8 Totally Free Tokyo Experiences
Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities in the world and should not be considered a budget destination. Make a big difference to stickers when looking for necessities like accommodation, transportation, and eating out. Even a cup of coffee or beer will keep you coming back. The good news is that not everything comes with a Ginza price tag. In fact, some of the quintessential and best experiences Read The best Coworking spaces in Tokyo. in Tokyo are completely free. Do you doubt it? Read on to find out the top 10 experiences in Tokyo that cost less than 1 yen.
- Tokyo Imperial Palace
The ruins of Edo Castle are just a few steps away from Coworking spaces in Tokyo Station, where the Emperor now lives. Wander freely in the park-like neighborhood with views of the moat, bridges, gardens, palace walls, and towers. The best shots are near the main entrance, spying on the two Royal Guards and the famous circular “glasses” bridge. The buildings and gardens inside are generally off-limits, but you can stroll along the paths of the Imperial Palace East Garden, Kokyo Gaien, and Kokyo Gaien. No need to open your wallet. Around the area, you can see grim contrasts between old and new, with Tokyo’s skyscrapers lurking in the background. There are also 250 free bikes available on Sunday, one of the most comfortable ways to ride in this bustling metropolis.
- Yoyogi Park and Harajuku
If you visit the east side of this Shibuya-ku park on a Sunday, it’s set in flashbacks to the 1950s. Rock and roll are still alive here. Gather for gangsters who pose for girls in poodle skirts and men in pompadours to dance and play American classics. This absurd amphitheater also showcases other musical modes. Harajuku Bridge is where more hipster fashionistas hang out in manga and anime cosplay, gothic lolita, and other fleeting trends. If the Japanese find themselves docile and unobtrusive, seeing the extravagance of these people will change your mind. It’s a fun and free place to enjoy Japan’s extreme youth culture.
- Tsukiji Fish Market
Want to see where all the sushi comes from? Stand up at dawn to see the largest and most active fish market in the world. Regardless, it’s perfect for the early days of jet lag. It’s a first-come, first-served opportunity, and groups of 60 are limited to two people per day, but if you arrive before 4 am, you can see the live tuna auction. Don’t expect a fish shop to cater to tourists taking pictures as it is a really well-functioning fish market. It’s a highly recommended, fun, and unforgettable experience in Tokyo, and you don’t need Japanese yen.
- Meiji Shrine
This low-key wooden shrine is Tokyo’s most famous place of worship, dedicated to the emperor who opened Japan to the West in the 1860s. A large torii gate made of 1,500-year-old cypress trees marks the entrance to this quiet park. In accordance with Shinto tradition, stop by the purification fountain near the entrance to the shrine, occasionally add fresh water to clean your hands and mouth, then bow, clap, and bow again. You can also write your wishes on slips of paper and tie them to the prayer wall. Coin donations are welcome, but not required. If you visit on a Sunday morning, you can even witness a wedding in the courtyard.
- Shibuya Crossing
Green lights are lit at all corners at the same time, and multiple diagonal streams of people converge at the same time to reach the opposite bank. For some reason, it’s like a choreographed dance where people rarely push, push or bump each other, even if they have umbrellas (listen to that Times Square??). This organized chaos is a testament to Japanese etiquette, where everyone keeps up and pulls together. Let’s head to this neon-lit night of shopping, dining, and drinking.
- Asakusa Kannon Temple
Don’t miss this colorful, red-lacquered Buddhist temple with giant chandeliers and golden five-story pagodas at the end of the Ginza subway. Also known as Sensoji Temple, it is the oldest temple in Tokyo and is considered the home of the Three Gods. If you’re there in May, you’ll be back in the old Edo period at the annual Sanja Matsuri. The nearby Nakamise Shopping Street is free to window shoppers who can resist all kinds of jewelry and crafts, but it’s actually a great place to buy authentic Japanese souvenirs and snacks.
- Otaku shops in Akihabara
Manga and anime are an integral part of Japanese culture, and when you’re in Rome, in this case, Tokyo, you need to check out some of the shops and malls that deal with this phenomenon. You don’t have to buy anything, but it’s fun to flip through the different roles and watch nerdy customers hook up on nerds. Akihabara is a cultural hub for games, manga, anime, and urban electronics mecca. Here you can find the Gacha Club, 450 cartoon vending machines lined up in the J-POP Burning Warehouse. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try the endless otaku weirdness at the Akihabara Cultural District on the 7th floor.
- Sumo Museum
Sumo fans and sumo fans can visit for free at the Kokugikan Sumo Museum in Ryogoku. The museum displays a treasure trove of woodblock prints, dolls, belts, and other memorabilia related to the history of this traditional and ceremonial Japanese sport. if watching a heavy wrestler tournament is not in your budget, this might be the next best thing.
