amphibious bus tour tokyo

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SKY Duck Amphibious Bus Tour of Tokyo

2016/03/09 乘坐水陸兩用巴士「Sky Duck」遊覽東京 / 東京晴空樹路線

1 - 2 hour(s), available daily, pick-up not available, what to expect, odaiba panoramic course.

Price per Adult :

TOKYO SKYTREE® Course

Check-in at the Odaiba Sky Tourist Information Center

Start off at the roundabout in front of Tokyo Teleport Station and enjoy the views of Odaiba from land. With the iconic Ferris wheel in the back, make your way to Odaiba Seaside Park, where you will enter the water!

Sail through the calm waters as you continue your adventure to the massive Rainbow Bridge as you sail right below it! Then make your way back to the scenic Odaiba Seaside Park before returning to the Tokyo Teleport Station Roundabout.

Check-out at the Odaiba Sky Tourist Information Center

Transportation add-ons

Pick-up/check-in time & location.

Drop-off/Check-out Time & Location

Start time :

Location, direction and description

• 1-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line.

Important activity information

Restrictions.

• Children ages 3 and under can board for free provided they are seated on their parent or guardian's lap. However, if they require a separate seat, the child fare (ages 4-12) will apply.

Other requirements

• On days with strong winds, the tour may reroute from the river route to the land route instead.
• We do not operate the 'Odaiba Toyosu-Tokyo View Course' and the 'Odaiba Panorama Course' on the same day. The 'Odaiba Panorama Course' may not operate as usual when the tide is low, in which case we may offer an alternative course. Thank you for your understanding.

Booking requirements (# of participants, vehicles, hours, etc.)

• You can book a maximum of 40.

Required items to bring & attire

• Please make sure your clothing is appropriate for the weather.

Additional notes

• The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
• This is a drive-by sightseeing tour. There will be no stops made at the locations mentioned in the tour.
• Depending on traffic conditions, there may be detours, change in route, and possible cancellations.
• Please note that seats are assigned and is selected by the tour operator. Please understand that you will not be able to select your seats in advance.
• The guidance for this tour will be in Japanese only. English guidance is not available.
• 【Travel Planning & Implementation】 Hinomaru Automobile Industry Co., Ltd. 1-1-8 Koraku, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo Registered Travel Agency No. 2-2411 by the Governor of Tokyo 【Consigned Sales】 Beltra Co., Ltd. Nihonbashi 2-chome 13-12, Nihon Life Nihonbashi Building 5th Floor (Reception 4th Floor), Chuo-ku, Tokyo Registered Travel Agency No. 2-5555 by the Governor of Tokyo Full member of the Japan Association of Travel Agents (JATA)

Meet at the SKYTREE® Station Office

Start from the iconic SKYTREE as you begin your Tokyo adventure from a drive through the land route. Enjoy the views of the modernistic city as you head toward the river.

As you make way through the busy streets surrounded by tall buildings, you will occasionally spot some historical and traditional buildings snuggled within the metropolis. Drive through the Shitamachi (downtown) area of Tokyo where retro shops and rakugo (Japanese comedy) theaters still remain.

Once you reach the river, prepare yourself for an exciting dive into the waters! Get your cameras ready as your bus plunges straight into the Kyunakagawa river. Enjoy a short cruise through the waters as you get wonderful views of the SKYTREE and the city of Tokyo.

After your cruise, return to land and enjoy the views of the city throughout the remainder of your tour!

Tour Ends at SkyTree Station Office

• 3-minute walk from Tokyo SKYTREE Station main entrance. Look for the sign that says "Tokyo Splash Tour."

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Activity Provider Hinomaru Jidosha Kogyo Corporation

Activity provider, payment / cancellation policy.

• Credit card payment

• Any cancellations made after 1 hours prior to the activity start time will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.
• A change fee is not needed if you change your booking without cancellation.
• Every 01/01

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Cancellation Policy

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Please visit VELTRA Support page to send an inquiry about this activity.

