By:Xiao Lühai (Little Travel Kid)
With the Japanese yen continuing to rise, and as anyone who has traveled in Japan knows, transportation can often be your biggest daily expense. While you can save on food and accommodation, you can’t exactly walk to all the attractions. Even if you've crunched all the numbers and checked every day pass and discount option, they might still seem too pricey. But it seems many people forget that Tokyo actually offers free shuttle buses — three free loop bus lines operated by Nissan Motor Co., mainly serving areas around Tokyo Station and the bay area.
1. Odaiba Tokyo Bay Shuttle (Tokyo Bay Shuttle)
Odaiba might not be the top choice for many travelers visiting Tokyo, but this man-made island boasts shopping malls, science museums, seaside parks, and more, making it ideal for family trips. On a typical day, you might opt for the Yurikamome Line or Rinkai Line, which usually have shorter wait times — but a one-day pass costs 820 yen. For a family of four, switching to the free shuttle could save nearly 3,280 yen.
Free shuttle stops: Tokyo Teleport Station, Palette Town (now closed), DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (home to the life-sized Gundam statue), AquaCity Odaiba shopping mall
Service hours: Daily from 11:00–20:00; approximately every 20 minutes
2. Tokyo Marunouchi Shuttle (Marunouchi Shuttle)
While wandering the bustling streets of Shinjuku and Harajuku in Tokyo, you’ll notice the buildings aren’t very tall — most are concentrated in the Marunouchi area. Of course, what makes it better than Hong Kong is that among the skyscrapers, you’ll also find harmony with spaces like Hibiya Park and the moat.
Free shuttle attractions: Shin-Marunouchi Building (featuring the old Tokyo Station, JR lines, Shinkansen Tokyo Station, Daimaru Department Store, Tokyo Ichiban Street, Tokyo Ramen Street, etc.), Marunouchi My Plaza Building, Dai-ichi Life Building (within walking distance to the Imperial Palace), Hibiya Park, Shin International Building (including Bic Camera electronics store, JR Yurakucho Station, Yurakucho Loft, and large Muji store)
Service hours: Monday to Friday 08:00–20:00; Saturday, Sunday, and holidays 10:00–20:00; approximately every 12–15 minutes
3. Metro Link Nihonbashi Bus (Metro Link Nihonbashi Bus)
Although this route is quite similar to the Marunouchi Line in terms of path, the attractions along the way and the scenery you’ll see are completely different. If you enjoy traditional, classic Japanese aesthetics, this is the bus for you. You’ll pass by the Nihonbashi Bridge, completed in 1911, the century-old Tokyo Station, and even the historic confectionery shop, Senbikiya.
Free stops: Tokyo Station Yaesu Exit (Yaesu Underground Mall), Nihonbashi Station (COREDO Nihonbashi, Takashimaya), Mitsukoshimae Station (Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi Main Store), Nihonbashi Minami-machi (Nihonbashi)
Service hours: 10:00–20:00; approximately every 10 minutes
Image sources: hinomaru, find-travel.jp
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