🌸 Basic Information
Line name: Seibu Ikebukuro Line
Operator: Seibu Railway Co., Ltd.
Route: Ikebukuro Station (Toshima-ku, Tokyo) → Agano Station (Hannō City, Saitama)
Direct connection to the Seibu Chichibu Line
Total length: approx. 57.8 km / Stations: 26 (Ikebukuro–Agano)
Train types: Local, Semi-Express, Express, Rapid Express, Limited Express “Laview”
Through service: Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line, Fukutoshin Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Minatomirai Line
Daily ridership: approx. 700,000 (entire Ikebukuro Line system)
📜 History
・1915 – Opened as Musashino Railway between Ikebukuro and Hannō
・1920s – Line extension and double-tracking completed
・1945 – Merged into Seibu Railway, becoming today’s Seibu Ikebukuro Line
・1994 – Began through service with Tokyo Metro Yūrakuchō Line
・2008 – Through service started with Fukutoshin Line
・2013 – Direct operation extended to Tokyu Toyoko Line and Minatomirai Line
・2019 – New Limited Express Laview launched, connecting Ikebukuro and Seibu-Chichibu comfortably
🚉 Major Stations & Area Highlights
Ikebukuro – Urban terminal hub connecting JR and subways; major shopping and redevelopment ongoing
Nerima – Transfer to Toei Oedo Line; balanced mix of residential and commercial areas
Shakujii-Koen – Express stop; rich greenery and high livability
Oizumi-Gakuen – Quiet residential zone with large shopping centers; family-friendly
Hoya–Hibarigaoka – Last residential zone within Tokyo; peaceful and convenient
Tokorozawa – Interchange with Seibu Shinjuku Line; redevelopment in progress
Kotesashi – Many trains originate here; popular with families as a bedroom community
Hannō – Gateway to Seibu-Chichibu Line; increasing demand for tourism and relocation
Agano – Surrounded by mountains and nature; suitable for cottages and outdoor life
🌟 Advantages (Merits)
✅ 1. Direct Access to Central Tokyo & Multiple Lines
Direct to Ikebukuro, with through service to Yūrakuchō, Fukutoshin, Tokyu Toyoko, and Minatomirai Lines
→ Reach Shibuya, Shinjuku-sanchōme, Yokohama, and Chinatown with no transfers
✅ 2. Affordable Living Costs
Beyond Nerima toward Saitama, rents are considerably lower, offering a great balance for both singles and families.
✅ 3. Close to Nature & Tourist Areas
Hannō and Agano feature rivers, parks, and mountains, perfect for outdoor lovers and families.
With the Laview Limited Express, Chichibu and Nagatoro are just a short ride away.
✅ 4. More Chances to Get a Seat
Many trains depart from Kotesashi and Hannō, increasing the chance to sit during commute hours.
⚠️ Disadvantages (Demerits)
❌ 1. Crowded during Rush Hours
The Ikebukuro–Shakujii-Koen–Tokorozawa section gets heavily crowded, especially in the mornings.
❌ 2. Prone to Delays
Due to multiple through connections, delays from Fukutoshin or Toyoko Lines can easily affect schedules.
❌ 3. Complex Station Layout at Ikebukuro
The Seibu platform is located deep within the terminal, and transferring to JR or subway lines may take extra time.
🧺 Livability Evaluation
Transportation: ★★★★★ / Direct to central Tokyo, Yokohama & tourist spots; many originating stations
Shopping: ★★★★☆ / Large malls around Tokorozawa, Nerima, and Ikebukuro
Nature: ★★★★☆ / Parks and green areas like Shakujii Park, Hannō River, Chichibu nearby
Education & Childcare: ★★★★☆ / Plenty of nurseries and schools; family-friendly
Safety: ★★★★☆ / Generally calm and stable residential zones
Dining & Entertainment: ★★★☆☆ / Lively near Tokyo; quieter in suburbs
🏠 Real Estate Overview
💴 Average Rent (as of 2025)
Nerima – 1R/1K: ¥75,000–90,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥140,000–180,000 / Excellent city access, well-equipped area
Shakujii-Koen – 1R/1K: ¥65,000–80,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥120,000–160,000 / Popular park-side neighborhood
Oizumi-Gakuen – 1R/1K: ¥60,000–75,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥110,000–150,000 / Popular for both students and families
Tokorozawa – 1R/1K: ¥55,000–70,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥100,000–140,000 / Redeveloped hub area
Kotesashi – 1R/1K: ¥50,000–65,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥90,000–120,000 / Origin station, family-oriented
Hannō – 1R/1K: ¥45,000–60,000 / 2LDK〜: ¥80,000–110,000 / Great for nature and suburban life
🏘 Housing Trends
・Nerima–Hibarigaoka: Popular with singles and couples; convenience-focused
・Tokorozawa–Hannō: Family-oriented, with many condos and detached homes
・Beyond Hannō (Agano area): For countryside living, second homes, or remote work retreats
🎯 Recommended For
✅ Commuters to Ikebukuro, Shibuya, or central Tokyo
✅ Families seeking calm, green residential environments
✅ Those wanting a “hybrid lifestyle” close to both the city and nature
✅ People who prefer to sit from the first train stop during rush hours
✅ Outdoor lovers who enjoy easy access to Chichibu and nearby mountain areas
📌 Summary
The Seibu Ikebukuro Line connects Ikebukuro and Hannō, evolving from a typical suburban commuter line into a hybrid route linking the suburbs, central Tokyo, and Yokohama via multiple through services.
With its balance of affordability, convenience, and natural surroundings, it’s a perfect choice for families, singles, and suburban relocators alike.