Things to Do Near Tokyo Cruise Port

A cultural compendium and birthplace of all things eclectic, landing in the world’s largest city on a Tokyo cruise never ceases to amaze. And while a few hours may hardly seem sufficient to scratch the surface, no two visits to the Japanese capital need ever be the same.

Expect the unexpected from the nation that introduced emojis and selfie sticks to the world? But for every contribution to modern life, there’s a tradition to boot; from sushi to sumo, Harajuku to haiku.

What to see on a Tokyo cruise

Vertiginous vistas don’t come much better than those from the Tokyo Skytree which, you guessed it, towers confidently above the city below. You have a duo of observation decks to choose from when you arrive at the Tokyo cruise port, one standing at 300 metres, and the other at 450. The lift between the two is rather helpfully glass-fronted, just in case you needed any convincing of the extent of your ascent. Once decamped at the top, a clear day will reward the lofty with panoramas of Mount Fuji, while nighttime unfurls Tokyo in all its glittering glory. 

From way up high to street level, the next activity on our agenda realises all your childhood fantasies and more. What if you could traverse the streets of Tokyo in a go-kart, screeching past the scenery in the most unique possible? Well, you guessed it… Street Kart makes these dreams a reality. Dress up in one of the rental costumes if you so wish, as you put foot to pedal whilst playing out the tunes of your choice – all you need is a sense of fun, a driving licence, and off you go!

If there’s one image you just have to return home with, it’s that of Mount Fuji. There’s something satisfyingly symmetrical about this volcano, and it’s simply not possible to catch it from a bad angle. That said, there are locations that will put Mount Fuji in the frame better than others. The northern shore of Lake Kawaguchi is a photographer’s paradise, where the majestic cone is often fringed by the foliage of the season. Should your day be cloud-free, you’ll get double the Mount for your money, as its formidable form will be reflected in the glassy lake below.

What to do on a Tokyo cruise

Some would argue that kookiness is woven into the very fabric of Japan, and a visit to the Gotokuji Temple will only cement these suspicions. There might be plenty of temples sprinkled across Tokyo, but this one comes with a certain feline fascination, as it’s said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko good luck charm – or the waving cat, to you and I. As such, while you’re pussy-footing around the temple, you’ll discover it’s littered with thousands of cheerful-looking white cats, each beckoning all the good fortune you could ever muster. There’s even the opportunity to purchase one to take home with you, if your street cred could possibly handle it. 

Hold on to that temple-visiting mood, as Sensoji Temple should also be within your sights. As Tokyo’s most visited, you’re sure to be in good company; you’ll enter via the Nakamise-dōri shopping street, where you can purchase all the tourist treasures you could ever want. As you approach, the sweet scent of incense will prick through the air, shortly followed by the sight of a five-storey crimson pagoda. Built back in 628 AD, it’s the oldest Buddhist temple in the capital, so expect to encounter a healthy mix of local worshippers and inquisitive tourists. 

Even in a city as cyclopedic as Tokyo, there is still an opportunity to seek sanctuary – and the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden welcomes chill-seekers with open arms. Perfectly manicured and displaying all the hallmarks you’d expect from a Japanese garden, this is where the undeniable hum of traffic is soon replaced with melodic birdsong. There are three gardens in one – French, English and Japanese – and your frolic through the local flora will leave you convinced you’re a million miles from the city. Time your springtime visit right and the garden will be veiled with cherry blossom, while an autumn adventure will see it ablaze with royal reds and earthy hues. 

If there’s anywhere that will convince you of just how pleasant British roads are (yes, you read that right), it’s Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing. We’ll concede that visiting a pedestrian crossing is usually unlikely to stir up any sort of excitement, but there’s something quite intriguing about this one. Purported to be the busiest intersection in the world, the carefully choreographed lights and droves of locals’ ability to dance around each other with relative ease is nothing short of impressive. If you’d rather observe from a distance, the Shibuya 109-2 department store rooftop will offer some solace. Alternatively, follow the ‘if you can’t beat them, join them’ ethos and head down to street level. An after-dark visit will imbue the scene with a neon glow – and what could be more ‘Tokyo’ than that?

Eat this, drink that

Synonymous, quintessential – if there’s one gastronomic go-to when you’re in Japan, it’s sushi. Forget the wasabi-touting wannabes you encounter back home, this stuff is the real deal, and separating the best from the rest is crucial if you’re going to leave on your Tokyo cruise truly satisfied. As you’d expect from a city of this calibre, there’s a sliding scale of sushi selections; whether you’re an ‘only Michelin-starred establishment will do’ type, or enjoying more bang for your yen will suffice, Tokyo is more than happy to oblige. Just make sure you find time to gorge on nigiri, one of the simplest – and some would argue, best – of the national repertoire. 

From the bite-sized to the bowlful, ramen is another lip-smacking inauguration into the Japanese foodie scene. It’s estimated that Tokyo alone is home to at least 10,000 establishments serving this flavourful noodle and broth concoction, so it pays to untangle the options. Wherever you decide, make sure you have ample time to savour the moment; this is far from food on the go, and if you’re going to slurp your way through with style, nothing short of a table and chair will do. Be prepared to place your order at a self-service machine as is commonplace in these parts, before handing your ticket to the chef who will do the rest.

Sake is to Japanese drink what sushi is to its food. The traditional rice wine is an acquired taste, but with so many iterations, there’s sure to be at least one you like, right? Some are served hot, some cold – if you’re that way inclined, then you could be guided through the whole experience by a master sake sommelier. Alternatively, raise quick a cup and tick it off your to-do list. 

Ready to experience a Tokyo cruise for yourself? Browse the range of available sailings by clicking here.