Tokyo : Free Things to Do

Rainbow Bridge

An Iconic Part of Tokyo Shining in Rainbow Colors

Odaiba / Tourist Attractions

• 25 Sep 2022

  19 things to do in Tokyo

  Tokyo, Japan's largest city and capital, is a melting pot of cultures and people from various regions within the country and abroad, serving as the economic and cultural heart of Japan. The city is not just at the forefront of trends and technology but also home to amazing traditional culture and amazing buildings that embody the essence of Japan, making it arguably the most diversely attractive destination in the country. Consequently, Tokyo is replete with a multitude of tourist spots, gourmet dining, shopping areas, accommodation facilities, and hosts numerous events. For those unsure of where to start their Tokyo sightseeing journey, we've carefully selected some of the best must-visit spots to help guide your travel plans.

Meiji Jingu Shrine

Every year, Meiji Jingu Shrine boasts the largest number of visitors for Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) and the status of one of Tokyo’s leading power spots.

Harajuku / Shrines & Temples

• 23 Jan 2023

  [Harajuku Cat Street 1-Day Course] Refine your sensibility and beauty at a Trend-Setting Place!

  Cat Street is a trend-setting place where name-brand stores and the hottest gourmet food are gathered. This article introduces a 1-day Course that allows you to fully enjoy the highlights of Cat Street and cultivate sensitivity and beauty. If you are going to visit a trend-setting area, not only enjoy yourself but how about refining your taste.

Sensoji Temple

One of Japan’s most frequented destinations! Over 1300 years of history here at the oldest temple in Tokyo.

Asakusa / Shrines & Temples

• 11 Apr 2017

  Green Tea Feature Part 6: 2017 Spring tourist festival in Sensouji in Tokyo

  Green tea represents the soul of traditional Japanese culture. It is also enjoyable for the pronounced sweet and bitter tastes that belie its simplicity. And its reported positive effects on both health and beauty make it a very popular souvenir. However, you may well feel somewhat lost when choosing the right green tea product. With that in mind, I have decided to introduce the charms of green tea in all six upcoming issues.

• 27 Jan 2017

  “Fukumitsuya”; a must-visit souvenior shop in Asakusa “Kaminarimon”

  If you are one of people who would not know where to look in for souvenirs, we recommend visiting “Fukumitsuya”. It is a gift shop in Asakusa. We asked the shop owner what they recommend for tourists looking for gifts.

• 17 Aug 2014

  Kaminari-mon, the "Thunder Gate" and central landmark of Asakusa.

  In Asakusa, you can really sense the good old age of traditional Tokyo. Asakusa is highly popular as a place where one can experience authentic Tokyo.

Ueno Park

The Famous Largest-Scale Cherry Blossom Spot in Tokyo.

Ueno / Parks & Gardens

• 20 Mar 2019

  Enjoy Cherry Blossoms and Gourmet Food on a Tram This Spring in Tokyo!

  Cherry blossoms herald in spring in Japan. In Tokyo, they begin to bloom in late March. This article will introduce a sightseeing plan for Tokyo that combines cherry blossom viewing and gourmet foods in a ride on “Tokyo Sakura Tram (Toden Arakawa Line),” which takes an efficient route through great cherry blossom locations!

• 5 Apr 2017

  Recommended trip routes to explore Tokyo by streetcar

  When traveling in Tokyo, it is convenient to utilize public transportation. If you use a discount service such as “Toei One-day Pass (Toei Marugoto Kippu)” that grants you unlimited access to Toei transportation (including Toei Subway, Toei Bus, Toden streetcar and such), you will receive great amount of discount too. This time, we want to tell you about a Tokyo stroll utilizing “Toden Arakawa line” streetcar.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observation Deck

Overlooking the cityscape of Tokyo from 202m high!

Shinjuku / Observatories

Rikugien Gardens

Along with Koishikawa Korakuen, this is one of Tokyo's two Main Japanese Gardens

Sugamo / Parks & Gardens

• 23 Jan 2019

  Tokyo’s Rikugi-en – Illumination of Weeping Cherry Blossoms and Daimyo Teien

  Rikugi-en is one of Japan’s Nationally Designated Places of Scenic Beauty. This traditional Japanese garden was built by Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu, favored retainer of shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi. The spring event “Illumination of Weeping Cherry Blossoms and Daimyo Teien” will once again be held this year.

• 4 Mar 2016

  Must-visit Cherry Blossoms viewing spot, Rikugienn Gardens (Bunkyō-ku of Tokyo).

  We have provided several reports for cherry blossoms in 2015 and promised will offer special series based on popular locations for cherry blossoms across Japan. This time we would like to introduce you is Rikugienn Gardens where is located in Bunkyō-ku of Tokyo.

TOKYO GIFT PALETTE

Check Out This Spot Featuring a Variety of Colorful Souvenirs.

