Tokyo Cruise Port Guide - CruisePortWiki.com

Tokyo/Yokohama, Japan

Shibuya, Tokyo

Introduction

Tokyo is both the largest and most expensive city in the world.

Where You're Docked

Small and medium cruise ships that can fit under the Rainbow Bridge dock at Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal on Harumi Island. The nearest metro station is Kachidoki Station on the Toei Oedo Subway Line (20 mins on foot, 5 mins by bus or taxi). Alternatively, you can take Toei bus 5 (¥210, Mar 2019) to Ginza station. The bus terminus, Harumi Futo, is outside the terminal. The fare acceptor provides change for ¥1000 bills. There is also a water bus stop nearby. Harumi Terminal website here http://www.tptc.co.jp/en/c_terminal/harumi

Cruise ship schedule here http://www.kouwan.metro.tokyo.jp/

Large ships destined for Tokyo (not Yokohama) dock at Oi Marine Products Wharf well south of the main waterfront area. Shuttle buses may be provided to Shinagawa JR train station.

A new terminal capable of handling larger ships is scheduled to open July 2020 beside the Maritime Museum in Odaiba in time for the 2020 Olympics. Tokyo International Cruise Station is nearby on the Yurikamome Line. https://www.tokyo-international-cruise-terminal.jp/en/

Larger ships usually dock at Osanbashi Pier in Yokohama approximately 15 miles southwest of Tokyo and easily accessible by train. Information here http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3208.html and https://osanbashi.jp/english/

A new terminal for Yokohoma opened October 2019 named Hammerhead at Shinko pier directly north of Osanbashi. http://www.hammerhead.co.jp/

A second terminal opened in Apr 2019 at Daikoku Pier. Transportation options are limited at this terminal.

 http://www.seatrade-cruise.com/news/news-headlines/yokohama-to-inaugurate-two-new-cruise-terminals-in-2019.html

To get from the new cruise terminal in Yokohoma to Tokyo, you can walk to the closest station of the Minato Mirai Line (Bashamichi for Hammerhead and Nihon-Odori for Osanbashi). From there, you can ride all the way to Shibuya station (40 minutes) or you can transfer at Yokohama station onto a JR Tokaido Line train that takes you to Tokyo station (25 minutes).

Tokyo Port Info - http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/018/index.html
Yokohama Port Info - http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/detail/019/index.html
Other Japanese Ports with maps and PDF guides - http://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/cruise/list/index.html

Cruise Ship Docked at Harumi Passenger Terminal

Cruise Ship Docked at Osanbashi Pier

Tokyo International (opening 2020)

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Harumi Passenger Terminal - Tokyo

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Oi Wharf - Tokyo

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Osanbashi Pier - Yokohama

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Daikoku Pier - Yokohama

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Money and Tipping

Exchange Rates Live

Japan's currency is the Yen (¥ JPY) and foreign currencies are typically not accepted. You can find currency exchange at post offices. The majority of ATM's in Japan DO NOT accept foreign bank cards. The exception are ATM's at 7-11 and Lawson convenience stores and at the post office. Citibank and Aeon bank ATM's may also accept foreign cards. Make sure you do the correct conversion for the amount you want to take out and insert your card the correct way. Tipping is not customary in Asia. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2208.html

Credit cards are not as widely accepted as in North America or Europe so make sure you have cash on hand. Typically, hotels and large department stores will accept cards but not smaller shops and restaurants.

Local Transportation

Fares updated Mar 2019
The metro system in Tokyo is very extensive, color coded and stations are given a letter and number to make it easier to find on a map. Fares depend on distance traveled and tickets can be purchased from ticket machines. There are two main metro systems (Tokyo Metro and Toei) plus the JR rail network. A one day pass on the Tokyo metro is ¥600 and a single fare starts at ¥170 for one stop. A combined ticket for both metro systems is available for ¥900 (best option). A combo ticket valid on all three rail systems and buses is ¥1590. Since the stations are large, find an exit map to locate your exit and to orient yourself when you come to the surface.

