Toshima, Tokyo - Let's Go! JP | レッツゴーJP

Events in Toshima, Tokyo

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Contents

1 Events in Toshima, Tokyo
2 What’s Toshima, Tokyo Like?
- 2.1 Your Gateway to Tokyo’s Top Spots
3 A City Watched Over by Owls – Toshima Ward
4 Where to Find Owls in Toshima and Ikebukuro
- 4.1 Even More Owl Statues to Discover
5 Explore Toshima Through Its Owl Statues!
6 A Relaxed City Adventure with Owls
7 Toshima Owl Video Encyclopedia

What’s Toshima, Tokyo Like?

Your Gateway to Tokyo’s Top Spots

Ikebukuro: The Heart of Toshima City
Ikebukuro, the center of Toshima City, is a major transportation hub with over 10 train lines, including JR, subways, and private railways. It’s incredibly easy to get to major Tokyo hotspots like Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ueno, and Tokyo Station—all within 15 minutes.

The area is also packed with places where you can dive into Japan’s otaku culture, like Sunshine City and the Tokiwaso Manga Museum.

Sunshine City
Sunshine City is a multi-complex that’s become a hotspot for pop culture fans. You’ll find official stores for big-name titles like Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo and the ONE PIECE Mugiwara Store. The complex also hosts cosplay events, making it a lively place for fan interaction. And don’t miss Sunshine Aquarium, where penguins appear to “fly” through the air—it’s a perfect blend of entertainment and relaxation.

Animate Ikebukuro Main Store
Animate Ikebukuro is the largest anime store in the world and a must-visit for fans of anime, manga, and games. The store is packed with the latest goods, books, and limited-edition items—including a huge range of voice actor merch and content geared toward female fans. Located at the heart of Otome Road, it’s also a favorite spot for “oshi-katsu” (supporting your favorite characters or creators). With an event space and a café inside, you can easily spend an entire day here.

Tokiwaso Manga Museum
Tokiwa-so was a legendary apartment where manga legends like Osamu Tezuka (Astro Boy), Fujiko F. Fujio (Doraemon), Fujiko Fujio A (Ninja Hattori-kun), and Shotaro Ishinomori (Kamen Rider) spent their early years.
This faithfully recreated museum shows how they lived and worked, with rare original works on display.
As the birthplace of manga culture, it’s a must-see spot to understand the roots of today’s anime and otaku culture.

A City Watched Over by Owls – Toshima Ward

Owl statues can be found throughout Ikebukuro—at the station, on street corners, and in all kinds of unexpected places.
There are two popular theories about why owls are so closely tied to the area. One is a play on words: “Ikebukuro” sounds similar to fukurō, the Japanese word for owl. The other suggests that real owls once lived around here.

The most famous owl is “Ikefukuro,” a beloved meeting spot inside Ikebukuro Station. But that’s just the beginning—take a walk through the neighborhood and you’ll spot owls hidden all over. Some fans even turn it into a fun little owl-spotting adventure!

Where to Find Owls in Toshima and Ikebukuro

Owl Tower

Just a few minutes’ walk from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station, Owl Tower is a high-rise residential building surrounded by great spots to explore. The area is home to stylish cafés, shopping spots, and easy access to major attractions like Sunshine City and IKE・SUNPARK—Toshima Ward’s largest park. Whether you’re here to relax or sightsee, there’s plenty to enjoy right around the corner.

Minami-Ikebukuro Park

This spacious, grassy park was beautifully renovated in 2016 and even won a Good Design Award. On sunny days, it’s a popular spot where people relax on picnic blankets and soak up the sunshine.
Right next to the park is Racines to PARK, a stylish café-restaurant offering everything from breakfast to dinner. On warm days, enjoy your meal on the terrace or directly on the soft lawn—it’s the perfect way to unwind in the middle of the city.

Even More Owl Statues to Discover

Awashima Shrine

At the entrance of Awashima Shrine stands a charming owl statue—with eyes so large, they almost pop out of its face!
It quietly watches over the entire shrine from its spot in front of the torii gate, as if protecting the grounds and those who visit.

Naka-Ikebukuro Park

In the heart of Naka-Ikebukuro Park stands a striking owl statue that’s become a local landmark.
It’s not just a fun photo spot—it also serves as a popular meeting point for friends and visitors alike.

Ikebukuro Station West Exit

On a lively street lined with cafés and restaurants near the west exit of Ikebukuro Station, you’ll find a dynamic owl statue with its wings spread wide.
Captured mid-flight, it shows the powerful energy of an owl in hunting mode—an impressive and unexpected sight in the middle of the city.

Explore Toshima Through Its Owl Statues!

Relaxed Stroll Course

Active Explorer Course

Endless Adventure Course

Relaxed Stroll Course

1. Ikebukuro Station West Exit Plaza

From the JR Ikebukuro Station West Exit, cross the plaza and head down the street with McDonald’s and SUBWAY.
You’ll spot the owl statue along the roadside as you walk.

