Ikebukuro is one of those places in Tokyo that I always knew was interesting, but I never fully explored it until I joined this tour group. It turned out to be one of my most enjoyable days in Tokyo this year, and I actually got to see what the buzz was about in this nice town, where you can also find Grandma’s Harajuku!

An Ikebukuro Tour Bus: Ikebus

One of the first things we did was ride the Ikebus. You will definitely notice it because the bus is bright red and very cute with very small wheels that almost look similar to tram wheels. It is smaller, more compact, and it moves more slowly, which makes it great for sightseeing. The Ikebus is run by Toshima Ward and is eco-friendly and uses electricity, so it feels modern even though the design looks almost nostalgic. Another plus, is that the tour guides spoke English well enough to describe each and every experience they had in store for us.

Riding the Ikebus gives you a good overview of what Ikebukuro looks like without rushing. Since the bus is slow, you can actually pay attention to the surroundings. The guide told us stories about the area, including how Ikebukuro used to be known mainly for shopping and entertainment, and how Toshima City has been trying to create more art and culture-centered experiences in recent years. I appreciated this part of the tour because sometimes when I walk around Tokyo alone, I forget to notice these details. Riding the Ikebus gave me time to look around properly and just enjoy the scenery.

A Fun and Unexpected Ninja Lesson in Ikebukuro

After the bus ride, the next activity surprised me because I honestly did not expect to enjoy it as much as I did, and to be honest, like completely honest, I was a bit worried since I am not the most physically inclined person in the group. So, we ended up joining a beginner ninja lesson at Kotonoha Ninja Dojo! A ninja instructor taught us the basics of ninja-style movement and posture. We learned how to hold a sword, how to position our feet when moving, and how to throw shuriken. The shuriken were not sharp, of course, but it still felt exciting to try, and I actually did better this time than the first. I realized that my being left-handed was mainly the reason why I had a hard time last time, since I was primarily using my right hand. We also got to dress up in full-on ninja outfits!

The instructor explained a bit of history behind ninja training, which added context. I realized that ninja techniques emphasize awareness, balance, and quiet movements to help them be stealthier when fighting their enemies. Even beginners can understand the techniques quickly because the lesson focuses more on the feeling and the posture rather than complicated movements.

Holding the sword was probably my favorite part. It was heavier than I expected, so I had to adjust my grip, and yet again, being left-handed made me struggle a bit. Throwing the shuriken was fun too. You get a short practice time, and the instructor guides you on how to angle it properly. I think this activity is perfect for anyone who wants to try something unique and very Japanese. It is also great for photos because you can pose with the swords and props provided. At the end of the lesson, they gave us each our own ninja lesson completion certificate that made us full-fledged ninja professionals!

Discovering a Relaxing Japanese Public Bath

The next part of the tour was the public bath called Myohoyu Japanese public bathhouse. This part felt like a reward after the ninja lesson. The bathhouse we visited was tattoo-friendly, which is very important for many foreigners because many traditional onsen and sento still do not allow tattoos. My husband was especially excited since he has tattoos and we have been having a hard time finding one that allowed tattoos that would happily welcome him.

When we arrived, the staff provided us with small towels and basic amenities. There were lockers for our belongings and clean changing rooms. Since this was part of the tour, we did not have to worry about what to bring, and they provided almost everything except maybe a hairbrush if you want to bring your own.

Inside the bath area, they had different kinds of water. One of them was colored red, and I remember thinking it was interesting,g but I did not fully understand the purpose. There were warm baths, a slightly cooler one, and what felt like spring-style water. Each one had a different sensation. I moved from bath to bath and tried to relax as much as possible. The atmosphere was very peaceful. Most people were quiet and calm, which helped me unwind.

I think what made this bathhouse stand out was how foreigner-friendly it was. Sometimes public baths in Japan can feel intimidating, especially for beginners. After the bath, we were given a drink, which completed the relaxing feeling of just immersing ourselves in the warmth of the water.

A Food and Sake Experience to End the Ikebukuro Tour

After the bath, we went to an izakaya, Nihonshu Bar Shubo. The transition from the quiet bath to the lively restaurant felt refreshing. We sat down and were given different types of sake to sample. Some were sweet, others were sharper. I am not a heavy drinker, so I mostly drank umeshu as well as a bottle of beer.

The dishes served were simple but delicious. There were small portions of fish, snacks, and a few side dishes that paired well with the drinks. It was a nice way to talk to other people in the tour group and share thoughts about the day. Some of them have been in Japan for years and speak fluent Japanese. I realized how much I enjoyed the structure of the tour. It had a mix of active experiences, cultural learning, relaxation, and food to end the day. It felt like a full circle.

Other Things You Can Explore in Ikebukuro

If you have more time to spend in Ikebukuro, you should also check out Sunshine City. It is a big shopping complex with an aquarium, shops, and entertainment options.

Ikebukuro also has many anime and game-related stores, especially around the east exit. If you like character goods, arcades, or themed cafes, you will find plenty of choices. There are also bookstores, local cafes, small restaurants, and art spots scattered throughout the area. Walking around Ikebukuro is an activity on its own because there is always something happening on the streets.

Why You Should Go to Ikebukuro

Overall, joining this tour made me appreciate Ikebukuro in a new way. I liked how everything was organized and how each activity felt different but connected. The Ikebus gave me a slow and relaxing way to see the streets. The ninja lesson added a playful and educational touch. The bath helped me relax, and the food at the end tied everything together.

If you want to explore Ikebukuro in a unique way, I recommend looking for tours that include these experiences.

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