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Budget entertainment: 12 fun things to do in Tokyo that will cost you absolutely nothing

Koh Ruide
Jan 14, 2019

Enjoy free foot spas or amazing views of the cityscape and save money while you’re at it.

With soaring housing costs and relatively high-priced consumer goods, it is no wonder that Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world.

But having fun in this sprawling metropolis need not always involve huge amounts of cash if you know where to look. In fact, tourists can have a ball of a time at these 12 places without paying a single yen.

We have provided the nearest train stations to these attractions for convenience sake, and unless stated otherwise, the activities described below are available free of charge. But to avoid disappointment, remember to check out their respective official websites for details before departing.

1. Suntory Musashino Brewery
(Bubaigawara Station, Fuchuhommachi Station)

Although prior reservation of the free tour is required, visitors get to learn about the intricate steps of beer making in this city brewery. You can sample and smell hops, peek into the bottling process, and best of all, partake in a session of beer tasting free of charge.

2. Coca-Cola East Japan Tama factory
(Kiyose Station, Higashi Kurume Station)

If you have children in tow, then a better option would be this Coca-Cola factory. Aside from being able to see how everyone’s favorite fizzy beverage is bottled, you can see various other products like coffee or tea cans being made. Here you can sample some Coca-Cola for free, too, and in glass bottles no less!

3. Kamiyacho Open Terrace in Komyoji
(Kamiyacho Station)

Open from spring to autumn, visitors to this airy temple terrace can enjoy free tea, coffee and sweets while listening to the preaching of Buddhist monks.

4. Kimchi Museum
(Yotsuya Sanchome Station)

Many people love kimchi, Korea’s signature preserved vegetable dish, but not many know its deep history or how to actually make it. Learn all of this and more at the Kimchi Museum.

5. Japanese Traditional Boat Ride
(Toyocho Station, Sumiyoshi Station)

Experience how ancient Japanese people traveled along rivers on traditional boats in Yokojukken Gawa Shinsui Park. A total of seven boats are available, each making a 20-minute round trip down a river for a tranquil ride like no other.

6. Shimizuike Park
(Gakugei Daigaku Station, Musashi Koyama Station)

Very few parks in the city allow fishing, but if catching Japanese carp is your idea of fun, then look no further than this popular spot.

7. Asukayama Koen Monorail
(Oji Station)

This free monorail will take visitors from the entrance of Asukayama park to the top of the hill in two minutes, and though the ride may be rather short, the wheelchair-accessible cabin is outfitted with heating and air conditioning for a comfortable ride.

8. Komorebi no Ashiyu
(Higashiyamatoshi Station, Tamagawa Josui Station)

After a long day’s walk, this little foot spa is the perfect place to rest tired feet. Underground piping draws up mineral water, which has been warmed up with excess heat from an incinerator. Once you have revitalized yourself, a walk on the nearby pebble pathway will do wonders.

9. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Room
(Tochomae Station)

Enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Tokyo city afforded by this observation room located 202 meters (662 feet) high. If the weather is clear, which is often the case in winter, you can even see the iconic Mt. Fuji from here.

10. Imperial Palace
(Otemachi Station, Nijubashimae Station)

Take free one-hour guided tours of the Imperial grounds starting from Kikyomon Gate and to various history-steeped locations within. Held in both English and Japanese, prior registration for the tours are a must.

11. Jidayubori Park Conserved Traditional Houses
(Seijogakuen Mae Station)

Authentic traditional houses preserved through the ages, these relics of the past offer a peek into the lives of those in the Edo Period. Many primitive tools and items are also showcased here, whisking people back into an ancient Japan seldom seen.

12. Meiji University Museum
(Ochanomizu Station, Jimbocho Station)

Amassing huge collections of historical artifacts, one would have thought that access to this treasure trove would require a fee at least. But for the grand entrance fee of zero yen, its impressiveness is such that it has been featured on television programs multiple times.

Tokyo may be an expensive place to live and explore, but perhaps it is due to its immense size that we can find little pockets of secrets to enjoy for free. But if you long to explore the rest of Japan without breaking the bank, we too have an exhaustive list for you to peruse.

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