One Day in Tokyo from Odaiba Cruise Port Itinerary: Awesome and Fun

Is your cruise ship headed to Odaiba Cruise Port in Japan and you are looking for a one-day in Tokyo Itinerary? Then I’ve got you covered!

Tokyo is an awesome spot for a shore day, but it can be hard to plan on what to do if you don’t know the area.

Luckily for you, my friend Alika is the leading travel blogger in Southeast Asia, and she has created this awesome itinerary for my cruise to Tokyo.

Obviously, I’ll share all of her insider tips and hidden gems with you in this post!

Let’s get to it!

stunning view over tokyo in the sunset and mount fuji in the background

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Table of Contents

One Day in Tokyo Itinerary (at a Glance)

Morning: Visit Tokyo Skytree

Mid-Morning: Wander Through Harajuku and Meiji Shrine

Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Mid-Afternoon: Explore Odaiba

A close-up view of the five-story pagoda at Sensoji Temple, showcasing its intricate details and vibrant red hues under a dramatic night sky.

About the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal (Odaiba)

The biggest, international cruise terminal of Tokyo is located in the Odaiba district. Most major cruise ships dock here when visiting Tokyo.

It is a pretty cool area filled with shopping, entertainment, and pretty waterfront views. It’s about 7 km from central Tokyo.

Check the official homepage for more info.

How to Get to Tokyo from Odaiba

By Train (Best Option)
- Closest Station: Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station on the Yurikamome Line.
- Route:
  - Take the Yurikamome Line to Shimbashi Station (about 15 minutes).
  - From Shimbashi, you can transfer to the JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro for other destinations like Tokyo Station, Shibuya, or Shinjuku.
- Cost: Around ¥330 to ¥400, depending on your final destination.
By Taxi
- Convenient but pricier: A direct taxi ride to central Tokyo (e.g., Ginza or Tokyo Station) takes about 20–30 minutes and costs ¥3,000–¥4,500, depending on traffic.
By Bus
- Local buses connect Odaiba to various parts of Tokyo, but they’re less direct and take longer than trains.
With a Private Tour

How To Get Around Tokyo

Once you have reached the city center, subways and trains are the cheapest way to get around Tokyo.

Two types of IC cards are available for purchase: Suica cards at JR stations and Pasmo cards at non-JR stations. These cards can also be used for quick purchases at numerous shops and restaurants throughout Tokyo and Japan.

Tokyo Subway Ticket is an unlimited-use card for all subway lines but is not valid for JR trains (24 hours: 800 yen). The pass is sold at any of these locations here.

Taxis in Tokyo can be quite expensive, but the GO app is the most popular way to book a ride. You can now sign up using a non-Japanese mobile number.

Walking is one of the best ways to experience Tokyo, so if you are fit you can definitely consider visiting the sites on foot.

Best Private Tours and Shore Excursions

If you don’t like being on your own in Tokyo and would rather have some more guidance, an organized shore excursion or a private driver might be a better option for you.

When booking a guided tour, always make sure you have a free cancellation option, in case your cruise ship is delayed.

Here are my favorite tours in Tokyo from the cruise port:

Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Private Sightseeing to Mt Fuji and Hakone GREEN NUMBER PLATES

Tokyo Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Chureito Pagoda and Fuji in Japan with lovely cherry blossom a great place to see from the cruise ship.

One Day in Tokyo From Cruise Port

Morning: Visit Tokyo Skytree

Hop on the subway or take a short taxi ride to Tokyo Skytree. Tokyo Skytree is the world’s tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. It has an observation deck with 360-degree views and a glass floor.

Head up to the observation decks to take in a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Tokyo. On clear days, you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Insider tip: Here you can purchase a postcard at the souvenir shop, throw it in the mailbox, and send it with a special Tokyo Skytree stamp.

Tip: Make sure to check the weather forecast and, if you can, buy your tickets closer to your visit or on the day itself. Since Tokyo Skytree can get busy, it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance to skip the long lines.

A serene view of Tokyo Skytree framed by leafy branches, with a woman sitting on a park bench, enjoying the riverfront scene.

Mid-Morning: Wander Through Harajuku

After a cool excursion to the Skytree, take the train to Harajuku.

This area is famous for its quirky fashion, unique boutiques, and insane street style.

