Luckily for all of us though, there are plenty of things that you can enjoy in Tokyo and spend not even a penny on doing so! Here in this article we will try to explore all of the most interesting possibilities that Tokyo offers you, and nonetheless free of charge!

Here’s 17 things you can do in Tokyo for FREE!

1. The first thing that comes to mind is definitely Harajuku. To be more precise I’d say take a stroll through the famous Takeshita Street. This is very the modern youth fashion of Japan is concentrated. You will see many people who wear quite eccentric clothing, but that’s the beauty and charm of Harajuku.
2. If you end up in Harajuku, you definitely have to walk to Omotesando next. As the Japanese would say this is one of the oshare (fashionable) places in Tokyo. You will get to see many stores of high fashion, interesting cafes that are hidden in the narrow alleyways.
3. Go to the famous Shibuya crossing! This is the busiest crossing in the world and it is said that over a thousand people cross it during the peak hours. Besides you will get to see the statue of famous Hachiko. Just be prepared, this is probably the most crowded place you’ll ever be in your life!
4. Depending on the season of your visit you might get the chance to see a couple of festivals, from sakura viewing to fireworks and red leaves viewing. If your feet take you to any of these you will also be able to buy some traditional Japanese food from the yatai – booths which will be all over the place!
5. Visit shrines and temples. Most of these don’t have any entrance fees. Though keep in mind that in Buddhist temples you’re more likely to be asked to pay for entering the place, rather than not.
6. Talking about shrines, you should definitely visit Meiji Jingu. This place is dedicated to the late emperor Meiji and his empress. The place is also in a walking distance from  the above-mentioned Harajuku and Omotesando. The shrine is surrounded by a majestic garden which will make the whole experience quite mysterious.
7. You should also visit Asakusa, probably one of the most famous temples in Japan that has a gigantic entrance to it. On the way to the temple you will walk through narrow streets which bare resemblance to medieval Japanese streets.
8. A visit to Odaiba might be interesting. If you’re not scared of walking challenge yourself and walk over the Rainbow Bridge. You will get to see the beautiful sceneries of the Tokyo beaches.
9. If you are into otaku culture definitely visit Akihabara! Here you will meet many other otakus and will realise that in reality you aren’t one (that’s what happened to me haha). Here you will get to see huge screens that will show anime or idols singing. You might even run into actual idols singing somewhere on the streets. If you go into the stores you will see a lot of anime merchandise like figurines or cosplay.
10. You can take a stroll over Nihonbashi, a famous bridge which has been there since the 17th century. The district which grew around the bridge and bares the same name is the centre of business in Tokyo, in a way this is the Japanese Wall Street.
11. Take a walk down the Ameyoko Shopping Street which is very close to the Ueno station. This one is different from the above-mentioned Takeshita street, but you will still get to see many interesting shops.
12. You might also like to visit the Sunshine City, which is in Ikebukuro. It is a building complex consisting of 60 buildings, and even has an observatory! This place also often comes up in anime, so you might find the visit quite interesting!
13. Definitely visit the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories in Shinjuku! You will get to see an amazing scenery spread out in front of you: Tokyo and its parks, the Meiji Jingu, etc.
14. Visit Shimokitazawa. This is a small town in the Western parts of Tokyo, but it is very popular amongst the young people. Shimokitazawa is also famous for its many second hand shops, which sell very rare brand items.
15. Definitely visit Yokohama. It’s a bit far from the central districts of Tokyo, but believe me it’s worth your visit. Yokohama is one of Tokyo’s suburbs and is famous for a couple of things, like its access to the sea, as well as its Chinatown (Yokohama Chukagai). It’s the largest Chinatown in Japan. Here you can find many colourful streets, Chinese stores and restaurants.
16. While you’re visiting Yokohama, it might also be a great idea to visit Kamakura. Kamakura is famous for its large Buddha statue. Even though the entrance to the Buddhist temple will require you to pay a tiny amount of money, there is still a Shintoist shrine on the other side of the city, which is free of charge.
17. Visit parks! Tokyo is famous for being a green city. And indeed there are many parks worth your time! A couple of famous ones are Yoyogi park, Hibiya Park, Roppongi West Park, but there are so many more!

As I have already mentioned above, Tokyo is an expensive city. One would expect this from a megapolis. But then again the city also offers you many cheap or even free alternatives of having fun and enjoying the Japanese culture. If you follow the list I gave you in this article, I assure you that you will not only have a full schedule on your hands, but also will get to see some of the most visited places in Tokyo. Fun doesn’t always have to cost you a fortune, now does it?

