The Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour run by Hato Bus packs Meiji Shrine, the Imperial Palace exterior, Odaiba, a buffet lunch and Asakusa into one day, finishing with included entry to Tokyo Skytree's Tembo Deck, from $82.31 with an English-speaking guide.
What does the Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour include?
The price covers transportation on a hybrid bus, a nationally licensed English-speaking guide, a Western-style buffet lunch, and entry to the Tembo Deck (350m) of Tokyo Skytree at the end of the day. Hotel pickup is not included, so you board at a fixed meeting point rather than being collected from your accommodation, and Japanese-language guidance is not offered on this particular route since it runs in English only.
Is the Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour worth it?
With a 4.62 rating from over 300 reviewers at the time of writing, this is a well-tested way to cover a lot of ground without renting a car or piecing together train connections yourself. It's worth it if you want five stops handled for you in one booking, including a genuine observation deck visit rather than just a photo stop outside Tokyo Skytree. It's less worth it if you prefer to set your own pace, since a group bus itinerary moves on a fixed schedule.
Want a closer look? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesWhat's on the itinerary before Skytree?
The day starts at Meiji Shrine, a forested Shinto shrine in the middle of the city, before a stop at the Imperial Palace Outer Area to see the Nijubashi Bridge and the statue of Masashige Kusunoki from outside the grounds (the inner palace itself is not part of this tour). From there the bus heads to Odaiba for waterfront views of the Rainbow Bridge, followed by the included buffet lunch. The afternoon moves to Asakusa for Senso-ji Temple and Nakamise Street before the day wraps up at Tokyo Skytree.
Short on time? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesWho should book the Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour?
This suits first-time visitors trying to cover several major sights in a single day, travelers who would rather not navigate Tokyo's train network on their own, and anyone who wants Tokyo Skytree bundled with a bigger day out instead of as a dedicated visit. It's a weaker fit if Skytree is your main priority, since you'll spend most of the day on other stops before reaching it; the standalone observation deck ticket gets you there faster and cheaper on its own.
Ready to see prices? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesPrices and what's included
The tour starts at $82.31 per person and includes bus transportation, the English-speaking guide, the buffet lunch and Tembo Deck admission. The Tembo Galleria at 450 meters is not included and would need to be booked separately if you want to go higher once you reach Skytree.
Want a closer look? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesGetting to the pickup point
Boarding is available from the Hato Bus office in Tokyo or the Shinjuku Station east exit, depending on the option you select at checkout. The tour finishes in the Tokyo Station area rather than returning to Shinjuku, so if you boarded there, plan your own way back by train from Tokyo Station.
Short on time? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesInsider tips for the Hato Bus tour
Wear comfortable shoes, since you'll be getting on and off the bus at several stops and walking through Asakusa's crowds. The buffet lunch doesn't accommodate vegetarian or halal requests, so plan accordingly if you have dietary restrictions. If you want to linger at Tokyo Skytree after the group portion ends, ask your guide, since there is sometimes flexibility to stay and enjoy the night skyline before making your own way home.
Ready to see prices? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See timesHow does this compare to other Tokyo Skytree tickets?
If you'd rather skip the rest of the day and go straight to Skytree, the observation deck ticket is the quicker, cheaper option. Visitors who want the aquarium alongside the tower should look at the Skytree and Sumida Aquarium combo. Compare every option on the Tokyo Skytree tickets homepage.
Want a closer look? Tokyo Skytree Guided Bus Day Tour, from $82.31 See times