Budget Travel in Japan : 7 Best Free Activities to Do in Tokyo

Japan is an incredible country with so much to see and do, but we know that it can be a bit intimidating to explore because of the costs. Well, guess what? Let me tell you a little secret : Japan has an abundance of incredible experiences that are completely free. You won’t need to spend a single yen on them.

From strolling through beautiful lush gardens to visiting ancient temples and shrines, to witnessing cultural festivals, Japan has an array of activities that are both budget-friendly and culturally enriching. And Tokyo, famous for being an expensive place to travel, is no exception.

I’m going to give you the lowdown on 7 of the best free things you can do in Tokyo, Japan. So read on!

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1 . Visit Senso-ji Temple and Wander the Streets of Asakusa

What to Explore

Senso-ji is one of Tokyo’s most popular and iconic temples, and the Asakusa area surrounding it is a bustling hub of culture and history. And guess what? You won’t have to spend a single yen to check them out.

When you are here, immerse in the ancient tradition of cleansing your hands and mouth at the fountain before exploring the main temple building and its peaceful surroundings. This includes the majestic five-story pagoda, the famous Kaminarimon Gate, and its serene garden.

And if you’re up for some shopping, Nakamise-dori, a colorful shopping street that leads up to the temple, is waiting for you. You’ll find plenty of street food, local souvenirs, snacks, and traditional crafts to take home with you.

After visiting Senso-ji, take a leisurely stroll around Asakusa to soak up the local atmosphere. You can admire the intricate architecture of nearby buildings, peek into small shops and cafes, or even sit down and people-watch in a nearby park.

Asakusa is known for its traditional old charm and a great place to experience a quieter side of Tokyo’s unique blend of old and new. To read more about its ancient history and must-do activities at Senso-ji and the surrounding Asakusa area, check out my detailed Senso-ji and Asakusa post here.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Senso-ji Location : 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0032, Japan
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : www.senso-ji.jp/english
• Operating Hours :
  • From April to September : 6:30 AM to 5 PM every day
  • From October to March : 6 AM to 5 PM every day
• Telephone : 03-3842-0181 (from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding Sundays and holidays)
• How to Get There by Train or Subway : Get to Asakusa Station by Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Toei Subway Asakusa Line, Tsukuba Express Line, or Tobu Skytree Line. Then walk 5 minutes to Senso-ji.

2 . Explore Harajuku Neighborhood

What to Explore

Have you heard of Harajuku? It’s a buzzing neighborhood located in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, Japan that’s just bursting with youth energy and excitement. The area is well known for its one-of-a-kind trendy fashion, street art, and youth culture, which attracts both locals and tourists alike.

One of the must-visit spots in Harajuku is Takeshita-dori (Takeshita Street), a narrow, pedestrian-only street that’s jam-packed with shops and boutiques catering to the latest fashion trends. From kawaii fashion and accessories to quirky and unique clothing and footwear, you’ll find everything your fashion-loving heart desires!

And that’s not all – Takeshita Street is also a foodie’s paradise! Be sure to try the unique snacks like crepes filled with ice cream and topped with fruit, or indulge in melon pan bread, or even a Japanese-style churro with sweet cream inside.

As you stroll along Takeshita Street, take in the incredible street art and murals that cover the buildings – they’re absolutely stunning and create an electric atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, they make for the perfect Instagram backdrop!

Takeshita Street can get super crowded especially on weekends, so keep that in mind while planning your itinerary.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Takeshita-dori Location : 1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, 150-0001
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : www.takeshita-street.com
• Takeshita Shopping Street Directory : including all shop names, addresses, and visitor info www.takeshita-street.com/shop.html
• Operating Hours : Depending on each shops, mostly from 9 AM to 6 PM daily
• Telephone : 81-3-3403-2525 , or email info@takeshita-street.com
• How to Get There by Train or Subway : Get to Takeshita Shopping Street by using Google Maps, or take JR Yamanote Line (to Harajuku Station, Takeshita Exit), or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda and Fukutoshin lines (to Meiji-jingumae Station, Exit 3)

3 . Check Out Shibuya Crossing

What to Explore

Shibuya Crossing is an absolute must-visit if you’re planning a trip to Tokyo! Not only is it a famous landmark, but it’s also a thrilling and free activity that you can’t afford to miss out on. It’s located in the heart of Shibuya, one of the most lively and bustling neighborhoods in Tokyo.

