Otome Road

Fri 2009/01/23 22:31 JST
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Ikebukuro has over time become what one may call it a "mini Akihabara" where one will find maid cafes, Toranoana, and a load of anime n doujin shops such as K Books in Otome Road. Didn't find any Dollfie stuff though. Aoi-chan is getting cold wearing just a slip all the time. Was wondering if my flu has anything to do with it.

Get off at JR Ikebukuro station and head towards Sunshine City - you will find signs at the station. On the way, you will find Toranoana on a road leading off to the right and Otome Road opposite Sunshine City.

Ikebukuro Toranoana below.

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  • Meimi132
    Meimi132 in Stuck in the void between the net life and real life. (Registered on 2007/12/03)
    Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
    http://meimi132.wordpress.com/

    Oooooo awesome. 3 places I definately must visit. Shibuya(cos of Super Gals), Akihabara and Ikebukuro, I always thought Ikebukuro was in conflict with Shibuya lol, cos of Super Gals again lol.

    Fri 2009/01/23 22:50:25 JST (ID #459744)
    reply to Meimi132's comment
    • Akiba-Kid
      Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17)
      Online Shop
      http://wildarms.egloos.com

      Also add Nakano for Nakano Broadway :D Those 4 places are where I always visit whenever I go to Japan~

      Fri 2009/01/23 23:47:00 JST (ID #459802)
      reply to Akiba-Kid's comment
  • darktek13
    darktek13 in Utah, USA (Registered on 2008/02/03)
    Looking for work again
    http://flickr.com/photos/darktek13/

    That does it. When I finally make it to Japan, I am not leaving again until I have been everywhere. Several times.

    I do not think a vacation is going to cut it anymore. Time to aim for a higher goal!

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:02:53 JST (ID #459764)
    reply to darktek13's comment
    • Meimi132
      Meimi132 in Stuck in the void between the net life and real life. (Registered on 2007/12/03)
      Student, Otaku, She-Geek(Sheek lol)
      http://meimi132.wordpress.com/

      At least a month, or two is probly needed to properly appriciate it. 2 weeks would not be long enough....Not nearly enough....

      Fri 2009/01/23 23:30:31 JST (ID #459788)
      reply to Meimi132's comment
      • Quen
        Quen in ニューヨーク (Registered on 2008/08/13)
        http://www.sankakucomplex.com/

        I spent several months my first time there, years ago.

        Couldn't imagine being there for the first time and only having a week or two to spend, there's far too much otaku stuff to be done.

        Sun 2009/01/25 18:22:46 JST (ID #461979)
        reply to Quen's comment
  • Actar
    Actar in front of his Laptop, trapped in Singapore (Registered on 2008/05/27)
    Video Reviewer of Anime Figures, Mecha and Merch (youtube.com/user/Actar576295)
    http://actar.wordpress.com

    My knowledge of Maiden Road comes from Patrica's explanation in Lucky Star.

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:05:15 JST (ID #459770)
    reply to Actar's comment
    • Ershin
      Ershin in The Mystic Lands of Australia (Registered on 2008/11/07)
      Student

      Really? I liked Yutaka's interpretation a lot more.

      Sat 2009/01/24 02:07:37 JST (ID #459913)
      reply to Ershin's comment
    • lerry[maru]
      lerry[maru] in Kuala Lumpur, MY (Registered on 2008/09/14)
      Family IT guy ...yes, NEET.

      Me too lulz.

      Kannagi, too.

      Sat 2009/01/24 06:08:15 JST (ID #460099)
      reply to lerry[maru]'s comment
    • Quen
      Quen in ニューヨーク (Registered on 2008/08/13)
      http://www.sankakucomplex.com/

      I actually visited Otome Road, shopped there occaisonally for several months, but only realized it was Otome Road (which I had heard stories about for years) after I had left Japan and saw it referenced again in some anime. ^^

      Sun 2009/01/25 18:24:50 JST (ID #461982)
      reply to Quen's comment
  • WiseFreeman
    WiseFreeman in DC Cloning Laboratory (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Dance Trooper: DCX-001 O.D.E. (Order of the Dancing Empire)
    http://dannychoo.com.my

    bookmarked on Google map~~~~

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:06:42 JST (ID #459772)
    reply to WiseFreeman's comment
    • Snafu Slick
      Snafu Slick in South Carolina, USA (Registered on 2008/06/12)
      Motivational Speaker

      Second! ^^

      Fri 2009/01/23 23:33:31 JST (ID #459790)
      reply to Snafu Slick's comment
  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    I was trying to look for the mamachapp address but couldn't find ;_; it was a wild goose chase :P It was probably the 2nd floor or something and I completely missed it ^^; Aoi chan's special suit is in progress ^^: (gomene!)

