All of your videos have been so helpful for planning our crazy Japan adventure!!! Can't wait for the next video :) Thank you for all the wonderful content.❤
Makes me so happy when people recommend Ikebukuro, I used to live there and its just such a wonderful place, theres many cool places to go in Tokyo but Ikebukuro has literally everything so its perfect for a few days excursion (or to live there over time like I did, and spend waay too much money at the pokemon center every other day) - great video!
@@cakeswithfaces I do indeed know the best places :D I really need to go back, ive had 2 cancelled trips already! Hopefully 3 weeks in Ikebukuro at christmas will happen, I miss it so much!
@@harunac Fingers crossed for you!! I had to cancel my trip last May; I'm waiting to see what happens before booking anything, but I can't wait to travel again!
I was there last month and spent whole day there! Despite no prior-planning to go there it turned out to be my favourite day of my 3rd-Tokyo-holiday-trip! I loved the more-affordable offerings of practical yet wonderful products in Seibu & Tobu department stores etc. The homeware items were so good! I also fFelt so at home at Animate etc. due to my love of Pokemon /anime etc. Ikebukuro is underated & is more "for locals" - but because of this I found it was better for a more focused & paced-out experience...compared to the heavy-touristy areas I went to like Harajuku/Ginza etc.
So glad you enjoyed it! There's so much there, and with all the new anime-related things that have opened, I think it's even becoming a rival for Akihabara now!
I recently discovered your channel and am so glad I did. It's lovely to listen to your travel tips, the wealth of information is amazing. You have a such an upbeat and soothing style and you seem to really enjoy telling the stories, reliving them as you recount them and having fun at it, it's quite infectious. I've traveled quite a bit in Europe but really want to visit Japan so thanks for what you do as it will come in very handy. A big thumbs up!
Aww thanks so much, that's very kind of you! Really glad you're enjoying the videos, and I hope you can make it to Japan one day. I haven't met anyone who's been who hasn't enjoyed it and wanted to go back! :-)
Thanks for the recommendation, that sounds great. I always try and make it to any festivals that are on - it always feels so special to be there when something's going on!
The tram looks like a good thing to do on return trips - it goes to a lot of places that aren't main areas or mentioned in the usual lists of things to do.
Sunshine City, otome road/animate are my favourite places in Ikebukuro ! I loved to go J-world too but it ceased operations 😭 Really need to visit that gachapon place next time I visit Tokyo! ❤️
So gooood!!! I had them the night we arrived and I was getting dizzy from tiredness - but they gave me the burst of energy I needed after forgetting to eat all day!
@@cakeswithfaces Yummm. We went back a few times in one week around new year and ended up being given fruit and little keyring presents. She is so sweet :) Everyone should give her all their money
I really liked Ikebukuro when I stayed there in 2019. It's a fun and interesting place to explore. Definitely want to check out that gyoza place next time I go to Tokyo. Also Ringo, an apple pie store is really nice.
@@cakeswithfaces I ended up buying one on my way back to the hotel all three nights I was in Ikebukuro. They tasted really good, but were probably less good for the waistline :)
Ikebukuro = first love to me i was traveling cluelessly with the Narita Express at random during my first ever Japan visit i couldnt decide where to step of the train :) so i went until final station and there i was o.O it was the superb cultural shock , its full of contradictions ikebukuro has a certain vibe to it . its busy , its loud and a bit chaotic or hectic and a bit more "dirty but its lovely and charming , very open and almost welcoming at the same time - hehe explain that :!
I know what you mean! Busy & chaotic but slightly less shiny than some of the other busy areas (and not a bad thing for it!). Maybe the first place you go in Tokyo always has a special place in your heart!
Agh there's always somewhere that gets missed out! There've been times when I've heard about something amazing the day I got back. 🙈 Time to start the list for next time...!
Kind of regret not doing much in Ikebukuro when I was studying abroad (honestly regret not doinng much in Tokyo at all). I was only in Tokyo for a few days because I had tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum and the only thing I did in Ikebukuro was go to Sunshine City and went to the Pokemon Center and Namja Town.
I found Otome Road was quite good if you like Otome games, but it definitely had other anime stuff there too. I didn't manage to fit in Akiba though, so I can't compare the two for Otome game goods
I'm pretty sure we've had this conversation before, but is there a day travel pass for trains because I learn by getting off at multiple wrong stops until im know my way around (Just like London haha) It's funny how the gravestone building, because not that long ago I discovered this 80s anime called The laughing Salesman (all the episodes are on youtube) and the reference that building ..but it was a whole village full of em? Great guid as always, can't wait to get my jabs and go to Japan ...in 2034
There are day passes - be careful because not all of them cover all the train lines (the trains are run by several different companies). I recommend getting a Suica card because it's valid for everything so it's just easier. However if you're planning on doing a lot of journeys and getting off at multiple stops in one day, a pass might be cheaper.
