Statue & Monument · Ikebukuro

Ikefukuro Owl Statue いけふくろう

Ikebukuro's stone owl, a pun on the station name (fukuro = owl), installed in the underground concourse in 1987 and the neighbourhood's go-to meeting point.

About

Ikebukuro's name contains the word 'fukuro', and since owls are fukuro in Japanese, the owl became the area's unofficial mascot, with dozens of owl sculptures hidden around the district. The best known is Ikefukuro, a stone owl set into the wall of the JR concourse under Ikebukuro Station in 1987, which plays the role of Shibuya's Hachiko: it is where Tokyoites agree to meet in one of the world's busiest and most confusing stations. Owls are also considered lucky in Japan, as 'fukuro' can be read as 'no hardship'. Once you have seen it, look out for owl statues and manhole covers on the streets above, especially around the east exit and Sunshine-dori.

Highlights

• Stone owl set into the station concourse wall
• Classic Ikebukuro meeting point since 1987
• Pun on the station name and a lucky symbol
• Start of an owl-spotting walk around the district
• Free and accessible whenever the station is open

Tips

• It is in the underground passage near the JR Central Gate 2 area, between the east and west sides; follow signs for 'Ikefukuro'.
• Agree on which side of the statue to meet; it is very busy at weekend evenings.
• Look for other owl statues around Ikebukuro West Gate Park and on the streets toward Sunshine City.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Ikebukuro StationTransit Hub · 10 m away
• Ikebukuro Station · Central Passage Coin LockersLuggage Storage · 20 m away
• TOBU Tourist Information Center IkebukuroTourist Info · 100 m away
• Tokyo Metro Ikebukuro Station Passenger Information CenterTourist Info · 100 m away
• JR EAST Travel Service Center · IkebukuroTourist Info · 140 m away
• Don Quijote Ikebukuro Higashiguchi EkimaeUnique Store · 150 m away
• Bic Camera Ikebukuro West ExitCamera Store · 230 m away
• Ikebukuro EngeijoShows & Entertainment · 250 m away