The sub-city centers of Tokyo Metropolitan Area such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro have played an important role in sustenance of the socio-economic activity of Tokyo. The transition of the said sub-city centers, however, have never examined, especially the relationship with the suburban railways which was concentrated to the sub-city centers and was responsible to the transformation of their hinterland.
The purpose of this research is to retain the firm grasp on the transformation of the hinterland of sub-city centers together with the development of suburban railways and distinguishes their effect on the transition of the sub-city centers by comparing between Shibuya's and Ikebukuro's hinterland.
As the result, it was concluded that the low potential in the hinterland of Ikebukuro area has been the cause of the delay on the transition of Ikebukuro as the sub-city center comparing with Shibuya.