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• Family Fun with Amphibious Tours

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Updated: August 30, 2023

Unique vehicles offer a waterline perspective of Tokyo

The Sky Duck and Tokyo no Kaba are two amphibious vehicles that not only travel the streets but also make an exciting plunge into Tokyo’s waterways to give visitors a unique view of the city. It is a great experience for families.

• These amphibious bus services are dependent on the weather. Their operation may be cancelled at any time due to inclement conditions.
• The buses have vinyl curtains that can be lowered to prevent guests from being drenched during splash down and raised for unencumbered views while aboard.
• These tours are particularly recommended for families with children and those who are young at heart
• The tours are conducted in Japanese

The Sky Duck Daiba - Odaiba Panorama Course A “whale” of a time aboard a sea-going bus

The Sky Duck is an amphibious vehicle recommended for families interested in exciting and adventurous tours of the Tokyo waterfront. The Sky Duck’s livery features an illustration of a whale and riders get aboard its elevated body via a ramp. Then comes what most guests—particularly the kids—think is the highlight of the tour. After a short pause to gauge the wind and tides, the Sky Duck picks up speed down a slope as it plunges into the water at the splash point. A huge plume of water engulfs the front of the boat, similar to a water ride at an amusement park. Then the Sky Duck switches to its boat mode, and proceeds on a course that gives those aboard another perspective of the waterfront area. The cruise passes under Rainbow Bridge, the graceful structure that connects central Tokyo to the reclaimed land areas, offering a one-of-a-kind view of the back of the bridge. Then it cruises back to the splash point before making its return to land. The complete route takes about 80 minutes. Reservations can be made online (in Japanese). Please check the website for information on routes and fees.

The Sky Duck Tokyo - TOKYO SKYTREE Course A watery surprise at the end of a Tokyo city tour

This course features the same amphibious Sky Duck bus on a route that is centered on the area around the 634-meter TOKYO SKYTREE , the world’s tallest radio tower. After cruising around the nearby streets, including passing by the Kameido Tenjin Shrine, known for its seasonal flowers, the Sky Duck makes its watery plunge into a canal, a moment of great excitement for the kids. This tour takes approximately 90 minutes. Reservations can be made online (in Japanese). Please check the website for information on routes and fees.

Tokyo no Kaba Make a splash like a hippo in Tokyo Bay Waters

Tokyo no Kaba is another amphibious bus service that operates regularly in Odaiba. Kaba means hippopotamus in Japanese, and in fact, the hippo is the inspiration for the design of the boat. Illustrations of a great blue hippo grace the four sides of the bus, and all the seat covers feature a colorful hippo pattern. Many guests find the elongated nose of the bus is also reminiscent of the great aquatic mammal. Like the Sky Duck, the crew of the Tokyo no Kaba studies the strength of the wind and the speed of the current before the bus makes the big splash into the water, looking very much like a hippo entering a lake. Of course, once the vehicle enters the water, it ceases to be a land-based automobile and uses its propeller to move forward at a speed of six knots, with its direction controlled by a rudder. A 3-D sound system, the first of its kind in the world, adds to the rare spectacle of traveling down Tokyo waterways in an amphibious “hippo.” You’ll be sharing the water with all kinds of boats, from ocean-going cruise ships and ferries to fishing boats, water buses and the traditional pleasure boats known as yakatabune . The latter can be identified by their bright red paper lanterns that decorate their exterior. The 45-minute course is accompanied by a guide as it passes commercial facilities and landmarks around Odaiba before heading to Rainbow Bridge. Visitors can also enjoy the rare experience of passing under the Rainbow Bridge. Boarding is available at the Aqua City in Odaiba. Reservations can be made online (in six languages including English). Please check the website for information on routes and fees.

Reference Link

• Course search Search cruise services including regular (convenient for sightseeing and traveling), irregular (organized around seasonal events), and yakatabune houseboats that come complete with meals and shows.
• Cruise operators This section introduces regular services, irregular services, yakatabune services, and cruise operators in Tokyo.
• Tokyo's waterscapes on Google Street View Imagine you are on a cruise ship and enjoy the panoramic view of Tokyo's waterscapes that can be seen on Google Street View.
• Rediscover Tokyo from the water | TOKYO CRUISE SHIP
• Suitown Tokyo

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SKY Duck Amphibious Bus Tour of Tokyo - Get Local Tour

Sky duck amphibious bus tour of tokyo.

