Hato Bus Tours

I took the Dynamic Tokyo full-day bus tour with Hato on my visit to Tokyo. I was only there for a few days and found this was a great introduction to such a big and confusing city for a first-time visitor. They offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, and although I wasn't staying at a hotel, I was able to make my way to the nearest one and still use their pick-up and drop-off service for convenience.

The tour ran from 9-5 (add time on either end if you are using the pick-up and drop-off service) and costs 12 000 yen. Though the price is steep, I find the convenience and friendliness of the staff and tour guide completely worth it.

For the first-time visitor, it's a great way to see the big sites in Tokyo without having to worry about where it is, how to get there, and how to do everything in one day. There are also quite a few single travellers who take the tour, so don't be afraid of being on your own surrounded by families and couples and not being able to talk to anyone.

I had only booked the tour the night before by phone and there was lots of room. Our group wasn't too big, about 15 people, and you have a big bus, so although the seating is assigned, as soon as everyone is on the bus, you can grab a window seat in a row further back if you want.

It's a great way to get oriented in, what I found to be, such a foreign city, and to get an idea of what I'd like to go back to or similar things I'd like to see.