IN THIS VIDEO you’ll see a brief overview of the Ikebukuro area.

IN THIS VIDEO you’ll see a trip to shopping mecca Sunshine City in Ikebukuro as well as me enjoying Octopus Ice Cream

IN THIS VIDEO you’ll see part 2 of my ice cream adventure.... Snake Ice Cream as well as a visit to the Sunshine City Aquarium.

Ikebukuro if the name were to be translated directly would mean “Pond Bag.” And while its appellation is geographical in nature Id say its a pretty good summation of the place.  While it is by no means a slum it’s gotten a slightly negative view in Japanese opinion as it’s not considered much of a cultural destination.  It has some good shopping and night life, but is known more for the rather large red-light district in the north as well as a large population of bumpkins who visit from neighboring Saitama prefecture known as “Dasaitama” a play on words meaning “uncool Saitama.”

    The one must see destination in my opinion is Sunshine City a 60 story shopping/office space mega-comlex that houses a small theme park known as “Namja Town.”  Namja town (300 Yen Entrance Fee) is an especially good destination for those with children.  There you’ll find arcades, a haunted house, a 1950’s theme gyoza (pot sticker) food court and an ice cream museum that boasts literally hundreds of flavors and styles from around the world.  Who hasn’t wanted to try octopus ice cream?  Ok, if you haven’t they have every other flavor imaginable.