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Description

See Tokyo by bus and boat, without missing a beat! Enjoy the views of the city on land and then get wonderful unobstructed views of the city, the iconic Rainbow Bridge, the famous TOKYO SKYTREE® and more from the river.

Cancellation Policy

• Any cancellations made after 1 hours prior to the activity will be subject to a charge of 100% of the total amount.

TOKYO SKYTREE® Course

See the famous TOKYO SKYTREE® and the retro parts of the city with post-war era homes and popular ramen shops. The bus will then splash into the Kyu Nakagawa River, and even make a stop of the 'River Station'. Great for kids and adults alike, spend a day on the river!

Pricing Details

Min/max quantity to book.

• Maximum 41 tickets can be booked
• Japanese-speaking guide

Start Timings

• 1 (hrs) (Approx.)

Check In/Pickup Location Details

• 3-minute walk from Tokyo SKYTREE Station main entrance. Look for the sign that says "Tokyo Splash Tour."

Odaiba Panoramic Course

• 1-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station on the Rinkai Line.

Odaiba, Ariake and Toyosu Seaside View Course

SKY Duck amphibious bus

Spot details.

Information Sources:  NAVITIME JAPAN

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Cruise around the Tokyo Sky Tree neighborhood on a spectacular amphibious bus

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A sightseeing tour overflowing with a sense of fun

Tokyo Sky Tree is the very popular site that has become the new symbol of Tokyo. Its modern and stylish appearance has an impressiveness that you can still feel even when seen from far away, but the surrounding neighborhoods including Asakusa and the atmospheric Kameido are Tokyo sightseeing areas that also cannot be missed with their townscapes retaining the good old days of a long-ago metropolis. Walking around these areas is recommended but there is also the new sightseeing tour which started in 2013 called Sky Duck. This amphibious bus has the unique look of a ship on wheels. The Sky Duck tours around the tourist areas as a bus but then it later enters the Old Nakagawa River as a ship to commence the cruising part of the tour. Along with the driver, there is also a guide so it’s great to have the tourist sites introduced in detail enjoyably. You can also get a taste of the excitement that feels like being on an attraction at some sort of theme park. More than anything, there is the thrill of hitting the water. There is no doubt about the smiles generated by everyone in the family when the spray hits the windows. Discover that new expression of the Tokyo cityscape as you enjoy the cruise.

Course Outline and Reservations

For the sightseeing tour, there are the two courses for Tokyo Sky Tree and Kameido. The Tokyo Sky Tree course can be reserved from one month prior on the homepage. The tour takes about 100 minutes. As for the Kameido course, it takes around 70 minutes. Please be aware though that the departure points for both courses differ. Also, please note that the number of runs for the Kameido course is smaller compared to the Tokyo Sky Tree course, so please check the homepage.

Sumida Aquarium

Enjoy the view at Skytree and then enjoy the world of the sea at Solamachi.

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• Text to Speech
• Now with a return service departing Ariake Garden! Amphibious bus “TOKYO NO KABA”＜Ariake Garden＞
• 2021-07-17 ～ 2021-09-30
• Ariake north area

