Izakaya Hopping in Ikebukuro: 3 Recommended Picks for a Perfect Experience!

Summary

Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo’s three subcenters alongside Shinjuku and Shibuya, is a vibrant commercial and entertainment district renowned for its bustling hub offering nightlife, shopping centers, and cultural attractions!

This time, I went bar hopping in Ikebukuro starting from noon since many shops are open during the daytime! Check out this page for some izakaya recommendations to make your choice easier! ✨

*Please note that information and prices listed are subject to change.

Travel Itinerary

Daitokai North Exit Store（大都会 北口店）

The first izakaya (Japanese-style pub) is a 1-minute walk from the north exit of Ikebukuro. They are open 24 hours a day, so you can have a drink anytime!

There was a ticket vending machine, which is rare to see in izakaya. You write your table number on the meal ticket that comes out, place your order, and they deliver it to your seat! (No charge for seating or appetizers, unlike some izakayas) There were more counter seats than tables, so it’s perfect for drinking alone!

Time service is available from 10:00am-6:00pm, With a discount deal, draft beer was ¥170 and korokke (Japanese croquettes) were ¥120!

Interior

Menu

The more cups you drink, the more you get discount✨

Menu 2

Menu 3

ticket machine

Draft beer and salted squid (120 yen)

Croquette (120 yen)

Daitokai North Exit is an izakaya located in Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo. It is located a minute walk from the North Exit of Ikebukuro and is open 24 hours a day. You can drink not only at night but also from noon. This izakaya has an unusual ticket vending machine, where you write your table number on the ticket that comes out, place your order, and it will be delivered to your seat. Since there is no charge for seats or appetizers, this shop is very considerate. There are many counter seats, making it perfect for drinking alone. Also, from 10:00am-6:00pm, there is a time service, offering great prices such as draft beer for 170 yen and croquettes for 120 yen.

Wakadaisho Matsushima（若大将まつしま）

The second izakaya is also located just a minute walk from the station! Everything being 350 yen makes it easy to understand, and I was pleasantly surprised!

A friendly owner welcomed me and made me feel right at home!

High ball (350 yen)

Tuna sashimi (350 yen)

Each slice was so thick and meltingly tender✨

Katsu-pon (350 yen)

It was deep-fried, but when eaten with grated daikon and ponzu vinegar, it’s incredibly refreshing—Making me wanna go for more and more!

Wakadaisho Matsushima is an izakaya located in Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, a 1-minute walk from the station. You can enjoy delicious food at a reasonable price of 350 yen for all dishes. It also features an at-home atmosphere where you will be welcomed by a friendly owner.

Izakaya Hachijojima（居酒屋 八丈島）

The last stop, a 4-minute walk from the station. Hachijo Island’s local cuisine and locally brewed sake are available✨ I ordered “Ashitaba” (Japanese green leaf).

Interior

Menu

Menu 2

Menu 3

Appetizer and Ashitaba beer (570 yen)

Ashitaba tempura (680 yen)

It’s very crispy!

Nasakeshima (barley) (450 yen)

It was refreshing and easy to drink, without any peculiar taste.

Izakaya Hachijojima, located at 1-22-4 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, is an izakaya where you can enjoy dishes using ingredients from Hachijojima island and local sake. Located a 4-minute walk from the station, it is conveniently accessible.

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