IKEBUS celebrated its fifth anniversary since it began operation in November 2019. It is a small electric bus that connects the parks and major facilities scattered around Ikebukuro.

The red carriages that have become a familiar sight in the streets of Ikebukuro are an original design by Eiji Mitooka, one of Japan's leading railway designers. The shiny, bright red body looks as if it has jumped out of a toy box.

There are two regular routes: Route A, which goes around the east side of Ikebukuro Station, and Route B, which makes a large circle from east to west. There are stops at major facilities around Ikebukuro Station, and each route operates once or twice an hour.

When we spoke to Takeuchi-san, a public relations officer at WILLER EXPRESS Co., Ltd., the operating company, he told us, "Ikebukuro Ohashi Bridge, which you pass on Route B, is one of the highlights. From the bridge you can look down on several train tracks and enjoy a typically urban view."

On the other hand, one of the interesting things about Ikebukuro is that you can enjoy different scenery with different atmospheres along the same route, such as Higashi-dori, a narrow street lined with restaurants.

It's a bus, but it feels like a stroll. The inside of the bus is like a picture book world.

Once inside the bus, the cute interior, reminiscent of a storybook, takes us on an extraordinary trip. The colorful seats are original to "IKEBUS". In fact, each bus has a different interior design.

The maximum speed is 19km/h. It slowly cruises around the streets of Ikebukuro on ten small tires. Contrary to its retro appearance, you may be surprised by the smooth ride that only an EV can provide.

One of the features of the IKEBUS is that it is a low-riding vehicle. Combined with the leisurely speed, it gives you the feeling of taking a stroll through the streets of Ikebukuro.

It would be a waste to only visit the standard places. On this tour you can experience a different side of Ikebukuro.

"Ikebukuro has a lot of interesting spots. On special tours held mainly on weekends, we will take you to facilities that you may not have been to yet," says Horiuchi, director of the Ikebukuro East Exit Tourist Information Center with an air of excitement, and his recommendation is the Art Culture Tour.

This is a popular event as it can be enjoyed for half a day for 1,000-2,000 yen, including admission to facilities, and includes the "West Course," where you can enjoy cultural facilities such as Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan and Tokiwa-so Manga Museum, both designated as Important Cultural Properties, and the "Zoshigaya Course," where you can enjoy the streetscape around Ikebukuro, Otsuka, and Zoshigaya.

"IKEBUS" has a wide range of uses. "We even have a vehicle that is exclusively for rental. Some people have ridden it in their wedding dresses at weddings, or used it for parties with their companies or friends, or for original tours," says Takeuchi. He also says that sometimes it travels to events in other cities as the "face of Ikebukuro."

"We want more people to know about the one-of-a-kind design of the IKEBUS," "It would be great if the IKEBUS could become something that makes people think, 'If I go to Ikebukuro, I want to ride it!', like the rickshaws in Asakusa and the houseboats on the Sumida River." Everyone involved in the operation has the same thought.

The roads you usually pass by quickly become a part of your travel scenery when you ride the "IKEBUS"

"Ah! It's Ikebas!" "Hey! Ikebas!"

Nursery school children on a walk wave happily when they spot an IKEBUS.

"IKEBUS" is not just a means of transportation, but it transforms everyday urban life into a travel scenery. If you ride "IKEBUS", you may discover something new even on a road that you would normally pass by quickly.

The slightly laid-back bus is running briskly through the streets of Ikebukuro today as well.

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Operating company: WILLER EXPRESS Co., Ltd. Ikebukuro Office
Phone: 03-5957-1060 (10:00-18:00)
Price: Adults 200 yen per ride, Children (elementary school students) 100 yen per ride, coupon tickets and one-day passes also available
HP: https://travel.willer.co.jp/ikebus/         
Artkal Tours: https://t-artculture.jp/artculture_tour/ 
Charter bus: https://t-artculture.jp/ 

▶︎Recommended spots on Route A

[Stop: Minami-Ikebukuro Park] Minami-Ikebukuro Park
Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city - Experience a special everyday life at RACINES FARM TO PARK

 
▶︎Recommended spots on Route B are here

[Stop: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre] HANABAR
"The process of the colors fading over time is enjoyable" - A flower garden where you can appreciate the beauty of dried flowers

 
▶︎Recommended spots within Atokaru Tours are here

[West Course] Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan
Beyond 100 years, Jiyu Gakuen Myonichikan has passed on its legacy to the town of Ikebukuro