How to get from central Tokyo to Yokohama Cruise Terminal
In this article, I’m going to look at how to make the trip from central Tokyo to Yokohama cruise terminal by public transport. We made this journey as part of our around the world without flying trip and it’s really quick and easy to do. So, if you are taking a cruise from Yokohama then hopefully you’ll find this useful.
Crossing the Pacific Ocean
As our trip around the world without flying continued we face one of the biggest obstacles of the journey. The Pacific Ocean. Surprisingly few passenger ships sail across the Pacific Ocean but I did find a few cruise ships that were making the trip. Then, of course, I had to work with our dates and itinerary and eventually narrowed it down to two. My indecision was sorted out when one of them was cancelled so we booked on the Holland America ship Volendam for a voyage from Japan to Canada.
Previously, we’ve taken several cruises but never with Holland America (or HAL for short) so we were eager to see what it was like. Before the cruise, we stayed in Tokyo for a couple of nights to see the city and you can read all about our time in the capital here. So we needed to get from central Tokyo to Yokohama Cruise Terminal to board the Volendam. Of course, the easy way would be to hop in a taxi but we much prefer using public transport. Moreover, it’s actually a really easy trip to make by train.
Start your journey to Yokohama Cruise Terminal at Tokyo Station
Firstly, head to Tokyo station. We stayed right by the station so it was very convenient and we walked over in the morning. If you’re staying further away just hop on one of the many metro lines which connect to this central station.
You have lots of choice for trains to Yokohama. Really, you can take any of them. Trains on the JR Tokaido, JR Yokosuko and Narita Express are slightly quicker since they take just 30 minutes. If you choose to take a train on the JR Keihin-Tohoku lines then it takes slightly longer at 37 minutes. But really, you’re on holiday so 7 minutes isn’t that big a deal!
We took the Narita Express train. It’s a limited express which means you need to make seat reservation but you can do this at the information desk in the station. It’s actually a train from the airport to central Tokyo but it does go through to near the port as well. Surprisingly, most people got off in Tokyo and we were the only people in our carriage as we headed down to the port.
If you have a JR Rail Pass then this trip is included. Otherwise, you will need to buy a ticket before boarding. Unless you are taking the Narita Express you don’t need to make a seat reservation but you can ask when you buy your ticket.
Change at Yokohama Station
The train terminates at Yokohama Station but you’re not quite at the port yet. When you arrive at Yokohama, change to the Minato Mirai Line. It’s really easy, just follow the signs. Then catch any train to Nihon Odori.
Note that even if you have a JR Rail Pass, you will need to buy a ticket for this part of the journey. However, t it is only about 100 yen (less than £1). Just buy a ticket at the machine when you arrive at the station.
When you arrive at Nihon Odori head up to street level. You are within a few minutes walk of the cruise port. As you can see in the photos below, Yokohama is a really pleasant town with wide pavements. It’s relatively uncrowded and an so it’s an easy walk to the harbour front.
Yokohama Cruise Terminal
It was a very exciting moment when we got our first view of Yokohama Cruise Port. As you can see, it’s a quite attractive harbour area and of course, even more, exciting when you know you’re going on a cruise.
Volendam
Here you can see some photos of our ship, the Volendam. I’m going to write more about our time aboard in future posts so these are just a few photos of our first glimpse of her as we arrived at Yokohama Cruise Port. The Volendam is an impressive ship. All decked out in the Holland America colours of dark blue and white.
Once onboard the ship we went up to the top deck for some views across the port and harbour. Alongside the ship, you can see the rooftop viewing area which is actually on top of the Yokohama Cruise Terminal. It’s a popular walking area and anyone can stroll along there and view the ships coming in and out of the port.
Views of Yokohama Cruise Terminal
Yokohama is a busy cruise port and we saw plenty of other ships in the area. This one was moored next to us and as you can see, is much smaller.
Ships are coming and going all the time which means there’s plenty to see from up on the top deck.
Opposite us, we saw Diamond Princess. This was particularly cool for us as we took a cruise on the Diamond Princess a few years ago. It’s always good to see a ship you’ve sailed on before. We had a fabulous cruise around New Zealand and Australia on Diamond Princess and she’s still looking good.
Follow our trip around the world without flying
As we boarded the Volendam for our cruise across the Pacific we started a new phase of our trip around the world without flying. I’ve collated all the articles related to this trip in the image gallery below. Just click on any image link to read all about it.
Save a pin for later!
29 comments
Cannot believe I have found out about this blog just now. I have been to Okinawa 2 years ago. Ever since I have been meaning to go to mainland Japan. Hopefully one day I will get the chance. Really enjoy the content. Also, I have to say, even though I loved looking at the cruise photos, I do get sea sick pretty easily and it doesn’t matter if the ship doesn’t make you feel like it. As soon as I see the open sea I get sick hahaha.
Thanks for your input in this post. I’m always kind of freaked out when I have to use public transport in new cities. This looks doable. Thanks!
That’s a pretty good virtual tour for me! The pictures are splendid.
Been planning a trip there for next year. I hope to accomplish it, thanks for this great post.
Thanks for sharing a detailed guide. It would be a very great experience. I will keep this post for future reference.
This cruise sounds like an interesting journey for those who enjoy family travel. I’ll share this with a friend.
Wow! This is quite a journey JUST to get there!!
I haven’t been to Tokyo but this is a wonderful guide to those who are going. Thanks for sharing.
You know, I hadn’t really thought about it before, but it’s true. Not a lot of ships cruise the Pacific Ocean. I wonder why that is. I think I would rather take a cruise ship than a plane though.
Thank you for the great information. It looks like a nice journey to take x
Laura
https://www.beautywithlala.com/
I haven’t traveled long distances by train. I think I’d like to experience that. Thanks for the information.
Tokyo is in our overflowing bucket list. We are planning to visit next year hopefully. This is very detailed post I am bookmarking this post for future reference
Tokyo is my absolute dream country. Thank you for this info I would love to cruise there too if I can!
Thank you so much for sharing such a detailed post. This could help me in planning a trip to Japan
This is one place that I want to visit in my lifetime!
Never been to Tokyo before, but it’s on my list. Great post!
Ohh, this is cool. I never tried cruising yet but always wanted to try, this made me want it more!
I start saving your post about travel as I am planning a big trip for next year and still don’t know the destination. Thanks for sharing.
Oh my gosh, Tokyo looks like such a dream! I’ve not yet been myself, but I’d love to plan a trip there for 2020. Fingers crossed!
I have always found cruise ships very impressive but I am only afraid of the fact that I get motion sickness on almost everything 🙂
I love this blog! Dreaming of getting to Tokyo soon!
Tokyo is such a clean city. I’d love to see it with my own eyes someday.
Tokyo is one of my dream to visit someday and I will put this place on my list! Awesome place!
I’ve been to Tokyo before but I was not able to visit Yokohama. I haven’t tried cruise as well but it sounds like a great experience.
Wowzers, thank you so much for taking me on this virtual trip via public transportation. I’ll have to file this in my travel folder for sure. Much appreciated 🙂
Although I’ve been to Japan, never made it to Yokohama. I think it’s great that you’re traveling the world without flying! So much better for reducing carbon emissions.
That is a good and nice experience. I loved the view from the ship deck. The cruise ship looks great.
Yokohama sure is a beautiful town and I really want to make a trip like this.
Have a good trip, I really enjoy following your journey around the world! Take care and keep us updated