An amphibious bus service available at Ariake Garden for a limited time! This is an attraction offering something new—after driving on the land, you plunge right into the sea to enjoy cruising. The bus was designed after a hippopotamus, the king of all the animals that can move around both on the land and in the sea. 【ROUTE】 Departing Aqua City Odaiba ⇒ Departing Ariake Garden ⇒ (Ariake sightseeing from the bus window)　⇒ Toyosu (sightseeing on the sea) ⇒ Ariake Garden ⇒ Aqua City Odaiba [Approximately 100 minutes] 【RECEPTION METHOD】 Over the Internet or by phone ※Reservations are accepted from July 13th (Tuesday). ※Depending on seat availability, reception may also be possible at the counter on the day. 【RECEPTION LOCATION】 Behind escalator E on the 2nd floor of the mall 【BUS STOP】 1F Bus Terminal, Boarding gate 4 【FEE/PAYMENT METHOD】 ・Fee (tax included): Adults (junior high school students and above) ￥3,600 Children (Age 4 to elementary school students) ￥1,800 Infants (Ages 0–3) ￥500 【ABOUT KABA BUS】 ・Capacity: 30 people maximum ・Departure times: 10:45 a.m., 12:45 p.m., 2:45 p.m., 4:45 p.m. (no services on Wednesdays) ※Weekday services during July will be suspended; services will only be available on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays. ※Services run on rainy days, but are suspended in case of stormy weather/strong winds. ※Seats are unreserved. ▼Click here for the official website! http://www.kaba-bus.com/tokyo/

• Period 2021-07-17 ～ 2021-09-30
• Location 有明ガーデン
• https://www.shopping-sumitomo-rd.com/ariake/event/detail/382/
• Contact 株式会社フジエクスプレス
• Contact (Phone) 03-3455-2211（9:00～17:00）

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ARIAKE GARDEN

New amphibious bus tour launched in Tokyo Bay

A new Tokyo Bay amphibious bus tour was launched Monday to service the expected influx of foreign tourists drawn to the city ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Fuji Kyuko Co. operates the 12-meter-long bus named "TOKYO NO KABA" (Tokyo's Hippo). The cruise takes it under the Rainbow Bridge that spans Tokyo Bay after winding through the office buildings and entertainment complexes in the nearby Odaiba area.

The bus seats 38 and offers tour information in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai and Indonesian. It was designed by Eiji Mitooka, known for his train and other industrial designs including the luxurious cruise train "Seven Stars in Kyushu" operated by Kyushu Railway Co.

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• Transportation

Amphibious Bus Tour in Odaiba

Tokyo prepares for a tourist influx in 2020

Japan’s tourism is all geared up for the upcoming 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, as it recently launched a new amphibious tour bus to serve the expected increased numbers of foreign visitors around the big event.

“Tokyo no Kaba” or “Tokyo’s Hippo,” a 12-meter-long bus that travels both on land and in water, started its first cruises in Tokyo Bay last month.

The 45-minute route takes it around the office buildings and entertainment complexes of Odaiba, then into the water and under Rainbow Bridge that spans Tokyo Bay.

The 38-seater bus was designed by Eiji Mitooka, well-known for his designs of trains, one of which is the luxury cruise train, the “Seven Stars Kyushu”.

Tour information is offered in several languages, including English, Korean, Thai, Indonesian and Mandarin.

Tours leave from the bus terminal of Aqua City on Odaiba seven times, operating every day except Wednesdays, but may be suspended in the event of bad weather. The cost is JPY3500 for junior high school students or older, JP1700 for elementary school students or infants from 4 years old, JPY500 for infants under 4 years old.

Getting there

Aqua City is one minute from Daiba station on the Yurikamome Monorail, or six minutes' walk from Tokyo Teleport station on the Rinkai line.

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By Tyra 'nell Pille-Lu

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Information

Aqua City Odaiba, 1 Chome-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tōkyō-to 135-0091 ( Directions )

03-3455-2211

en.kaba-bus.com

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HINOMARU KOTSU | Tokyo Sightseeing Tax

• Tourism Courses
• Splash!! Odaiba & SKYDUCK Daiba tour

5 Hours Splash!! Odaiba & SKYDUCK Daiba tour Enjoy Sightseeing from the sea too.

Take Amphibious bus "SKY Duck" at Odaiba and enjoy Tokyo from ths sea too. After boarding SKY Duck, let's enjoy shopping at Odaiba and observatory of Tokyo Tower.

• SKY Duck Daiba (50min.)
• Odaiba (60min.)
• Tokyo Tower (45min.)

Tokyo Tower

Departure time.

You have not chosen a departure time. You can choose a time from 9:00 to 14:30 (30-minute slots).

