Day Three, Part One: Ikebukuro

Started this day off in Ikebukuro, which with Shinjuku and Shibuya is one of the main sub-centres of Tokyo, though not as flashy or showy. The big claim to fame here is the two department stores that flank the train station - Tobu to the west and Seibu to the east, both monster stores. We didn't shop in either of them.

Instead, we checked out a festival that was happening in the plaza outside Metropolitan Plaza where dancers, musicians, and food vendors were set up for the entire day and the Japan Traditional Craft Centre in the plaza. Beautiful pottery, lacquerware, woodwork, jewellery, and textiles at the craft centre, but hugely expensive.