The easiest way to reach Tokyo Tower without using the subway.
Most visitors take the subway from Tokyo Station to Tokyo Tower.
However, there is an easier option that many tourists may not know about.
A direct Tokyu Bus connects Tokyo Station South Exit with Tokyo Tower without any transfers or long walks through underground stations.
The fare is ¥240 for adults and ¥120 for children when paying with a Suica, PASMO, or another accepted transportation IC card. If you pay in cash, the fare is ¥250 for adults and ¥130 for children.
This bus uses a pay-as-you-board system. Enter through the front door and pay when you board. If you are using a Suica or PASMO card, simply tap it once on the card reader. There is no need to tap again when getting off.
This guide shows you exactly where to board the bus at Tokyo Station, where to get off, and how to walk from the bus stop to Tokyo Tower.
Why Take the Bus?
| Tokyu Bus 東98 | Subway | |
|---|---|---|
| Transfers | None | Usually 1 |
| Boarding | Street level | Underground station |
| Walking | Very little | Walk to/from stations |
| Total travel experience | Simple | More walking |
| Best for | Families, luggage, first-time visitors | Experienced travelers |
Quick Information
Route: Tokyu Bus 東98
From: Tokyo Station (Marunouchi South Exit)
To: Tokyo Tower
Travel time: Approximately 15–20 minutes (depending on traffic)
Fare:
- IC card (Suica/PASMO): Adult ¥240 / Child ¥120
- Cash: Adult ¥250 / Child ¥130
Transfers: None
Payment: Pay when boarding
Best for: Travelers with luggage, families, and anyone who wants to avoid underground stations.
Step 1 Find Tokyo Station South Exit
The bus stop is about a 2-minute walk from the Marunouchi South Exit, located inside the roundabout.
Tokyo Station is one of Japan’s largest railway stations, and finding the correct exit can be confusing for first-time visitors.
Before heading to the bus stop, check our Tokyo Station Exit Guide to quickly find Marunouchi South Exit.
Step 2 Board Toei Bus 東98
Travel Tip
If you’re unsure whether you’re at the correct bus stop, look for 東98 and the destination Todoroki Bus Base / Shimizu. If you see both, you’re in the right place.
Bus Frequency
Buses run regularly throughout the day, making this one of the easiest ways to travel between Tokyo Station and Tokyo Tower. The timetable below shows departures from Tokyo Station Marunouchi South Exit. Please note that schedules may change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest timetable before your trip.
Step 3 On Board the Bus
Once you’ve boarded the bus, simply relax and enjoy the ride to Tokyo Tower.
Japanese buses are clean, quiet, and easy to use, but there are a few simple rules that will help make your journey more comfortable.
Enter through the front door.
① Pay when you board
If you’re using a Suica, PASMO, or another transportation IC card, simply tap your card on the reader.
If you’re paying with cash, pay the correct fare when boarding.
Don’t have a Suica card yet?
Read our Welcome Suica Guide to learn where to buy one and how to use it on trains and buses in Tokyo.
② Move toward the back of the bus
After boarding, please don’t remain near the entrance.
Move toward the back whenever possible so other passengers can board easily and the aisle stays clear.
③ Check the priority seats
If you’re looking for a seat, be aware that some seats near the front are reserved for elderly passengers, people with disabilities, pregnant women, and passengers with small children.
If the bus becomes crowded, please leave these seats available.
④ Hold on to the handrails
Japanese buses may begin moving before everyone is seated.
If you’re standing, always hold a handrail or strap to keep your balance.
⑤ Press the stop button
When your stop is approaching, press one of the red stop buttons located throughout the bus.
The driver will stop at the next bus stop.
On Tokyu Bus Route 東98, board through the front door and pay your fare when you get on. After pressing the stop button, exit through the rear (middle) door when the bus arrives at your stop.
⑥ Enjoy the ride
One of the best things about taking the bus is that you can enjoy Tokyo’s streets and neighborhoods along the way.
Unlike the subway, the journey itself becomes part of your sightseeing experience.
Why take the bus?
