Free things to do in Tokyo

47 places in Tokyo with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first. Showing the top 40 of 47.

SeeBunkyo
Bunkyo Civic Center
文京シビックセンター bunkyō shibikku sentaa
The lavish government building for the Bunkyo ward of Tokyo, once described in the Japan Times as "a colossal Pez candy dispenser." A free observation deck on the 25th floor, jutting out of the top like the Starship Enterprise, commands a fine view of much of Tokyo.
Free
SeeMuseumShinjuku
Fire Museum
消防博物館
Three fire-fighting helicopters, ten trucks, and 3 floors of exhibitions. Very popular with kids, who can wear fire-fighting clothes and ride some of the helicopters and trucks.
09:30-17:00, closed on MondaysFree
SeeAkasaka
Fujifilm Square
Fujifilm's exhibition space for the latest and greatest in photography. Exhibits are usually free and well worth a visit.
Daily 10:00–19:00Free
SeeCastleChiyoda
Imperial Palace
皇居 Kōkyo
Surrounded by a series of moats and high walls, the site of the former Edo Castle has been the official residence of the Japanese imperial family since 1868. Reputedly the most expensive square kilometre in the world, which during the height of Japan's bubble was estimated to be worth slightly more than California. The inner palace gardens and buildings are closed to the general public except on the second day of the New Year (January 2) and the Emperor's birthday (February 23), when the imperial family makes a public appearance, and the emperor gives a speech to his assembled subjects. However, foreigners can also apply online to join a free guided tour (M-F at 10:00 and 13:30). If you're feeling lucky, you can also try just showing up at the Imperial Household Agency office located in the northwest corner of the Imperial Palace Park, which is open 09:00-12:00, 13:00-14:00; if there's space, you can join a tour on the same day. Tours are conducted only in Japanese, but electronic audio guides (in English) will be lent to foreign visitors free of charge. At the end of the tour, visitors wishing to enter the East Gardens (see next entry) will be given entrance cards and allowed through to the gardens via a private gate, allowing them to bypass the lines at the main Ōte-mon entrance; pay attention to the announcement in Japanese and queue up as directed.
SeeAkihabara
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Akihabara's own temple. You can buy a multi-piece charm for ¥1,000 which will protect your electronic devices from evil. It's mostly noteworthy for the festival it organizes around May. On this occasion, a massive shrine is traditionally carried through the streets of Akihabara, providing an interesting contrast with all the high-tech to say the least.
Free
SeeMeguro
Meguro Parasitological Museum
目黒寄生虫館
One of a kind and oddly popular with couples on dates, although you might want to skip lunch before (or after) your visit here as the exhibits and pictures can be rather graphic. A compact two-story building, the most famous exhibit inside is an 8.8-meter-long tapeworm, with a matching string for you to take the measurement.
Tue-Sun 10:00-17:00; closed around New YearsFree; donations appreciated
SeeAkasaka
Nogi's house and shrine
乃木神社
General Nogi's house is a great example of Western architecture constructed during the Meiji period (19th century), mixing Japanese and Western elements. The general killed himself here after the Meiji Emperor's death. Descend the stairs to reach the shrine that was dedicated to him in 1917. Lonely place, very photogenic.
Daily 06:00–18:00Free
SeeViewpointShibuya
Shibuya Crossing
The famous crossing sees people crossing in every direction en masse. The second floor of the Starbucks has been a great spot to take photos of the crazy pedestrian crossing. The coffee shop closed in 2023 for renovation of the building and is due to reopen late April 2024 with a larger cafe/lounge.
Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeHistory museumTaito
Shitamachi Museum Annex
下町風俗資料館付設展示場, shitamachifū-shiryōkan-fusetsu-tenjijō
Many buildings scattered around the Yanaka district survived the bombings of World War II, including this former sake store built in 1910. Characteristic of Meiji-era architecture, the building now houses a small museum of sake and beer equipment.
Tue-Sun 09:30-16:30, closed Mon, also Tue following a holiday. Closed until March 2025 for renovationsFree · Free entry
SeeShinagawa
Showa Neon Takamura Kanban Museum
昭和ネオン高村看板ミュージアム
The sign company Showa Neon has a museum with shop signs from the Edo and early Meiji periods. Reportedly all descriptions in this museum are in Japanese. Closed in June 2023 for renovation; reopen due in March 2025.
