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 …
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 …
In Japan, Kazuo Yamagishi is a man who was known as “The God of Ramen” and also the man responsible for creating tsukemen, a ramen dish in which noodles are eaten after being dipped in a separate bowl of soup or broth. Getting the idea Read More …
For those visiting the Sunshine City shopping center in Ikebukuro may come upon this large artwork titled “The One about the Four Seasons of Edo” by Kataoka Tamako (1905-2008). The ceramic artwork was created back in 1978 for the opening of Sunshine City and was Read More …
When I am heading out to Ichiran Ramen, often I pass by an area of Ikebukuro that I usually don’t visit. There is a shrine in the location known as Ikebukuro Suitengu and for those who enjoy exploring small shrines, this one is a little Read More …
As I have written about the indoor theme park, J-World, located at Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, one of the things I am often asked about is the store. What items are sold? Is it a great place for souvenirs? Yada yada yada. And for the Read More …
At Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City is an indoor theme park called “J-WORLD” for fans of the “Shonen Jump” manga and anime which is a collaboration between Shonen Jump. Price is about Y800 for admission for adults and Y600 for children, while Y2,600 gives you unlimited access Read More …
One of the questions I’m often asked about Japan, especially from anime fans, which areas should they visit. While there are shops everywhere, Akihabara is a location where one should visit especially for the guys. For the female anime/manga fan, Ikebukuro is a location that Read More …
Are you a person who wants variety when you go to a Japanese restaurant? Are you in Tokyo with your family and you have children who are not so open to different types of food? Fortunately, there is Bistro Tigre Bon Bon, a restaurant inside Read More …
A few people have asked where I stay when I go to Japan, since I stay for a longer duration than most vacationers. I am still not as confident as my other friends who do AirBNB, but they tend to stay for short durations 1-2 Read More …