Ikebukuro station is located in Toshima ward, Tokyo. It is the third busiest station in the world, after Shinjuku and Shibuya stations. 2.68 million ridership per day. However, the peak was in 90s and the number of ridership has been declined in 20 years.
Ikebukuro station is served by JR East, Tobu railways, Seibu railways and Tokyo metro. It is the busiest station for Tobu, Seibu and Tokyo metro. JR operates three lines. Yamanote line, Saikyo line and Shonan-Shinjuku line. There are several limited express Narita express between Narita airport and Ikebukuro station per day but most of the passengers prefer cheaper and faster Keisei Skyliner from Nippori station.
Tobu operates Tobu Tojo line which goes through historical city of Kawagoe and Seibu operates Seibu Ikebukuro line which connects to Seibu Chichibu line at Agano station. Chichibu, famous for Chichibu night festival is convenient to use limited express from Seibu Ikebukuro. Tokyo metro operates three lines, Marunouchi, Yurakucho and Fukutoshin lines.
Due to JR Saikyo, Shonan-Shinjuku, Tobu Tojo and Seibu Ikebukuro lines connect Tokyo and Saitama prefecture, Ikebukuro is considered as gateway for Saitama.