Tokyo is a city that dazzles the senses—futuristic yet deeply rooted in tradition, bursting with neon lights and ancient temples, and home to some of the best food you’ll ever eat. If you’re lucky enough to be cruising from Tokyo—like we recently did—don’t miss the chance to spend a day (or more!) soaking up all the fun and flavor this incredible city has to offer.

We packed a lot into our single day in Tokyo before boarding our Norwegian Spirit cruise, and we’re already itching to go back and see even more. Here’s our perfect one-day Tokyo adventure—plus a few must-dos for next time!

Personally, we think you should give yourself at least two or three days in the city before or after your cruise to really take it all in. One day just isn’t enough to experience all the magic Tokyo has to offer!

👉 You can watch our video from this day in Tokyo here!

Getting to and From the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal

First tip: Tokyo has multiple cruise terminals, so double-check your exact embarkation spot. We love using the Marine Traffic app to see exactly where our ship is docked—it’s handy and just plain fun to watch the ships come and go!

We stayed at the Tokyo Station Hotel, perched right on top of Tokyo Station—the city’s main train hub. The hotel’s location was perfect for exploring Tokyo and catching the train to the port. If you’re curious about what we thought of it, we’ve shared our full review here.

Our ship departed from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Koto City. It’s much closer to central Tokyo than Yokohama’s port, making it super convenient for a quick trip into the city.

For the easiest (and laziest!) option, we grabbed an Uber from our hotel—about $15 USD and under 15 minutes. No wrestling suitcases onto packed trains! But if you’re traveling light or visiting on a port stop, the train is a great choice—Tokyo Station can be reached in around 30 minutes.

The nearest station is the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on the Yurikamome Line, with a short, well-signposted walk to the terminal. Another option is Tokyo Teleport Station (yes, that’s really the name!) on the Rinkai Line, about 15 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bus. When cruise ships are in port, a free shuttle bus connects Tokyo Teleport Station to the terminal. You can find more about getting to and from the cruise terminal on the Go Tokyo guide.

First Things First: What You Need for Getting Around Tokyo

Before you hit the streets, here’s what we recommend to make the most of your Tokyo adventure:

Suica Card – Use it for trains, metro, and even vending machines. We used the Mobile Suica card through Apple Wallet—it’s so simple to set up and top up. You just tap your phone at the train gates and go! Here’s a great guide on how to set it up—trust us, it’s a game changer.
Google Maps – An absolute lifesaver for navigating Tokyo’s train system. Honestly, just follow Google Maps and you’ll be fine—it even gives you exit numbers for stations and updates live while you’re traveling.
Google Translate – Download Japanese before you arrive to save data. Even though English is widely used in Tokyo, it was nice to have Google Translate for trickier situations.
Bring Cash – Most places accept cards now, but smaller shops and street vendors might still prefer cash. We used an ATM to withdraw yen when we arrived.
Your Passport – You’ll need it for getting on and off the ship, even for port stops, and for getting tax-free shopping refunds.
A Plastic Bag – Trust us, it’s super useful for snacks, souvenirs, or trash (Tokyo doesn’t have many public bins!).
Wipes or Hand Sanitizer – Great for cleaning up after street food stops!

How We Spent One Day in Tokyo

First Stop: Mind-Bending Art at TeamLab Borderless

We kicked off our Tokyo day at the TeamLab Borderless Museum—a mind-blowing world of interactive art installations. Lights, mirrors, and colors shift around you—it’s like stepping into another dimension.

We wandered from room to room, completely spellbound by the ever-changing projections and mirrored spaces. It felt like we were part of the art itself—truly unforgettable! At one point, we even got quite emotional—something about the mix of visuals and music really got to us.

Pro tip: this sells out months in advance, so book early if you want to see it. If you can’t snag a ticket, consider TeamLab Planets as an alternative—it’s equally immersive and mind-bending.

The View from Tokyo Tower

Next up was the iconic Tokyo Tower, just a short walk from TeamLab Borderless. Built in the 1950s and standing 333 meters tall, it’s Tokyo’s answer to the Eiffel Tower.

The experience started with an elevator ride to the main deck. Despite having a timed entry slot, we still faced long lines. Once at the main deck, we braved a second set of elevators (and our fear of heights!) to reach the top deck for a 360-degree view of the city stretching out to the horizon.

