We surprisingly liked Ikebukuro ! Went to Tokyo for first time last year and on our first day I had a half day scheduled for Ikebukuro and regretted it. Few days later, we ended up cancelling our trip to Yokohama (because we were too tired) and ended up going back here just to relax and shop some more , haha. We are planning to come back here later this year ! thanks for providing more detail of places we can go ! Thank you.
We stayed there as it was recommended as a central location but we had no idea how interesting it would be. I wish I had researched it a bit more as we missed a few areas you mentioned.
You are so right! I've been visiting for ten years and still find things that make me say "I wish I'd know about this before" (^.^) Thankfully, Kenchan's channel has made it easier to discover what I've missed. Gotokuji Temple is my favorite example.
Great video. I will say the Sunshine 60 is a hidden gem. It doesn't have the hype of Shibuya Sky but a) its higher, and b) youre not in the elements getting whipped around or subject to random non-refundable weather cancelations. Also, almost no lines. We saw TDR fireworks clearly from there at night.
Thank you! Oh wow, TDR fireworks must be quite far from Ikebukuro. It must have been very clear day. Yes Shibuya Sky started to refund for cancellation with 20% fee, but it's still great that we can drop by Sunshine 60 with no pressure or stress for 700 Yen - 1200 Yen.
Our first trip to Tokyo will be in October. I had already planned on staying in Ikebukuro because it’s slightly less expensive than Shibuya, but conveniently on the Yamanote line. I’m also more interested in Otome Road than Akihabara. Ikebukuro seems like more of a mixture of ordinary Tokyo life, with small shops and restaurants as well as the big department stores. I’m hoping it’s also slightly less crowded on the streets than Shibuya. One nearby spot you didn’t visit in this video is Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan 自由学園明日館. It’s a small school designed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright a hundred years ago.
Just catching up on this video now Kengo-san. I stayed in Ikebukuro back in 2019 at a traditional guesthouse, Kimi Ryokan. I very much enjoyed the area and was also fortunate enough to be there during the Fukuro Festival in September. Although it may not be super central everywhere is easily accessible via the Yamanote Line or subways. Definitely recommended!
Thank you for watching and recommending Ikebukuro Jamie san. Interesting you stayed at a Ryokan in Ikebukuro. It has a little atomosphere Tokyo used to be. :)
Thank you Kengo San! Your maps and explanations are really useful for our trip to Tokyo next year. As usual we will be studying your videos before we go next year. In addition your videos are entertaining so we can just watch a few times to internalize the information while enjoying your videos. A fun way to learn!
Thank you so much for your super support Kevin san and Dale san! 😊I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed the video for both information and entertainment. Also it's great to know you are coming back to Tokyo next year. Thank you again!
A very informative video! I'll be staying at Ikebukuro during my Tokyo trip in a month and I'm glad to hear Ikebukuro is such a bustling neighbourhood! (without the craziness of Shinjuku/ Shibuya). Thanks Ken san!
We considered going to Ikebukuro our first time, but never made it there. This was a very informative video about the area. I definitely want to see Ikebukuro. It looks like a fun place to go, with lots to see, eat, and do. ❤
Interesting video! I was not able to go to Ikebukuro when I visited Tokyo last March.. Hopefully in the near future when I visit again in Tokyo.. Thank you for sharing this one 👍
Hey Kengo San! Just returned from my Japan trip. Thank you for your videos. In fact, the Tokyo metro was a bit confusing lol. The jet lag made it even worse. We went to Pokemon center, cafe, Sensoji temple, Tsukiji market, Akihabara gigo etc. Kyoto was definitely a lot better than Tokyo in my opinion. Lots of temples and sightseeing. Nara was 100% my favorite!! Although it’s only a day trip, we did not once regret it. Nara park itself is huge and full of history. *hide the deer crackers…* In Osaka, we went to universal studios but the lines were super long (1 hr~ per ride). We unfortunately enjoyed Osaka the least. It’s full of shopping places and crowds… And we learned a lot from your Shinkansen video! Definitely an experience. One thing I wished I knew before going to Japan is that most local places in Kyoto is cash only lol
Very informative video as always Kenchan! I didn't even realise there were many department stores in Ikebukuro and ended up going to Sunshine city only.
Thank you for watching Ryuga san! Oh you went to Ikebukuro! Haha, they are very large department stores in Japan but very thin building and entrance is quite complicated especially Seibu side. :)
I enjoyed getting food items at a huge discount in Seibu! I thought: Japan wasn't expensive after all! Thanks for introducing other spots to visit for next time!