Shopping at Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store

A true landmark in Ikebukuro, Seibu Department Store offers one of Tokyo’s largest and most impressive food floors—known as depachika in Japan. You’ll find a wide variety of regional sweets, sushi, and ready-to-eat dishes from all over the country. In July 2025, the store will unveil a newly renovated space, including a special area dedicated to bento (Japanese lunch boxes). With even more fashion and lifestyle brands joining the lineup, it’s the perfect place to enjoy Japanese shopping and gourmet culture all in one stop.

2. Esola Ikebukuro (West Exit)

From the first owl statue, walk in the direction it’s facing with Ikebukuro Station on your left.
After passing Global Link, look just ahead—you’ll find another owl tilting its head among the greenery at the corner of the intersection.

Take a Coffee Break at Esola Ikebukuro

Directly connected to Ikebukuro Station, Esola Ikebukuro is a relaxing spot filled with stylish cafés and bakeries. One highlight is Fukurou Shosabo, a cozy book café where you can enjoy coffee while browsing through a carefully curated collection of books. Its adjoining Fukurou Bunko is especially unique—each book has its title hidden, and you choose based only on handwritten reviews and recommendations. It’s a one-of-a-kind experience for curious readers and coffee lovers alike.

3. Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan

From the plaza, walk straight down Metropolitan Street in the direction opposite the station. Cross the road, then take the diagonal right into a small side street. When you reach the end, turn left. You’ll soon see a sign guiding you to Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan—just follow it and you’ll arrive at this beautiful, historic building.

Active Explorer Course

Endless Adventure Course

Active Explorer Course

1. Green Street (Median Strip)

From the JR Ikebukuro Station East Exit, cross the street in front of you and turn right. You’ll soon reach Tokyo Route 435. The owl statue is located on the median strip between the crosswalks.

2. Minami-Ikebukuro Park

With the station behind you, walk straight down the street where the police box is located. After about 4 minutes, you’ll see CAFE CINNAMON on your right—turn right there, and the park will appear right in front of you.

3. Owl Tower

Head back to the main road and continue walking away from the station. After a short walk, you’ll see Jugar Cafe on your right. Cross the street at the crosswalk in front of the café, walk a bit further, and turn at the convenience store. Go through the small path, and you’ll find Owl Tower, a high-rise apartment building, on your left.

Enjoy the Market at IKE・SUNPARK

IKE・SUNPARK is a spacious, green park that hosts a lively farmers’ market on weekends. You’ll find fresh produce, handmade foods, and locally sourced goodies—all in a relaxed, community atmosphere. It’s a great way to experience a different side of Tokyo and get a taste of everyday life in Japan.

Dive into Japanese Otaku Culture at Sunshine City

Sunshine City is a dream destination for pop culture fans, packed with official shops for some of Japan’s most beloved characters—like Pokémon Center, the ONE PIECE Mugiwara Store, and Crayon Shin-chan.
And don’t miss the epic wall of capsule toy machines—over 1,200 gachapon lined up and waiting to surprise you!

Relaxed Stroll Course

Endless Adventure Course

Endless Adventure Course

1. In Front of Shounji Temple

Take Exit 5 of Tokyo Metro Kanamecho Station and walk straight ahead. After a short walk, you’ll see Shounji Temple on your left. Right at the entrance, an owl statue will be there to welcome you.

Have a Unique Experience at Bouzu’n Coffee

Hidden inside the grounds of Shounji Temple, Bouzu’n Coffee is a calm and slightly mysterious café run by a real Buddhist monk. Here, you can enjoy delicious coffee while getting a quiet glimpse into Japanese culture and Buddhism.

The café is reservation-only with timed entry, and it’s not open every day—so be sure to check their latest schedule on Instagram: @bozu.n_coffee

2. Entrance to Awashima Shrine

Head back in the direction of the station and follow Tokyo Route 441 straight for a while. Just before you reach Senkawa Station, turn left at the street one block before the intersection with the police box. Walk a bit further, and you’ll see the shrine on your right.

Relaxed Stroll Course

Active Explorer Course

A Relaxed City Adventure with Owls

Walking through Toshima Ward while spotting owl statues is a fun and uniquely Japanese way to explore the city.
Though it’s part of Tokyo’s urban core, this area is full of cozy cafés, local markets, anime culture, and historical spots—all packed into one lively neighborhood.

It’s a place that feels both warm and full of new discoveries. Whether you’re sightseeing or just soaking in everyday Tokyo life, Toshima offers a little bit of everything.
Let the owls be your gentle guides as you discover your own “Toshima story.”

Toshima Owl Video Encyclopedia

Toshima City Office

Naka-Ikebukuro Park

Green Street (Median Strip)

Ikebukuro West Exit Plaza

In Front of Esola Ikebukuro (West Exit)

Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan

Shōun-ji Temple

Minami-Ikebukuro Park

Homyoji Temple

Zoshigaya Kishimojin Temple

Zoshigaya Mimizuku Park

Entrance to Kishimojin Approach

Owl Tower

Ikebukuro Station East Exit

Except for the map, all information is current as of May 2025.