If you want a break from all the shopping and walking in Ikebukuro, visit Sunshine City to soak your feet in a free footbath from February 3 to 5. Ikebukuro Sunshine no Yu is a joint project with local bathhouse associations and first took place last year.
This year's event features a projection of Mt Fuji plus other colourful paintings on a 628-inch screen at the Fountain Plaza on the basement floor. You'll find footbaths with water enhanced by bath salt, fruit or kombu (kelp), all lined with tatami mats to make you feel like you’re at an actual sento bathhouse. Visit on February 4 and you’ll be treated to a rakugo (traditional storytelling) performance by local resident Sanyutei Gunma at 1pm and 3pm.