NCL Tokyo Cruise Port Overview and Travel Tips

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View of a Cruise Ship in the Yokohama Port
Credit: pexels.com, View of a Cruise Ship in the Yokohama Port

The NCL Tokyo Cruise Port is a modern and efficient facility located on the waterfront in the Odaiba district of Tokyo, Japan. It's easily accessible by taxi or public transportation.

The port is a hub for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and offers a variety of amenities and services to enhance your cruise experience. You can find shops, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the port.

As you arrive at the port, you'll notice the impressive architecture and scenic views of Tokyo Bay. The port's design is meant to resemble a ship's hull, adding to the nautical theme of the area.

Getting to and from the port is relatively easy, with several transportation options available, including the Tokyo Monorail and a shuttle bus service.

Port Information

The NCL Tokyo cruise port is conveniently located near several major transportation hubs. The port is situated in the Chuo-ku district of Tokyo, Japan.

You can reach the port by taking a bus from Tokyo International Airport (Haneda), which takes around 25 minutes from Harumi Wharf and 25 minutes from Tokyo International Cruise Wharf, and 15 minutes from Oi Wharf. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Shinagawa Station, which takes around 20 minutes to Tokyo International Cruise Wharf and 15 minutes to Oi Wharf.

Cruise Ships Docked on a Port
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise Ships Docked on a Port

Here's a list of the nearest major transportation hubs to the NCL Tokyo cruise port:

If you're planning to take a taxi from the airport, be aware that the journey takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic.

Tokyo Cruise Port

The Tokyo Cruise Port is a bustling hub for cruise ships, with multiple terminals scattered throughout the city. Harumi Terminal is one of the most popular, handling both domestic and international cruise liners.

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Harumi Terminal features an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the city waterfront. It also serves as a conference/event center, making it a great spot to combine business and leisure.

The terminal has two berths, with a total length of 1495 ft / 456 m and a max draft of 10 m / 33 ft. This allows it to accommodate smaller cruisers with a volume of up to 20,000 GT-tons.

Here are the Tokyo Cruise Port terminals:

  • Harumi Terminal (1991-opened)
  • Takeshiba Terminal (1995-reconstructed)
  • Hinode Terminal (port's oldest)
  • Tokyo Cruise Terminal (at Shinkyaku Pier)

The Tokyo Cruise Terminal at Shinkyaku Pier is the newest addition to the port, opening on September 10, 2020. It can handle even the world's largest passenger liners, including Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class boats with a length of 362 m / 1188 ft.

Cruise Ship Moored in Harbor
Credit: pexels.com, Cruise Ship Moored in Harbor

The terminal has one berth with a length of 430 m / 1411 ft and a quay depth / max-draft of 11.5 m (38 ft). The 4-story terminal building has a total area of 19,000 m2 (204,514 ft2).

Since 2018, the Metropolitan Government has subsidized cruise port's pilotage, towage, and other cruiseship charges. This has led to an increase in ship calls, with 38 calls in season 2018, up from 32 in 2017 and 29 in 2016.

The new Tokyo Cruise Terminal experienced a 3-year hiatus in hosting foreign-flagged ships due to the global COVID crisis. However, in 2023, it handled a total of 49 cruise ship calls, including a limited number of domestic vessels in 2021 and 2022.

For more insights, see: Kaohsiung Port Cruise Terminal

Terminal Options

When it comes to getting to the cruise terminal in Tokyo, you have a few options, but let's break it down.

You can dock at Harumi Terminal, but keep in mind it's been reopened after an infrastructure development, so it's worth checking the latest information before heading there.

Credit: youtube.com, Taking the Train from the Tokyo International Cruise Terminal Station

Port Yokohama is about 40 km from the capital city and is often used as an alternative cruise port for Tokyo, making it a viable option if you're looking for a different experience.

The new cruise terminal at Shinkyaku Pier is a great choice, with a berth that can handle even the world's largest passenger liners, including Royal Caribbean's OASIS-class.

The terminal itself has a total area of 19,000 m2 and a 4-floor building, making it a modern and spacious facility.

You can access the city from the new cruise terminal by walking to the Yurikamome station, which is part of an automated guideway transit network.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from the nearby Harumi Futo bus station, which is just outside the cruise ship terminal.

Oi Marine Products Terminal is another option, but it's a bit farther away from the city center, and you'll need to take a bus shuttle to Shinagawa Station to access the rest of the city.

A different take: Port of Redwood City

Frequently Asked Questions

Which port does NCL use in Tokyo?

NCL uses the Port of Yokohama in Tokyo, Japan, which is a major cruise ship terminal.

Is there a shuttle bus from Tokyo to Yokohama cruise terminal?

Yes, a shuttle bus service called "Green Tomato" is available from Tokyo's central districts to Yokohama Cruise Port. The service offers a convenient and affordable alternative to private transfers.

How do I get from Tokyo airport to cruise port?

To get to the Tokyo cruise port, take a train from Tokyo Narita Airport (1h 10m, ¥1300-¥3300) or a bus (2h 40m, ¥1700-¥3300).

Jessie Smith

Senior Writer

Jessie Smith is a versatile writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen interest in travel and aviation, Jessie has established herself as a go-to expert on air travel procedures, providing readers with valuable insights and practical advice. Her articles are a testament to her dedication to helping others navigate the complexities of air travel, making her a trusted voice in the industry.

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