Instead of navigating underground stations and making transfers, you can simply board one bus and enjoy the ride. Watching Tokyo’s streets and neighborhoods pass by is part of the experience.
Step 4 Get Off at Tokyo Tower
After Getting Off the Bus
After getting off at the Tokyo Tower bus stop, you have two easy options.
If you walk north, you will reach the Tokyo Tower Entrance intersection, which leads to the main entrance of Tokyo Tower.
If you walk south, you will reach the Tokyo Tower-shita intersection. The gentle slope here is one of the most popular places for visitors to photograph Tokyo Tower from street level.
Both routes take about the same amount of time, so you can simply choose the one that matches your plans.
If you visit early in the morning, there are usually fewer people around. I recommend walking to the Tokyo Tower-shita slope first to enjoy one of Tokyo Tower’s classic photo spots before heading to the entrance.
Continue Exploring Tokyo Tower
Now that you know how to get there by bus, it’s time to explore one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks.
From observation decks and photo spots to nearby temples and seasonal scenery, our complete Tokyo Tower guide covers everything you need for your visit.
➡ Read our complete Tokyo Tower Guide:
Return to Tokyo Station
After enjoying Tokyo Tower, you can simply take the Tokyu Bus (東98) back to Tokyo Station South Exit.
The return bus stop is located on the opposite side of the road from where you got off. Buses run regularly throughout the day, making it an easy way to return to central Tokyo without using the subway.
Before heading back, you may also want to stop at Atago Shrine, one of Tokyo’s oldest shrines. It is only a short walk from the bus route and is famous for its steep “Success Steps” and peaceful atmosphere.
If you have a little extra time, getting off along the way lets you discover another side of Tokyo before continuing back to Tokyo Station.
Don’t Miss Zojoji Temple
Before returning to Tokyo Station, I highly recommend visiting Zojoji Temple.
Located just a few minutes from Tokyo Tower, Zojoji is one of Tokyo’s most important Buddhist temples and was closely connected to the Tokugawa Shogunate during the Edo period.
The contrast between the historic temple and modern Tokyo Tower creates one of the city’s most iconic views and is a favorite photography spot for both visitors and locals.
If you have an extra 20 to 30 minutes, visiting Zojoji before taking the bus back is well worth your time.
Is this bus the right choice?
This bus is a great option if you:
- Are visiting Tokyo Tower from Tokyo Station.
- Prefer staying above ground instead of navigating underground stations.
- Are traveling with children or large luggage.
- Want to enjoy views of central Tokyo during the ride.
- Plan to visit Zojoji Temple or Atago Shrine along the way.
If you are in a hurry, the subway may be slightly faster depending on waiting times.
However, if you want a simpler and more relaxing journey, the bus is one of the easiest ways to reach Tokyo Tower.
Explore Tokyo One Bus Ride at a Time
Tokyo’s bus network connects many famous attractions that are surprisingly difficult to reach by subway alone.
Once you become familiar with riding the bus, exploring Tokyo becomes much easier.
This guide is the first in our Tokyo Bus Guide series. We will continue adding easy bus routes connecting Tokyo’s most popular sightseeing spots.
Continue Exploring on Foot
Once you arrive at Tokyo Tower, you don’t have to stop there.
If you have time, you can continue walking through one of Tokyo’s most enjoyable sightseeing routes.
➡️ Tokyo Tower → Zojoji Temple → Hamamatsucho Station Walking Guide
Along the way you can visit:
- 🗼 Tokyo Tower
- 🛕 Zojoji Temple
- 🌳 Shiba Park
- ⛩️ Atago Shrine (optional detour)
- 🚉 Hamamatsucho Station
This route combines famous landmarks with quiet local streets and is one of the easiest walks in central Tokyo.
Explore Tokyo Like a Local
The goal of tourist.tokyo is simple:
To help first-time visitors experience Tokyo with confidence through practical, easy-to-follow guides created by someone who has personally visited every location featured on this website.
If you ever need personal travel advice, I’d be happy to help.
👉 Ask a Tokyo Local
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