In Akabane and Itabashi, visitors can get a glimpse of the ordinary day-to-day life of Tokyo. On the east side of Akabane station, there are many traditional shopping districts and small izakayas, while on the west side, there’s a modern shopping mall. Itabashi is currently being developed as a residential area with a huge 1.1km long shopping street that extends from east to west. Rows of shops and izakayas target the down to earth everyday needs of locals. Both Akabane and Itabashi are notable for their easy access to the city center as well as their proximity to Ikebukuro.