Our 10-day Asia cruise aboard Norwegian Spirit was set to visit some of Japan and South Korea’s most iconic and lesser-known ports—ten in total, from the bright lights of Tokyo to the hot springs of Beppu and all the way to vibrant Seoul. 

But before we even stepped foot on the ship, we kicked things off with a whirlwind few days in Tokyo!

If you’re cruising from Tokyo, we highly recommend giving yourself at least two or three days in the city before or after your cruise. One day simply isn’t enough to truly soak up all that Tokyo has to offer—and trust us, you’ll be glad you stayed longer.

Tokyo: Pre-Cruise Stay

We kicked off our cruise adventure with a stay at The Tokyo Station Hotel, and it was the perfect choice. Housed inside Tokyo’s historic main station, the location couldn’t be better. With direct access to the Shinkansen, JR lines, and the Narita Express, it made getting around Tokyo completely effortless.

We booked a Dome Side King Room, which was small but beautifully designed. With vaulted ceilings, a spacious bathroom, and thoughtful amenities, it felt like a truly luxurious stay.

Yes, it’s a splurge—we paid around $450 USD per night—but for us, the location and experience were well worth it. If you’re after a luxurious, convenient base in Tokyo—especially before or after a cruise—we’d absolutely recommend this hotel.

How We Spent One Day in Tokyo

We only had one full day before embarkation, so we packed it with some of Tokyo’s most mind-blowing, quirky, and delicious experiences.

We started the day at TeamLab Borderless, a digital art museum that completely blew our minds. It’s not just something to look at—it’s something to experience. Think vast rooms filled with dancing light projections, mirrors that seem to stretch into infinity, and music that moves you. We genuinely got emotional at one point—it’s that immersive.

Pro tip: This museum sells out months in advance. If you’re planning a cruise from Tokyo, book your tickets early.

Looking for something similar? TeamLab Planets offers a just-as-magical, immersive experience and is a fantastic alternative.

From there, we headed to Tokyo Tower, the city’s answer to the Eiffel Tower. The view from the top deck was breathtaking—even if the experience was a bit chaotic.

We paid extra for the “VIP” top deck experience, but apart from the stunning view, the perks like a photo and “refreshments” were underwhelming. Still, the 360-degree views over sprawling Tokyo made it worth it.

Just be warned: it’s popular. Book in advance and prepare for queues.

If you’re looking for something similar, we also recommend Tokyo Skytree—offering stunning panoramic views and a futuristic vibe that’s well worth the visit.

After all that height, we needed something grounded—so off to Harajuku we went, Tokyo’s playground of fashion, food, and fun.

On Takeshita Street, we devoured rainbow cotton candy, spiral fried potatoes, and cheesy 10 yen bread. But the highlight? A micro pig café. Yes, baby pigs, napping in our laps for 25 minutes of pure bliss.

The whole area is buzzing with energy—vintage clothing stores, kawaii dessert spots, and themed cafés galore. And surprisingly, the snacks were super affordable!

Tip: Don’t walk and eat—Tokyo has strict etiquette around this. Look for designated eating areas along the street.

As night fell, we slowed the pace. Tokyo really comes alive in the evenings—the neon glow, the hum of traffic, the soft clatter of izakayas opening up for the night.

We grabbed drinks from a vending machine (sparkling apple soda = new obsession), wandered down tiny alleyways, and soaked in the night. To finish off our day? A legendary egg salad sandwich from 7-Eleven. If you know, you know.

But this was just the beginning. Next up: boarding the Norwegian Spirit for a 10-night adventure around Japan and South Korea—including incredible stops in Mount Fuji, Kochi, Jeju, and Seoul.