Tokyo on Your Own

Mein Schiff 6 | Japan

Today it’s finally Tokyo’s turn – a city we have been looking forward to for a long time. Even as we leave Mein Schiff 6, we can sense that special excitement. Before us lies a city we’ve only known from pictures and stories. Today, we want to explore it ourselves – in our own way, using buses and trains, just how we like it best.

From the Tokyo Cruise Terminal, we walk about 500 meters to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station, Exit 2B. Our first ride on the Yurikamome takes us towards Toyosu Market. We get off at the Shijō-mae Station and soon find ourselves in front of the large market halls.

Our anticipation is high – after all, Toyosu Market is known for its bustling market activity. Unfortunately, we’re a bit late at 9:00 AM. The bustling activity is mostly over. It’s a bit disappointing, as we would have loved to experience that special atmosphere. Nevertheless, we take our time to look around and are glad to have at least seen this famous place once.

Our exploration continues. We take the Yurikamome back to Toyosu and transfer to the Yurakucho Line. At Yurakucho Station, we take Exit D4 and make our way to Tokyo Station.

The station itself is impressive. The beautiful red Marunouchi building almost looks like a piece of the old world amidst the modern skyscrapers. Here, Tokyo is already showing us one of its many contrasts.

From there, we walk about 1.5 kilometers towards the Imperial Palace. The walk feels good, and we continuously get new impressions of this massive city along the way. Finally, we reach the National Garden surrounding the Imperial Palace.

And suddenly, it gets quiet.

In the middle of this million-person city, we stand in the greenery and enjoy the garden. After the hustle and bustle of the streets, this place is almost like a little oasis. We stay for a while, look around, and let the impressions wash over us. The Imperial Palace itself cannot be visited, but the garden area and the atmosphere are worth the trip.

However, our day is far from over.

We continue to Sakuradamon Station and travel via Nagatacho on the Hanzomon Line to Shibuya.

And then we experience Tokyo as one would imagine it.

Shibuya!

As we exit the station, we immediately find ourselves in the city’s vibrant life. People are coming from all directions, the famous intersection fills up and drains out again, neon advertisements flicker above our heads, and everywhere there is movement.

We stand still and simply watch.

It’s hard to describe what makes this moment so special. We are right in the middle of this incredible city and can hardly believe we are actually here. So many people, so many impressions – and yet everything seems to be functioning somehow.

We let ourselves be carried away, observe the people, and enjoy the colorful life around the intersection. Moments like these are what make a journey so special for us: not just checking off sights but taking the time to stand still and let life around us soak in.

Eventually, however, the time comes to head back to the ship.

From Shibuya Station, we take the Ginza Line to Shimbashi. There, we get on the Yurikamome one last time and ride back to the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station.

As we emerge from Exit 2B and see Mein Schiff 6, we are tired but happy.

We’ve had a long day filled with many kilometers, numerous train rides, and countless impressions. Unfortunately, Toyosu Market was a bit too quiet, but we experienced the tranquility in the garden of the Imperial Palace and later the incredible life in Shibuya.

Tokyo has shown us today how diverse a city can be: quiet and bustling, traditional and futuristic, calm and hectic – and yet all at once.

We board the ship again, already knowing:

This day in Tokyo will stay with us for a long time.

And maybe that’s what’s most beautiful about a journey – when at the end of the day, you fall into bed tired and realize that you have experienced so much in one single day that the impressions will linger on for a long time. ❤️