Service area

Pickup area.

Tokyo station / Chiyoda ward / Chuo ward / Minato ward / Koto ward / Bunkyo ward / Shinjuku ward / Shibuya ward / Shinagawa ward / Sumida ward / Taito ward / Haneda Airport (highway)

Dropoff area

If you wish to be picked up or dropped off at places other than the above areas, please contact us through " Customized course " to arrange your route.

• The arrangement of itinerary and staying time of each spot may change; it depend on your pick up/drop off point and traffic condition.
• Boarding fee of SKY Duck Bus and Admission fee of Tokyo Tower are not included.

Recommended Tourism Courses

Traditional Tokyo Tour (Full Day)

Tokyo skytree / asakusa / yasukuni shrine / national diet bulding / nijubashi-bridge(imperial palace) / tokyo station.

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Tokyo station / nijubashi-bridge(imperial palace) / national diet bulding / state guest house akasaka palace / tokyo tower.

Best selection Tour (Full day)

Tokyo station / nijubashi-bridge(imperial palace) / national diet bulding tokyo tower / tsukiji / tokyo skytree / asakusa.

[Weekends & Holidays only] Tokyo Drive ~Sightseeing from car window~

Tokyo station / national diet bulding / state guest house akasaka palace / odaiba / tokyo tower / tokyo skytree / asakusa.

Social Study Field trip for Adults ~ State Guest House Akasaka Palace & National Diet Building

National diet bulding / state guest house akasaka palace / tokyo metropolitan government obsevatory.

Enjoy Shitamachi foods! Walk-and-eat tour at shopping street.

Tsukiji / yanaka ginza / asakusa / ameyoko, popularity ranking.

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Ride the Tokyo Sky Duck Amphibious Tour Bus!

Jun 10, 2016

The original Sky Bus is a must for any traveler to, or newly minted resident of, Tokyo.  They are easy to get to, fun to ride, and reasonably priced. Being a bus the “mobile” aspect of covering a ton of ground in Tokyo in a limited time frame is pretty obvious.  The buses are double-decked and open top, so weather is a factor there, but the ride on high is reportedly a blast in and of itself.

The  “Tokyo Sky Duck” is an amphibious version of the famous Sky Bus tour, taking you from turf to surf, and hopefully back again, along two tour routes; the Tokyo Sky Tree Course, and the Kameido Course.  The tour time is about an hour and costs 2,600 yen for adults and 1,200 for children.

Drop in, no reservations required, and enjoy this unique way to view the sights of Tokyo.

Tokyo SKYBus/SKYDuck

Mitsubishi Building, 2 Chome-2-5-2 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō-to 100-0000 ( map ) 03-3215-0008 skybus.jp

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This amphibious tour bus keeps the party going right into the water

Rides are surprisingly affordable.

Transcript: An amphibious tour bus. The Kaba Bus can easily transition from road to water. Providing riders with city tours by land and sea. The 45-minute tours are currently offered in Tokyo and Yamanakako, Japan . Rides cost $32.25 per person. The Kaba tour bus can accommodate 40 passengers.

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Sky Duck - See The Best Of Yokohama On Land And Sea!

There are many sightseeing spots in Yokohama's Minato Mirai area. If you ride the Sky Duck, you'll be able to see the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse and Landmark Tower from both land and sea. This article introduces what you can see on this amphibious bus tour, and where and how to buy tickets.

yuki hamakawa

Sky Duck: A Bus that Navigates on Land and Water

Sky Duck is an amphibious sightseeing bus that operates in Tokyo's Odaiba and Yokohama's Minato Mirai area. This unique vehicle gives visitors a one-of-a-kind tour around the water and land.

Because you can embark on a drive and cruise in one tour, it is highly popular among travelers who want to cover all the sightseeing areas on a single trip.

On this occasion, our writer hopped onboard the Sky Duck Yokohama , which services the coastal Minato Mirai area of Yokohama. Read for more on what to expect on the Sky Duck's and recommendations to enjoy the tour even more.