Tokyo Station Neighborhood / Commercial Buildings

• 30 Mar 2023

  How to enjoy Tokyo Station Ichibangai that you can only buy, experience, and enjoy here

  This article focuses on "Tokyo Station Ichibangai", a commercial facility inside Tokyo Station that attracts specialty products and gourmet foods not only from Tokyo but from all over Japan.

Kiyosumi Gardens

The garden has a reputation for the beauty of the harmony of famous stones and pine trees collected from all over Japan, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Japan in a circular fountain garden.

Kiyosumi Shirakawa / Parks & Gardens

• 24 Mar 2021

  Tokyo Koto-ku Complete Travel Guide

  Koto-ku is located in the center of Tokyo and has excellent access. In addition, Koto-ku has many attractive sightseeing spots. From the latest fashionable spots to temples, shrines, and shopping streets where you feel the history.

Shibamata Taishakuten Daikyo-ji Temple

A Temple Famous as the Setting of Popular Japanese Movie “The Otoko wa tsurai yo (It’s Tough Being a Man),” with Various Sights to See, Including Beautiful Sculptures and Gardens

Katsushika / Shrines & Temples

• 30 Sep 2020

  Strolling the Old World of Tokyo: An One-Day Walking Tour through Shibamata.

  From city skyscrapers to the latest travel hubs, there are plenty of hot spots to visit in Tokyo. But for a real taste of history and classic Tokyo vibes, you won’t want to miss the chance to walk through the old-world “shitamachi” streets.

Toyosu Market

Watch Maguro Tuna Auctions Up Close! This Wholesale Market Feeds Tokyo Citizens.

Odaiba / Shopping Streets

Takahata-san Myō-ō-in Kongōji Temple (Takahata Fudoson)

One of the three major Fudo temples in Kanto, known as the head temple for traffic safety prayers, and the family Temple of Toshizo Hijikata of the Shinsengumi.

Hachioji / Shrines & Temples

• 1 Jun 2018

  Hydrangeas at Tokyo’s Takahata Fudo-son Temple

  Takahata Fudo-son Temple is located in Hino City of Tokyo Prefecture. It is one of the three famous Fudo temples of the Kanto region, and it is one of Tokyo’s most famous locations for hydrangeas. The temple has around 7500 hydrangeas of 200 varieties growing wild around it, and a hydrangea festival is held annually from early June through early July, when they are at their most beautiful.

• 28 May 2017

  Four Must-Visit Hydrangea (Embroidered Ball Flower) Spots in Tokyo and Its Suburb!

  The world of cherry blossoms has gone with April, while upcoming July will see hydrangeas in full bloom. Hydrangea blossoms can be white, pink, red, blue or purple; the gorgeous blossoms look like embroidered balls, so they are nicknamed "embroidered ball flowers”. When the rainy season starts in late June, different shapes of blossoms wet with dew will be amazingly beautiful. Here five must-visit hydrangea spots in Tokyo and its suburb are recommended to enthusiasts of photography!

Kasai Rinkai Park

A vast park overlooking Tokyo Bay where both adults and children can enjoy all day!

Odaiba / Parks & Gardens

Sunamachi Ginza Shopping Street

A lively shopping street with about 130 stores lined up in the nostalgic atmosphere of the bygone Showa era.

Ryogoku / Shopping Streets

Shinobazu Pond

A natural pond located within Ueno Park, Japan's first urban park.

Ueno / Nature Spots

AONODOKUTSU SHIBUYA Illumination

Enjoy from daytime this year! An illumination event that fantastically decorates Shibuya.

Shibuya / Winter festivals & Events

Tokyo Gate Bridge

Experience the elegance of art right in Tokyo Station's premises.

Odaiba / Tourist Attractions

Mitake Gorge

A valley of the Tama River graced with streams selected as one of the "100 Exquisite Waters of Japan."

Okutama / Nature Spots

Ozawa Sake Brewery

Visit a historic sake brewery from the Genroku era and see how the famous "Sawanoi" sake is made.

Okutama / Experiences Facilities

Otaguro Park

A serene park nestled within a quiet residential area, famous for its autumn illumination during the fall foliage season.

Nakano, Suginami, Nerima / Parks & Gardens

Life-Sized Unicorn Gundam Statue

Be overwhelmed by the awe-inspiring life-sized “Unicorn Gundam”.

Odaiba / Tourist Attractions

Mitakesan

A mystical prayer mountain that has been in existence for 2,000 years.

Okutama / Nature Spots

Akigawa Valley

A verdant gorge just an hour away from downtown Tokyo.

Okutama / Nature Spots

Imado Shrine

Asakusa's top power spot famous for matchmaking.

Asakusa / Shrines & Temples

Ushijima Shrine

The chief shrine of Honjo, famous for its "stroking cow" and "guardian cow."

Asakusa / Shrines & Temples

Taito Ward Sumida Park

A park along the Sumida River, known for its cherry blossoms and as a photography spot for the Skytree.

Asakusa / Parks & Gardens