Thank you for your help yesterday. You are very busy. However, you took time to consider a new idea. Great accomplishments often begin as unique ideas. Likewise... Kindness = Good Karma. (^.-) Otsukaresamadeshita.
I have been to Tokyo 5 times, but never to Ikebukuro. But when I return to Japan next year (I cant wait ;-)), I definitely want to go there, especially to visit the biggest Gachapon store in the world. Thanks a lot Kengo for another great video. Your information is really valuable.
Likely "cream soda" which in Japan is actually an ice cream float using melon soda. Melon soda is a little bit of an acquired taste but it's also the best soda in the world, maybe. I order it anywhere that offers it. The fanta version is best IMO. Ramune is fine but expensive for amount. Suntory is passable. Some try to be "cream soda" flavor but I don't think they taste right- the deliciousness of a "cream soda" is in the difference between the creamy ice cream and the sharp sweetness of the melon soda. Drinking "cream soda" soda just tastes like you've let your cream soda melt. Straight melon soda or a "cream soda" are best I think.
Yes, Kawaguchi is on JR line. If you can, it's easier to stay near Ueno area but Kawaguchi is not far. Not a common place to stay for visitors from abroad though.
Your all videos are so informative and interesting. You explain everything so well. Thank you very much. We are planning to visit Japan in mid October for 12 days from Mumbai. Please suggest a reasonable cheap yet clean hotel. Outskirts of Tokyo also will do. Our plan is to stay at Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima and explore nearby places. Will you please make an rough Itenery for us?
Kenchan, in the old days there were more streetcars. I'm from Yokohama as a child now in Hawaii. I see Ikebukuro has streetcar "densha". Is there other places in Tokyo that has densha? Or only in Ikebukuro?
@@tokyokenchan Next time I fly to Tokyo I'll experience riding it. Its one way of learning new neighborhood in Tokyo. I follow sumo closely. Last April 2024 I joined sumo jungyo in Toyama & Saitama. There I got to meet a rikishi of Futagoyama youtube. Toyama had not had jungyo since the year before covid. Tickets weree soldout "kanbai" 3 Toyama native rikishi's were there, Asanoyama-Onosato-Endo.🤗
We visited Ikebukero a few weeks ago, mainly for Sunshine City, but we liked what we saw. We will spend more time there next visit!
We surprisingly liked Ikebukuro ! Went to Tokyo for first time last year and on our first day I had a half day scheduled for Ikebukuro and regretted it. Few days later, we ended up cancelling our trip to Yokohama (because we were too tired) and ended up going back here just to relax and shop some more , haha. We are planning to come back here later this year ! thanks for providing more detail of places we can go ! Thank you.
I always stay in Ikebukuro when I visit Tokyo. Very convenient with all the train lines and I like that it's not so popular with other tourists
Right, you don't see many tourists from abroad comparing with other parts of Tokyo.
3th day of Tokyo and will be there for the muscle girl bar. Nice to see there is more to do.
We stayed there as it was recommended as a central location but we had no idea how interesting it would be. I wish I had researched it a bit more as we missed a few areas you mentioned.
You are so right! I've been visiting for ten years and still find things that make me say "I wish I'd know about this before" (^.^) Thankfully, Kenchan's channel has made it easier to discover what I've missed. Gotokuji Temple is my favorite example.
Great video. I will say the Sunshine 60 is a hidden gem. It doesn't have the hype of Shibuya Sky but a) its higher, and b) youre not in the elements getting whipped around or subject to random non-refundable weather cancelations. Also, almost no lines. We saw TDR fireworks clearly from there at night.
Thank you! Oh wow, TDR fireworks must be quite far from Ikebukuro. It must have been very clear day. Yes Shibuya Sky started to refund for cancellation with 20% fee, but it's still great that we can drop by Sunshine 60 with no pressure or stress for 700 Yen - 1200 Yen.
I think I still want to check out Ikebukuro too so thank you for this very helpful video here appreciate!! 👏👏👏
Our first trip to Tokyo will be in October. I had already planned on staying in Ikebukuro because it’s slightly less expensive than Shibuya, but conveniently on the Yamanote line. I’m also more interested in Otome Road than Akihabara. Ikebukuro seems like more of a mixture of ordinary Tokyo life, with small shops and restaurants as well as the big department stores. I’m hoping it’s also slightly less crowded on the streets than Shibuya.
One nearby spot you didn’t visit in this video is Jiyū Gakuen Myōnichikan 自由学園明日館. It’s a small school designed by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright a hundred years ago.
I love Ikebukuro
We went here just to eat at a Chicken Ramen store -- 'Tori no Ana' IT WAS SO GOOD!!!!
