Ikebukuro: July 2, 2024

I visited Ikebukuro for the first time in several years. It is one of Tokyo's terminals, along with Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo Station area. Commercial and entertainment districts spread rather than business districts in Ikebukuro.

 

JR Yamanote Line, Tobu Line, Seibu Line, and subway lines run through Ikebukuro. Tobu Department Store is located on the west side of the station, and Seibu Department Store is on the east side, both of which are the icons of the area.

Seibu Department's Ikebukuro Store was sold by Seven & i Holdings to a US investment firm in September 2023. The store's composition is planned to change significantly, with a large electronics store moving into the core of the building. At the time of the store's sale, a strike by the department store's labor union occurred, which became big news.

Currently, a notice of renovation work is posted at the entrance.

At the west exit of the station, there is Ikebukuro West Gate Park, famous for a novel by a novelist Ishida Ira. There is a Global Link there. I found many people sitting on the benches and spending their times. Art theaters and high-rise buildings are around the park. (See also the top photo)

 

The west exit also has an entertainment district with restaurants, bars, and amusement facilities. In the evening, police officers patrol the area and used loudspeakers to warn of illegal touts.

A large-scale redevelopment project is scheduled to start 2027 in the west exit district. High-rise buildings will be built. The scenery around the area is expected to change drastically.

 

Ikebukuro is also famous for the Sunshine City, a commercial complex with a 60-floor skyscraper and other facilities. It takes about 10 minutes from the east exit of Ikebukuro station through the Sunshine Street to the Sunshine City.

Toshima City, which includes Ikebukuro, has a population of about 280,000 and is the most densely populated municipality in Japan. According to the city's website, it aims to be a "theater city" and a city that is advanced in the SDGs activities.