Tokyo, the bustling capital of Japan, is well-known for its many charming attractions, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. However, with a reputation for having a high living cost, it is easy to assume that exploring Tokyo is expensive, especially for international students on a tight budget.
But fear not, there are plenty of affordable and even free things to do in Tokyo that will allow anyone to experience the city’s unique charm without breaking the bank. From strolling through parks and visiting temples to visiting free museums, there are endless possibilities for a foreign student in Japan on a budget to enjoy adventures in Tokyo, and here are some of them.
1. Visit the Asakusa Area for Senso-ji Temple
Asakusa is an area located in the northeastern part of Tokyo that is well-known for its rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The highlight of this area is the Senso-ji Temple, which is the oldest and one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Tokyo. The temple grounds are free to enter and explore, so visitors can witness its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens up close.
After passing through Senso-Ji Temple’s iconic Kaminarimon, you will need to stroll through Namakise Shopping Street which leads up to the temple. The street is lined with small shops selling traditional Japanese souvenirs and snacks. Other free activities to enjoy in the Asakusa Area include visiting Asakusa Shrine and Imado Shrine.
2. Instead of Tokyo Skytree, Get a Free Cityscape View from Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
Shinjuku’s Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building can be said to be the best alternative to Tokyo Skytree when it comes to offering Tokyo cityscape views. While Tokyo Skytree is a popular tourist attraction offering food and shopping options, its observation decks are expensively priced, though the view is great. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building however offers just as beautiful a panoramic view from its two observation decks, but for free!
Expect stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and city, and Mt. Fuji on clear days. The building is conveniently located in the Shinjuku area, making it easily accessible from many parts of the city.
3. Picnic and Walks in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
A peaceful oasis in the heart of Tokyo comes in the form of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden which offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The garden is best known for its cherry blossoms in spring, during which many families and friends will gather for hanami — cherry blossom viewing. The gardens also have a wide variety of flora that blooms all year round. A wide and expansive garden, more akin to a large park, the entrance fee is only 500 yen for adults and half-priced off (250 yen) for students with proof of student ID.
4. School Cafeteria Dining and Exploring Japanese Universities
Not many people know this but in Japan, many university cafeterias, called Gakushoku (学食), are open to the general public. Gakushoku, meant for students, is super cheap. You can get a proper filling meal for less than 500 yen. It is also delicious and healthy. While you’re at it, you can also take a walk around the campus, some of which are famous for having beautiful architecture and scenery.
For example, the University of Tokyo is a popular spot to visit in autumn for its avenue lined with ginkgo trees that turn a brilliant shade of yellow. The Sanshiro Pond not too far from ginkgo trees avenue is also a wonder to behold. It is formally known as Ikutokuen Shinji-ike, but is better known by Sanshiro Pond because of the famous novelist Natsume Soseki’s book titled “Sanshiro”.
Other famous Japanese university cafeterias to explore include Toyo University’s Hakusan Campus whose cafeteria ranked first nationwide for 2 consecutive years.
Want to join a university in Japan? Check out how to apply to Japanese universities in Japan as an international student.
5. Free Observation Deck in Carrot Tower and Explore Sangenjaya
The Carrot Tower is a tall building located near Sangenjaya Station. On the building’s 25th floor is a free observation deck that offers stunning views of the Sangenjaya neighborhood and the surrounding Tokyo area, especially of Shibuya. The deck is open to the public during daytime hours and provides a great opportunity for visitors to enjoy the views without having to pay an expensive entrance fee. It is also rarely crowded as not many people are aware of this hidden gem.
In addition, you can explore the Sangenjaya neighborhood for a real feel of local Tokyo culture. The area around the main station is vibrant and trendy with a mix of shops, restaurants, and bars. Sangenjaya is especially known for its night culture with small alleys of unique bars and izakayas.
6. Free Entry into Edogawa Natural Zoo
Yes, there are zoos with free entrance in Tokyo! One such zoo is the Edogawa Natural Zoo which is a popular destination for families and animal lovers. Located in Edogawa Ward, it may be small, but it houses over 60 species of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. A large greenhouse housing rare and endangered plant species is also available. Visitors can participate in animal feeding demonstrations and can get up close to animals at its petting zoo.
Another free zoo is Itabashi Petting Zoo which is part of Higashi-Itabashi Park. The zoo is mainly meant for children but there are also activities that adults can participate in like guinea pig cuddling, free-range goats and sheep, and feeding animals. The petting zoo houses small animals like rabbits, ponies, squirrels, tortoises, and more.
7. Free Interactive Experience at Galaxy Harajuku
Samsung’s Galaxy Harajuku is a unique technology showroom located in the popular Harajuku district of Tokyo. On each floor of the 6-story building is an experience of Samsung’s latest products and technologies in an interactive and engaging way. The 3rd floor in particular is a collaboration with the famous TeamLab to bring visitors a free gaming experience using Samsung’s latest technology to catch fish for the underwater theme, or wildlife for the forest theme – the events change from time to time so tune in for the latest game! Visitors can also take photos with loaned Samsung phones and send them to themselves.
Other unique and free activities in the building are the 2F Harajuku Cafe, 4F Youtube Shorts filming, 5F Galaxy Theatre, and 6F Purple Floor photo spot, all of which are usually in collaboration with a celebrity or illustrator. Exploring the whole building takes less than half a day, after which you can head to Takeshita Street nearby to enjoy crepes, ice cream, and other Harajuku culinary delights. Check out more cool cafes in Tokyo here.
