Student Life in Ikebukuro: A Practical Guide for University and International Students

Introduction

Ikebukuro, located in Toshima Ward, is one of Tokyo’s major urban hubs and an attractive base for students. With easy access to several universities, a wide range of food and shopping options, and excellent train connectivity, the area remains a popular place to live.

That said, rental prices in Ikebukuro and the surrounding neighborhoods have risen in recent years. Students, especially those coming from overseas, need clear and current information to make informed housing decisions. This guide provides an updated look at student life in Ikebukuro, with practical advice on housing, transportation, and daily living.

Universities in and Around Ikebukuro

Ikebukuro is home to several major universities and provides easy commuting access to many more:

In or Very Near Ikebukuro:

• Rikkyo University (Ikebukuro Campus) A top private university with a central campus located just 5 minutes from Ikebukuro Station.

• Tokyo International University (Ikebukuro Campus)A modern international campus opened in 2023, offering English-based programs and a growing foreign student community.

• Tokyo College of Transport Studies A vocational college with industry-focused programs in transportation and logistics.

• Japan College of Foreign Languages (JCFL) Offers job-oriented courses in hospitality, interpreting, and language studies—popular with both Japanese and foreign students.

• Gakushuin University (Mejiro) One stop away from Ikebukuro. A quiet, prestigious university with a traditional campus.

• Waseda University (Nishi-Waseda, Takadanobaba) Although not located in Ikebukuro, Waseda's campuses are easily reachable via Fukutoshin or Yamanote Line—within 10–15 minutes by train.
  

  

Housing Trends and Rent Conditions

Due to high demand and urban development, rental prices near Ikebukuro Station have risen, especially for newer buildings or properties with good amenities.

Updated Apartment Price Ranges (2025):

• 1K apartments within 10 minutes of Ikebukuro Station: Typically between ¥95,000 and ¥130,000/month. Newer buildings or furnished units can exceed ¥140,000.

• Older 1R apartments near the station Around ¥85,000 to ¥110,000, but less common than 1K layouts in newer listings.

• More affordable alternatives (15–25 mins from Ikebukuro): Stations along the Fukutoshin and Yurakucho Lines in Itabashi-ku and Nerima-ku—such as Kotake-Mukaihara, Hikawadai, Senkawa, Kanamecho, Heiwadai, and Chikatetsu-Narimasu offer 1K apartments from ¥75,000 to ¥95,000/month.

• Shared housing or student dorms: Available from around ¥50,000 to ¥70,000, often including utilities and furniture.

At First Step Co., Ltd., we help students find suitable, legally compliant housing with multilingual support, flexible lease terms, and foreigner-friendly landlords. We also assist with guarantor alternatives and moving support.

Transportation and Commuting

Ikebukuro is one of the most connected train stations in Tokyo, offering access to:

• JR Lines: Yamanote, Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku

• Tokyo Metro: Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin

• Private Railways: Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line

This means students attending universities in Waseda, Kawagoe (TIU Main Campus), Shibuya, or even Saitama can commute efficiently from Ikebukuro or surrounding neighborhoods.

The Fukutoshin Line and Yurakucho Line in Itabashi-ku and Nerima-ku are particularly useful for students who prefer quieter areas and lower rents, while still remaining under 25 minutes from campus.

Daily Living and Student Life

Ikebukuro is packed with conveniences and entertainment options that make student life more enjoyable:

Groceries and EssentialsMultiple supermarkets (Seiyu, My Basket, Summit), Don Quijote, and international food stores with halal, Chinese, and Korean products.

Cafes and Study SpotsLibraries such as Toshima Central Library, cafés with Wi-Fi, co-working spaces, and 24-hour family restaurants ideal for late-night studying.

Dining Options range from affordable ramen and curry shops to international restaurants catering to Indian, Thai, and Middle Eastern tastes.

HealthcareEnglish-speaking clinics, dental offices, and hospitals are available in the area, as well as student health services at local universities.

Living as an International Student

Ikebukuro is one of Tokyo’s more foreigner-friendly districts, with services and support for international residents:

• Multilingual real estate assistance

• English-speaking medical services

• International supermarkets and restaurants

• Free Japanese language classes and cultural workshops (via Toshima Ward Office)

• Language exchange events and university clubs

• Foreign student communities centered around Tokyo International University and Rikkyo

Community and Safety

Although Ikebukuro is busy and commercial, the surrounding residential zones (Nishi-Ikebukuro, Mejiro, Kanamecho, and southern Itabashi-ku) offer a quiet, safe living environment. Local koban (police boxes) are active, and Toshima Ward invests in neighborhood safety and cleanliness.

Final Thoughts

Ikebukuro remains a central and highly livable area for university and international students, but it’s important to plan realistically when it comes to housing. With rent increasing, many students now opt to live in nearby, quieter areas along the Fukutoshin and Yurakucho Lines, where value for money is much better.

Whether you are looking for a private 1K unit or a shared accommodation to suit your budget, First Step Co., Ltd. can support you every step of the way, from viewing to signing, moving in, and living in Tokyo. - Mashrif