Esola Ikebukuro

Esola Ikebukuro (エソラ池袋) is a commercial building directly connected to Ikebukuro Station on the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line in Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima Ward, Tokyo. It is operated by Metro Properties Co., Ltd. (メトロプロパティーズ), a subsidiary of Tokyo Metro Co., Ltd. The building spans three basement levels to nine floors above ground, with retail space from basement level 1 to the 9th floor, and houses approximately 40 shops. The tenant mix focuses on fashion brands, lifestyle goods, and restaurants, with an emphasis on brands making their first appearance in Ikebukuro. The target audience is primarily women in their 20s to 40s who base their activities in Ikebukuro, as well as office workers and nearby residents who enjoy urban living. The concept is "Ikebukuro's refined gateway" (池袋の上質な玄関口), and the exterior is a monochrome building based on white and black, aiming to be a new landmark for the west exit of Ikebukuro Station. The name "Esola" derives from two meanings: a refined gateway from the station to the ground (sky), and the desire to be "E (good)" and "sola (sky)" for station users. The facility opened on November 27, 2009, following the earlier opening of Echika Ikebukuro in March 2009. The site was originally acquired in 1970 as construction land for the Yurakucho Line, and after the line opened, it was used for station entrances, staff quarters, and commercial shops known as "Metropia." In 2003, the then Teito Rapid Transit Authority (Eidan) began considering more effective use of the land, leading to the decision to develop a commercial building. Esola Ikebukuro continues to operate as a key retail destination directly linked to Ikebukuro Station, with ongoing shop openings and events, such as the opening of a Timberland store in June 2026.

The site of Esola Ikebukuro was originally acquired in 1970 as construction land for the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line. After the line opened, the land was used for various purposes including station entrances and exits, staff quarters, and commercial shops under the name "Metropia." In 2003, as the Teito Rapid Transit Authority (Eidan) prepared for privatization, it began considering more effective use of its owned land, examining three potential uses: a commercial building, a hotel, and an office building. Based on issues seen from the assumed building and market rents for each use, it was determined that development as a commercial building was optimal. On November 25, 2008, it was announced that a commercial building (tentatively named "Ikebukuro 12-ban Gai Building") would open in autumn 2009, alongside the opening of the Yurakucho Line portion of Echika Ikebukuro. On March 26, 2009, Echika Ikebukuro opened. On September 28, 2009, the name "Esola Ikebukuro" was officially announced, with the opening date set for November 27, 2009. The facility opened on November 27, 2009. The name "Esola" combines the meanings of a refined gateway from the station to the ground (sky) and the desire to be "E (good)" and "sola (sky)" for station users. The building is directly connected to Ikebukuro Station, spans from three basement levels to nine floors above ground (shops from B1 to 9F), and comprises 40 shops. It targets women in their 20s to 40s based in Ikebukuro, office workers, and nearby residents. The concept is "Ikebukuro's refined gateway," and the exterior is a monochrome building based on white and black, aiming to be a new landmark for the west exit of Ikebukuro Station. Tokyo Metro also developed "Echika Ikebukuro," a 40-shop facility in spaces created by station improvements, which opened earlier. Esola Ikebukuro continues to operate, with recent events such as the opening of a Timberland store in June 2026.

• Site acquired as construction land for the Yurakucho Line.

• Eidan begins considering effective use of the land; commercial building selected as optimal.

• Announcement of planned opening in autumn 2009 (tentative name: Ikebukuro 12-ban Gai Building).

• Echika Ikebukuro opens.

• Official announcement of name "Esola Ikebukuro" and opening date November 27, 2009.

• Esola Ikebukuro opens.

• Timberland store opens.

A refined gateway to Ikebukuro, targeting women in their 20s-40s and office workers, with a monochrome landmark design.

Product categories. Fashion apparel · Lifestyle goods · Restaurants and cafes · Food and sweets · Books and stationery

1. 1エソラ池袋 | 東京メトロ有楽町線池袋駅直結の駅ビルmetropro-sc.jp
2. 2Esola Ikebukuro - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3エソラ池袋 - Wikipediaja.wikipedia.org