Here are a couple of ideas on what you can do there:

Stroll down Takeshita Street a famous street in Harajuku with trendy fashion boutiques and delicious street food stalls (known for its crepes & rainbow cotton candy).
Check out Harajuku Gyozaro for lunch
Shop at Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku and visit the rooftop garden for a view at Tokyu Plaza Harajuku (Harakado).
Stop by Anakuma Cafe for a drink delivered through a hole in the wall by a friendly bear. While waiting for your order, the bear will play games with you, ask you questions, and even give you coins to play the Gacha machine.

A cheerful woman posing under the vibrant and colorful entrance to Takeshita Street in Harajuku, surrounded by bustling shops and people.

A scenic aerial view of Harajuku, featuring the modern architecture of Tokyo Plaza, a busy intersection, and tree-lined streets on a bright day.

Meiji Shrine

After experiencing Harajuku, head to the nearby Meiji Shrine. It is a serene and expansive Shinto shrine located in a lush forested area – which is super instagrammable!

Tip: Before entering, purify yourself at the cleansing station, and don’t miss writing a wish on an ema.

A traditional Japanese ceremony at Meiji Shrine, with participants dressed in vibrant robes walking past the temple under a clear sky.

A smiling visitor standing in front of a wall of beautifully stacked and decorated sake barrels at the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo.

Afternoon: Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue

Only a 15-minute walk away from Harajuku is Shibuya Crossing. It is known for its synchronized chaos of pedestrians crossing from all directions. It is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world.

Insider tip: The best place to see it is the second floor of Starbucks Tsutaya.

Visit the nearby Hachiko Statue, which is dedicated to the loyal dog who waited for his owner at the Shibuya Station every day for over nine years, even after his owner’s passing.

Tip: Shibuya is great for shopping and people-watching, so take some time to explore the area’s shopping centers, including Shibuya 109.

A lively street scene in Shibuya, Tokyo, featuring people dressed as video game characters driving colorful go-karts on the crosswalk.

Mid-Afternoon: Explore Odaiba

Odaiba (which is near the cruise port) is a seaside park with lots of cool things to do.

Here are some of my favorite things to do near the cruise port in Odaiba:

Interact with robots at the Miraikan (The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation)
Explore malls like Aqua City and the Seaside Mall
Dine at one of the sushi bars with waterfront views
Don’t miss iconic landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty and the Unicorn Gundam, which transforms into “destroy mode” four times a day (at 11 am, 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm) and features light shows from 7 pm to 9:30 pm.
For some fun, visit Tokyo Joypolis, an indoor amusement park with roller coasters, arcade games, and virtual reality experiences.
Dip your feet in the free foot onsen (foot bath) and take in the city views on the 8th floor of 千客萬来. It is free and open to the public, which is why it’s often busy with people waiting in line. If you forget to bring a towel, you can purchase one from the vending machine for 200 yen.

A stunning sunset over Tokyo Bay, with the Rainbow Bridge illuminated in soft golden light, reflected in the calm water below.

A smiling woman posing near the replica of the Statue of Liberty in Odaiba, Tokyo, with the Rainbow Bridge and skyline in the background.

More Things to Do in Tokyo

Obviously, there is a lot more to do in Tokyo than just the things I mentioned in my itinerary. If you feel like swapping out some of the items on the plan, here are a couple of additional ideas of things to do in Tokyo!

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji Temple is Tokyo’s oldest and most important Buddhist temple. As you make your way to the temple, you’ll pass through the Kaminarimon Gate, a massive red lantern that marks the entrance to this historic area.

From the cruise port, it’s about a 30-40 minute ride to Asakusa by public transport or taxi – so you can definitely make it work.

Take a stroll down Nakamise Street, where you’ll find shops selling everything from souvenirs to delicious traditional snacks like ningyo-yaki (doll-shaped sponge cakes) and agemanju (fried sweet buns).

Tip: Take part in the ritual of washing your hands and mouth at the purification fountain, a practice that dates back centuries.

The iconic five-story pagoda of Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, glowing brightly against the dark night sky.

A grand entrance gate at Sensoji Temple, beautifully lit at night, with visitors walking towards the illuminated temple.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Tsukiji Outer Market is famous for its fresh seafood – you can get everything from sushi and sashimi to street food like grilled seafood skewers and tamagoyaki.