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Yet the country is quite large and the touristic spots worth visiting are countless. Even one’s lifetime may not be enough to explore the whole country. Most Japanese themselves do not get to visit Kyoto, the majestic former capital of the country from the Middle Ages filled with hundreds of unspeakably beautiful shrines and temples, until they are in their late 20s, or even 30s. Most Japanese might use the Golden and Silver Weeks, as well as the extended weekends to travel through the country. In case you are a foreigner studying or working in Japan, this is probably going to be the case for you too.

Then again, a question arises: Where should I go? It is not an easy feat to answer this question, but let us try and list some of the must-visit places while your stay.

The first thing that comes to mind is of course Tokyo, the capital of Japan, one of the largest megalopolises in the world (the largest if we include its suburban areas). But then again, not even a whole month would suffice to explore all of the beauty and magic of Tokyo. Hence, let’s concentrate on some of the key points of the city.

One of the first things to do as soon as you arrive in Tokyo is to explore Shinjuku. For starters the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, basically the head of the administration of the city is located in Shinjuku. Secondly, the busiest railway station in the world is Shinjuku Station. Don’t worry if you get lost in here, everybody does. Some other interesting places to visit in Shinjuku would be the famous Gyoen Park, Metropolitan Observatory, and of course do not forget Kabukicho, the red-light district.

Second place to visit on your list should be Shibuya. You surely have heard of the most crowded crossing in the world. Well, it is located in front of Shibuya station. Shibuya is housing the entertainment in Tokyo. The district is filled with high-class boutiques, expensive night clubs, bars and pubs. Shibuya is also famous for the statue of Hachiko, a dog who kept waiting for the return of its owner at the very spot of the statue, even after the latter had passed away. Make sure to take a photo with Hachiko!

The next step is Harajuku. Harajuku is famous for its Takeshita Street, where the most daring and unbelievable fashion trends are born and displayed, worn without any reservations. Takeshita Street is also famous for its crepes, so make sure to taste those delicious “atrocities” (spoiler alert: you might gain some weight). From Harajuku you can easily access one of the most famous shrines throughout the whole country, Meiji Jingu, dedicated to the Emperor Meiji and his wife. It is located in a wonderful park, so take your time to enjoy the scenery.

Another absolutely must-visit spots in Tokyo is Ikebukoru. One of the essentials is the Sunshine City. This place is one of the oldest parts of Tokyo and has some amazing skyscrapers. Ikebukuro also houses Gokokuji temple, which is a historically important spot since the Tokugawa Edo era. Japan has some amazing parks, and if you are a greens enthusiast, you should definitely stop by at the Nishiguchi Park. You can even find one of the most interesting cat cafes called Neko no Iru Kyukeijo.

Our next stop should be Asakusa. For starters visit the Sensoji Temple. The place is famous for its Thunder Gate and Divine Sandals. On your way to the Sensoji Temple you will pass through Nakamise Dori, a street filled with small shops and boutiques built in the spirit of old Japan. On your way back drop by the famous Tokyo Skytree. This is the tallest tower in Japan at 450 meters.

These are some of the essential places to visit in Tokyo, but absolutely not all of them. Consider this list to be a starting point, which will help you explore the wondrous city of Tokyo.

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Day 1 – Arrival at Narita International Airport

Narita International Airport is approximately an hour to an hour and a half away by train from central Tokyo, and offers the following public transportation options for tourists:

• JR Narita Express – This is the most convenient way to get from the airport to Tokyo Station. A one-way ride takes about an hour and costs 3,000 yen.
• JR Sobu Line – A one-way ticket on the JR Sobu Line from Narita Airport to Tokyo costs 1,320 yen, and takes approximately an hour and half.
• Keisei Limited Express – The one-way journey from the airport to Nippori Station is approximately one hour and fifteen minutes long, and costs 1,030 yen.
• Keisei Skyliner – This line is a faster but more expensive version of the Keisei Limited Express. The one-way trip takes only 55 minutes, and a ticket costs more, at 2,200 yen.
• Buses – There are several bus services that link the airport to Tokyo, and a one-way journey costs from 1,000 yen to 3,100 yen, and takes about an hour and a half.

Once in Tokyo, head to Shinjuku and drop by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building to get panoramic views of the city via the observatories on the twin towers 45^th floors, free of charge.

Afterwards, check out Shinjuku’s amazing nightlife by visiting the many restaurants, clubs, bars, pachinko parlours, karaoke bars, and various other entertainment establishments in Kabukicho, Golden Gai, and Omoide Yokocho.

Day 2 – Experience ancient and historical Japan in Ueno and Asakusa

Just a few minutes’ walk from Ueno Station, Ueno Park is home to a number of temples and shrines, such as the Kaneiji Temple and the Toshogu Shrine; museums, like the Tokyo National Museum, the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, and the Shitamachi Museum; and the Ueno Zoo.