8. Visit the Beautiful Historical Tokyo Imperial Palace
The Tokyo Imperial Palace is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and a popular tourist attraction. The outer grounds of the palace are entirely free to visit and include lush gardens, historic buildings, and scenic views of the surrounding palace moat and walls. In addition, guided tours in English are available for free though on a first-come, first-served basis and require a reservation, which can be made online or in person at the entrance.
The only inner part of the Imperial Palace that guests can visit is the East Gardens which is open to the public all year round and also free. A beautiful traditional Japanese garden called Ninomaru can be found here.
9. Thrift Stores and Classy Cafes in Shimokitazawa
Shimokitazawa is always recommended as a unique neighborhood to visit in Tokyo, and for good reason. With bohemian vibes, Shimokitazawa is known for its vintage and thrift stores and classy cafes. The area is especially popular among young people and artists, with a chill and creative atmosphere. Just exploring its narrow streets and browsing the stores soaking up the local culture is fun, but it is also a great shopping opportunity for cheap secondhand clothing, accessories, and even furniture items for a student looking to shop on a budget.
10. Inokashira Park and Ghibli Museum
Inokashira Park is a beautiful public park located in the western part of Tokyo, Japan. The park features a large lake where visitors can rent boats (500 yen / 30 minutes / up to 3 persons) and paddle around, as well as walking paths, picnic areas, and a small zoo. The park is especially popular during the cherry blossom season in late March and early April when the park’s many cherry blossom trees bloom in a beautiful display of pink and white flowers. The park is also an amazing sight during autumn when trees along the lake turn into splendid shades of fall colors — red and yellow.
Inokashira Park is also home to the Ghibli Museum, which showcases the work of Studio Ghibli responsible for many beloved animated films like My Neighbour Totoro. For a world-famous animation studio, the entrance fee is unexpectedly cheap at 1,000 yen for ages 19 and over, and 700 yen for ages 13 to 18. Tickets need to be purchased beforehand.
11. Visit Free Museums Around Tokyo
There are many free museums in Tokyo where visitors can enjoy a range of exhibitions and displays without spending a single yen. A unique museum to visit is the Meguro Parasitological Museum dedicated to parasites – warning, not for the faint-hearted. For anime fans, Suginami Animation Museum is recommended for a background lesson on how anime is made, and you can also try your hand at animating. And finally, for art enthusiasts, there’s the National Museum of Modern Art which is one of the largest art museums in Japan. Other interesting and free museums to visit are the Police Museum and Fire Museum.
12. Hiking on Mount Takao
Mount Takao is located just outside of Tokyo and is a popular hiking spot recommended for beginners. It offers beautiful scenery and easy hiking trails for those looking for a nature escapade. The mountain is also home to several temples and shrines, making it a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural significance. Some of the attractions like Monkey Park (430 yen) and Onsen (1000 yen) require admission but at a reasonable price. If you are not keen on hiking up the mountain, there are chair lifts and cable cars that cost less than 1000 yen for a roundtrip, and less than 500 yen for one-way.
13. Kawagoe “Little Edo” Day Trip
Kawagoe City in Saitama prefecture is a wonderful choice for an affordable day trip near Tokyo. Known as “Little Edo”, this charming town has historic streets and traditional architecture, which includes Edo-style shops and houses. Highlights of Kawagoe are the Warehouse District where the iconic Bell Tower stands, Kashiya Yokocho lined with traditional sweet shops, the last remaining building of Kawagoe Castle, and Kitain Temple. While there, make sure to enjoy the street snacks.
Recommended: 10 Easy Day Trips You Can Make From Tokyo
14. Tokyo Bay Aqualine Umihotaru between Kanagawa and Chiba
Tokyo Bay Aqualine Umihotaru is a rest stop built on a man-made island in the middle of Tokyo Bay. It connects Kanagawa and Chiba prefectures via an underwater tunnel on the Kanagawa side and a bridge on the Chiba side. It features a range of facilities, including restaurants, shops, an arcade, a museum, and a footbath. The view of the surrounding bay is spectacular, especially during sunset, and there are many other photo spots. A one-way trip by bus from Kawasaki Station costs 1,1000 yen, and from Ukishima costs 630 yen. Umihotaru is recommended for a day trip.
15. Kamakura is a Short Train Ride Away
Kamakura is a coastal town located about an hour south of Tokyo. It’s known for its rich history and abundance of temples and shrines, including the iconic Great Buddha statue at Kotoku-in temple. Visitors can also enjoy beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and traditional Japanese cuisine. Kamakura is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. We recommend taking the Enoden, which is an attraction by itself.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many cheap and free things to do in Tokyo to make your trip enjoyable even when on a tight budget. With a little effort and some research, there are no limits to what you can do. Even day trips from Tokyo are within your reach. So don’t limit yourself, and look forward to enjoying your budget trip to Tokyo!
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the Japanese language and culture, studying at a reputable language school is the best way to achieve your goals. Coto School Finder’s free matching service can help you find the perfect Japanese language school with visa sponsorship, so you can begin your journey toward studying and living in Japan. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience all that Japan has to offer!
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FAQ
Is Tokyo budget friendly?
Yes, many people think that Tokyo is an expensive place to visit but the truth is there are many cheap and free things to do in Tokyo as well.
How much money do I need a day in Tokyo?
A budget-conscious traveler usually spends around 8,000 yen to 12,000 yen a day in Tokyo, which includes food, transportation, and some activities. To be safe, budget 10,000 yen a day for Tokyo.
Any money-saving tips for student budget travellers visiting Tokyo?
- Stick to cheap and free things to do.
- Use cheap accommodations like capsule hotels, hostels, budget hotels, or even manga and internet cafes.
- Make the most of student discounts.
- Calculate public transportation costs for the day, a day pass may be cheaper depending on how much you travel.
