Neil Duckett

After a quite week getting back into the swing of things, this weekend saw me get out to Ikebukuro, not once but twice, to visit the next stop on the 29 Stops of the JR Yamanote Line series.

Ikebukuro is 5 stops and a little over 10 minutes from my home base and the first time i’d set off in the other direction on the loop line. Ikebukuro is a major stop on the Yamanote Line with many other lines connecting at this station. This is the second businest Subway station in Japan, second only to Shinjuku station. Approximately 1 million people pass through it each day.

As for entertainment and excitement, Ikebukuro has plenty of both. At night it’s a haven for the young and anyone chasing a beer and a good time.

The eating and drinking options in Ikebukuro are endless and there’s more than one option to suit all preferences.

After a Saturday night look around Ikebukuro i decided i’d head back Sunday and see how different things were.

With the exception of a few pictures i managed to get back to most of the spots i’d visited the night before.

Access to the station from the street takes you down stairs where there’s several lines to choose from.

No matter what time of the day you’re in Ikebukuro, there’s an abundance of Taxis out front of the station.

Out and into it you don’t have to walk far to get to the action.

A little less populated Sunday mornings with most places still cleaning up from the night before.

Whether it’s a bar you’re looking for or food there’s plenty of both in Ikebukuro.

Midday was still a bit early for this place to get some lunch.

Pachinko parlours are always willing to take your money, night …..

Or Day.

Parking is the same here as it is anywhere in Japan … wherever you can.

Most people opted to ride home the night before.

The most annoying Ramen Shop in Japan with their loud speaker telling you how good their Ramen is, over and over and over again … In Japanese and English.

If you’re feeling a little weary, you can have a kipper in this メンズ　リラクゼーシヨン　クラブ　”Mens Relaxation Club”

There’s a selection of DVD’s to choose from if you can’t sleep … all with a common theme.

There’s not too many areas in Tokyo, especially the larger ones, where there’s not a Hub within close proximity.

Ikebukuro is no different.

The food options are everywhere and the signage makes them hard to miss.

Hotel Domani, another option if you’re a bit on the tired side, generally it’s expected you’ll have some compnay in this sort of venue though … you can pull up stumps for 3 hrs for $75.

 

These rooms have all the trimmings with regards to Multimedia if you’re having trouble getting some shut eye.

Every classy hotel has a water feature.

Mos Burger, only been there once since coming to Japan … a better alternative to McDonalds.

And open all hours of the day and night.

Feeling a little dirty? Stop off at a “Soap Land” … NGF … so i’m told.

If you want somewhere more secure for your bike, there’s always the paid parking near the station.

Closes at 3 from memory but is chockers again the next day …. although, some of these bikes look familiar from the night before.

Lots of youths smoking outside restaurants …. either before or after dinner.

Not so many the next day.

Looks like the big open expanse is a meeting spot late at night.

And a popular spot to spend some time in the daylight hours.

Drinking seemed to be condoned in the streets and in this area specifically.

A constant stream of traffic coming in and out of Ikebukuro. Taxis were frequent at night …

And busses moreso during the day.

Every corner you take, there’s another small street with some activity on it.

If you’re dog is feeling a little cold there’s no shortage of outfits you can kit it out with.

Old mate was cleaning out the cages when i came past Sunday midday.

Karaoko is as popular in Ikebukuro as it is everywhere else in Japan.

Not open yet, but won’t be far away.

Game parlours are plentiful too.

Open day and night and populated heavily at all times.

The Colonel looks out for everyone in Ikebukuro. He provides sustenance late at night.

And breakfast the following morning.

Lets pile the rubbish up here.

You wouldn’t know it the next morning.

Ikebukuro is a great place to visit day or night and should be on any travellers list of places to visit.

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