Be sure to stop by one of the sushi counters to try freshly made sushi with fish straight from the ocean.

Don’t miss the tamagoyaki (Japanese omelet), often served as sushi, and if you’re feeling adventurous, give uni (sea urchin) a try!

The Tsukiji Outer Market is open daily from 5 am to 2 pm.

A bustling street in Tokyo's Kabukicho district, adorned with traditional red and yellow lanterns glowing warmly in an atmospheric restaurant setting.

Explore Shinjuku

Shinjuku is another fabulous place that you should check out on your shore day in Tokyo.

Experience Don Quijote – the biggest discount store in Japan. The perfect spot to grab some souvenirs.

You can see the famous 3D Cat Billboard, witness Godzilla roar (a life-size Godzilla statue that roars every hour commencing at noon and ending at 8 pm), and play arcade games on Level 3 of Kabukicho Tower.

A city street in Shinjuku, Tokyo, with a giant Godzilla head peeking over the top of Hotel Gracery, surrounded by colorful billboards and high-rise buildings.

Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky is one of Tokyo’s most incredible observation decks. It also offers panoramic views of the city from the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square building.

It’s a must-visit spot, especially for those chasing jaw-dropping Instagram pictures of Tokyo!

Shibuya Sky is extremely popular therefore you have to book in advance especially if you want to visit during sunset.

Explore Akihabara

Akihabara, also known as “Electric Town,” is filled with electronic shops, anime merchandise, and gaming culture.

It is definitely a cool place that you could check out on your shore excursion to Tokyo.

Here are some of my favorite things to do there:

Visit Mandarake the largest manga and anime store in the world.
Go Kart on the streets of Akihabara.
Play arcade games at Gigo No #5.
Discover Yodobashi Akiba. Prepare to be astounded by the extensive assortment of high-tech products and witness the awe-inspiring display of remarkable technology.
Go back in time with retro gaming at Super Potato

After exploring Akihabara, stroll through Ueno Ameyoko Shopping Street.

Nearby, you’ll find Ueno Park, a peaceful spot perfect for a lovely walk around Shinobazu Pond. It’s an ideal place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings, especially during the changing seasons!

Lastly, enjoy a 3D Latte Art at Hat Coffee, where you can choose your preferred design!

A cute cup of latte with an intricate 3D foam art design of an elephant, served in a clear glass on a wooden table.

Tokyo Travel Tips

Bring a bag for your rubbish

Despite Japan’s reputation for cleanliness, Japan surprisingly has very few rubbish bins.

Bins are found at convenience stores, next to vending machines and train stations, but there are hardly any on the street.

Come prepared by carrying a plastic bag or a reusable tote with you to conveniently store your rubbish while you are out and about.

Public Transport Etiquette

It is considered impolite to have phone conversations while using public transportation.

Additionally, eating and drinking are generally not permitted, except for long-distance bus and shinkansen journeys.

Google Maps will be your best friend in Japan. It will tell you which train lines to take, which train carriages to board for the fastest exit, which station exit to choose, and the cost of the journey.

Use the Money Tray

In Japan, it is uncommon to pass money directly from hand to hand. When making a purchase at a shop, restaurant, or bar, you will often find a small tray near the cash register.

Rather than handing your money or credit/debit card directly to the cashier, it is customary to place it in the tray.

Seat Charges in Restaurants

A seat charge in small restaurants, izakayas, and bars (usually located in expensive or touristy areas with limited seating capacity) is where customers are required to pay a fee for using a table or seat.

Many places do not openly disclose whether they have a seat charge, so the only way to know is by asking before being seated or checking restaurant reviews online beforehand.

Bring Cash

Always carry a coin purse and have cash on hand. Many small businesses, including those charging entrance fees and for street food, accept only cash.

Conclusion

Tokyo has a lot to offer – and you can see some of it in just one day, even when starting from the cruise port!

Whether you explored Odaiba’s futuristic attractions, admired city views from Shibuya Sky, or dived into the buzz of Shibuya Crossing, every moment in Tokyo is special.

From modern skyscrapers to ancient temples, Tokyo totally blends its rich history with cutting-edge technology.

As your day winds down, take in the city lights from the cruise deck and think back of your lovely adventure. One day may feel short, but in Tokyo, it’s enough to create lasting impressions and spark a desire to return.