Also in the vicinity is the Ameyoko shopping street, which offers numerous shops and stores that sell a wide selection of Japanese sweets, candies, snacks, and condiments, as well as clothes, cosmetics, bags, and electronics.

One subway stop from Ueno Station is Asakusa Station, where the 7^th century Sensoji Temple is just a short walk away via the Nakamise shopping street, which is a haven of traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs.

End the day with stunning views of Tokyo at night atop Tokyo Skytree’s 350-to-450-metre-high observation decks. From Sensoji Temple, Japan’s tallest structure is a pleasant 20-minute stroll across Sumida River.

Day 3 – Explore Shibuya and its surroundings

Shibuya is one of the most active and vibrant districts of Tokyo. It is known for its many malls and department stores, and the Shibuya pedestrian crossing and the Hachiko statue, both of which are found right outside Shibuya train station.

Harajuku, which is about 20 minutes away on foot, has the iconic Meiji Shrine, a popular venue for hatsumode every New Year. It also boasts of several shopping attractions, particularly Takeshita Street, which offers shops and boutiques that cater to the younger crowd; and Omotesando, which is often described as the Japanese Champs-Elysees and has numerous high-end fashion stores.

Yoyogi Park, which is among Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom and autumn foliage spots, is only five minutes on foot and offers a large and tranquil green space for some relaxation to end a hectic sightseeing day.

Day 4 – Day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko

For gorgeous views of Mount Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes, a day trip to Lake Kawaguchiko is highly recommended. From Tokyo, the following are a couple of transportation options to conveniently access it:

• Bus – There are buses that leave from Shinjuku Station, Shibuya Station, and Tokyo Station to Lake Kawaguchiko. A one-way trip is about two hours long, and costs less than 2,000 yen. Timetables, fares, tickets, and other information are available on these websites: Fujikyuko Bus and Japan Bus Online.
• JR Chuo Line – Get on the JR Chuo Line going to Otsuki Station, and then transfer to the Fujikyu Railway Line going to Kawaguchiko Station. A one-way trip takes about two hours and costs around 2,500 yen. More information on how to access the area is available here: Fujikyu Railway Access Guide.

To get around Kawaguchiko, you may rent a car or a bike, or use the retro buses, regular buses, and the Fujikko Bus Line. More information on the bus services available in the Lake Kawaguchiko region is found here: Retro Bus and Fujikko-go Bus.

Day 5 – Day trip to Kamakura

For some more nature adventures, head to Kamakura, an old, coastal town located in Kanagawa Prefecture, about an hour from downtown Tokyo.

(The Great Buddha in Kamakura – Source: https://pixabay.com/en/kamakura-kotoku-big-buddha-956449/)

It has several important historical landmarks, including the Great Buddha, a giant 13^th century bronze statue; the Hase-dera, a Buddhist temple built in the early 8^th century; and the Hachimangu Shrine, the town’s most important shrine founded in the beginning of 11^th century. It also offers scenic hiking trails and fine sand beaches.

To get to Kamakura from Tokyo, you may take any of the following options:

• JR Shonan Shinjuku Line – A direct trip from Shinjuku Station to Kamakura Station costs 920 yen and takes around an hour.
• JR Yokosuka Line – A one-way journey between Tokyo Station and Kamakura Station costs 920 yen, and takes less than an hour.

For convenient access to and getting around Kamakura, look into getting either a Kamakura Enoshima Pass or an Enoshima Kamakura Free Pass.

Day 6 – Shopping in Akihabara, Ginza, and Odaiba

Spend your last full day in Tokyo shopping for gifts and souvenirs.

For fans of anime and manga, Akihabara is the best place to visit, as it is the ultimate otaku paradise, with an abundance of manga, anime, games, and electronics shops. Ginza, meanwhile, is perfect for those looking for luxury and upscale brands.

Odaiba is best experienced at night, with several shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It is also where you can find the life-size giant Gundam statue, and the hot spring theme park called Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

Day 7 – Early morning trip to Tsukiji Fish Market before flying out of Japan

If your flight does not leave until late in the afternoon, consider waking up early in the morning to attend the tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market, which is located a short walk from Tsukiji Shijo Station along the Oedo Subway Line.

Every day, the auction opens its doors to only 120 visitors. The first group of 60 visitors get to witness the event at 5:25 am, and then the next group at 5:50 am. How to reserve slots and other information are available here: Tsukiji Market Tuna Auction Visitors’ Rules.

The market also has shops and restaurants that offer fresh sushi and other seafood.

To not miss your flight, make sure to catch a train or bus headed to Narita International Airport four to five hours before your flight departure time.

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