Location

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From Narita Airport to Ikebukuro

1) JR Narita Express: 90 minutes from Narita Airport to Ikebukuro

The JR Narita Express directly from the Airport to Ikebukuro,  along with the limousine bus,  are the two easiest ways to get to Ikebukuro. Either the JR Narita Express or the Limousine Bus are strongly recommended for first time visitors to Japan, who may not be familiar with the Japanese rail road system.

The cost of the ticket is 3,110 Yen. Following usual Japanese railroad practice this actually includes the cost of two tickets, 1,450 yen for the basic train ticket and an additional 1660 yen for an express ticket.

However, the train runs only irregularly, and at some times of the day, there may be a long wait between trains. During those times, the JR Narita Express runs only as far as Shinjuku. At Shinjuku transfer to the JR  line (The Green Line) in the direction of Ikebukuro. Ikebukuro is the fourth station from Shinjuku. 

Here is a map if you go this way .  >>>    

2) Airport Limousine Bus to the Hotel Metropolitan   

This is by far the easiest way to get to Ikebukuro for a first time traveler. The bus takes two hours and costs 3,000 Yen. However, buses run frequently, about every 30 to 60 minutes depending on time of day. Be sure that the bus you ride goes to the Hotel Metropolitan in Ikebukuro, as buses go to several different destinations in Tokyo. From the Hotel Metropolitan it is about a 10 minute walk to the Kimi Ryokan.
Limousine Bus Web site >>>

3) Keisei Skyliner to Nippori

Although this is the cheapest and fastest method from Narita airport to Ikebukuro, it is also the most difficult method for travelers unaccustomed to the rather complex Tokyo railway system.  By the Keisei Honsen Express, it takes one hour and 43 minutes to Nippori. At Nippori you change to the JR Yamanote Line (the Green Line) and ride a further 15 minutes to Ikebukuro. The cost is 1000 yen for the ticket from Narita to Nippori and 160 yen for the ticket from Nippori to Ikebukuro. Alternatively you can ride the Keisei Narita Sky Access from Narita to Nippori where you change and go to Ikebukuro. It takes one hour and 9 minutes and costs 1200 yen for the Sky Access and 160 yen for the Yamanote (Green) Line ticket to Ikebukuro. Please see the above map of the Yamanote Line.

 

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From Haneda Airport to Ikebukuro.

Although Haneda Airport is very conveniently located right in the middle of Tokyo, getting to Ikebukuro involves several transfers if one rides the train, and dealing with the rather complex Tokyo rail system. For that reason, we recommend the Limousine Bus, even though it is a bit more expensive.

1) Limousine Bus to Metropolitan Hotel

Take the bus to the Metropolitan Hotel, which costs 1200 yen for adults and 600 yen for children. It takes around 50 minutes, unless it is rush hour. From the Metropolitan Hotel, it is a 10 minute walk to the Kimi Ryokan. Please bear in mind, however, that if you get caught in rush hour traffic, it could take as much as two hours to reach the Metropolitan Hotel.

2) Monorail to Hamamatsucho, transfer to JR Yamanote (Green)Line to Ikebukuro

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Take the Monorail to Hamamatsucho and transfer there to the JR Yamanote (Green) Line. Take the JR Yamanote (Green) Line in the direction of Tokyo and Ikebukuro. It should take about 45 minutes. From Haneda Airport to Hamamatsucho is 550 yen by Monorail and from Hamamatsucho to Ikebukuro is a further 250 yen for a total of 800 yen. One Saturdays and holidays, the monorail costs 500 yen. 

Here is a map of the Yamanote (Green) Line  >>>

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3) Keihin Express To Shinagawa, transfer to JR Yamanote (Green)Line to Ikebukuro

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The Keihin Express to Shinagawa is faster than the Monorail, but at crowded times and during rush hour, you're more likely to be able to find a seat on the Monorail. Take the Keihin Express to Shinagawa, and at Shinagawa, transfer to the JR Yamanote (Green) Line in the direction of Shinjuku and Ikebukuro. The cost is 650 yen. Please see the above map of the Yamanote (Green) Line.