If staying for a couple of days, consider getting a prepaid card Suica or Pasmo (¥1000 minimum, includes ¥500 deposit). Though issued by different operators (JR for Suica and Tokyo Metro for Pasmo), both are valid on bus, JR Rail and both subway systems. Cards are also accepted at many vending machines, convenience stores and taxis. The deposit and remaining balance is refundable at any service center less a ¥220 processing fee.

If flying into Narita, foreigners can get a discounted combined Narita Express N'EX Tokyo round trip ticket for ¥4000.

If travelling with luggage, consider having it delivered separately. This service is available at both the airport and cruise terminals. http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2278.html

To/From Airport

There are two international airports for Tokyo: Narita (NRT) and Haneda (HND). Transportation information is available from their official websites.

http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/access/ Guide for all the different rail options here http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2027.html
http://www.haneda-airport.jp/inter/en/access/
Airport Limousine - private transfer service https://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/

Hotels

Tokyo is easy to get around with the trains and metro. Staying in central Tokyo is very convenient. Search hotels in Tokyo here

Search hotels in Yokohama here

Sights

Tokyo

Tsukiji Fish Market - This famous market closed in October 2018 and vendors have relocated to Toyosu. Shin-Ohashi Dori (the street outside of the old main gate) has restaurants. Chuuka Soba Inoue is a small but popular ramen shop here closed due to a fire in 2017.
Shibuya G01- This busy shopping area is what most people picture when they think of Tokyo with its famous zebra crossing by the Hachiko exit. Be sure to see the statue of the dog and Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu shrine nearby.
Tokyo Tower - The tower can be accessed from Onarimo J06 or Akabanebashi E21. ¥900 entry for main level (Mar 2019). Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple are nearby if you're not templed out. There is a small food court and stalls selling souvenirs at the base of the tower. http://www.tokyotower.co.jp/
Sensoji Temple - Tokyo's oldest temple and a busy tourist attraction. Nakamise Street is a shopping arcade on your way to the temple. This area is an interesting area to explore and spend some time in. Kappabashi street to the west is Tokyo's wholesale restaurant supply street where you can get plastic food. Asakusa Station G19.
Tokyo National Museum - If you're into museums, this is considered the best museum in Japan and located in the museum district of Ueno. Entry ¥620 (Mar 2019). 15 minute walk from Ueno Station G16. http://www.tnm.jp/

Yokohama

Cup Noodles Museum - Interactive museum telling the history of instant ramen
Sankeien Garden - Traditional Japanese garden with historic buildings from all over the country

Shopping & Restaurants

There are many shopping districts in Tokyo. Ginza District is the upscale area. Shinjuku is Tokyo's busiest.
There is a large underground shopping arcade at Tokyo Station. Try not to get lost.
Akihabara is the area to find the latest in electronics.
Look for 100 Yen stores, the largest chain being Daiso.
Don Quixote is a chain of discount stores featuring unique and wacky items. Locations in Tokyo include Shinjuku, Asakusa, Akihabara, and Shibuya.
Oriental Bazaar has four floors of upscale souvenirs. Closed Thursdays. From Omotesando station G02, walk down the main street towards Harajuku, the shop is on the right about halfway down the road.
Try some Takoyaki (octopus balls). You'll see them frying these on the street being rotated with sticks on a nonstick pan.
Find a ramen shop. Many restaurants have vending machines at the entrance where you pay for your order. Give your receipt to the staff for them to prepare your meal. Yokohama has a ramen museum with restaurants where you can sample regional variations of this dish.
For a wild evening experience, check out Robot Restaurant in the entertainment and red-light district of Kabukicho. The area is northeast of Shinjuku station.
Sweets Paradise is an all you can eat dessert chain. Locations in Shibuya (4/F Marui City Mall and 3/F Parco) and Harajuku. Only ¥1480 with a 70 to 90 min time limit depending on location. Another chain is Dessert Ookoku.
Sukiyabashi Jiro is considered to be the best sushi restaurant in the world. Featured in the documentary "Jiro Dreams of Sushi" and visited by Barack Obama. Located underground by Ginza Station.
Memory Lane, also known as Piss Alley, has dozens of small restaurants directly northwest of Shinjuku station.
Almost every Japanese city has a covered shopping arcade. In Yokohama, it's the Motomachi Shopping Street.
Eat ramen in a cubicle at Ichiran Shinjuku Central East Entrance.