Ikebukuro is the next-best district in Tokyo, after Akihabara, for Pokémon TCG hunting. It’s high concentration of specialised card shops makes it a prime location for collectors and game enthusiasts.
Most shops are located near the East Exit of Ikebukuro Station, making it easy to jump between stores – ideal for those with cram-packed itineraries. Just keep an eye on the clock, though… time tends to fly when you are having fun!
If you’ve got a little extra time, why not check out the nearby Sunshine City complex – a ‘city within a city’ that has everything you need from dining and shopping to indoor theme parks and even an aquarium. And of course, we cant forget the famous Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store…
Nearest Stations:
Ikebukuro Station – Image of west exit – 15 minute walk to Mega Tokyo Pokémon Center.
So, where are we heading?
We’ve listed a few retailers below that carry Pokémon products within the area. Follow the links provided for more information!
- Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
- C-labo
- Card Secret
- Mint Games
- BOOKOFF Ikebukuro
- Notable Mentions
Please get in touch if there are any other noteworthy local retailers you’d like us to feature!
1. Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo
About
Located on the second floor of the Sunshine City Alpa shopping complex, Pokémon Center Mega Toyko is recognised as the largest Pokémon Center by floor space in Japan – it is also complimented by the nearby Pikachu Sweets Cafe.
This official Pokémon store offers a wide selection of mechandise, including plushies, stationery, and a variety of collectibles.
Trading cards are sold new and sealed only. The store does not sell single or graded cards, nor does it offer in-store or online appraisals. We recommend visiting in person to check the availability of sealed TCG products.
Head on over to our Pokémon Center section for more information on location, exclusive merch and nearby attractions!
Additional info
Atmosphere – Typically overcrowded, particularly on weekends and holidays.
Budget Rating – 3/5
Mid price range.
Currency – Cash and card.
Visit Rating – 5/10
Socials
Website
https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/pokecen/megatokyo/
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/Pokemon_cojp
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/pokemon_jpn/
2. C-labo
About
C-labo is one of Japan’s largest TCG marketplaces, with over 30 stores nationwide. Specialising in various TCG’s, C-labo sells, buys and trades Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, One Piece and more, both in their physical stores and online, offering both single cards and sealed products.
The store is well known for its tournaments and in-store duel spaces, and is conveniently located around a 5 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.
Additional info
Atmosphere – Reviews of staff interactions tend to be less favorable, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when planning your visit… Compared to other TCG stores, the store is relatively spacious with plenty of room for display cases and to battle with friends.
Budget Rating – 4/5
Mid to high-end price range.
Currency – Cash and card.
Visit Rating – 5/10
Socials
Website
https://www.c-labo.jp/
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/cardlabo_info
Location
Address
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−20−6 プラザイン池袋 4階
Opening hours
| Mon – Fri | 10:00 – 21:00 |
| Sat – Sun | 10:00 – 21:00 |
3. Card Secret
About
Specialising primarily in Pokémon, Card Secret is a must when visiting the area – it is also one of our personal favourites.
The store offers a great selection of cards from vintage to modern, in both raw and graded condition, and in multiple languages! The store also stocks a variety of booster packs and accessory items such as figures, mats, sleeves and coins.
The staff are very helpful and can also communicate in English, which makes this a very tourist friendly spot.
Located on the 5th floor and only a 5 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station & Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo, there’s really no excuse not to add this to your itinerary!
Additional info
Atmosphere – Very spacious and well lit – one of the very few TCG stores that actually benefits from natural light. A calm and enjoyable place to browse.
Budget Rating – 4/5
Mid to high-end price range.
Currency – Cash and card.
Visit Rating – 10/10
Socials
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/card_secret
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/card_secret/
Location
Address
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−23−9 近代ビル 10 4階
Opening hours
| Mon – Fri | 12:00 – 21:00 |
| Sat – Sun | 12:00 – 21:00 |
4. Mint Games
About
Mint Games is Japan’s largest speciality store for sports cards, featuring over 15 stores nationwide and a massive online marketplace.
Located on the second floor within Ikebukuro PARCO mall and only a 2 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station, this store also sells singles for trading card games like Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering and One Piece.
Mint is typically known for carrying high-end collectibles, so the range of cards available can vary —it’s best to see it for yourself, or browse their inventory online before visiting. Sealed booster packs & boxes are also available.
There is a generously sized dual room for tournaments & events within the store.
Additional info
Atmosphere – Display cases and interior feel premium, and the layout is well organised. The Pokémon section is quite small and the display stands are quite low – so a lot of bending down!
Budget Rating – 4/5
Mid to high-end price range.
Currency – Cash and card.
Visit Rating – 6/10
Socials
Website
https://mint-web.jp/
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/MintHeadquarter
Location
Address
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−50−35 池袋P’PARCO 2F
Opening hours
| Mon – Fri | 11:00 – 21:00 |
| Sat – Sun | 11:00 – 21:00 |
5. BOOKOFF Ikebukuro
About
Specialising in secondhand & discounted goods, BOOKOFF locations also dedicate a section of the store to trading cards & accessories – here you will find general bulk & single cards in raw and graded condition for Pokémon , Yu-Gi-Oh, One Piece, Dragon Ball and so on.
This BOOKOFF store is only a 5 minute walk from Ikebukuro Station and is split across two levels. It is also one pricier BOOKOFF stores – likely due to its location – so that’s worth keeping in mind when you visit.
Additional info
Atmosphere – The stores central location means that the TCG section can get quite crowded during peak times and popular items tend to sell out quickly.
Budget Rating – 3/5
Mid price range.
Currency – Cash and card.
Visit Rating – 5/10
Socials
Website
https://www.bookoff.co.jp/shop/shop20422.html
X (Twitter)
https://x.com/SS60_ikebukuo
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/bookoff_official/
Location
Address
Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−22−10 ヒューマックスパビリオン
Opening hours
| Mon – Fri | 10:00 – 22:00 |
| Sat – Sun | 10:00 – 22:00 |
Notable mentions
Notable mentions from the community, if you have the time (because who doesn’t when in Japan) go check out these stores…
Store
6. Toreca Chase
Known for: Modern sets & sealed product.
7. Nin-Nin Ikebukuro
Known for: Vintage singles.
Address
6. Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−14 14TheCity池袋 5階
7. Japan, 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 1 Chome−23−13 第一岡村ビル 3階
Poketinerary 