Sky Hop Bus Tokyo

If you’re visiting Tokyo and want a fresh way to take in the city’s sights, skip the crowded subway and try the Sky Hop-On Hop-Off bus. This bright red double-decker glides through the heart of the city, giving you a front-row seat to Tokyo’s most iconic neighborhoods, from Shibuya and Shinjuku to Asakusa and Tokyo Tower, all without the hassle of navigating train transfers. What makes it truly fun is the open-air upper deck. You get an elevated view of the city’s rhythm: flashing billboards in Shibuya, the imperial calm of the Palace Gardens, and the futuristic skyline of Odaiba, all while cruising above traffic with a breeze in your face. It’s like sightseeing in style, with the wind in your hair and your camera always ready.

But here’s the real secret: take the bus around sunset. As the day fades and Tokyo’s skyline begins to glow, the views from the top deck become absolutely magical. Picture the sun setting behind the Tokyo Skytree, casting long shadows over the Sumida River. Or watching Tokyo Tower light up as the sky shifts from gold to indigo. It’s a dream for photographers, or just anyone with a phone and a good eye. The timing lines up perfectly with golden hour, and with no windows or reflections in your way, you can snap clean, cinematic shots of the city transforming in real time.

It’s not just a ride, it’s an experience. The buses offer multilingual audio guides, so you can actually learn quirky facts and hidden stories about each area while you ride. And because you can hop on and off as many times as you like with your pass, it’s great for planning spontaneous stops. Maybe you want to jump off in Ginza for sushi, then catch the next bus to Odaiba for seaside views. Or stay on the entire loop and treat it like a laid-back guided tour, the choice is yours.

Pro tip: if you’re aiming for sunset views, grab a seat on the upper deck early. It fills up fast around dusk, especially on clear days. Bring a jacket or scarf too, it gets breezy up there once the sun dips. If it rains, don’t worry. They’ll give you a plastic poncho and some buses have partially covered areas to stay dry.

While it’s not the cheapest ride in town, around 4800 yen for a one-day pass, the value in terms of convenience, views, and sheer fun makes it a worthwhile splurge, especially if it’s your first or second day in Tokyo. It’s a perfect way to orient yourself while seeing the city in motion. So next time you’re in Tokyo, consider trading your train ticket for an open-top seat in the sky. It’s chill, it’s scenic, and at sunset, it’s nothing short of spectacular.