I do enjoy shopping in Ikebukuru, scored some great video game bargains there. Also they had great Xmas illustrations in 2019. Not been on that tram but did the Setagaya tram when doing my Persona 5 pilgrimage in Sangenjaya, loved it.
We visited the Pokemon Center in 2019, but holy moly, 3000 Gachapon machines? This is....insane :D probably a full day only for looking at all of them. Would be interesting to know, if they are all individual machines or if they double?
How to get cheap price when we do shopping many stuff in Japan ? Is for the tour in Japan state ,they have cheap bus or cheap car ? Or maybe the people japan have traditional car ?
At some shops, foreigners can get a discount if you show your passport (look out for the signs, and there's a minimum spend). I think the bullet train is the best way to tour Japan - get a Japan Rail Pass (not cheap, but you save a lot of money compared to individual tickets). There are also coaches / highway buses but the train's a lot quicker.
It is a rather confusing JR Station. You really have to know where you're trying to go and which exit to use. You can easily end up on an odd side leading to nothing.
The first time I went to Ikebukuro, I did exactly that and didn't know where to go. I didn't think much of Ikebukuro that time! Glad I went back and gave it a second chance, and managed to find the good stuff the next time.
The Sakura tram is beautiful and absolutely worth your time. It’s an old charm.
Ah that's great to know! I'll keep it on the list for next time! :-)
one of the best travel guides we have used. If going to Japan you won't be disappointed with this purchase
Aww thanks so much, that means a lot! 🎶
your videos are so much more educational than some bigger channels, I hope you keep growing.
Aww thank you! I try to include useful info for if you're planning a trip, as well as making them fun! :-)
All of your videos have been so helpful for planning our crazy Japan adventure!!! Can't wait for the next video :) Thank you for all the wonderful content.❤
Glad to hear it, thanks so much! Always fun planning a trip!! :-)
Makes me so happy when people recommend Ikebukuro, I used to live there and its just such a wonderful place, theres many cool places to go in Tokyo but Ikebukuro has literally everything so its perfect for a few days excursion (or to live there over time like I did, and spend waay too much money at the pokemon center every other day) - great video!
That must have been such a great place to live, having all that on your doorstep! You must have got to know all the best places. :-)
@@cakeswithfaces I do indeed know the best places :D I really need to go back, ive had 2 cancelled trips already! Hopefully 3 weeks in Ikebukuro at christmas will happen, I miss it so much!
@@harunac Fingers crossed for you!! I had to cancel my trip last May; I'm waiting to see what happens before booking anything, but I can't wait to travel again!
@@cakeswithfaces I couldn't wait, I had to book for my own sanity, just so I can think that maaaaybe there will be a trip 😂
I picked Ikebukuru as the place to stay for my first visit to Tokyo, I am SO excited.
I was there last month and spent whole day there! Despite no prior-planning to go there it turned out to be my favourite day of my 3rd-Tokyo-holiday-trip! I loved the more-affordable offerings of practical yet wonderful products in Seibu & Tobu department stores etc. The homeware items were so good!
I also fFelt so at home at Animate etc. due to my love of Pokemon /anime etc.
Ikebukuro is underated & is more "for locals" - but because of this I found it was better for a more focused & paced-out experience...compared to the heavy-touristy areas I went to like Harajuku/Ginza etc.
So glad you enjoyed it! There's so much there, and with all the new anime-related things that have opened, I think it's even becoming a rival for Akihabara now!
I recently discovered your channel and am so glad I did. It's lovely to listen to your travel tips, the wealth of information is amazing. You have a such an upbeat and soothing style and you seem to really enjoy telling the stories, reliving them as you recount them and having fun at it, it's quite infectious. I've traveled quite a bit in Europe but really want to visit Japan so thanks for what you do as it will come in very handy. A big thumbs up!
Aww thanks so much, that's very kind of you! Really glad you're enjoying the videos, and I hope you can make it to Japan one day. I haven't met anyone who's been who hasn't enjoyed it and wanted to go back! :-)
If you're there in mid october there is a wonderful lantern festival that seems to start around ikebukuro station and ends at zoshigaya kishimojindo .
Thanks for the recommendation, that sounds great. I always try and make it to any festivals that are on - it always feels so special to be there when something's going on!
I'm so going to the gachapon store when we can all travel again
Me too! Definitely a must-visit!
Thank you for loving Japan.
I just purchased your book! Cant wait to receive it sooooo excited! Thank you for a great channel 😊
Thanks so much!! It'll be on the way to you in the post today! :-)
I just found this channel and am heading to Tokyo (Ikebukuru) in May! Your videos are fantastic, thanks so much for all of them!
