Japan’s bustling capital, Tokyo, is the country’s largest city and one of the most populous in the world. And while its transport system is incredibly efficient, first-timers may feel a bit overwhelmed navigating it in the beginning.
For real – I’ve traveled to almost 80 countries but Japan was definitely challenging to navigate. One time we almost missed our train cause we couldn’t figure out where to catch it!
If it’s your first time in Tokyo, you might want to sightsee its major landmarks or explore beyond the city center from the comfort of a bus. We went on a bus tour to Mount Fuji and Hakone and it was so much easier than understanding how to get around on our own.
Then, check out these bus tours in Tokyo that I hand-picked to ensure you have a memorable time. The selection covers a great variety of experiences, from tours around the city to Mount Fuji excursions.
➥ Why can you trust my suggestions? I’ve been curating travel guides and tours for a decade, and have developed a special talent for identifying high-quality, worthy excursions that stand out from the rest. I thoroughly research each activity to ensure it offers an extraordinary experience.
Besides, I’ve been to Tokyo before and visited many of its highlights and landmarks, so I know exactly what these bus tours should offer to be worth your buck.
I generally use Viator and Get Your Guide to book tours around the world. I especially recommend them for their great cancellation policy. You can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Would you like the short version? These are the ultimate tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour |
| HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS | Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket |
| MT. FUJI BUS TOUR | Mt Fuji, Hakone, Lake Ashi Cruise Bus Trip |
| NAGANO BUS TOUR | Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour |
OUR PICK: The BEST Bus Tour in Tokyo for First Timers
Experience the ultimate 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour, packed with iconic sights! This bus tour is perfect for those who want to see as much as possible in just one day.
After meeting in Shinjuku, hop onboard a comfortable coach. Your first stop is the tranquil Meiji Shrine, surrounded by lush greenery. A professional guide will provide the historical background and significance of each location you visit.
Then make your way to the Imperial Palace. There, you’ll explore the traditional Japanese gardens- either the East Garden or cross the Niju-bashi Bridge to the Outer Garden.
Next up is the Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. Check out the Kaminari-mon Gate and walk to the nearby Nakamise Avenue, famous for shopping. Here you’ll also take part in a matcha-tasting experience, sampling the Japanese iconic tea.
It’s also time for lunch if you’ve selected the lunch option- choose either a fried chicken or tofu set meal. But that’s not all. Get ready to soar to new heights at the Tokyo SkyTree, skipping the line for the Tembo Deck observatory to catch breathtaking city views.
Afterward, head to the Odaiba district for a ferry ride in the Tokyo Bay beneath the dazzling Rainbow Bridge, before getting back to Shinjuku.
➤ Why is this the best tour? Besides its 7 THOUSAND 5-star reviews, you mean? This is the most comprehensive tour of Tokyo, taking you to virtually all the historic and important attractions with an expert in just one day.
All tickets, a delicious matcha experience, and transfers are covered. On top of that, you can opt for a multilingual audio guide, ideal for non-English speakers.
Read what the reviews say:
“Our guide Taka-san made this comprehensive tour fun and informative!! We learned about history, Japanese culture and language, and had enough time at each stop to explore and enjoy the sights. Loved the matcha tasting!!’’
Meema – Read more reviews
This tour includes: All transfers, a guide, entrance fees, matcha tasting, a ferry ride, and optional lunch. ➥BOOK IT HERE
Hop On Hop Off Bus in Tokyo
Discover the city on your own terms with a Tokyo: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Ticket. Climb aboard the open-top double-decker bus and get comfortable to enjoy the stunning city views.
Your ticket grants you unlimited access to all routes, and you’ll get to hop off on all major hotspots to explore at your pace.
The three exciting routes to choose from include Tokyo Skytree, Tsukiji Ginza, and Shinjuku Shibuya. Customize your Tokyo adventure, and learn from the informative audio commentary as you sightsee!
This tour includes: A hop-on hop-off bus ticket, and audio guides. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Bus Tours from Tokyo to Mount Fuji
▶️ Set out on a thrilling Mt Fuji and Hakone 1-Day Bus Tour Return by Bullet Train. You’ll travel comfortably with tickets to the high-speed train, and leave Tokyo behind for a day. This is the tour I went on, you can read about my experience here.
Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll ascend to Mt. Fuji’s 5th Station for awe-inspiring vistas, explore a Ninja House, and meander through a tranquil Japanese Garden.
