Ikebukuro Station — Attraction in Tokyo

Shinkansen 🚄 does not pass through Ikebukuro Station, but JR → Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line, private railways → Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Tokyo Metro (Subway) → Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line・This is a huge terminal station on the Fukutoshin Line❗️

On the east exit side, there are Seibu Ikebukuro Main Store, PARCO, Sunshine City, Sunshine Aquarium🐟, Sunshine 60 Observation Deck, etc. On the west exit side, there are Tobu Department Store, Hotel Metropolitan, Tokyo Metropolitan Theater, etc. If you head along the railway toward Otsuka, There is a love hotel 🏩 town that I took care of when I was young 😜

I use Ikebukuro Station to transfer from the Yamanote Line to the Tobu Tojo Line, but I have also ridden the Seibu Ikebukuro Line several times.

Also, there are often local products exhibitions held inside the JR ticket gates, and I sometimes buy them, which are nice ❗️✨ It's fun just looking at them 👀✨ and they always seem to go well with beer 🍺 I buy things and sweets like kintsuba ❗️ It's nice to be able to eat local food without having to go there ❗️✨😁👍

Also, I sometimes buy lottery tickets at the lottery ticket booth near the Seibu Ikebukuro main store entrance on the east side ❗️ I haven't won a big...

JR Ikebukuro at night is buzzing and full of life—definitely one of Tokyo’s liveliest hubs after dark! The station itself is huge, with tons of exits that open up into bright neon streets, department stores, arcades, and endless food options.

Right outside you’ll find Sunshine City, a massive complex with shops, restaurants, bars, and even an aquarium—great for a nighttime wander. The nearby East Exit streets are filled with izakayas and ramen joints, perfect for a casual dinner with coworkers or friends.

If you’re up for it, Otome Road offers quirky manga, anime shops, and themed cafés that stay open late. Or hop into a retro gaming arcade or karaoke spot—lots stay open until midnight or even later.

The vibe is electric but friendly—street lamps, lively billboards, and groups of people heading out for food or fun. It can get crowded, but it’s part of the charm.

Getting back is easy too since JR Ikebukuro runs all night on the Yamanote Line and has great subway connections. Overall, it’s a must-see for anyone who loves Tokyo’s energetic nightlife without heading to Shibuya...

Ikebukuro station is made of up of four separate "Ikebukuro stations" - the Tobu Tojo line Ikebukuro station, the Seibu Ikebukuro station, the JR Ikebukuro Station and the Tokyo Metro Ikebukuro station. As such it is a major transit hub and that is reflected in the amount of people traffic in the station. In recent years it has become the 2nd busiest station not just in Japan, but in the world.

All four stations are now interconnected and you do not have to leave one to get into the other. At underground level there are a number of passageways and corridors linking all buildings together. Above ground there are several buildings some of which are also interconnected above ground level. Within walking distance is Sunshine City - a mall with shops, museums, arcades, entertainment, even an aquarium.

It isn't the best signposted station in the world, not even second best! It is easy to get disorientated as a first timer (or a frequent user!!). If you allow yourself plenty of time and use some of the online or print maps available you can...