Glad you're enjoying them! Have fun planning your trip!
OMG! Have to more this to the top of my list! Want to go now! Can wait until travel is safe again.
I can't wait to get back there too! Especially for that new gachapon store...!
This seems like an ideal location for me. Thanks for the details!
Enjoy planning your trip! :-)
We really like Ikebukuro. It’s especially good for older kids and teens if you are travelling with children.
I can imagine they'd like it! Especially if they're Pokemon fans...! All the arcades and good shops for everyone. :-)
Our then 4 year old loved it. So much stuff to do even for smalls :)
Most important helpful information
Thank you! Hope it helps!
I’m fascinated by your hair color💕
Thanks! I change it a lot!
Great video. I've always enjoyed going to Ikebukuro. I think I would like to try the Sakura tram. Thanks for lots of useful information.
The tram looks like a good thing to do on return trips - it goes to a lot of places that aren't main areas or mentioned in the usual lists of things to do.
Loved the video. I'm so so so close to booking for next march and this has helped.
Also that hair is ace! Good job ☺️
Thanks! Feel free to ask in the comments if you get stuck on anything when you're planning - I'm always happy to chat about Japan!
I’ve stayed in Shinjuku twice, so I’m excited to stay in Ikebukuro next time.
Good choice, I really like the feel of Ikebukuro. Lots of good stuff there! (Not to mention the arcades..!)
Remember my time living inbetween ikebukuro and otuska, very near sunshine city. great area
That must have been fantastic!
I like all your video very much 😊💓💓,i will always support you.😊
Thank you, I appreciate it! :-)
Awesome video as always! Thanks for all the info!
Thanks! Another place for the Japan to-visit list!! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces Absolutely. The list is getting bigger!
Awesome job any
Thanks!
No problem
Sunshine City, otome road/animate are my favourite places in Ikebukuro ! I loved to go J-world too but it ceased operations 😭 Really need to visit that gachapon place next time I visit Tokyo! ❤️
Hope you can enjoy exploring the new Animate in Ikebukuro - it's the world's biggest anime store, opening in March!
Can't wait to go to the Gatchapon store! 🤩
Me too!! Looks like you could spend ages in there!!
@@cakeswithfaces I'm afraid that's exactly what's going to happen o.o
Looks amazing, will have to go there.
One for the Japan to-do list!
Can’t wait to travel !
Me too!!! :-)
Looks like plenty of stuff to keep me busy before going to the Warner Bros making of Harry Potter tour! 😁 Expecto to be broke-o!
Enjoy - the one in the UK is fantastic!
Yessss, the best place to stay and the best gyoza 😁
So gooood!!! I had them the night we arrived and I was getting dizzy from tiredness - but they gave me the burst of energy I needed after forgetting to eat all day!
@@cakeswithfaces Yummm. We went back a few times in one week around new year and ended up being given fruit and little keyring presents. She is so sweet :) Everyone should give her all their money
@@boroboro_citypop Aww that's so sweet! You only get that sort of love at tiny, independent places.
I really liked Ikebukuro when I stayed there in 2019. It's a fun and interesting place to explore. Definitely want to check out that gyoza place next time I go to Tokyo. Also Ringo, an apple pie store is really nice.
Someone else here in the comments recommended Ringo as well! It must be good!! :-)
@@cakeswithfaces I ended up buying one on my way back to the hotel all three nights I was in Ikebukuro. They tasted really good, but were probably less good for the waistline :)
🚨🚨If you like otome, go to Stella Worth in Ikebukuro! This is not a drill!🚨🚨
Thanks for the recommendation! There are a lot of great new anime-related things in Ikebukuro now, it feels like a really up and coming place now.
and its an excellent guide too!
Thank you!!
I need it all bruhhhhh
Awesome.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Oh and suggestion for place to stay of course Sakura Hotel, literally round the corner from the gyoza place 😁
An excellent location! :-)
Ikebukuro = first love to me
i was traveling cluelessly with the Narita Express at random during my first ever Japan visit
i couldnt decide where to step of the train :) so i went until final station and there i was o.O
it was the superb cultural shock , its full of contradictions
ikebukuro has a certain vibe to it . its busy , its loud and a bit chaotic or hectic and a bit more "dirty
but its lovely and charming , very open and almost welcoming at the same time - hehe explain that :!
I know what you mean! Busy & chaotic but slightly less shiny than some of the other busy areas (and not a bad thing for it!). Maybe the first place you go in Tokyo always has a special place in your heart!
Absolutely wonderful Amy
Thank you!!
Thanks for the video and making my longing to Japan even worse :D !