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:07:14 JST (ID #459774)
    reply to chun's comment
  • jinstevens
    jinstevens in Portland, OR, USA (Registered on 2009/01/05)
    Blogger, consultant
    http://www.netharuka.com

    You must buy Aoi-chan new clothes, and then post them on this site. Do eet! Do eet now (or at least when you get better!)

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:35:11 JST (ID #459792)
    reply to jinstevens's comment
  • AndyH
    AndyH in Birmingham, UK (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    3D artist
    http://andyh.cgsociety.org

    Stop at the sunshine city hotel like i did, and you get to go in all these shops (the 7 storey Animate! shop was the best) on the way to the train station every day!

    You can even see them out the window when you wake up of the morning n____n

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:45:25 JST (ID #459798)
    reply to AndyH's comment
    • XSportSeeker
      XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
      Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
      http://immalion.com

      That's my concept of paradise. xD

      Sat 2009/01/24 00:10:54 JST (ID #459830)
      reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • Akiba-Kid
    Akiba-Kid in California, USA (Registered on 2008/01/17)
    Online Shop
    http://wildarms.egloos.com

    Yeah, Ikebukuro is nice place indeed. There is also another doujinshi store called Rashinban next to K-Books' male doujinshi store, don't forget to visit both when you go there :)

    Fri 2009/01/23 23:48:04 JST (ID #459804)
    reply to Akiba-Kid's comment
  • Hidden Oasis
    Hidden Oasis in California, United Sates (Registered on 2008/10/28)
    College Freshmen

    Is Otome road the thing that was mentioned in Lucky Star (or was it Genshiken)?

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:05:13 JST (ID #459817)
    reply to Hidden Oasis's comment
  • Fumika
    Fumika in Nagoya, Japan (Registered on 2008/02/01)
    Thermoplastic Engineer
    http://aaroninjapan09.wordpress.com

    Oo I've been there. It's right outside the northern side of the sunshine city mall! I stayed at the sunshine city prince hotel too...

    Mucho happy shopping was done.

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:08:06 JST (ID #459824)
    reply to Fumika's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://immalion.com

    Awwww, no pics of Fujoshis? xD
    This is fairly new, isn't it Danny?
    I mean, I watched and read about Otome Road already, but on my trip to Japan couple of years ago, I don't remember seeing many manga/anime related stuff at the station...
    We spent a day at Sunshine City, mostly at Tokyu Hands...

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:09:39 JST (ID #459828)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • Cyberchaos
    Cyberchaos in Australia, Sydney (Registered on 2008/02/17)
    Tech Support Officer - Network Security Engineer
    http://burugureibi.blogspot.com/

    Yet another 'to visit' place marked down

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:43:56 JST (ID #459848)
    reply to Cyberchaos's comment
  • punynari
    punynari in Yokosuka, Japan (Registered on 2008/09/20)
    US Navy Sailor
    http://punynari.wordpress.com/

    Yup, no dollfie stuff at all in Ikebukuro (that I saw either). The Mandarke there is pretty much all yaoi/female oriented as expected from Maiden Road. The stores of interest for guys are a doujin K Books store with all for guys stuff and a doujin store on Sunshine road (Toranoana?) that occasionally has some good sales on figures. Sometimes they sell two figures together for a lower price or strap extras like posters to an item.

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:55:02 JST (ID #459855)
    reply to punynari's comment
  • chay
    chay in Philippines (Registered on 2009/01/21)

    The more i read dannychoo.com, the more i wanna go to Japan. What a nice place indeed.

    Sat 2009/01/24 00:55:14 JST (ID #459856)
    reply to chay's comment
  • garturo62
    garturo62 in Arizona (Registered on 2008/12/23)
    none

    Looks cool would want to go there.