Immerse yourself in Japan’s natural wonders at Owakudani Valley and enjoy a scenic ride on a sky gondola. You’ll also get to relax on a cruise on Lake Ashi, where Mt. Fuji serves as a majestic backdrop.
Indulge in a sumptuous buffet featuring local delicacies, and snap photos of the enchanting “Torii of Peace” at Hakone Shrine. You’ll learn all about the sites from your guide or the multilingual audio guides! Wrap up this action-packed day with a bullet train ride back to Tokyo.
This tour includes: Bus transportation, bullet train ride on the way back, a guide, entrance fees, a lake cruise, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Explore the legendary Mount Fuji and its surroundings on this Mt. Fuji Full-Day Sightseeing Trip from Tokyo. It’s a packed day that takes you to the postcard-looking Kawaguchiko Lake, and the iconic Arakura Sengen Shrine with its five-story pagoda.
You’ll also head up Mount Fuji to its 5th Station, getting free time to explore the site and shop for souvenirs. In winter, catch the dazzling diamond Fuji sunset from the 4th station instead, at Yamanakako Hananomiyako Park.
End your journey at Oshino Hakkai, which boasts eight picturesque lakes with Mt. Fuji in the background.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, and entry tickets. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Nikko Bus Tour from Tokyo
Get ready to discover Nikko National Park on this Tokyo: Nikko Toshogu Shrine and Kegon Waterfall Tour. You’ll meet your guide at the departure point in Tokyo, and travel to one of Japan’s National Treasures: the UNESCO-listed Toshogu Shrine.
Adorned with gold and intricate carvings, it’s a fascinating site to explore! It’s the final resting place of a prominent shogun, and the perfect place to learn about the legendary Three Wise Monkeys.
You’ll then pass through the Iroha Slope, renowned for its sharp turns and autumn leaves, on your way to the Kegon Waterfall.
Be captivated by its grandeur, as it’s one of the tallest waterfalls in the country at 138 feet (97 meters). In the afternoon, you’ll have the choice to visit Lake Chuzenji, situated at the foot of an active volcano, or to experience the Nikko hot springs.
This tour includes: Transfers, a guide, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
A Tokyo Bus Tour for Ghibli Fans
Explore the enchanting world of Studio Ghibli on this Tokyo Studio Ghibli Museum and Ghibli Film Appreciation Tour. With a savvy guide, start a comfy trip to Mitaka from the Shinjuku Keio Plaza Hotel.
Dive into the entertaining Ghibli Museum, where you’ll discover the anime wonders of the world-celebrated Studio. Get behind the scenes, and discover how the anime magic is created!
Enjoy a buffet lunch at the Hotel Gajoen Tokyo, rumored to have inspired many Ghibli films, and then visit the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum.
A savvy guide, versed in the world of Ghibli, will be ready to tell you all the secrets about it and answer your questions. Cap off the tour by watching an original short film by the renowned director Hayao Miyazaki. This tour packs culture, food, and Ghibli magic all in one!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, lunch, and entry fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Other Great Bus Tours from Tokyo
▶️ Embark on an unforgettable Nagano Snow Monkey 1 Day Tour with Beef Sukiyaki Lunch from Tokyo.
You’ll begin with a scenic coach ride from Tokyo to Nagano Prefecture, followed by a delectable Japanese meal featuring the flavorful beef sukiyaki. Vegetarian options are also available.
The highlight of your adventure awaits at the Jigokudani Monkey Park. Witness the famous Japanese macaques, better known as snow monkeys, as they luxuriate in natural thermal springs. That’s how they keep warm in the freezing temperatures!
Snap epic portraits of the monkeys, and take in the breathtaking surroundings of the snow-draped Jigokudani valley before returning to Tokyo.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, lunch, and entrance to the Monkey Park. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Step into a time machine and journey to the realm of Samurai on this Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour from Tokyo.
Discover Kamakura’s treasures, from the sacred Tsurugaoka Hachiman Shrine to the eleven-headed Kannon. Your expert guide will tell you all about its history.
Then, marvel at the Buddha statue and explore the enchanting Enoshima Island, where Benten, the goddess of good fortune, reigns.
This tour blends history, culture, and scenic beauty seamlessly. It’s a great excursion to add to your Japan journey!
This tour includes: Roundtrip transfers, a guide, and entrance fees. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
