Located along the Yamanote Loop Line, Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo's three largest city centers along with Shinjuku and Shibuya. There are large department stores and specialty shops gathered around the station, as well as various restaurants.
Located in Ikebukuro, the complex is composed of three main buildings: the Sunshine 60, the Bunka Kalian (Culture Center), and the World Import Mart. The Sunshine City was built on the site where the Sigma Prison known as a place many of the major war criminals from the World War II were executed, used to stand. One of Japan's tallest buildings, Sunshine 60 was built in 1978 and still remains as a popular spot with some new features added to the observatory and the aquarium over time. The observatory on the 60th floor commands a fine view of downtown Tokyo. The Ancient Orient Museum, the Sunshine Theater, and exhibition halls are housed in the Bunka Kaikan. The Sunshine International Aquarium, the Sunshine Starlight Dome (planetarium), and the Namco Namja Town (in-door theme park) are in the World Import Mart. The aquarium on the 10th floor is known to be located at the highest height and exhibits some 20,000 fishes.
Address: 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3989-3331 Access: 8-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Sta. 3 min walk from subway Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta.
Located on the top floor of the Sunshine 60 tower, the observatory deck offers visitors amazing 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo's city center. A definite highlight is the Sky Deck, an open air observation deck that is open weekends and holidays (weather permitting). At the restaurant, visitors will feel like they are floating in the sky, high above the city while they take in the view, which is gorgeous both day and night. There are also a variety of events held throughout the year.
Address: 3-1-3 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo Tel: 03-3989-3457 Access: 5-min. walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta. URL: http://www.sunshinecity.co.jp/index.html
Located in Sunshine City, Namja Town is an indoor theme park operated by Namco Ltd., creator of Pacman and various other arcade games. There are a number of enjoyable attractions and games here, including The "Healing Forest" where various reflexology services are available. There are also different food areas, such as Ice Cream City where one can sample some of the best ice cream flavors from all over the world and Japan. Other food theme areas are Tokyo Dessert Republic and Ikebukuro Gyoza Stadium which offers a collection of the best gyoza from all over Japan.
Address: inside Sunshine City (World Import Mart, 2-3rd Floor) Tel: 03-5950-0765 Access: 8-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Sta. <br>3 min walk from subway Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta. URL: http://www.namja.jp/
Located on the rooftop of World Import Mart in Sunshine City, "Manten" planetarium invites guests to experience the beauty of astronomy and enter cosmic space. With the latest planetarium projector, 'INFINIUM S' made by Konica Minolta Planetarium Co., Ltd., it is possible feel immersed in the starlit sky and travel to the Milky Way, which one is unable to see in Tokyo. The digital all-sky projection and sound system called 'SKYMAX' create an unbelievably realistic environment for the audience. Several programs are screened in rotation for visitors' enjoyment.
Address: inside Sunshine City (World Import, Mart rooftop) Tel: 03-3989-3546 Access: 8-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Sta. <br>3 min walk from subway Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta. URL: http://konicaminolta.jp/manten/index.html
Located on the tenth floor of the World Import Mart building, the Sunshine International Aquarium is Japan's first rooftop aquarium and one of Ikebukuro's most popular spots. The aquarium features not only aquatic animals such as penguins, seals, otters and pelicans, but land animals as well. At "Zoo-Zoo House", one can see a number of creatures from tropical forests, such as the armadillo and tamandua. Come and explore the unique collection of wildlife this aquarium has to offer!
Located on the 7th floor of 'Bunka Kaikan' (Culture Hall) in the Sunshine City complex, this museum opened in 1978 under the theme of the Ancient Orient. Exhibitions are classified into origins of human civilization such as Ancient Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Iran and Extending World. Additionally, there are related articles and about 2,500 pieces of articles, including documents, from a wide range of fields such as archaeology, art and history. In the 'Excavation in Syria' exhibit, unearthed articles are displayed from an excavation project that was carried out in Syria and other countries.
Address: inside Sunshine City (Bunka Kaikan) Tel: 03-3989-3491 Access: 8-minute walk from JR Ikebukuro Sta. <br>3 min walk from subway Higashi-Ikebukuro Sta. URL: http://www.sa.il24.net/~aom/about.html
This the head store of the animation goods chain, 'Animate', which has about 90 branches across Japan. The entire building centers around animation with each floor dedicated to different types of goods, such as CDs, animation character products, animation books for men and so on. Almost everything about animation character goods, comics, magazines, CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Discs and games are available here. At "Event Space", there are various special events such as talk shows, live performances, and autograph sessions with authors and voice actors.
Sightseeing Spots in Ikebukuro(Tokyo)
