A cultural day trip proposal to Tokyo’s suburbs — stroll through the scenic beauty along the Seibu Line

Text & Photography by Nini Li

When it comes to traveling in Tokyo, where do you think of? The bustling areas of Shibuya and Ikebukuro, or the elegant and romantic Ebisu and Odaiba? Just when you think you’ve explored all of Tokyo, this magical city always manages to amaze you once again.

Recommended by a Japanese girl, I embarked on a journey along the less-touristy Seibu Line. At first mention, the Seibu Line might sound unfamiliar, but it actually covers well-known spots such as Koedo Kawagoe and Chichibu.

This time, I took an in-depth trip to the suburban attractions around Tokyo. The great-value tickets on offer include the SEIBU 1Day Pass (¥1,000) and the SEIBU 2Day Pass (¥2,000), which allow unlimited rides on trains for the purchased duration (excluding the Seibu Tamagawa Line). Simply show your passport to purchase this pass. Currently, in collaboration with popular Taiwanese illustration characters Malay Mask and Shuang Shuang Cat, you can exchange your SEIBU 1Day or 2Day Pass for a limited-edition collaborative shelf.

Transfer at Ikebukuro Station, one of Tokyo’s major transportation hubs, and follow the signs to the Seibu Railway ticket gate. On the left side is the SEIBU Tourist Information Center Ikebukuro, which offers comprehensive travel services. Staff who can speak Chinese and English are regularly available here, making your trip much more convenient. After preparing the necessary tickets and guidebooks, I was ready to set off.

Seibu Ikebukuro Tourist Information Center
Location: 1F, Ikebukuro Station, Seibu Ikebukuro Line (next to the Seibu East Exit)
Business Hours: 8:00–18:00 (ticket sales until 15:00)
※ Other ticket purchase locations: Seibu Railway Special Express Ticket Offices on the 1F & B1F of Ikebukuro Station, Special Express Ticket Office at Seibu Shinjuku Station

Boarding the vibrant yellow Seibu train full of energy, the first stop is Seibu-yuenchi Station to visit one of Tokyo’s top 100 scenic spots — Japan’s most beautiful water tower, the “Murayama-shita Storage Tank.” The two water towers standing in Lake Tama, with their European-style domed architecture against the blue lake, create an enchantingly beautiful scene that feels like Europe. It is also recognized by the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau as one of the “Tokyo Waterworks Landmarks” for its exceptional technical merit, scenery, and historical value.

Lake Tama
Address: 644-4, Daimachi, Tama-ko, Higashiyamato City
Transportation: 5-minute walk from Seibu-yuenchi Station on the Seibu Tamagawa Line

When it comes to shrines in Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha often comes to mind. But did you know Tokyo has its own “Higashi-fushimi Inari Shrine”? Compared to the bustling crowds in Kyoto, the Tokyo version sees fewer tourists, allowing you to fully soak in its sacred and solemn atmosphere.