Tokyo guide

Free Things to Do in Tokyo

You don't need to spend a cent to have an incredible time in Tokyo. Here are the best free experiences the city has to offer.

No budget needed

Free activities in Tokyo

Meiji Shrine

A forest oasis in the heart of Shibuya — the torii gate entrance and gravel path through towering trees lead to a serene Shinto shrine. Free to enter, peaceful, and a necessary counterpoint to Harajuku next door.

Senso-ji Temple

Tokyo's oldest temple in Asakusa is free to enter. The massive gate with its red lantern, the incense cauldron, and the main hall are beautiful. The Nakamise shopping street leading to it is fun to browse.

Harajuku and Takeshita Street

The teenage fashion district is free to walk through and the people-watching is extraordinary. The crepe shops, costume stores, and ever-changing fashion tribes are a window into Japanese youth culture.

Shibuya Crossing

Stand on the edge of the world's busiest intersection and cross with the crowd when the light changes. The organised chaos of hundreds of people crossing simultaneously is mesmerizing. Best experienced at night.

Imperial Palace East Gardens

The former inner grounds of Edo Castle are free to enter. The moats, stone walls, and manicured gardens are beautiful. The cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colours are spectacular.

Tsukiji Outer Market

Free to browse (eating costs money but is cheap). The knife shops, dried fish vendors, and tamagoyaki makers are fascinating to watch. Early morning is best when the market is freshest.

Yoyogi Park

A massive free park between Harajuku and Shibuya. On Sundays, rockabilly dancers perform near the entrance and musicians gather throughout. The cherry blossom season hanami parties are legendary.

Akihabara Electric Town

The anime and electronics district is free to explore. Multi-storey arcades, figure shops, and maid cafes line the streets. The energy and the neon are uniquely Tokyo.

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Photo credits

Hero — Louie Martinez / Unsplash · Meiji Shrine — Grendelkhan / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Senso-ji Temple — Jakub Hałun / CC BY 4.0 · Harajuku and Takeshita Street — japanvlogjp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Shibuya Crossing — Benh LIEU SONG (Flickr) / CC BY-SA 2.0 · Imperial Palace East Gardens — Wikimedia Commons / Attribution · Tsukiji Outer Market — Aw1805 / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Yoyogi Park — Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0 · Akihabara Electric Town — Basile Morin / CC BY-SA 4.0