Many people may find it confusing to figure out which stations along the numerous Tokyo railway lines offer both convenient access and relatively affordable rent. In this article, we introduce stations with good access to Ikebukuro and relatively lower rents.

Ikebukuro Station is served by multiple lines and is often seen as a major terminal close to central Tokyo (inside the Yamanote Line). This can lead some to assume that housing prices are high or that crowding is intense. However, in reality, there are several areas from which you can reach Ikebukuro in about 20 minutes by avoiding (i.e., not passing through) the more expensive “inside Yamanote” area and minimizing transfers.

In this article, we will pick up stations where (1) you can get to Ikebukuro Station within 20 minutes with no transfers (direct service), and (2) you can get to Ikebukuro Station within 20 minutes with just one transfer. We will primarily show this in table format. Note that depending on train service types such as express or semi-express, travel times can be even shorter, so please use this information as a rough guide.

For “no-transfer” routes, these five lines directly connect to Ikebukuro Station (excluding areas inside the Yamanote Line). If you allow “one transfer within 20 minutes,” the number of stations you can consider greatly increases, including those with short transfer connections on nearby main lines.

1. No Transfers (Direct) Within 20 Minutes to Ikebukuro Station

1-1. Seibu Ikebukuro Line

This line runs from Ikebukuro Station to the city of Hannō in Saitama Prefecture and is one of Seibu Railway’s main lines. It passes through popular residential areas such as Nerima and Shakujii-Koen.

Station	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Shiinamachi	Approx. 3 min	Just one stop from Ikebukuro. The area around the station is packed with shops and residential buildings.
Higashi-Nagasaki	Approx. 6 min	Has a small shopping street and a calm residential atmosphere.
Ekoda	Approx. 8 min	A student town near Nihon University College of Art, dotted with cafes and eateries.
Sakuradai	Approx. 10 min	Within walking distance of Nerima Station. Quiet residential area.
Nerima	Approx. 12 min	Transfer point to Toei Oedo Line and others. Busy area with plenty of shopping options.
Nakamurabashi	Approx. 14 min	Near the Chihiro Art Museum. Primarily residential and small shopping streets.
Fujimidai	Approx. 16 min	Quiet residential area. Fewer large stores.
Nerima-Takanodai	Approx. 18 min	Residential area with schools. Supermarkets and other stores near the station.
Shakujii-Koen	Approx. 20 min	Popular area with a large, lush park (Shakujii Park) and a shopping district.

Example Share House near Sakuradai

Reviews of Sakuradai

Even though it offers excellent access to the city center, the area retains a calm atmosphere. There are supermarkets and plenty of restaurants near the station, so everyday life is very convenient. Many small, privately run eateries can be found, making it fun to discover hidden gems. In spring, the cherry blossoms around the area are particularly beautiful. Nights are quiet, and the neighborhood is safe, so I’m very satisfied with the living environment.

1-2. Tobu Tojo Line

This line runs from Ikebukuro Station toward Kawagoe and Higashimatsuyama in Saitama Prefecture. Popular residential areas such as Tokiwadai, Kamitabashi, Shiki, and Kawagoe lie along its route.

Station	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Kita-Ikebukuro	Approx. 3 min	One stop from Ikebukuro. Residential area with fewer shops.
Shimo-Itabashi	Approx. 5 min	Possible pedestrian connection to JR Itabashi Station or Toei Mita Line Shin-Itabashi Station.
Oyama	Approx. 7 min	Known for its lively “Happy Road Oyama” shopping street.
Tokiwadai	Approx. 9 min	A calm residential area with a relatively safe reputation.
Kami-Itabashi	Approx. 11 min	Many schools in the vicinity; a popular area for families.
Naka-Itabashi	Approx. 13 min	Small shopping streets, convenient for daily necessities. Bus routes connect to the Itabashi Ward Office area.
Tobu-Nerima	Approx. 16 min	Has a large shopping complex (Aeon Itabashi), making shopping convenient.
Shimo-Akatsuka	Approx. 18 min	Within walking distance to Tokyo Metro “Chikatetsu-Akatsuka” Station (Yurakucho Line).
Narimasu	Approx. 20 min	Near the border with Saitama. Many supermarkets and eateries.

Example Share House near Kami-Itabashi

Reviews of Kami-Itabashi

The area around the station has multiple supermarkets (Ito-Yokado, OK Store, etc.), making shopping very convenient. The local shopping streets have plenty of small independent shops and dining spots, allowing you to experience a traditional neighborhood feel. On the other hand, since express trains do not stop here, travel times can be slightly longer compared to other major stations on the Tobu Tojo Line. The neighborhood has a fair amount of parks and greenery and is generally quiet, providing a comfortable living environment. The area’s safety level also feels reasonable.

1-3. JR Saikyo Line (Local)

This line primarily connects Tokyo with Saitama (from Osaki Station to Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, and Omiya). It runs through major terminals such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Ikebukuro, making it extremely convenient, though it can become very crowded during rush hour.