1. Enjoy the Best of Yokohama's Land and Sea

Photo by Pixta

Sky Duck Yokohama conducts tours around Minato Mirai, Bashamichi, and other sightseeing spots in the Yokohama area.

The Minato High Collar Course operates in this area during the afternoon while the Twilight Cruise follows the same route and allows passengers to enjoy the cityscape at night. Prices for both courses are 3,500 yen for adults and 1,700 yen for children (tax included).

This writer selected the Minato High Collar Course, which departs from a spot near Nippon Maru Memorial Park . This embarkation point is directly beside the Yokohama Landmark Tower .

Picture courtesy of Hinomaru Limousine Co. Ltd.

After hopping aboard, the Sky Duck travels as a bus for the first ten minutes or so. The passenger seats are located 3.8 meters above the ground.

Compared to a car, passengers sit up high in the bus and can take in magnificent views of the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Office, Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, Yokohama Cosmo World, and other famous sightseeing spots from here.

When the drive is complete, the bus will dive into the sea and convert into a sightseeing boat.

While floating on the water, you'll be able to travel around a handful of beloved sightseeing spots such as the Red Brick Warehouse, Osanbashi Pier, and Yokohama Landmark Tower.

As you can see buildings and parts structures that aren't easily visible from land, tour-goers can enjoy close-up views of uncommon scenery, like the back of bridges. The sightseeing cruise lasts about 50 minutes .

There are numerous tour buses and pleasure boats in Yokohama. If you're wondering which one to choose, we recommend the Sky Duck because it allows tourists to embark on both types of sightseeing on a single trip!

2. Splash into the Water

Passengers on the sightseeing tour become overwhelmed with excitement when the Sky Duck splashes into the ocean .

After a short drive on land, the tour guide will let out a shout before the Sky Duck dives into the water! As a result, the sea spray from the waves will splash almost as far up to the windows. Both children and adults alike will break into cheers and shouts of joy!

The water spray only lasts for an instant, so we suggest capturing the moment on video instead of a photo.

Sky Duck's windows remain open and uncovered so that the outside wind can flow through the boat. While water rarely comes inside, please be aware that passengers sitting in the front row might get wet depending on the wind's direction.

3. Yokohama Tour Guides - Listen to Stories Even Locals Have Never Heard

Introducing sightseeing information on Yokohama, Sky Duck's well-informed tour guides share stories unfamiliar even to some locals. The guides give their presentations in Japanese, so international visitors without language skills should come with a Japanese friend to make it more enjoyable.

On the day our writer joined the tour, the guides told an interesting story concerning three historic Yokohama buildings: the Kanagawa Prefectural Government Office , Yokohama Customs , and Yokohama Port Opening Memorial Hall .

The Port Opening Memorial Hall, one of the Yokohama Santo (Yokohama Three Towers) Photo by Pixta

These buildings are referred to as the Yokohama Santo , or Yokohama Three Towers.

As the story goes, sailors departing from the harbor would often look back at the three towers and pray for everyone's safe return back to Yokohama. It is said that if you look at the three towers simultaneously, your wishes will be granted!

Sky Duck currently has a team of 15 tour guides (as of August 2019) who each do their own unique and original sightseeing presentation. They often present their information in conjunction with the four seasons and ongoing local events. The tour is guaranteed to be both informative and enjoyable no matter how many times you ride.

Ride the 10:00 Sky Duck and Enjoy Yokohama Sightseeing

The Minato High Collar Course operates three or four tours from 10:00–16:00 every day, and the Twilight Cruise is offered once daily starting at 17:00.

Tour times can sometimes change depending on the day, so we recommend checking the official homepage (Japanese) for the latest information and updates.

As far as time schedules go, we recommend taking the tour that departs at 10:00 . Even during the summer, the sun's rays won't be too intense in the morning, allowing you to enjoy your sightseeing pleasantly.

Also, if you discover a spot that particularly interests you, it's easy to return after disembarking and do some additional exploring on your own. For visitors who wish to make the best use of their time, the 10:00 course is highly recommended.