The top deck is an additional cost (3,300 yen) and sold as a “VIP experience.” While you do get access to the highest viewing area, the “free” photo they offer is tiny, and they try to upsell you the full-size color version along with “refreshments”—basically just a drip of wine or juice. Honestly, we didn’t think the extra cost was worth it for those extras, but you’re really paying for the view.

Be warned: this spot gets VERY busy. Book in advance and be prepared for lines. The view was absolutely worth it, though, even if we found the crowds a bit overwhelming.

Food and Fun in Harajuku

After taking in the views, we hopped back on the train to Harajuku—and what a change of pace! This neighborhood is an explosion of color, quirky shops, and fun street snacks.

We tried everything we could find: rainbow cotton candy as big as our heads, deep-fried spiral potatoes on sticks, crunchy 10 yen cheese bread, and even a visit to a micro pig café—yep, 25 minutes of baby pigs dozing on our laps, and it was absolute bliss. There are also loads of cat cafés, cute dessert shops, and vintage clothing stores, making Harajuku a real playground for both foodies and fashion lovers.

Takeshita Street is the heart of Harajuku and absolutely packed with quirky boutiques, colorful snack stands, and some of the best people-watching in the city. Just wandering along this narrow, lively street is an experience in itself.

This is the most touristy area of Tokyo, and it gets very busy—but it’s an experience you can’t miss. We were also surprised by how affordable the snacks were! This is where cash and the trusty plastic bag for trash really came in handy.

Tip: Don’t walk and eat—find a designated eating area along the street. And if you’re after more authentic Tokyo food, there are countless small restaurants and izakayas hidden down the side streets. Honestly, there are just too many to recommend—use Google Maps reviews to see what’s good and go from there!

Ginza for Shopping

From Harajuku, we headed to Ginza, Tokyo’s upscale shopping district. Even if you’re not a big shopper (we’re not!), it’s worth a wander—especially since shopping in Tokyo can be cheaper than at home, and you can often get your tax refunded at the tills!

We found the best deals on electronics, beauty products, and local brands like Uniqlo—just bring your passport and ask for the tax refund at checkout. They’ll either take it off immediately or refund you in cash later.

Evening Vibes and Neon Nights

As the sun set, we slowed down to take in Tokyo at night. There’s something magical about the neon lights flickering on, the hum of the city, and that quiet buzz of excitement.

We grabbed a drink from a vending machine—sparkling apple soda, my new obsession!—and wandered the backstreets, just letting ourselves get lost in the moment.

And to cap off the night? A classic egg salad sandwich from 7-Eleven—Japan’s convenience store game is legendary. From fried chicken to onigiri to fresh sandwiches, it’s hard to beat for quick, delicious, and cheap eats. We’re still dreaming about that creamy egg salad!

What We Missed (But Are Already Planning to Do Next Time!)

Even with a jam-packed day, there’s so much more we’re excited to explore next time:

Asakusa and Sensō-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest temple, with a lively shopping street full of traditional snacks.
Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing—definitely joining the madness next time!
Tsukiji Outer Market – Once home to the famous fish auction, now a street food paradise for fresh sushi and seafood.
Odaiba – A futuristic playground of robot restaurants, giant shopping malls, and waterfront views.
Meiji Shrine – A calm forest sanctuary right in the heart of the city.

Final Thoughts on Visiting Tokyo by Cruise

Tokyo is one of those cities that just sweeps you off your feet. Our one day here before our cruise was a blur of neon lights, hidden temples, delicious snacks, and unforgettable experiences—and we’re already planning our return!

Personally, we think you should give yourself at least two or three days in the city before or after your cruise to really take it all in. One day just isn’t enough to experience everything Tokyo has to offer!

If you’re cruising from Tokyo, don’t just head straight to the port. Spend some time wandering this amazing city—it’s the perfect way to start (or end!) your cruise on a high note.

We’ve got tons of images to go along with this article—check them out to see Tokyo in all its colorful, chaotic glory!

Have you spent time in Tokyo before a cruise? Any tips, favorite spots, or hidden gems? Let us know in the comments below—we’re always on the hunt for the best bites and sights for our next trip!

Tokyo in a Day: Before, After, or Even During Your Cruise!