    Sat 2009/01/24 01:02:56 JST (ID #459861)
    reply to garturo62's comment
  • Marshmallow
    Marshmallow in Nova Scotia, Canada (Registered on 2008/08/26)
    Student
    http://meganemarshmallow.wordpress.com/

    Some nice BL stuff there I suppose... :3

    Sat 2009/01/24 01:56:12 JST (ID #459899)
    reply to Marshmallow's comment
  • Andrei-kun
    Andrei-kun in California, USA (Registered on 2008/10/23)
    Student
    http://andreijournal.blogspot.com

    Oooh. Sheryl Nome! :D

    Sat 2009/01/24 02:47:11 JST (ID #459935)
    reply to Andrei-kun's comment
  • varutieru
    varutieru in indonesia (Registered on 2008/08/26)
    student / NEET

    ok... we reach narita, then we go start picking taxi or others
    which is closer? akihabara or ikebukuro?

    base on lucky star, this place is pretty much sells female-oriented items
    isn't that... kinda not fitting for us? well, except yuri's :)

    Sat 2009/01/24 03:00:23 JST (ID #459947)
    reply to varutieru's comment
  • silent1134
    silent1134 in Los Angeles, California (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    ???Confused???

    A nice place to pass by...

    Sat 2009/01/24 04:23:56 JST (ID #460004)
    reply to silent1134's comment
  • yueki
    yueki in NYC (Registered on 2008/12/11)
    Graphic Designer

    Otome Road is known as a girl version of Akihabara so don't be too surprised too see crowds of girls instead of your usual mass of male Otaku. While there are guys who do shop there most of the anime stores cater to girls. Truly a fujoshi's paradise! X3

    Ikebukuro overall is fun for all in my opinion and not as busy or blinding as most other popular neighborhoods. There is a Volks shop/showroom not far from Otome Road carrying a huge variety of figures and random stuff.

    Sat 2009/01/24 05:39:36 JST (ID #460049)
    reply to yueki's comment
  • leefe
    leefe in a tincan. (Registered on 2007/08/15)
    Lazyass human
    http://nipah.wordpress.com

    Singapore's mini-Akihabara (I do mean really mini) is in Sunshine plaza! What's with all the anime merchandise shops and sunshine? :P

    Sat 2009/01/24 05:41:16 JST (ID #460053)
    reply to leefe's comment
  • lightningsabre
    lightningsabre in Vancouver (Registered on 2007/08/30)
    Pseudo-Graphic Designer, 触手 wrangler, H-Man
    http://lightningsabre.blogspot.com/

    Ah so Otome Road has become more than just for "Maidens" eh? Good to know. I guess I'll add one more stop if I go to Japan, maybe get a view of the fujoshi communities there ^^;

    So are you saying you caught Aoi-chan's cold? Or is it punishment for letting Aoi running around in her slip? XD

    Sat 2009/01/24 05:42:13 JST (ID #460056)
    reply to lightningsabre's comment
  • pixelkitty
    pixelkitty in is about to be in Japan (from 20 March to 19 April 2010) (Registered on 2007/11/01)
    Doll Customiser, Web Designer, Shop Owner
    http://pixelkitty.net

    I'm surprised at you, Danny. There is a VOLKS superstore in Ikebukuro! Near Sunshine60 and the Toyota Museum.

    Sat 2009/01/24 07:02:50 JST (ID #460175)
    reply to pixelkitty's comment
  • Raptor
    Raptor in パース市、西オーストラリア (Perth, Western Australia) (Registered on 2008/03/09)
    ソフトウエアエンジニア (Software Engineer)
    http://timkoh.info

    What exactly is sunshine city. I've been to otome road before and did notice the words sunshine city around there. Is it some kind of shopping complex? Any anime goods sold there?

    I did notice there is an anime at Otome road too. But it's not together with all of the other stores.

    The K-books there was really great. Prices were cheaper than they were in Akihabara.

    Sat 2009/01/24 07:20:42 JST (ID #460194)
    reply to Raptor's comment
    • Raptor
      Raptor in パース市、西オーストラリア (Perth, Western Australia) (Registered on 2008/03/09)
      ソフトウエアエンジニア (Software Engineer)
      http://timkoh.info

      by anime i actually meant Animate store

      Sat 2009/01/24 08:36:48 JST (ID #460299)
      reply to Raptor's comment
  • Orochi~Shinobi
    Orochi~Shinobi (Registered on 2007/08/21)
    http://www.rxsiu.wordpress.com

    Do they sell posters...?

    Sat 2009/01/24 07:47:19 JST (ID #460233)
    reply to Orochi~Shinobi's comment
  • tintin-san
    tintin-san in シンガポオル Singapore (Registered on 2008/05/11)
    大学生

    The Yen is so high now!! Me want to go back Japan..