How to Make Sky Duck Reservations and Buy Tickets

Lastly, we'll explain how to purchase a Sky Duck ticket. You can either buy a same-day ticket or make a reservation ahead of time on the official homepage.

Purchasing Same-Day Tickets at the Counter

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter located near Sky Duck's departure point.

The closest station to the ticket counter is JR Sakuragicho Station .

From Sakuragicho Station's south ticket gate, leave the station from the east exit and go in the direction of the giant Ferris wheel and the Landmark Tower building. You'll see a building decorated with the design of a whale's tail. This is the ticket counter for Sky Duck.

Inside the building, there's a ticket counter adjoining a waiting area. Here you can purchase your ticket. International staff also work here, so depending on the day you can also have service provided in English.

For those interested, you can pick up an English map showing the sightseeing routes on this tour! The starting point for the bus tour is directly in front of the ticket counter. After purchasing your ticket, please wait nearby for the trip to begin.

Reserving Tickets Ahead of Time on the Official Homepage

Sky Duck can sometimes be fully booked on Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and when events are being held in Minato Mirai. When buying same-day tickets, it might be difficult to get your preferred boarding time.

If you've decided on your desired day and time, it's best to make reservations ahead of time on the official homepage.

The reservations page is in Japanese, so we suggest asking a Japanese friend to either assist you or use Google translation.

Ten minutes before departure, you'll need to check-in at the ticket counter mentioned above. This check-in is a required procedure for all passengers, so please make sure not to miss this.

Take in Yokohama From Aboard the Sky Duck

Being able to enjoy the sights from both a bus and boat is unique to the Sky Duck. Please board the Sky Duck and enjoy an exciting day of Yokohama sightseeing!

Skyduck Yokohama ticket office / boarding area

Main image by Pixta

1994年生まれの横浜市在住。クーポンサイト運営兼ライター。日本酒とひとり旅、割引が大好き。 ひとりでもお得に楽しめる日本の魅力をもとめて日々探索中。

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Tokyo Open-Top Bus - Freely Hop On and Hop Off

Sky hopbus .tokyo.

The "Sky Hop Bus" is a red, double-decker, open-top sightseeing bus that offers tours around Tokyo where you can get on and off whenever you like. You can take in famous sightseeing spots right from your seat on its spacious and roofless upper deck. Gaze over Tokyo's beautiful scenery, get off at any sightseeing destination that grabs your interest, wander around, eat, play, and then get back on. Freestyle your Tokyo tour and take your fill of everything it has to offer.

A First-Hand Experience of the Vibrant City of Tokyo

The Sky Hop Bus is a spacious, roofless, open-top bus. From the comfort of your seat on the upper deck, you'll enjoy the sights of Tokyo’s iconic districts and landmarks, such as Asakusa, Tokyo Skytree, Odaiba, the Imperial Palace, Marunouchi, Ginza, and so on. Tokyo is a kaleidoscopic city with different vibes in each district. There's also a plethora of photo spots you can snap pictures of right from the bus window.

Freely Hop On and Hop Off

No roof and no schedule.

The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Route is a bus tour where you get on and off whenever you like. You can hop on and off the bus as many times as you want at any of the stops, giving you the freedom to plan your own sightseeing itinerary. Enjoy the sights on the upper deck right from the bus window, hop off when you're near your sightseeing destination, and get back on whenever you like. Take this pleasant cruise around the many must-see attractions Tokyo has to offer, and if a particular spot catches your interest, feel free to get off and walk around. You can enjoy sightseeing at your own pace.

A Complete Audio Guide

Dive even deeper into tokyo's story.

Free audio commentaries are available for a variety of different sightseeing destinations. If you put on our provided earphones, you can listen to a fun, in-depth commentary from a guide who knows all there is to know about Tokyo. The audio guide is available in Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German. Additionally, thanks to its GPS technology, the audio commentary will start to play with perfect timing when a must-see attraction is near. Wouldn't you like to give your ears a taste of these charming attractions too?

