Hato Bus Open-Top Bus Tour from Tokyo Station

09/07/2025

Contents

Hato Bus Open-Top Tour Tokyo – Overview

The Hato Bus Open-Top Tour Tokyo offers a unique and thrilling way to see the city, departing conveniently from Tokyo Station.

It’s a double-decker open-top bus that showcases scenic landmarks while offering multilingual audio guidance.

Boarding Location & Directions

Finding the boarding point is simple, but first-time visitors may need clear instructions.

Tokyo Station is enormous and can be confusing, so knowing the correct exit is crucial.

From JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit, the Hato Bus boarding point and office are just a 2-minute walk away.

Guides recommend turning left once you exit, following signage for Hato Bus, and spotting the distinctive yellow buses.

Tour Details & Highlights

This is not a hop-on/hop-off tour; expect a one-hour panoramic ride that includes major landmarks like the National Diet Building, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Ginza, Odaiba, Toyosu, Tsukiji, and Kabuki-za.

The tour features an automated, GPS-based audio guide accessible via your smartphone in eight languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, Thai, Indonesian, and Vietnamese.

Fare Structure

Prices vary depending on whether you travel on a weekday or weekend.

This section outlines all fare details clearly.

Weekdays
Adult (12+) ¥2,200; Child (6-11) ¥1,100; Infant (0-5 with seat) ¥700. Infants sitting on adult’s lap ride free (one per adult).
Weekends & Holidays
Adult ¥2,400; Child ¥1,200; Infant with seat ¥700.

＞＞＞Check Hatobus’s Official Website

Tokyo Panoramic Bus Tour Highlights

Here’s what makes the Tokyo Panoramic Bus Tour unforgettable—from key sights to passenger rules.

You’ll also find important practical information to ensure a smooth and pleasant ride.

Key Attractions on the Route

Travelers often wonder which parts of Tokyo are covered on this tour.

While the ride doesn’t allow you to get off, it does pass many must-see landmarks.

The route offers sweeping views of iconic Tokyo spots: Hibiya Park, Kasumigaseki, the National Diet Building, Toranomon Hills, Tokyo Tower, Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Toyosu, Kachidoki Bridge, Tsukiji, Kabuki-za, and Ginza—all seen without stops.

Onboard Conduct & Restrictions

To ensure safety and comfort for all passengers, rules apply while on board.

First-time riders should know these before boarding. This section summarizes the main dos and don’ts.

Eating is not allowed, though drinks in plastic bottles are permitted.
The GPS audio guide requires a smartphone and earphones; if your device fails, audio won’t play and refunds aren’t available.
In case of rain or strong winds, the roof may close or the tour may be canceled.

Customer Experience Snapshot

Past travelers’ reviews can help set realistic expectations.

Many visitors highlight the bus’s convenience, while others mention possible weather impacts. This section provides a snapshot of traveler opinions.

Travelers on GetYourGuide rate the experience positively with an overall rating of 4.3/5, appreciating the uninterrupted views and efficient audio guidance.

Tokyo Station Open-Top Bus – Night Tour Option

For a breathtaking nighttime view of Tokyo, the night version of the Open-Top Tour offers a sparkling alternative.

Departing at dusk, it covers illuminated landmarks and includes the unique bonus of observatory access.

Night Tour Itinerary & Highlights

The night tour is a longer experience compared to the daytime ride.

It includes stops and even an observatory visit, making it particularly popular.

The Tokyo Premium Night Drive departs from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit at around 18:30 and returns at approximately 20:50.

The route covers night views of National Diet Building, Aoyama, Roppongi, Tokyo Tower (with a visit inside), Rainbow Bridge, Odaiba, Toyosu, Tsukiji, Kabuki-za, and Ginza.

The ticket includes admission to Tokyo Tower’s main observatory (150m).

Pricing for Night Tour

Understanding the cost of the night option will help travelers decide between day and evening rides.

This section explains the ticket categories and prices. Even with the higher price, many find it worthwhile.

Adult (12+): ¥3,400
Child (6-11): ¥1,840
Infant with seat (0-5): ¥700; one free infant per adult if sitting on lap

Additional Rules & Restrictions

Because the night tour is longer and includes observatory access, rules are slightly stricter.

Safety measures also increase at night.

Alcohol and loud conversation are prohibited; only plastic bottled drinks allowed.
Umbrellas and selfie sticks aren’t permitted at any time, for safety reasons.
Roof closure in unfavorable weather and cancellations due to strong conditions may occur.