Get ready to be awestruck by the massive crowds and the spectacle of hundreds of people crossing the street simultaneously from all directions. It’s a prime spot for photography and videography lovers, and you’ll find many people trying to capture the perfect shot of this vibrant intersection at any time of day.

But why just stand and watch when you can join in the fun and cross the street yourself? It’s a unique and exhilarating experience to be part of a massive group of people, and you’ll feel the pulse and excitement of Tokyo’s lively streets.

You will also be amazed by the variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues that this place has to offer. Some gems are the famous Hachiko statue, the Shibuya 109 department store, and several other large department stores that are filled with clothing shops, jewelry kiosks, boutique lifestyle shops, and delicious food halls inside.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Location : in front of the Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Operating Hours : 24 hours, every day
• How to Get There by Train or Subway : Get to Shibuya Crossing by using Google Maps, or take the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, Hachiko Exit

4 . Visit Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)

What to Explore

Meiji Jingu, or Meiji Shrine, is one of the most popular and impressive Shinto shrines in Tokyo, and also a great free activity to add to your itinerary when you’re traveling on a budget.

Located in the heart of Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya district, Meiji Shrine is a peaceful and serene oasis that offers a welcome respite from the city’s busy streets. The shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken, and it’s surrounded by a lush forest that makes for a beautiful and serene surrounding.

As you walk through the lush forest surrounding the shrine, you’ll feel the stress of the city melt away and be greeted by the tranquil atmosphere of the shrine.

The fascinating traditional Japanese practices observed at the shrine, such as washing your hands and mouth at the purification fountain, making an offering at the main hall, or writing a wish on an ema (a wooden prayer plaque), are unique glimpses into Japanese culture.

And if you’re interested in learning more about Japan’s past, don’t miss out on the museum showcasing the life and times of Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about Japan’s past or simply looking for a peaceful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, visiting Meiji Jingu is a wonderful activity to do.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Meiji Jingu Location : 1-1, Yoyogi Kamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/
• Operating Hours :
  • From March to October : 5 AM to 6 PM every day
  • From November to February : 6 AM to 4 PM every day
• Telephone : 03-3379-5511
• How to Get There by Train or Subway :
  • Get to Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae Station by JR Yamanote Line or Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, then walk 1 minute
  • Or get to Kita-sando Station by Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line, then walk 5 minutes
  • Or get to Yoyogi Station by JR Yamanote Line, JR Chuo Sobu Line, or Toei Oedo Line, then walk 5 minutes
  • Or get to Sangubashi Station by Odakyu Line, then walk 3 minutes

5 . Get Amazing City View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

What to Explore

For a free-of-charge admission, you won’t believe the incredible views that await you at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Nishi-Shinjuku area of Tokyo.

This towering structure stands at a whopping 202 meters tall and boasts not one, but two observation decks on the 45th floor. From up high, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Tokyo’s stunning skyline, complete with iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji on a clear day.

And the view at sunset is simply breathtaking. As the sun dips below the horizon, Tokyo transforms into a dazzling sea of lights that is simply mesmerizing.

There are plenty of other free activities to enjoy while you’re there, too. On the first floor of the building, you’ll find an exhibition space that’s chock full of fascinating information about Tokyo’s rich history and culture. From traditional Japanese crafts to ancient artifacts and even contemporary art, the exhibitions are always changing and sure to capture your imagination.

The building also has several restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy a meal or a cup of coffee while taking in the views.

