1.
Ikebukuro; the transport and shopping hub in northern Tokyo
A district in Toshima Ward built around one of the busiest stations in Japan. It is known for its department stores, Sunshine City complex, and a large concentration of anime and manga shops aimed at a female fandom, which has earned the area the nickname 乙女ロード.
Written with 池 (pond) and 袋 (bag), from old place names in the area.
Common expressions
- 池袋駅: Ikebukuro Station, a terminal for the Yamanote, Seibu, and Tobu lines
- 池袋西口 / 東口: the west and east sides, each with its own department store and atmosphere
- 乙女ロード: the street of anime and manga shops catering to female fans
- 池袋系: the Ikebukuro crowd or style, contrasted with Shibuya's
Cultural note
Among Tokyo's three big west-side hubs, 渋谷 suggests youth fashion, 新宿 business and nightlife, and 池袋 an everyday, slightly less polished shopping town. Its station is one of the world's busiest, so 池袋 is often invoked as shorthand for rush-hour crowds.