Station	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Itabashi	Approx. 3 min	Near Tobu Shimo-Itabashi Station and Toei Mita Line Shin-Itabashi Station. Few shopping areas.
Jujo	Approx. 6 min	Known for Jujo Ginza Shopping Street with a traditional vibe and many eateries.
Akabane	Approx. 8 min	Transfers available to Keihin-Tohoku Line, Shonan-Shinjuku Line. Numerous commercial and dining options.
Kita-Akabane	Approx. 11 min	Less developed than Akabane, but still a quiet residential area.
Ukima-Funado	Approx. 13 min	Borders Toda City across the Arakawa River. Ukima Park/Funado area is by the riverside.
Todakōen	Approx. 16 min	Close to Toda Boat Race Course. Parks and sports facilities in the vicinity.
Toda	Approx. 18 min	Mix of residential and commercial areas. Riverside condo developments are ongoing.
Kita-Toda	Approx. 20 min	Features a large shopping mall near the station, convenient for shopping.

Example Share House near Jujo

Reviews of Jujo

Its shopping streets are lively and exude a friendly, old-town charm. In particular, “Jujo Ginza Shopping Street” has a wide selection of affordable and delicious prepared-food shops and family-run restaurants, making it easy to enjoy dining out or takeaway. There are also supermarkets and drugstores near the station, so you can find practically everything you need within walking distance. The surrounding residential areas are relatively quiet and safe, appealing to both single residents and families. There aren’t many large commercial complexes, but Akabane and Ikebukuro are very close by, providing ample shopping and entertainment options.

1-4. JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line

This line (actually an operational service) runs from Omiya in Saitama down to Yokohama, Zushi, and Odawara in Kanagawa. It passes through Akabane, Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya, cutting diagonally across Tokyo’s central area. Its trains vary by type (rapid, special rapid, etc.).

Station	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Akabane	Approx. 8 min	Possible transfer to JR Saikyo Line and Keihin-Tohoku Line. Highly convenient hub where multiple lines intersect.
Urawa	Approx. 16 min	Famous as an educational city. Shopping facilities (station buildings, etc.) make it convenient for daily needs.

Example Share House near Urawa

Reviews of Urawa

It’s highly convenient because you can use the JR Keihin-Tohoku, Utsunomiya, Takasaki, and Shonan-Shinjuku lines, which makes traveling to Tokyo, Shinjuku, Ikebukuro, or Omiya very smooth. Around the station, you’ll find big department stores such as Isetan and PARCO, as well as Atre, so shopping is easy. There are also plenty of supermarkets and restaurants, covering all your daily needs. Urawa is famous for its educational environment, so it has a calm vibe and generally good safety. On the downside, housing costs in Urawa can be relatively high for Saitama, but still more reasonable than central Tokyo.

1-5. Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line

This line connects Wako-shi Station in Saitama with Tokyo’s eastern side (Toyosu) and extends to Shin-Kiba Station. Although it runs roughly parallel to the Fukutoshin Line between Ikebukuro and Shin-Kiba, it has different numbers of stations and stopping patterns.

Station	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Kanamecho	Approx. 2 min	Next to Ikebukuro. The area has schools and shops scattered around.
Senkawa	Approx. 4 min	Quiet residential neighborhood. Offers access to central Tokyo without entering the Yamanote loop.
Kotake-Mukaihara	Approx. 6 min	Connection to Fukutoshin Line & Seibu Yurakucho Line. Many through-services available.
Hikawadai	Approx. 10 min	Plenty of parks and schools in the area, relatively quiet station front.
Heiwadai	Approx. 12 min	Served by many bus routes; connects to the Kami-Itabashi area.
Chikatetsu-Akatsuka	Approx. 14 min	Within walking distance of Tobu Shimo-Akatsuka Station.
Chikatetsu-Narimasu	Approx. 16 min	Walking distance to Tobu Narimasu Station. Has shopping and dining options.
Wako-shi	Approx. 19–20 min	Direct service with Tobu Tojo Line & Fukutoshin Line. Major hub in southern Saitama.

Example Share House near Heiwadai

Reviews of Heiwadai

You can use the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho and Fukutoshin lines, making it convenient to reach Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya. The Fukutoshin Line also offers direct trains to the Tokyu Toyoko and Minatomirai lines, so you can get to Yokohama without transfers, which is very handy. Around the station, there are several supermarkets like Life, Summit, and Gyomu Super, so you won’t have trouble with daily shopping. While dining options are somewhat limited, there are some chain restaurants along Kanpachi Avenue, providing a decent selection for going out. The surrounding area is mainly residential, so it’s calm and safe. The only downside is that express trains do not stop here, which can mean slightly longer travel times.

Next, let’s look at one-transfer routes that will get you to Ikebukuro within 20 minutes.

