Rising into the sky above Ikebukuro, Sunshine 60 lives up to its name.
Its glass walls gleam in the sunlight, a symbol of the city’s bright future.
Yet beneath that brilliance lies a shadow from Japan’s past.
Once, this site was home to the Sugamo Prison.
After World War II, it held Class-A war criminals such as Hideki Tōjō, many of whom met their end here.
Then, in 1978, a 240-meter skyscraper rose upon the quiet remains of that place.
From the shadow of war to the light of hope —
this ground has undergone a transformation beyond time.
Today, Sunshine 60 bustles with life—its observation deck and shopping complexes draw countless visitors.
From the top, you can see all of Tokyo stretching endlessly.
At night, its glass walls shimmer like stars,
as if the city itself were whispering a story of rebirth.
This tower is more than a tourist spot.
It doesn’t hide the past—it stands on top of memory,
showing us what a future built upon remembrance can look like.
Where there is light, there is shadow.
And at the bottom of every shadow, there lies a faint light.
Those who ride the elevator skyward today
may feel that silent dialogue between the two.
Ikebukuro Walking Routes — Exploring Tokyo Around Sunshine 60
① Sky & Memory Course — The Contrast Between Past and Future
Theme: A half-day walk through history and hope
- Sunshine 60 Observatory
- Sunshine Fountain Plaza
- Higashi-Ikebukuro Central Park (Sugamo Prison Memorial)
- Café near Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
🕒 Time: 2–3 hours
📝 Experience the quiet contrast between the future seen from above and the memories resting beneath your feet.
② Culture & Street Course — The Crossroads of Youth and Literature
Theme: A stroll through pop culture and academia
- Sunshine Street
- Ikebukuro PARCO & P’PARCO (anime and gaming culture)
- Rikkyo University campus
- Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
🕒 Time: About 3 hours
📝 Discover Ikebukuro’s unique blend of pop culture and literary heritage. The tree-lined paths of Rikkyo University make for perfect photo spots.
③ Night & Reflection Course — Twilight, Taste, and Time
Theme: A night walk blending city lights and flavors
- Sunshine 60 Observatory (enter at sunset)
- Dinner at Sunshine City ALPA
- Minami-Ikebukuro Park
- Ikebukuro East Exit Gourmet Street (bars & izakayas)
🕒 Time: Evening to night (3–4 hours)
📝 From the glowing skyline above to the quiet streets below, end your night with a drink and the lingering aftertaste of Tokyo.
Sunshine 60 isn’t just a skyscraper—it’s a dialogue between memory and light.
To stand beneath it is to feel Tokyo’s quiet determination to turn its past into a promise for the future.
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