Will go back to Ikebukuro to explore other things as well!
Thank you for sharing the great information!!
Just catching up on this video now Kengo-san. I stayed in Ikebukuro back in 2019 at a traditional guesthouse, Kimi Ryokan. I very much enjoyed the area and was also fortunate enough to be there during the Fukuro Festival in September. Although it may not be super central everywhere is easily accessible via the Yamanote Line or subways. Definitely recommended!
Thank you for watching and recommending Ikebukuro Jamie san. Interesting you stayed at a Ryokan in Ikebukuro. It has a little atomosphere Tokyo used to be. :)
Thank you Kengo San! Your maps and explanations are really useful for our trip to Tokyo next year. As usual we will be studying your videos before we go next year. In addition your videos are entertaining so we can just watch a few times to internalize the information while enjoying your videos. A fun way to learn!
Thank you so much for your super support Kevin san and Dale san! 😊I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed the video for both information and entertainment. Also it's great to know you are coming back to Tokyo next year. Thank you again!
Many places here putting on list next time hopefully later this year thank you
Im flying to tokyo in 16 days and my hotel is in ikebukuro so this is perfect!!
Sounds great! I hope you have a great time in Tokyo. :)
A very informative video! I'll be staying at Ikebukuro during my Tokyo trip in a month and I'm glad to hear Ikebukuro is such a bustling neighbourhood! (without the craziness of Shinjuku/ Shibuya). Thanks Ken san!
Ken san, this is a great video... Easy to follow and full of useful info.
Love the way it looks around here too!! Super nice!! 🤩🤩🤩
Thank you Alan san! 🤗
Ikebukuro wasn't on my radar before but it definitely is now! Thank you for making this video :)
Thank you for watching! I Hope you enjoy Ikebukuro. :)
We stayed At the Prince Hotel . We really liked the aquarium at Sunshine 60. I thought it was a great place.
We considered going to Ikebukuro our first time, but never made it there. This was a very informative video about the area. I definitely want to see Ikebukuro. It looks like a fun place to go, with lots to see, eat, and do. ❤
Thank you for watching. I hope you enjoy Ikebukuro next time!
I went to ikebukuro but only to sunshine city, I had no idea about all this great stuff around! Thank you! Maybe next time 🤣
Thank you so much for watching about Ikebukuro! :)
Wow! Another video so soon! You are very productive! Fantastic! Thank you! Otsukaresamadeshita!!!
Many videos are waiting to be editied like a long que of a popular restaurant, but I'm not fast enough to edit.😅
Your success is guaranteed because of your dedication. (^.-) And... glass-half-full... many videos is better than no videos. (^.^)
Interesting video! I was not able to go to Ikebukuro when I visited Tokyo last March.. Hopefully in the near future when I visit again in Tokyo.. Thank you for sharing this one 👍
Thank you for watching! Yes, it might not come to the top destinatoin as other parts of Tokyo have more to see. :)
Hey Kengo San! Just returned from my Japan trip. Thank you for your videos.
In fact, the Tokyo metro was a bit confusing lol. The jet lag made it even worse. We went to Pokemon center, cafe, Sensoji temple, Tsukiji market, Akihabara gigo etc.
Kyoto was definitely a lot better than Tokyo in my opinion. Lots of temples and sightseeing.
Nara was 100% my favorite!! Although it’s only a day trip, we did not once regret it. Nara park itself is huge and full of history. *hide the deer crackers…*
In Osaka, we went to universal studios but the lines were super long (1 hr~ per ride). We unfortunately enjoyed Osaka the least. It’s full of shopping places and crowds…
And we learned a lot from your Shinkansen video! Definitely an experience.
One thing I wished I knew before going to Japan is that most local places in Kyoto is cash only lol
That’s great you enjoyed your trip after all! Thank you for letting me know the detailed trip report at each destination. It’s very interesting.
@@tokyokenchan 🙌🙌 Thanks for listening :))
Takase best bakery thats where I had lunch with mostly locals very good best cakes in Tokyo loved Eclairs so reasonably priced
I like Takase too! Many people pass by there so that’s great you stopped there. Thank you for sharing. :)
Very informative video as always Kenchan! I didn't even realise there were many department stores in Ikebukuro and ended up going to Sunshine city only.
Thank you for watching Ryuga san! Oh you went to Ikebukuro! Haha, they are very large department stores in Japan but very thin building and entrance is quite complicated especially Seibu side. :)
I enjoyed getting food items at a huge discount in Seibu! I thought: Japan wasn't expensive after all! Thanks for introducing other spots to visit for next time!
