the end of the acosta! event, just the 2.5 hours (and another hour in line), I have to say that acosta! was a fascinating experience for cosplayers and photographers that are passionate, can all be together, meet each Read More …
The following is also featured on neo-tokyo 2099: One of the thing that sticks out about acosta! is how it featured both amateur and professional cosplayers and whether a photographer has expensive equipment or not, they are gracious and in my experience, a bit kind. Read More …
Note: The following originally appeared on Neo-Tokyo 2099 We have covered a lot of cosplay since 1993. From the few dozens of cosplayers at Anime America and Anime Expo way back in the early ’90s and have continued to do so 26-years later. But one Read More …
I often stay at west Ikebukuro as it’s one of the best places to stay budget-wise for those traveling to Tokyo, especially solo travelers who want to save money. But there is a part of west Ikebukuro that always fascinates me during the night…