    Sat 2009/01/24 09:49:20 JST (ID #460378)
    reply to tintin-san's comment
  • zephi
    zephi in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2008/04/26)
    student
    http://zephi-san.deviantart.com/

    Ah I went there!
    Came from the Amulux Toyota building. Then went window shopping at Sunshine City. Saw all those anime shops lined up just after exiting Sunshine City.

    I always went to the female doujinshi section in Mandarake and bought books too... I don't think the people cared too much about it.

    Sat 2009/01/24 10:04:42 JST (ID #460398)
    reply to zephi's comment
  • Patrick Barron
    Patrick Barron in Michigan, United States of America (Registered on 2008/02/09)
    Grocery Store Clerk

    I need one those "mini Akihabara here in the Michgan area.

    Sat 2009/01/24 10:09:38 JST (ID #460409)
    reply to Patrick Barron's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    Otome Road = anime fangurl's paradise =3

    Sat 2009/01/24 10:59:54 JST (ID #460469)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • Harts
    Harts in Estonia (Registered on 2008/06/02)
    Student

    Definitely a place to visit when I come to Japan someday...

    Sat 2009/01/24 12:09:59 JST (ID #460533)
    reply to Harts's comment
  • Shockerz
    Shockerz in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Registered on 2008/10/12)
    Student
    http://theotakukid.com/

    A vacation would be great to Japan and visit Ikebukuro .

    Sat 2009/01/24 12:15:04 JST (ID #460540)
    reply to Shockerz's comment
  • Evil King
    Evil King in Vlaardingen, the Netherlands, Earth (Registered on 2007/12/18)
    Student and full-time otaku

    Adding to the to-visit-in-Japan list now

    Sat 2009/01/24 13:02:29 JST (ID #460561)
    reply to Evil King's comment
  • StormYkz_214
    StormYkz_214 in Ulaanbaatar (Registered on 2009/01/24)
    Programmer

    Last year visited to Japan, but missed to go to Ikebukuro :(

    Sat 2009/01/24 13:49:17 JST (ID #460595)
    reply to StormYkz_214's comment
  • azn-n3ss-__-
    azn-n3ss-__- in Brisbane (Registered on 2008/07/28)
    大学生
    http://justaskeikaku.net23.net

    Will probably go by for a peek if I make it to japan but not too interested in Otome Road because it's for otomes. Yaoi = no

    Sat 2009/01/24 13:59:52 JST (ID #460602)
    reply to azn-n3ss-__-'s comment
  • MAsia
    MAsia in NERV HQ, Tokyo-3 (Registered on 2007/01/14)
    Supreme Commander of NERV Co.

    Hey not bad, gotta keep in mind thats a place to go when I visit Japan one day ^^

    Sat 2009/01/24 16:38:11 JST (ID #460685)
    reply to MAsia's comment
  • aprilius20
    aprilius20 in Malaysia. Physically, at least. (Registered on 2008/10/26)
    Student, part-time Haruhi wannabe (that bit about godhood etc)
    http://www.aprilius20.com

    Otome Road... will I become one if I spend time there, I wonder^^;

    Sat 2009/01/24 17:42:05 JST (ID #460766)
    reply to aprilius20's comment
  • Ultimate Shogun
    Ultimate Shogun in A lonely, peaceful Island (Registered on 2009/01/10)
    Benevolent dictator of a Banana Republic

    Looks nice! How's people in Japan about near-ecchi or 'dolphin friendly' advertisements around? Is it allowed to put posters or imagery in those shops that can be seen from the street?

    Sat 2009/01/24 23:50:31 JST (ID #461074)
    reply to Ultimate Shogun's comment
  • Hatix
    Hatix in Antwerp, Belgium (Registered on 2007/04/25)
    IT, Programmer, Otaku, ...
    http://blog.jpopdb.org/

    Been there, but didn't know that was actually otome road ;p (i had a hunch though ;p)

    Sunshine City is a nice shopping center too.

    Sun 2009/01/25 01:32:03 JST (ID #461164)
    reply to Hatix's comment
  • G2
    G2 in Singapura (Registered on 2008/04/20)
    Passerby
    http://jitokun.wordpress.com/

    Stayed at Ikekuburo when I visited Tokyo. Would love to go there again.

    Tue 2009/01/27 18:29:25 JST (ID #464660)
    reply to G2's comment

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