When Sunshine 60 Building in Ikebukuro was completed in 1978, it was the tallest building in Asia and all, but now it’s just another tall one around here. The latest building that once boasted various world records can’t beat the passage of time. However, this evolving complex still rocks with various entertainment facilities and has become the epicenter of new subculture trends.
A. Start Walking from JR Ikebukuro Station
Exploring the new Sub-Culture Center in Ikebukuro, let’s kick things off from Ikebukuro Station (marked as A on the map). The stroll takes you to Sunshine City, home to the iconic Sunshine 60 building and its surroundings. Evolving with the times, this area has recently turned into the epicenter for new subcultures, garnering attention as a sacred spot for Fujoshi (Female Otaku).
(The picture is a display celebrating the beginning of the screenings for the animated film “Spy Family” at Sunshine City, which ran until January 2024.)
B. Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store, New Sacred Spot of all Otaku (Geek)
Before heading to Sunshine City, let’s drop by the popular Animate Ikebukuro Flagship Store (marked as B on the map) that’s been buzzing lately. Housed in a 9-story building, it’s packed with manga and anime-related goodies. If you can’t find something here, it might be impossible to find it anywhere else in the world!
It regularly hosts events and fairs showcasing various products, so don’t forget to check its official website before you go.
C. ACOS Ikebukuro Main Shop (Animate Annex), Otaku Cosplayers’ Heaven
After crossing the main street to get to Sunshine City, on the right side, there’s a corner where stores that cosplayers and voice actor fans would love have gathered. You’ll probably spot the sign for Animate Annex first.
ACOS (marked as C on the map)is located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of Animate Annex, providing not just costumes and clothing for cosplayers but also wings and accessories. Your dream of making your debut as a cosplayer in Japan could indeed come true! On the same street, you’ll find other stores like K-Books offering cosplay goods, so checking out a few might be worthwhile. Additionally, there are shops that carry merchandise related to voice actors, so if you’re a fan, you might discover something new!
D. Ikebukuro Sunshine City; Have Fun, Shop, Dine, and Stay!
Ikebukuro Sunshine City (marked as D on the map), centered around the core building Sunshine 60, is a comprehensive facility that brings together shopping malls, accommodation, entertainment facilities, restaurants, and business establishments. While the iconic Tower Sunshine 60 used to boast as the tallest in Asia, it’s still pretty massive, but with the increase in tall buildings around, its impact isn’t as striking.
If you’re heading straight to Sunshine City from JR Ikebukuro Station, it’s convenient to use the underground entrance just before crossing the main street. (marked as ❶ on the map)
D-1. Bandai Namco Cross Store Tokyo (World Import Mart Building 3rd Floor)
This is the newly opened flagship store where Bandai Namco, a leading toy and game maker in Japan, has gathered its products. Characters from popular anime like Dragon Ball, One Piece, Kamen Rider, and Precure come together, creating a place where both adults and children can enjoy the latest offerings. For example;
- Ichibankuji Shop: This is a character lottery where you’re guaranteed to win original goods every time—no losers here!
- Capsule Toy Store: The latest popular products from Bandai Namco in small capsules, providing a diverse lineup of toys and items. These capsule toys are beloved for their compact size and make for a great collectible experience.
- Narikiri World Store: For everyone who admires Tokusatsu (Japanese live-action film or television drama) heroes and heroines, you can enjoy high-quality transformation gear, such as the Transformation Belt of Kamen Rider. Embrace the excitement!
D-2. Mugiwara Store; Must Visit for One Piece funs (Speciality Shopping Area Alpa 2nd Floor)
Mugiwara (Straw Hat) Store is the official goodies shop for ONE PIECE. It offers a plethora of exclusive items that you can’t find anywhere else. Beyond just shopping, you can capture different characters and store decorations in photos at each outlet, and enjoy various seasonal fairs and events. It’s a must-visit for One Piece fans.
Additionally, on this floor, you’ll find a variety of character shops, including Pokémon, Crayon Shin-chan, Kiddy Land, and more. It is recommended to explore this floor not only for the Mugiwara Store but also for the diverse character shops available.
D-3.Sunshine Aquarium (World Import Mart Building Rooftop Floor)
If you’ve made it here, why not enjoy the urban aquarium? It’s a different world, far from the artificial, showcasing treasures born from hundreds of millions of years of Earth’s history. Watching penguins gracefully swim from below offers another extraordinary view.
Additionally, there are events to enhance your aquarium experience, like touring the aquarium’s backstage to learn about its operations or preparing specialized meals for each creature. You can even participate in feeding sessions. It’s not just about observing; there are hands-on events to make your visit even more memorable. For more details, please refer to the official website.
D-4. Special Dining Spots, Sky Restaurants (Sunshine 60 59th Floor)
If you’re looking for a special and memorable dining experience, it is recommended to visit the Sky Restaurant on the 59th floor of Sunshine 60. From over 200 meters above ground, you can enjoy a unique moment while overlooking the breathtaking views of Tokyo’s city center. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji, and in the evening, you can revel in the dazzling night lights of Tokyo.
The restaurants offer a variety of dining options, including traditional Japanese Kaiseki, Sushi, French, Italian, and more, with a total of seven different establishments.
Please note that to access this floor, there is a dedicated escalator, and the boarding point is located on the basement (B1) floor.
PR
If you want to stay in Sunshine City, Sunshine City Prince Hotel is available:
Deture Point ❷: New China Town; Do you like authentic Chinese cuisine?
Exiting from the North Exit of JR Ikebukuro Station, opposite side of Sunshine City, leads you to a bustling area with numerous restaurants. While there are many narrow alleyways, and it may seem a bit mysterious, enjoying dinner here is usually not an issue unless it’s late at night.
In recent years, there has been a growing community of Chinese newcomers in the northern parts of Tokyo, leading to a natural increase in authentic Chinese restaurants around Ikebukuro, a transportation hub in northern Tokyo. It is gaining a reputation for offering genuine Chinese cuisine, yet to be partly Japanized. If you’re searching for Chinese cuisine in this area, consider looking up to upper floors or exploring underground establishments, as street-level shops seem to be relatively scarce, possibly due to high rents.
Ikebukuro is originally renowned for its abundance of eateries, providing not only Chinese cuisine but also a variety of options such as Izakaya, Japanese style pub or tavern, Ramen, and more. Feel free to choose a restaurant that captures your interest for a delightful meal.
The closest station on the return journey is the same as the arrival station, JR Ikebukuro Station (marked as A on the map), on the JR Yamanote Line. Ikebukuro Station is served by the Marunouchi (Metro) Line, Yurakucho (Metro) Line, and Fukutoshin (Metro) Line, so depending on your destination, the subway can also be a convenient option.
You know, lately, I’ve been seeing a bunch of folks in these surprisingly wild outfits around town. At first, it was pretty shocking, and I had to resist the urge to bark back, you know? But nowadays, it’s like, ‘Oh, look, another one.’ They’re all bright and flashy, some all spiky, others puffed up – it’s downright bizarre. Well, I guess when people try to get closer to comic book characters, things are bound to get weird and wild, right!