I often spot bright red open-air double-decker buses cruising the streets of Tokyo. I had always been curious about these buses, and finally, I went on a bus trip with my friend! Let us introduce you to this new style of sightseeing in Tokyo with a great view and a sense of liberation.

“SKY BUS” and “SKY HOP BUS”

There are two types of bright red double-decker buses. One is the “SKY BUS,” which offers guided tours of Tokyo’s sightseeing routes, and the other is the “SKY HOP BUS,” which allows passengers to hop on and off at any time and any place.

Purchasing tickets for both buses is very easy! You can buy tickets at the SKY BUS ticket counter on the first floor of the Mitsubishi Building in front of Tokyo Station or make a reservation online in advance for a smooth ride!

Thrilling! The Sky Bus “Imperial Palace, Ginza, and Marunouchi Course”

I, Marei, editor-in-chief, joined my friend Saki on a 50-minute bus tour that circles the Imperial Palace, the Diet Building, Ginza, and the Marunouchi area around Tokyo Station. If you want to experience central Tokyo in a short time, I recommend this course. Even if you’re not familiar with Tokyo’s geography, SKY BUS will guide you to the main Tokyo landmarks.

Seats are randomly assigned at the time of reservation, but all seats are on the second floor of the open bus, so no matter where you sit, you can enjoy a 360° city panorama. The Imperial Palace is surrounded by lush greenery, the breeze is pleasant, and it feels great!

The tour then passed by the Diet Building and the elegant British Embassy in Japan, and ended with a loop around Tokyo Station and Ginza before returning to the Mitsubishi Building in the Marunouchi area.

Highlights of the SKY BUS “Imperial Palace, Ginza, Marunouchi Course

I, Marei, editor-in-chief, would like to share my personal highlights!

(1) Stunning Views!

I was impressed by how much the view of Tokyo changes when you raise your vantage point a few meters higher.

(2) Diverse Encounters!

It was so much fun to see people waving at us along the route.

(3) Thrilling Experience!

The bus passes under elevated rail tracks where double-decker buses can just barely fit. I couldn’t help but shout and scream as if on a rollercoaster.

“SKY HOP BUS” – perfect for those who want to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing at their own pace

If you want to explore Tokyo at your leisure, consider purchasing a same-day or 2-day ticket for the SKY HOP BUS; simply show the QR code to the bus staff and hop on and off anytime, anywhere.

Currently, there are three bus routes (Red, Blue, and Green), with each bus covering Shibuya, Odaiba, Asakusa/Tokyo Skytree, and Akihabara. The buses offer free Wi-Fi and have English-speaking staff on board. Furthermore, you can listen to guides about nearby attractions in multiple languages using earphones.

Normally, the bus is open-top, but it may operate with a glass roof during inclement weather, summer, winter, or other seasonal reasons.

Which style of bus sightseeing do you prefer? When in Tokyo, enjoy the “360° view of Tokyo” from the elevated red open-air buses!

SKY BUS TOKYO

https://www.skybus.jp
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skybus_skyduck/
Ticket Office: Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building Ticket Center (9:00-18:00)
Address: Mitsubishi Building 1F, 2-5-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Nearest stations: Tokyo Station, Otemachi Station