Tour Comparison Overview

Travelers often struggle to choose between the day and night tours.

Each has its unique appeal depending on the atmosphere you want to experience.

Scrollable

Feature	Day Panoramic Tour	Night Premium Tour
Departure Time	Several slots (09:30-16:00)	Around 18:30
Duration	~1 hour	~2 hours
Price	¥2,200–¥2,400	¥3,400
Language Guidance	GPS audio in 8 languages	Same
Included Attractions	Landmarks without stops	Tokyo Tower admittance included
Eating/Drinking Rules	No eating & drinking	Same
Weather Policy	Roof may close; possible cancellations	Same

＞＞＞Hato Bus Open-Top Tour Official Website

Tips for Maximizing Your Hato Bus Open-Top Experience

To ensure a memorable and hassle-free tour, consider these insider tips.

From booking to departure day, these suggestions help you make the most of your ride.

Booking & Entry Tips

Securing your seat in advance avoids disappointment, especially on busy days.

Arriving early also ensures you won’t miss boarding.

Arrive at least 10 minutes early, especially for night tours—boarding begins at the South Exit and procedures happen quickly.
Book online in advance; weekends and holidays tend to sell out faster, and cancellation terms are strict.

On the Day of Tour

Many travelers forget small but crucial details when preparing for the tour.

Simple preparations will enhance your experience.

Bring a charged smartphone and your own earphones for the audio guide.
Wear comfortable shoes, layers, and a light windbreaker—upper deck can be windy even during the day.

Weather & Safety Considerations

Weather in Tokyo can change quickly, so preparation is important.

Safety rules also ensure that all riders have a comfortable trip.

Check the weather forecast beforehand; strong rain or winds may force closure of the top deck or full cancellation.
Never use umbrellas or selfie sticks on board for safety, especially during night tours.

Why Choose Hato Bus for Tokyo Sightseeing?

Beyond the stunning views, Hato Bus offers an experience rooted in history, convenience, and quality service.

Legacy & Reliability

A company’s history often speaks to its trustworthiness.

Hato Bus has been a part of Tokyo tourism for decades. This section highlights why its reputation matters.

Founded in 1948, Hato Bus was originally established by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to promote sightseeing.

Today it operates over 100 routes with a fleet of 136 buses and strong multilingual support.

Tourist-Friendly & Accessible

Accessibility is key for international travelers.

The combination of location and multilingual support makes this tour convenient for everyone.

Boarding from Tokyo Station makes the open-top tour incredibly easy for international visitors.

The GPS-based multilingual audio system ensures accessibility without the need for a personal guide.

Safety & Comfort Standards

Travelers care about both safety and comfort, especially families with children.

Hato Bus has established measures to provide reassurance.

Built on decades of experience, Hato Bus maintains professional service standards, addresses safety proactively, and offers transparent pricing, making it a reliable choice for both solo travelers and families.

FAQ – Hato Bus Open-Top Bus Tour

Where is the boarding point for the Hato Bus Open-Top Tour?: The bus departs from the Hato Bus Terminal near Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi South Exit, just a 2-minute walk away.
How long does the tour take?: The daytime panoramic tour lasts about 60 minutes, while the night premium tour lasts around 2 hours, including Tokyo Tower observatory access.
Do I need to bring earphones for the audio guide?: Yes. You must bring your own earphones and smartphone to use the GPS-based multilingual audio guide.
What happens if it rains?: The bus has a retractable roof that may be closed in light rain. Severe weather, such as strong winds or heavy storms, may result in cancellations.
Can children and infants join the tour?: Yes. Children aged 6–11 pay a reduced fare, and one infant per adult can ride free if seated on a parent’s lap.
What makes the night tour different from the day tour?: The night tour is longer, features illuminated views of Tokyo landmarks, and includes entry to the Tokyo Tower main observatory.
Can I cancel or change my reservation?: Reservations can usually be changed or canceled in advance, but same-day changes are not accepted. Always check cancellation policies when booking online.

Final Thoughts on Hato Bus Open-Top Tour

Whether you’re riding the Hato Bus Open-Top Tour Tokyo under the midday sun or enjoying the illuminated skyline on the Night Premium Tour, you’re guaranteed an unforgettable view into the heart of Tokyo.

From streamlined boarding to thoughtful safety measures and multilingual guidance, every detail is designed for comfort, convenience, and wonder.

Choose based on your schedule and mood—whether vibrant daylight streets or glowing nightscapes—and enjoy Tokyo like never before!!