2. One-Transfer Routes to Ikebukuro Station Within 20 Minutes

For one-transfer routes to Ikebukuro Station, the following patterns can be considered:

2-1. Keihin-Tohoku Line (North) → Akabane → JR Saikyo Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line → Ikebukuro

Station	Line Used	Approx. travel time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Warabi	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 20 min
Nishi-Kawaguchi	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 18 min
Kawaguchi	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 15 min

Example Share House in Warabi

Reviews of Warabi

You’ll find supermarkets like Seiyu and Maruetsu, as well as eateries and drugstores around the station, so daily shopping is no problem. The station has a shopping street with many family-run restaurants and takeaway shops, which is quite convenient. On the other hand, the Keihin-Tohoku Line can get crowded during rush hour, and occasional delays can be an issue. While the station area is convenient, some residential neighborhoods farther from the station have fewer stores. Nonetheless, it’s calm and feels safe; plus, it’s close to central Tokyo, and rent prices are still relatively affordable.

2-2. Keihin-Tohoku Line (South) → Akabane → JR Saikyo Line → Ikebukuro

Station	Line Used	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Oji	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 11 min
Higashi-Jujo	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 10 min
Kaminakazato	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 12 min
Tabata	Keihin-Tohoku Line	Approx. 13 min	Adjacent to the Yamanote Line, but the station itself is considered outside the loop.

Example Share House near Higashi-Jujo

Reviews of Higashi-Jujo

It’s within walking distance of Jujo Station (Saikyo Line), giving you multiple rail options, which is a big plus. There are many shopping streets around the station, with numerous independent retailers and affordable restaurants, making daily shopping and eating out very convenient. In particular, “Higashi-Jujo Ginza Shopping Street” has many inexpensive and tasty deli shops and bakeries, allowing you to experience a local neighborhood feel. The residential areas are quiet and peaceful, with a relatively good level of public safety. However, the Keihin-Tohoku Line can be crowded during rush hour, which can be a small drawback.

2-3. Toei Oedo Line → Nerima Station → Seibu Ikebukuro Line → Ikebukuro

Station	Line Used	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Shin-Egota	Toei Oedo Line	Approx. 14 min
Toshimaen	Toei Oedo Line	Approx. 13 min	Note that Toei Oedo Line “Toshimaen” and Seibu Toshima Line “Toshimaen” are separate stations.
Hikarigaoka	Toei Oedo Line	Approx. 16 min	Terminus of the Oedo Line.

Example Share House in Nerima

Reviews of Nerima

You can use four lines: Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Toei Oedo Line, Seibu Toshima Line, and Seibu Yurakucho Line, giving you excellent access to central Tokyo. It’s less than 10 minutes to Ikebukuro, and you can get to Shinjuku or Roppongi without transfers, making commuting and shopping extremely convenient. The station area has major supermarkets (Seiyu, Life), various restaurants, drugstores, and banks—basically everything you need for daily life within walking distance. There’s also a wide range of dining options, from chain stores to independent cafes and izakayas, which is a definite plus. Residential areas are quiet, and safety is relatively good. However, the Oedo Line can get quite crowded during rush hour, and some parts of the district can be a bit busy.

2-4. Seibu Yurakucho Line → Kotake-Mukaihara → Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (or Fukutoshin Line) → Ikebukuro

Station	Line Used	Approx. time to Ikebukuro	Remarks
Shin-Sakuradai	Seibu Yurakucho Line	Approx. 8 min
Nerima	Seibu Yurakucho Line	Approx. 10 min	Sometimes no transfer needed if using the Seibu Ikebukuro Line directly.

Example Share House in Shin-Sakuradai

Reviews of Shin-Sakuradai

It’s within walking distance of both Seibu Ikebukuro Line stations (Ekoda, Sakuradai), giving you more choices for commuting. The surrounding area is a quiet residential neighborhood, making it a comfortable place to live. There aren’t many supermarkets or restaurants right by the station, but heading toward Ekoda or Nerima Station opens up many more options for shopping and dining. Ekoda, in particular, is a student area with many budget-friendly dining options. On the other hand, Shin-Sakuradai Station itself is not very busy, and commercial facilities are limited.

Summary

There are numerous stations from which you can reach Ikebukuro Station within 20 minutes without passing through the Yamanote Line’s inner area, using either direct routes or one-transfer routes. In particular, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Tobu Tojo Line, JR Saikyo Line, Toei Oedo Line, and Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line straddle the borders of Nerima and Itabashi wards, giving you plenty of options. These areas can balance convenient proximity to central Tokyo with relatively calm residential environments, which is why they’re quite popular. Additionally, using lines from Saitama, such as the Keihin-Tohoku Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line, can keep you well within commuting range without having to use the Yamanote Line.

By considering the characteristics of each route, comparing travel times to Ikebukuro, and checking how easy transfers can be, you’ll be able to narrow down which area best suits your lifestyle and preferences.