Our bus tours offer three routes. Each route travels around popular Tokyo landmarks. No matter which route you're on, you can freely get on and off at any stop. If you get off close to somewhere you'd like to explore, please feel free to enjoy other sightseeing spots in the area as well.

View Larger Map

Course Guide

Tokyo offers a wealth of sights to see, and that's precisely why this double-decker roofless bus is the perfect way to take them in. Let's pick a route that grabs your interest. There are a total of 18 bus stops throughout Tokyo. You're free to get on and off at any of these stops, and you can even transfer between different routes. 

Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree  

This route mainly travels around the must-see attractions on the eastern side of Tokyo. This route offers the most authentically Japanese experience as it focuses on Tokyo’s "Shitamachi" or "Old Town", as well as a variety of historic areas.

Blue Course

Tokyo tower, tokyo teleport st., tsukiji and ginza.

This route mainly travels around the must-see attractions in the bay area and on the southern side of Tokyo. This route offers an enjoyable and well-balanced tour of well-known landmarks as well as a view of Tokyo Bay from Rainbow Bridge.

Green Course

Shinjuku and shibuya  .

This route mainly travels around the must-see attractions on the western side of Tokyo. You can enjoy seeing the world-famous Scramble Crossing from the upper deck. This route offers an enjoyable tour of the urban scenery which represents Japan. 

**You can transfer over to any of the other bus routes at the "Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building" bus stop.

Asakusa and Tokyo Skytree

This route travels around a variety of must-see attractions including: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, well-known for its giant lantern at the Kaminarimon gate; Ryogoku, a hub for sumo culture; Tokyo Skytree, the city’s latest landmark; Ueno, famous for both its zoo and Ameyoko shopping street; and Akihabara, which is Japan’s premier spot for electronics as well as a renowned destination for anime enthusiasts.

R1. Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building

R2. Kodenmacho Station

R3. Ryogoku Edo-Tokyo Museum

R4. TOKYO SKYTREE Station

R5. Asakusa Hanakawado

R6. Asakusa Tawaramachi

R7. Ueno Station

R8. Matsuzakaya Ueno

R9. Akihabara (Suehiro-cho)

R10. Shin-Nihonbashi Station

This route offers a wonderfully balanced way to experience both old and new parts of Tokyo. The highlight of this route is the view from Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge and it also features: Tokyo Tower, the city’s classic landmark; Tsukiji, which was once the largest fish market in the whole of Japan; Ginza, with its neatly lined up luxury brand stores; and Odaiba, which showcases the latest in leisure sports and activities.

B1. Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building

B2. Tokyo Tower

B3. Tokyo Prince Hotel/Zojo-ji Temple

B4. Tokyo Teleport Station

B5. Tsukiji and Ginza (Tsukiji Market, Kabukiza Theatre)

Shinjuku and Shibuya

This route offers a way for you to fully enjoy the dynamic side of Tokyo's urban life. You'll enjoy seeing Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing from the roofless upper deck, and at night you'll get to see Shinjuku, Tokyo's largest downtown area, sparkling and shining with neon lights. You'll also enjoy checking out Shibuya, home to Japan's latest trends, and take in the view of Tokyo Tower, the city's classic landmark.

G1. Marunouchi Mitsubishi Building

G2. shinjuku gyoen national garden.

G3. Shinjuku Sta./ Hotel Century Southern Tower

G4. Shinjuku Sta. West Exit

G5. Shibuya City Hall

G6. Tokyo Tower

How To Ride with The Sky Hop Bus

Have you decided which tour route you'd like to pick? You can start your tour by getting on a bus from any bus stop you like. Here is our guide on how to ride with the Sky Hop Bus.

Purchasing Tickets and Boarding

Buy your ticket(s) online beforehand, and then get on board at any bus stop.

Getting Off at Bus Stops

Enjoy sightseeing while riding on the upper deck. Get off at any bus stop.

Walking Around

Feel free to sightsee and explore the nearby area of any destination you like, drink tea, etc.

Getting On Again at Bus stops

Hold up your ticket's QR code at any bus stop to get back on.

　　Get a 10% discount by purchasing your tickets online!

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

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• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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