How to ride the Laview express train

The Laview is a futuristic-looking express train that takes you from Ikebukuro out to Saitama. I’ve used it a couple of times, on my hike out to Mt Buko and to the Hanno Alps.

To board the Laview train, you’ll first need to get to Ikebukuro. Once you arrive at Ikebukuro station, look for signs pointing toward the Seibu (西武) train line. Tap on with your Suica or IC card like you normally would.

Then you’ll look for the express train platform. It’s a little confusing because it’s not numbered, but once you find a red express (特急) sign, just head towards that. It will take you past a regular train platform, and at the back there is a separate platform for the Laview.

To board the Laview, you’ll need a separate express ticket (特急券, tokkyu-ken) that you pay on top of the regular fare to enter the Seibu line. As you approach the platform, there is a ticket machine so you can buy your tickets on the spot. You can buy the tickets online before as well from smooz.jp.

Since Ikebukuro is the end of the line, the train will pull into the station with everyone coming from Hanno onboard. Once they’ve disembarked, the train will first close for some cleaning before letting you on so don’t jump onboard straightaway!

Once you’re onboard, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable 40 minute train ride to the end of the line at Hanno.