Sunshine City in Ikebukuro is definitely one of Tokyo’s best large-scale shopping and entertainment complexes. Whether you’re visiting with family, on a date, or an anime fan, you can easily spend the whole day here! The best part is how perfectly it combines shopping, food, and entertainment. The layout is well planned, and the indoor environment is comfortable. Even on a rainy day, you can stay cool inside and enjoy a perfect indoor outing.
Sunshine City | Review by Chris
Other Reviews by Chris
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Roppongi Keyakizaka Street
Spanning approximately 400 meters east-west through Roppongi Hills, Roppongi Keyakizaka Street connects the Circular Route 3 and TV Asahi Street. It's a gently sloping avenue lined with zelkova trees, where beds of colorful flowers mark the seasons.
During a winter trip to Tokyo, I made a special evening visit to Roppongi Keyakizaka Street. As the sky darkened, the lights along both sides of the street gradually came on, instantly transforming the entire road into a magical winter scene. From the sidewalk, Tokyo Tower appeared perfectly centered in the sea of lights at the end of the street. Like many others, I waited for the red light and quickly stepped into the middle of the road to snap a photo. It may be a short street, but the illuminations fill it with a wonderful holiday atmosphere. It became one of my most unforgettable memories from Tokyo.
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Sensoji Temple
This iconic destination in Asakusa sees as many as 30 million visitors each year. It stands as a well-loved mainstay in Tokyo, all while hosting a number of annual traditions like the first temple visit at New Years, Setsubun and more across the year.
Years ago, I visited Sensoji Temple with my family. We wore kimonos and took lots of photos here. When I returned to Tokyo years later, I headed out alone to visit the temple while my family was still asleep.
Sensoji Temple isn't very crowded early in the morning. I prayed for a safe and smooth family trip and also drew an omikuji. I'd heard that Sensoji has a higher chance of drawing bad luck than other temples, so I was relieved to get good luck! -
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Kanda Myojin
Kanda Myojin is a historical shrine famous for bestowing its blessings in marriage and business prosperity, enhancing luck in battle while warding off danger and disaster. Located in Tokyo's central business district, many firms come to worship at the beginning of the year, as this shrine cannot be ignored if seeking fortune in business.
Kanda Myojin had always been one of the Tokyo shrines I really wanted to visit. On top of that, when I went, an anime I love was holding a special exhibition at the shrine, so I absolutely had to stop by.
Once inside the grounds, the bright red shrine building really stood out and looked especially beautiful under the blue sky. The grounds aren’t especially large, but they’re very clean and well maintained, with a solemn yet peaceful atmosphere.
It blends tradition and modern culture nicely. You can feel its long history, while also seeing unique charms related to anime, video games, and the IT industry. It’s definitely worth making a special trip for. -
