Ikebukuro Station is one of Tokyo’s busiest and most confusing mega-stations.
JR lines, private railways, and multiple subway lines all intersect here, creating a maze of underground passages and countless exits.
This guide explains the easiest exits to use based on your destination, so even first-time visitors can move smoothly without getting lost.
Perfect for quick checking on your phone while walking.
🔍 First: Understand the Basic Layout
Ikebukuro becomes much easier once you divide it into four main sides:
East Exit (Shopping & Sunshine City)
West Exit (Rikkyo University & Theater District)
South Exit / Metropolitan Exit (Hotels & Offices)
North Exit (Nightlife, Asian restaurants, local bars)
Just knowing the direction of your destination makes the station far less confusing.
🎯 Best Exits by Destination
🛍 For Shopping & Sunshine City → East Exit (or Exit 35)
This is the most popular exit in Ikebukuro.
Main spots near the East Exit:
Sunshine City
Sunshine Aquarium
Sun Street / Sunshine Shopping Street
Yamada Denki LABI
Marui
Parco
SEIBU Department Store
To reach Sunshine City easily:
East Exit → Sunshine Street → walk straight
🌧 Rainy-day shortcut
Use Exit 35 for a direct underground route to Sunshine Street.
Very convenient and weather-proof.
🌃 For Nightlife & Asian Food → North Exit
The North Exit is known for its lively atmosphere and international restaurants.
Popular areas:
Ikebukuro Chinatown
Rosa Kaikan
West Ichibangai
Karaoke bars
Late-night eateries
⚠️ Tip
It’s easy to get turned around, so follow the main road after exiting the North Exit to stay oriented.
🎓 For Rikkyo University & Quiet Neighborhoods → West Exit (or C3 Exit)
West Ikebukuro has a calmer vibe compared to the East side.
Nearby destinations:
Rikkyo University
Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
Ikebukuro West Gate Park (Global Ring)
Residential streets
Business offices
🚇 Underground access
Use the C1–C9 exits to go directly to the West area without going above ground.
For Rikkyo University, Exit C3 is the closest.
🏨 For Hotels & Office Buildings → South Exit (Metropolitan Exit)
This area is quieter and easier to navigate.
Nearby spots:
Hotel Metropolitan
Metropolitan Plaza
Lumine
Business offices
It's one of the most “stress-free” exits in Ikebukuro.
🚇 For Subway Users: Which Exit Is Best?
Ikebukuro has three major subway lines, each with different convenient exits.
■ Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line
→ Best exits: East Exit, Exit 35
Direct access to the shopping district and Sunshine City.
■ Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line
→ For Sunshine City: Exit 35
→ For Rikkyo University: C1–C3 exits
■ Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
→ Best exits for West/North side: C6 & C9
Great for nightlife and Chinatown.
📌 3 Tips to Avoid Getting Lost in Ikebukuro
① Choose your direction before choosing the exit number
Ikebukuro has many exit numbers, but East / West / South / North is what really matters.
② Use the underground passages for smoother movement
Above ground is crowded and chaotic, while underground paths are straight and easy to follow.
③ If you get lost, aim for East Exit or West Exit
They are the largest and easiest to recognize.
From there, you can walk or take a taxi to your destination.
🧳 Popular Spots for Foreign Visitors
Matching exits with destinations makes travel easy.
East Exit → Sunshine City, Sunshine Aquarium, Pokémon Center
North Exit → Chinatown, West Ichibangai (bars & food)
West Exit → Rikkyo University, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre
South Exit → Hotel Metropolitan, shopping & hotels
Ikebukuro is becoming one of the most popular areas among international travelers.
📝 Summary
Ikebukuro Station may look overwhelming, but remembering just four things makes it simple:
East = Shopping / Sunshine City
West = University / Theatre
North = Nightlife / Restaurants
South = Hotels / Offices
This guide helps you find the best exit quickly and stress-free.