Tokyo Panorama Full-Day Tour by Hato Bus | Meiji Jingu, Asakusa & Tokyo Skytree in One Day

Join a Hato Bus day tour of Tokyo from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku Station

The Tokyo Panorama Full-Day Tour is a one-day bus tour with an English-speaking guide, operated by Hato Bus Co., Ltd. You can join at the Hato Bus stop at the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station or at the East Exit of Shinjuku Station.

The tour takes about 9 hours 40 minutes from Tokyo Station and about 9 hours 10 minutes from Shinjuku Station. Return times may vary depending on road conditions, and you may sometimes arrive back earlier than scheduled. Whichever starting point you choose, the tour ends at Tokyo Station.

After a briefing at the meeting point, you will board an air-conditioned sightseeing bus. Your day of exploring Tokyo's landmarks begins, with commentary from your English-speaking guide.

First stop: Meiji Jingu. Walk through the great torii gate and along a forest path

Your first stop, Meiji Jingu, is a peaceful shrine wrapped in deep greenery despite being in the heart of the city. After passing through the large wooden torii gate, a path lined with tall trees stretches ahead.

At the end of the approach, the shrine grounds open up, with main buildings topped by green-patinated copper roofs. In the stillness away from the city bustle, your English-speaking guide explains the shrine's history and how to pay your respects.

Experiencing traditional Japanese culture at the start of the day also makes it easier to notice the differences with Sensoji Temple, which you will visit later.

Next, the Imperial Palace Plaza, with views around Nijubashi Bridge

Next is the Imperial Palace Plaza. Gaze across a calm landscape of moats, stone walls and green pine trees, and catch a glimpse of the Edo Castle that once stood here, still traceable in the heart of the city.

Access to the inside of the Imperial Palace is restricted, so this tour does not enter the palace grounds. Instead, you will be taken from the Imperial Palace Plaza to spots with beautiful views, including the area around Nijubashi Bridge.

Listen to your English-speaking guide and connect Tokyo's history with the scenery right in front of you.

Then Odaiba: enjoy the waterfront cityscape, followed by a buffet lunch

Next, you head to Odaiba on Tokyo Bay. You will have free time in a cityscape quite different from Meiji Jingu and the Imperial Palace Plaza. This leg of the trip takes you from traditional Tokyo to a thoroughly modern part of the city.

After exploring Odaiba, enjoy a buffet lunch at a hotel. There is no need to search for a restaurant, and you can sit down and relax between sightseeing stops.

The food photo is an image of the buffet. Not all dishes shown in the photo are guaranteed to be served on the day.

Next, Asakusa. After a guided walk to the main hall, explore Nakamise Street and Kaminarimon Gate on your own

In Asakusa, the bus stops at the Hato Bus parking area behind Sensoji Temple. From there, your guide leads you to the main hall.

After the guided walk to the main hall, you have free time. During this time, you can stroll along Nakamise Street and visit Kaminarimon Gate on your own.

Pay your respects in the temple grounds, look for souvenirs on Nakamise Street, or take a photo of the giant lantern at Kaminarimon. Enjoy Asakusa as you like, then return to the dedicated parking area at the designated meeting time.

Finally, view the day from the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck, 350 m above the ground

The finale is the Tembo Deck, 350 m above the ground at Tokyo Skytree. Look out over the cityscape through the large windows and try to spot which direction the places you visited that day lie in.

This is your chance to look out from a great height over the Tokyo you explored on foot. The view varies with weather and visibility, but you can sense the sheer scale of the city while looking back on your day of sightseeing.

The tour includes admission to the Tembo Deck. Admission to the Tembo Galleria, 450 m above the ground, is not included.

Frequently asked questions

■ Can I go inside the Imperial Palace? This tour does not enter the Imperial Palace grounds. From the Imperial Palace Plaza, you will enjoy views of areas such as Nijubashi Bridge.

■ Does the bus drop me off in front of Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa? No. You will get off at the dedicated parking area behind Sensoji Temple and be guided to the main hall. During the free time afterwards, you can visit Nakamise Street and Kaminarimon on your own.

■ Can I also go up to the Tembo Galleria at Skytree? The tour includes the Tembo Deck, 350 m above the ground. Admission to the Tembo Galleria, 450 m above the ground, is not included.

■ If I join from Shinjuku Station, does the tour also end at Shinjuku Station? No. Regardless of where you start, the tour ends at Tokyo Station.

What to check before booking

• Your booked departure point, departure time and meeting place
• Approximate tour duration by departure point, and the fact that return times may vary
• Even if you depart from Shinjuku Station, the tour ends at Tokyo Station
• Plan details, including English-language guiding and lunch
• The Imperial Palace is viewed from the outside, and Skytree admission is to the 350 m Tembo Deck
• Comfortable walking shoes, the latest itinerary, and change and cancellation conditions

Prices, departure times and itineraries may change. Please check the latest information before booking.

Summary

This one-day Hato Bus tour takes you to Meiji Jingu, the Imperial Palace Plaza, Odaiba and Asakusa, and finishes with views over the city from the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck. English-language commentary and a buffet lunch are included, so transport and meals are taken care of in one package.

In Asakusa, you have free time after being guided to the main hall, so you can stroll Nakamise Street and Kaminarimon at your own pace. It is a day that ends by looking back from a great height at the Tokyo you explored on the ground. This course suits anyone who wants to experience both traditional and modern Tokyo in one go.

For details and availability, see Tokyo Panorama Full-Day Tour: Meiji Shrine, Asakusa & Tokyo Skytree.