TOKYO INTERNATIONAL CRUISE TERMINAL

Sailing into Tokyo Harbor aboard the Norwegian Jewel on October 19, 2023 was truly memorable. The new Tokyo International Cruise Terminal opened September 10, 2020 and was designed to accommodate the world's largest cruise ships. It is conveniently located in the Odaiba area and it’s easy access to major transportation hubs makes it a traveler's dream! 

 

Tokyo International Cruise Terminal

Before disembarking, it's important to make sure all Customs and Immigration documentation is in order.  Navigating through the process can sometimes be a bit of a chore but Norwegian Cruise Line provided ample information and samples to assist in the process. 

Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is on the artificial island of Odaiba, a popular shopping and entertainment center in Tokyo’s Koto Ward. 

Sailing into Tokyo International Cruise Terminal

Ready to dock at the cruise terminal

The cruise terminal is easily accessible to/from Haneda and Narita airports and major stations, including Tokyo Station, Shinagawa Station and Ueno Station, all of which are part of the Shinkansen network, Shinjuku Station and Shibuya Station. 

 

The strategic location of the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal makes it a gateway not just to Tokyo's vibrant attractions but also to the rich cultural experiences in nearby cities like Kamakura and Nikko. 

 

BY TRAIN

The island of Odaiba is served by two train lines, the Rinkai Line and the Yurikamome Line.The Yurikamome Line is conveniently close, just an 8-minute walk away.

Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station

Additionally, there's the option of the Rinkai Line with Tokyo Teleport Station being about a 15-minute walk or 10 minutes by bus from the terminal.

 

When cruise ships are in port a free shuttle connects the Cruise Terminal to the Shinagawa Station.   

 

 

Shuttle waiting area

Getting around from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is quite convenient with various transportation options:

 

YURIKAMOME LINE

• Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station to Shimbashi Station: Around 20 minutes.
• Shimbashi Station to Tokyo Station (JR Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line): 3 minutes.
• Shimbashi Station to Haneda Airport (Toei Asakusa Line and Keikyu Airport Express or JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Monorail): Approximately 30 minutes or 20 minutes, respectively.

RINKAI LINE

• Tokyo Teleport Station to Shin-Kiba Station: 7 minutes.
• Shin-Kiba Station to Tokyo Station (JR Keiyo Line): 11 minutes.
• Tokyo Teleport Station to Tennozu Isle Station: 3 minutes.
• Tennozu Isle Station to Haneda Airport (Tokyo Monorail): 17 minutes.

BY BUS

• Limousine buses connect Haneda and Narita airports to hotels near the cruise terminal.
• Travel time from Haneda Airport to Hilton Tokyo Odaiba/Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Travel time from Narita Airport to Hilton Tokyo Odaiba/Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba: Approximately 90 minutes (Note: route from Narita Airport may be temporarily suspended).

CITY BUSES

• City buses connect the cruise terminal to various train stations.

KEIKYU BUS

• From Tokyo International Cruise Terminal to Oimachi Eki Higashiguchi: Approximately 15 minutes.
• From Oimachi Station to Shinagawa Station (JR Keihin-Tohoku Line): Approximately 3 minutes.

BY TAXI

• Taxis provide a stress-free and potentially cost-effective option for getting around.
• Travel time from Shinagawa Station: Approximately 20 minutes.
• Travel time from Tokyo Station: Approximately 25 minutes.
• Travel time from Ginza Station: Approximately 20 minutes.

This diverse range of transportation options gives you plenty of flexibility based on your preferences and schedule.

The Tokyo International Cruise Terminal is designed with flexibility in mind, spanning four floors.  The layout is tailored to accommodate different cruise ship requirements while providing breathtaking views of Tokyo.

GENERAL FEATURES

• Flexibility: The terminal's design allows for maximum adaptability, ensuring facilities can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each docked cruise ship.
• Open Spaces: The terminal's spacious layout is versatile and can cater to a range of needs, from welcoming travelers to hosting events.

ACCESSIBILITY

• Mobility Assistance: Prioritizing accessibility, the terminal is equipped with escalators and elevators for those in need of mobility assistance.
• Restrooms: Multipurpose restrooms are conveniently located on every floor.

EMBARKING

• Baggage Reception: Travelers will find baggage reception on the first floor.
• Embarkation Floors: Embarkation takes place on the second or third floor, depending on the size of the cruise ship.
• Facilities: Customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities are available on the embarkation floor.
• Family-Friendly: Baby care facilities, including nursing and feeding spaces and diaper-changing stations, are provided along with restrooms.

DISEMBARKING

• Disembarkation Floors: Disembarkation occurs on the second or third floor, depending on the cruise ship's size.
• Facilities: Customs, immigration, and quarantine facilities are located on the disembarkation floor.
• Family-Friendly: Similar to embarking, baby care facilities are available, including nursing and feeding spaces and diaper-changing stations, along with restrooms.

OBSERVATION DECK

• Fourth Floor: The terminal's fourth floor hosts an open-air observation deck and a pickup and drop-off lounge.
• Scenic Views: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo's cityscape, observe activities in the Port of Tokyo, and, when cruise ships are docked, get a closer look at the impressive vessels.

The immigration and customs process can be a real adventure in itself. At 9:15am I began the disembarkation process, enduring long lines and waits, finally reaching the cruise terminal building itself around 10 am. 

 

Once inside, it seems the facilities were a bit sparse, with no seating available except for window sills. The lack of amenities like restaurants, bars, or shopping made the wait a bit challenging. 

 

Complimentary WiFi was offered inside the terminal and that always proves to be a lifesaver, however, the window sill balancing act was a bit uncomfortable.

 

It was also a bit disappointing that there wasn’t much in the immediate vicinity of the terminal. However, the silver lining is the convenience of an 8-minute walk to the train station and the availability of on-site taxis, offering flexible transportation options. 

 

Fortunately, there was ample assistance from friendly Japanese staff inside the cruise terminal. A helpful young man took charge of the luggage, guiding me through another passport security check. He then escorted me outside to await the FREE SHUTTLE BUS, destined for Shinagawa Central Station in the downtown area. The shuttle commenced at 8 am and ran every 20 minutes with the bus journey lasting approximately 25 minutes.

Upon arrival at Shinagawa Central Station, I disembarked the bus on the ground level, ascended the escalator, and traversed the skywalk to the Shingawa Grand Central Tower.

From here I then navigated toward the right in an attempt to locate the entrance to the train station. The bustling scene of people exiting the train station resembled a sea of ants coming at me, but by keeping to my left I found it fairly easy to successfully navigate my way through the station. 

 

While moving through the station, my attention was drawn to a “TICKET BOOTH” sign on my right.  I was sure this was where I needed to purchase my ticket so I found my way through the crowds, reached the TICKET BOOTH office and jumped into the queue line.  To my delight I had guessed correctly, this was the correct place to purchase my one-way express train ticket to Narita airport for my 2:45pm flight departure to Bangkok Thailand.

 

With ticket in hand, costing $22 for the one-way trip, I then simply followed the thick black lines painted on the floors to the Narita Express track #13 scheduled to depart at 9:49am, arriving at Narita Terminal 2-3 at 10:55 am.

There are escalators, elevators and stairs available to get to track #13. 

Despite initially boarding car #8, I found it easy to switch to my ticketed car #7 once the train left the station.

Had I opted to purchase the Narita transfer through Norwegian Cruise Lines the cost would have been $127 but with the free shuttle and the $22 train ticket I saved $125, well worth the slight inconvenience.