Ride on a fun bus! What is IKEBUS running in Ikebukuro?

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IKEBUS running in Ikebukuro

What kind of bus is IKEBUS?

The nearest bus stop to JR East Travel Service Center Ikebukuro is "Ikebukuro Station West Exit (Central)". We look forward to seeing you!

The IKEBUS, with its distinctive red body, is a small electric bus that runs through the streets of Ikebukuro. It has 10 tires, five on each side. It also has lights that look like eyes and an owl on top of the bus. This owl is "Ike-chan," the mascot of IKEBUS. Ike-chan is not only on the bus, but also on the bus stop, as if she is watching over Ikebukuro. The IKEBUS has been in operation since November 27, 2019, and travels around Ikebukuro's major spots. The maximum speed is a whopping 19 km/h. If you take the time to look around the city from inside the train, you may discover a new and different Ikebukuro.

JR East Travel Service Center Information

Gleaming interior

A pop and stylish interior that you would not expect from the exterior

Once you step into the car, you will be amazed by the glittering design.
IKEBUS was designed by Eiji Mitooka, who is known for his numerous designs, including the "Nanatsuboshi in Kyushu," a bullet train and limited express train operated by JR Kyushu. There are 10 cars in total, and each car has a different seat and floor design.

Operation route

Minami Ikebukuro Park with a sense of freedom. A café is also located here.

There are two routes for the IKEBUS: Route A and Route B.


Route A
Ikebukuro Station East Exit → Sunshine City West → Sunshine City Prince Hotel → IKE-SUNPARK → Higashi Ikebukuro Station → Toshima Ward Office → Minami Ikebukuro Park
Route B
Ikebukuro Station West Exit (Central) → Tokyo Metropolitan Art Space → Hotel Metropolitan → East Street → Toshima Ward Office → Higashi Ikebukuro Station → IKE・SUNPARK → Sunshine City Prince Hotel → Sunshine City West → Hareza Ikebukuro → Ikebukuro Station West Exit (North)


The IKEBUS is an easy way to travel between the east and west sides of the station. For detailed information on departure times and fares, please refer to the website.

Minami Ikebukuro Park Information

The one and only yellow IKEBUS

Yellow IKEBUS
IKEBUS is characterized by its red body, but there is actually only one yellow IKEBUS running. This is the "yellow handkerchief" at the "Kofuku no Kiiroi Handkerchief Memory Plaza" in Yubari City, Hokkaido, and the design was inspired by the yellow handkerchief. This is why it is said to bring good luck to those who encounter it. The employees of JR East Travel Service Center Ikebukuro are also happy to see the yellow handkerchief, as they feel that the day they see it will be a good day. When you are in Ikebukuro, please take a look at the cute red and yellow IKEBUS.

Interview with the IKEBUS crew

The uniform is also bright red in IKEBUS color! So cute!
Mr. Takabayashi has been an IKEBUS crew member for two and a half years. She joined WILLER EXPRESS when she had three children and a 5-month-old, and even after 2.5 years as an IKEBUS crew member, she still says, "It's so much fun! I want everyone to ride it! I want everyone to be able to ride the IKEBUS!

Q.Why did you decide to become an IKEBUS crew member?

Although there was a 11-year blank due to marriage and child rearing, there was never a day when his desire to "drive a bus! I wanted to drive a bus!
Then I saw the bright red IKEBUS with its cute form and thought, "I want to drive this bus! and I applied for the job.

Q.What is the attraction of IKEBUS?

Unlike ordinary route buses, the IKEBUS is an exciting attraction to ride and all 10 buses have different interiors, so first-time passengers as well as repeat passengers enjoy every ride. We have received many comments of "wow" from our customers when they ride the bus, so we encourage you to take a ride!
One of our charms is that we are very close to our customers. When we say "Hello" or "Have a good day! and "Thank you," I am constantly hearing the words, "Thank you." This sense of closeness is what makes driving a bus so appealing to me every day.

Q.Are there any spots you recommend on IKEBUS Route A and Route B?

You will pass through such a nice place.

The recommended spot for both Course A and Course B is the IKE SUNPARK. Since the course runs through the park, it is just like an attraction. You can feel the season with the magnolia and ginkgo trees.
The adjacent "Toshima Kids Park" is also highly recommended, with a cute mini-sleigh train running in "IKEBUKURO RED," the same color as the IKEBUS.
On Course B, the Ikebukuro Ohashi Bridge at dusk is recommended. Many customers take pictures here, as it is used as a location for TV dramas.
From the bus window, you can also see buildings with owl motifs, which is unique to Ikebukuro and can be enjoyed by a wide range of visitors, from children to the elderly.

Message from IKEBUS Crew Member Takabayashi to those who have not yet ridden IKEBUS

I believe that the bus is not just a means of transportation, but an exciting ride in itself, a purpose in itself.
Why don't you forget your busy days and spend a relaxing and enjoyable time with us? We will help you do so.
We would love to have you ride with us, not only if you are in the Ikebukuro area, but also if you are a tourist in Tokyo!
WILLER EXPRESS K.K. IKEBUS dedicated website
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