One of the best things about visiting the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building is that it’s not as crowded as other observation decks in the city, such as Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree. The wait time to get to the top is usually much shorter, and the views are just as breathtaking.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Location : 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku 2-chome, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 163-8001
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : Official Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatories site
• Operating Hours :
  • Daily, from 9:30 AM to 10 PM (last admission is at 9:30 PM)
  • Specific schedule & visitor info for each observatory is at the official site here
• Telephone : 03-5320-7890 (Japanese only, 10 AM to 5 PM weekdays)
• How to Get There by Train or Sub
  • Get to Tocho-mae Station (connected to the basement of Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building) by Oedo Subway Line, then take the Observatory Elevator from the 1st Floor of Main Building Number 1
  • Or get to JR Shinjuku Station, West Exit, and take 10 minute walk to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, then take the Observatory Elevator from the 1st Floor of Main Building Number 1

6. Visit Hotel New Otani Landscape Garden

What to Explore

Are you looking to experience an oasis of tranquility in the heart of Tokyo? Look no further than the Hotel New Otani Landscape Garden, a stunning traditional Japanese garden for any traveler seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Located right in the heart of Tokyo, this breathtaking garden is just a short walk from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station. How convenient!

Get ready to immerse yourself in traditional Japanese culture as you stroll through its picturesque landscape. With its stone garden, waterfall, ancient stone lanterns, scarlet red bridges over koi ponds, teahouses, and many beautiful flowers and plants, you’ll feel transported to a different time and place.

The best part? It won’t cost you a single yen! That’s right, this remarkable garden is completely free to enter, open to the public and visitors (not just hotel guests), making it the perfect destination for budget-conscious travelers.

You can visit the garden any time of the year : In spring, you’ll be surrounded by the full bloom of cherry blossoms, while in autumn, the changing leaves add an enchanting touch to your stroll.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Location : 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578, Japan
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : www.newotani.co.jp/en/tokyo/garden/
• Operating Hours : Daily, from 6 AM to 10 PM
• Telephone : 81-3-3265-1111
• How to Get There by Train or Sub
  • Get to Akasaka-mitsuke Station (Exit D) by Subway Ginza Line or Marunouchi Line, then walk 3 minutes
  • Or get to Nagatacho Station (Exit 7) by Subway Hanzomon Line or Namboku Line, then walk 3 minutes
  • Or get to Kojimachi Station (Exit 2) by Subway Yurakucho Line, then walk 6 minutes
  • Or get to Yotsuya Sation (Kojimachi or Asakasa Exit) by JR Chuo Sobu Line, then walk 8 minutes

7 . Check out Akihabara Electric Town

What to Explore

Step into Akihabara and get ready to immerse yourself in the unique and quirky world of Japanese pop culture! From anime figurines to manga comics, retro video games to cosplay costumes, this place has everything a fan could dream of.

The colorful streets are lined with shops that sell all sorts of exciting merchandise, comic books and eclectic items, bookstores, gaming arcades, video game themed cafes, and delicious street food at every corner.

Akihabara is not just about shopping, but an experience in itself! This neighborhood is always buzzing with energy, and you’ll see all sorts of interesting characters walking around. It’s the perfect place to people-watch and soak up the unique culture of Tokyo.

And the best part? Akihabara Electric Town is conveniently located in the heart of the city and is easily accessible by public transportation. It’s a unique destination to add to your Tokyo itinerary if you want to experience a more fun and quirky side of Tokyo.

Hours and Visitor Information

• Location : 1 Chome-12 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0021, Japan
• Admission Fee : FREE
• Website : https://akiba.or.jp/wp_en/
• Shop Directory : Search by store type or by town map guide (in English) here
• Operating Hours : Daily from 8 AM to 11 PM, varied by stores
• Telephone : 03-3257-0568
• How to Get There by Train : Get to Akihabara Station (Electric Town Exit) by JR Yamanote Line, JR Keihin-Tohoku Line, JR Ginza Line, Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line or Ginza Line, or Tsukuba Express, then walk 5 minutes

If you have any questions or just want to share your own travel stories, I’d love to hear from you! Please feel free to reach out to me at evelyn@japanoncloudnine.com, and let’s chat. Thank you for taking the time to read my blog post, and happy travels in Japan!

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