From Ōtsuka to Ikebukuro: Shōwa Vibes, Streetcars, and the Sleazier Side of Town

The Yamanote Line’s 30 stations. (© Pixta)

Tokyo’s trams often wind their way through old neighborhoods. (© Gianni Simone)

Sun Mall is a typical shopping district near Ōtsuka Station. (© Gianni Simone)

The Shōwa-era Tokyo townscape can be found only a short walk from Ōtsuka Station. (© Gianni Simone)

Ike Sunpark has replaced the old government mint. (© Gianni Simone)

Wedged between the Metropolitan Expressway and the bifurcating rail tracks, this incinerator plant is one of the Ikebukuro skyline’s newer landmarks. (© Gianni Simone)