Haha sorry not sorry!! :-)
I was in Tokyo and Osaka last October for two weeks and TOTALLY forgot to check out Ikebukuro (my first time in Tokyo). Next time I guess.
Agh there's always somewhere that gets missed out! There've been times when I've heard about something amazing the day I got back. 🙈 Time to start the list for next time...!
Kind of regret not doing much in Ikebukuro when I was studying abroad (honestly regret not doinng much in Tokyo at all). I was only in Tokyo for a few days because I had tickets to the Studio Ghibli Museum and the only thing I did in Ikebukuro was go to Sunshine City and went to the Pokemon Center and Namja Town.
It's always the way! There's so much to do that there are always things you miss. All the more reason to go back!
I saw An Idol Group show in Sunshine city when I was there. lol
Fantastic! You never know what you'll come across! :-)
Definitely Best place to eat russian sushi...
😝😝😝
I found Otome Road was quite good if you like Otome games, but it definitely had other anime stuff there too. I didn't manage to fit in Akiba though, so I can't compare the two for Otome game goods
Makes sense that Otome Road would be the place for Otome games!! :-) Glad you found it!
I'm pretty sure we've had this conversation before, but is there a day travel pass for trains because I learn by getting off at multiple wrong stops until im know my way around (Just like London haha)
It's funny how the gravestone building, because not that long ago I discovered this 80s anime called The laughing Salesman (all the episodes are on youtube) and the reference that building ..but it was a whole village full of em?
Great guid as always, can't wait to get my jabs and go to Japan ...in 2034
There are day passes - be careful because not all of them cover all the train lines (the trains are run by several different companies). I recommend getting a Suica card because it's valid for everything so it's just easier. However if you're planning on doing a lot of journeys and getting off at multiple stops in one day, a pass might be cheaper.
I do enjoy shopping in Ikebukuru, scored some great video game bargains there. Also they had great Xmas illustrations in 2019.
Not been on that tram but did the Setagaya tram when doing my Persona 5 pilgrimage in Sangenjaya, loved it.
Did you spot the cat tram on the Setagaya line? Came across a picture of it the other day!! :-)
We visited the Pokemon Center in 2019, but holy moly, 3000 Gachapon machines? This is....insane :D probably a full day only for looking at all of them. Would be interesting to know, if they are all individual machines or if they double?
From the photos/mock-ups they look like regular machines. You could easily lose hours in there I'm sure...! Add an extra day to your trip!
How to get cheap price when we do shopping many stuff in Japan ? Is for the tour in Japan state ,they have cheap bus or cheap car ? Or maybe the people japan have traditional car ?
At some shops, foreigners can get a discount if you show your passport (look out for the signs, and there's a minimum spend).
I think the bullet train is the best way to tour Japan - get a Japan Rail Pass (not cheap, but you save a lot of money compared to individual tickets). There are also coaches / highway buses but the train's a lot quicker.
Crunchyroll recommended Ikebukuro as my anime aesthetic
It's a fun place, especially if you like anime!
Hi! Is that department store closed to sunshine city prince hotel? Tia!
Do you mean the gachapon department store? If so then yes! It's inside Sunshine City mall, right where the hotel is!
My first rrip in feb 2024
You're going to love it!
Which one the best hot pool onseen do you choose ?
Most onsen are outside Tokyo, in beautiful onsen towns in the country! :-)
It is a rather confusing JR Station. You really have to know where you're trying to go and which exit to use. You can easily end up on an odd side leading to nothing.
The first time I went to Ikebukuro, I did exactly that and didn't know where to go. I didn't think much of Ikebukuro that time! Glad I went back and gave it a second chance, and managed to find the good stuff the next time.
that gacha store wille at a lot of my cash
3000 gachapon machines to choose from - it could take some time!!
👍
There is a place called SLUM.. Stay far away from it! lol scary stuff 😂🥸😱 I lived here for 3 years. Ikebukero has a lot of shady stuff too.
Not heard of that place! Is it an area within Ikebukuro?
@@cakeswithfaces it is. But it's very adult is you catch my drift. Not the kind of place you would recommend.
@@oosmosmoo Not for everyone's list of things to do in Ikebukuro then!!
Why do all content creators talking bout Tokyo assume tourists take the trains?? Many of us don’t.
@@janicelee3826 rent a car or grab a taxi/Uber. You can also rent bikes and get around just fine while also getting a workout in.
Russian sushi!??
Sadly not real, but some of the locations are: www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/107882
Bruh she didn't get the reference
This isn't Shin Megami Tensei at all
😝😝
Can't wait to see russia sushi and guy yelling izaya
😂😂😂
@@cakeswithfaces please tell me you got the reference
@@rizzgod-wj6ty Yes I do don't worry! 😉
@@cakeswithfaces yay!! You are the best😭❤️