We all know that Tokyo can be very expensive which can end up putting people of traveling there…but what if I told you Tokyo doesn’t have to be expensive! There are tons of activities in Tokyo that are completely free and you wouldn’t even know it! For those of you traveling on a budget, here is a comprehensive list of the top 10 best things to do in Tokyo that are completely free!!

1. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building shows an AMAZING view of Tokyo at NO COST! That’s right, it’s FREE! I’m sure many traveling to Tokyo want to see the amazing skyscrape from one of the famous viewing towers such as Skytree or Tokyo Tower…but as soon as you see the ticket prices you might change your mind. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government building offers just as an amazing view as the other viewing towers without costing you a penny! Worth checking out for those traveling to Japan on a budget!

Address

2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001

Access

From Shinjuku Station take the Oedo line to Tocho-Mae Station. The building is located very close to the station exit.

Hours

8:30AM to 17:00PM Weekdays. Closed Weekends.

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2. Visit Tokyo’s Many Free Instagram Spots

If you’re looking to take some super cute instagram shots whilst you’re in Tokyo, then why not try scouting out all of Tokyo’s FREE instagram spots!! It’s currently very popular for stores to add an ‘instagram spot’ to their shop for more publicity so there really are tons! Some of our favorites include: The Shibuya 109 Basement/ Stairwell, Style Nanda 3rd floor and Takeshita Street! Taking pictures at them is completely free and you don’t have to buy anything from the shop to take a photo there (unless otherwise stated).

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3. Enjoy The Beautiful Scenery of Ueno Park

Ueno Park is one of the most historical parks in Tokyo and was intact one of the FIRST! The park used to be the temple grounds of the Kan-Ei Temple which was later dedicated to the Tokugawa family (The shogunate at the time). The temple unfortunately burnt down in 1868 and after was opened to the public for cherry blossom viewing, which it is still famous for today! It was officially registered as a park in 1873 and has been that way ever since.

The park grounds are completely free to enter and they are absolutely gorgeous! The park also has tons of museums and even a university located there! (Most museums cost a fee to enter). We recommend you visit Ueno park in the cherry blossom season to see it at it’s most beautiful!

Address

Ueno-koen, 3-chome Ikenohata, Taito-ku, Tokyo

Access

Take the JR Yamanote line to Ueno Station.

Hours

5:00AM to 23:00PM

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4. Attend the Kanda Matsuri (festival)

The Kanda Matsuri is one of the three great Matsuri of Tokyo…and it really is GREAT! The festival is huge attracting people from all over Tokyo (and even Japan) to join in! The celebrations happen over a week, however the main events take place on the Saturday and Sunday closest to May 15th every year. The main event includes parading through the streets with musicians, floats and portable shrines! On the Saturday the parade sets off from Kanda shrine at around 8AM and returns to the shrine at around 7PM! This festival is perfect for those who want to experience true Japanese culture but are traveling on a budget!

Address

2 Chome-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 101-0021

Access

Take the JR Chuo Line to Ochanomizu Station.

When

Saturday and Sunday closest to May 15th.

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5. Visit The Parasite Museum

For those of you into all things gruesome, why not go and visit the Parasite Museum?! This museum is very informative and shows you all different types of the world’s parasites! This isn’t for the faint hearted though, and you should probably make sure to eat BEFORE you go! This museum is completely free and can be enjoyed by everyone due to how weird and wacky it is, a must for those traveling on a budget to Tokyo!

Address

4 Chome-1-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro City, Tokyo 153-0064

Access

Take the JR Yamanote Line to Meguro Station!

Hours

Closed Monday and Tuesday. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00AM – 17:00PM.

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6.Ride the Monorail at Asukayama Park

Asukayama Park is extremely popular for cherry blossom viewing as it boasts some of the prettiest cherry blossoms in the whole of Tokyo…but it is also famous for it’s small monorail, also known as ‘Asukargo‘! This monorail runs from the entrance of the park to the top of the hill and offers great views of the cherry blossoms for absolutely free! Anyone can ride in the Asukargo, however it is particularly handy for people in wheelchairs, elderly or people with children!

Address

1 Chome-1-3 Oji, Kita City, Tokyo 114-0002

Access

Take the Namboku Line to Oji Station.

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7. Enjoy Contemporary Art at Scai The Bathhouse

Located in Yanaka, Scai The Bathhouse hosts a modern art gallery in an old local bathhouse building. The building has been completely transformed however the outside and some parts of the inside still remain! This offers an interesting mix of old, local Edo and the new, modern Tokyo! It’s a really unique and interesting place to visit and is completely free. They are also constantly hosting new exhibits so there is definitely something for everyone there!

Address

110-0001 Tokyo, Taito City, Yanaka, 6 Chome−1−23

Access

Take the JR Yamanote Line to Nippori Station.

Hours

12:00PM – 18:00PM. Closed Sunday and Monday.

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8. See Toyota’s Newest Inventions at Mega Web

Located in Odaiba, Mega Web allows you to explore Toyota’s history and also their newest inventions! The park is spilt into three parts: TOYOTA CITY SHOWCASE, HISTORY GARAGE and RIDE STUDIO! After going through and looking at all of Toyota’s amazing cars, you can then go and test drive your favorite one!! This is all for the grand price of 0 yen! An unmissable spot for car lovers in Tokyo!

Address

1 Chome-3-12 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064

Access

Take the Saikyo Line to Tokyo Teleport Station.

Hours

11:00AM – 21:00PM

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9. Experience Tokyo Character Street

Tokyo Character Street is located underneath Tokyo Station and offers some of the most amazing character shops in Tokyo! There are shops dedicated to Pokemon, Sanrio, Studio Ghibli and MUCH MORE! All though you may need some money if you want to buy something, entrance to the street is completely FREE! better yet, you don’t need to buy something to experience the amazing atmosphere that the street has to offer!

Address

100-0005 Tokyo, Chiyoda City, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−9−1

Access

Take the JR Chuo Line to Tokyo Station.

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10. Relax in The Rooftop Garden of Shinjuku Marui

This rooftop garden located at the top of the Shinjuku Marui building is a popular spot for Japanese people to hang out with friends or go on a date! What makes it even better is that it’s completely free. Many go here in summer to chill in the sun and eat lunch! If you’ve had enough of walking around the city and need to rest your feet for a while, this is the place to go!

Address

 3 Chome-30-13 Shinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 160-0022

Access

Take the JR Chuo Line to Shinjuku Station.

Hours

11:00AM – 21:00PM daily.

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Otaku in Tokyo is a travel website dedicated to helping your trip to Japan with tips and information on where to visit. With particular focus on real life anime locations, pop culture and Tokyo’s hidden gems!
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