Thank you for watching. Oh that's nice! Japan is not expensive anymore. :)
I hope I can visit Japan again soon!
I hope you can visit here again soon!
Hi Kenchan
Lovely neighbourhood
Thanks a lot for the video
Btw
Wish you had got more of the red CORVETTE at 0228😊
Cheers from Sri Lanka
Haha. ^^; I turned to left too quickly.
Thanks!
Thank you so much for your super support Irene san!!
Thank you for your help yesterday. You are very busy. However, you took time to consider a new idea. Great accomplishments often begin as unique ideas. Likewise... Kindness = Good Karma. (^.-) Otsukaresamadeshita.
Thank you for such a big Super Thanks! You’re welcome. It was fun and learning experience.
I will be back in Tokyo this December. I am actually staying in Ikebukuro for 6 days. I do like Ikebukuro because you rarely see any tourists!!
Oh that's great! Ikebukuro is cozy. :)
Haha Ken-chan, don’t give our secret away. Ikebukero is my favourite spot in West Tokyo
Hahaha. Let's hope this video doesn't get many views...😎
@@tokyokenchan ✌🏾😅
I have been to Tokyo 5 times, but never to Ikebukuro. But when I return to Japan next year (I cant wait ;-)), I definitely want to go there, especially to visit the biggest Gachapon store in the world. Thanks a lot Kengo for another great video. Your information is really valuable.
Thank you for watching. Yes, they have many Gachapon stores and the biggest one too. I hope you have a chance to check Ikebukuro. :)
Hello, may I ask if the Airport sell any Ipad celluar plan?
Great video. But you didn't say what that green drink was. It looked so refreshing.
Likely "cream soda" which in Japan is actually an ice cream float using melon soda. Melon soda is a little bit of an acquired taste but it's also the best soda in the world, maybe. I order it anywhere that offers it. The fanta version is best IMO. Ramune is fine but expensive for amount. Suntory is passable.
Some try to be "cream soda" flavor but I don't think they taste right- the deliciousness of a "cream soda" is in the difference between the creamy ice cream and the sharp sweetness of the melon soda. Drinking "cream soda" soda just tastes like you've let your cream soda melt. Straight melon soda or a "cream soda" are best I think.
@@redfish337 Thank you for the answer. I would like to try one.
池袋を紹介してくれ(^人^)ありがとうございます、同じ副都心でも新宿、渋谷と比べ観光客が少ないけど、穴場スポットだと思います
Which city or place is convenient as we are coming and going from Narita airport? Is kawaguchi good option? Is this station on JR line?
Yes, Kawaguchi is on JR line. If you can, it's easier to stay near Ueno area but Kawaguchi is not far. Not a common place to stay for visitors from abroad though.
I heard that akhabra I more for men and rent is expensive I will try this gem of a place
Some people like Ikebukuro more. It might be more cozy especially for female subculture funs. :)
Your all videos are so informative and interesting. You explain everything so well. Thank you very much. We are planning to visit Japan in mid October for 12 days from Mumbai. Please suggest a reasonable cheap yet clean hotel. Outskirts of Tokyo also will do. Our plan is to stay at Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima and explore nearby places. Will you please make an rough Itenery for us?
Kenchan, in the old days there were more streetcars. I'm from Yokohama as a child now in Hawaii. I see Ikebukuro has streetcar "densha". Is there other places in Tokyo that has densha? Or only in Ikebukuro?
Yes, this is the only one remains in Tokyo now. It's running behind Sunshine City and connecting down town area and Waseda, and area near Shinjuku. :)
@@tokyokenchan Next time I fly to Tokyo I'll experience riding it. Its one way of learning new neighborhood in Tokyo. I follow sumo closely. Last April 2024 I joined sumo jungyo in Toyama & Saitama. There I got to meet a rikishi of Futagoyama youtube. Toyama had not had jungyo since the year before covid. Tickets weree soldout "kanbai" 3 Toyama native rikishi's were there, Asanoyama-Onosato-Endo.🤗
Most tourists know about Sunshine City because of the big Pokemon Centre and the gashapon store
That's great more people are visiting Ikebukuro. Maybe it'll be a top destination soon. :)
Hopefully no vending machines. Domt want pme thrown at me😂
Is East or West side better for families?
East side or West (South side near hotel Metropolitan) are good for ramilies.
@@tokyokenchan I thought the west side was meant to be seedy?
I wanna go so I can see the Black Biker
Still looking for where to meet girls
So far shinjuku, akihabara and shibuya are a mess