Mon-Fri 10:00-16:00Free
SeeAttractionShinjuku
Suga Shrine
東京四谷総鎮守須賀神社
It is a shrine located around Shinjuku. It is a small shrine, but the stairs in front of it are famous as the background in the animated movie Your Name.
10:00 ~ 17:00free
SeeSumida
Sumo Museum
相撲博物館, sumō hakubutsukan
A small, quirky museum tucked inside the arena's first floor, dedicated to the history of sumo, particularly artifacts and ceremonial clothing, almost entirely in Japanese only. The collection rotates several times a year. During sumo tournaments, it is open daily, but only to tournament ticket holders.
Mon-Fri 10:00-16:30; closed Sat Sun & holidaysFree
SeeMinato
TEPIA
Science museum showcasing new technologies, robots, home automation. Explanations are in Japanese but playing with the objects is still fun for kids and adults.
Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed on holidaysFree
SeeAsian studies museumBunkyo
The Tōyō Bunko
東洋文庫
The Toyo Bunko is a special library and a research institute of Oriental studies. The research focuses on Asian history and cultures. The Toyo Bunko collects and saves historical records of Asia. The collection of books exceeds 950,000 items. People can read the books free of charge. Library materials cannot leave the building. Photocopiers are available for use at a minimal charge.
SeeMuseumShibuya
Tokyo Anime Center
東京アニメセンター
Offers information, showings, demonstrations, and events centered around animation and gaming. In the recording studio, visitors can experience a post-recording on certain days.
Closed · opens 11 amFree, except for special exhibitions · Wheelchair accessible
SeeShinjuku
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Center
都庁 tochō
The two enormous buildings of this giant hive of bureaucracy are an Orwellian architectural masterpiece designed by noted architect Kenzo Tange. The main reasons to come here, though, are the twin observatories. At a height of 202 m on the 45th floor, they have some of the best views of Tokyo. The North Observatory is open daily from 09:30 to 23:00 (closed second and fourth Mondays of each month), while the South Observatory is open daily from 09:30 to 17:30 (until 23:00 on the days the North Observatory is closed; closed on the first and third Tuesdays of each month). Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Free
SeeAttractionAkasaka
Tokyo Midtown
Opened in April 2007, this competitor to Roppongi Hills boasts Tokyo's second tallest office building, a Ritz-Carlton and yet more endless acres of shopping and eating. Still, Midtown favors wood paneling and greenery over raw concrete and feels a little more human than Hills do. The main gallery (and the floor under) always have open Japanese art exhibits.
Daily 11:00–24:00Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeChuo
Tsukiji Outer Market
築地場外市場 Tsukiji jōgai shijō
For more than 80 years, Tsukiji was the world's largest wholesale fish market. Although the wholesale operations (including the famous tuna auctions) closed in 2018 and moved to Toyosu, the outer market remains in place and continues to welcome the public with stalls selling fresh fish, sushi, produce and kitchen supplies. Suggested plans for the former inner market site include a sport stadium or an anime/manga themed entertainment facility.
Varies by shop, but typically Mon-Sat 09:00-14:00, closed holidays and most WednesdaysFree
SeeMinato Not mapped
Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square
伝統工芸青山スクエア
Gallery and shop for handicraft products from all over Japan.
Closed · opens 11 amFree
SeeTaito Not mapped
Jōkan-ji
浄閑寺
Arguably the most visible reminder of the tragedy of the lives of the prostitutes who lived and worked in Yoshiwara. This is where many of the prostitutes were buried when they died, as the brothels would just unceremoniously dump their corpses at the back entrance to the temple.
Free
SeeMuseum
Advertising Museum Tokyo
2
Closed · opens noonFree entry
SeeArt museum
Aizu Museum
1
Closed · opens 10 amFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeAttraction
Akihabara UDX
1
Free entry
SeeViewpoint
Caretta Shiodome Observation Deck 46th floor
Free entry
DoPark
Chinzan-sō Garden
8
Closed · opens 8 amFree entry · Built 1877
SeeMuseum
Fujifilm Photo History Museum
Free entry
SeeArt;ukiyo-e museum
Ibasen Ukiyo-e Museum
Free entry
SeeMuseum
Koishikawa Annex, Museum of Architecture, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo
Closed · opens 10 am ThursdayFree entry
DrinkBar
Liquid Ruby
Cozy speakeasy cocktail bar with Cuban cigars
Closed · opens 6 pmFree entry
SeeViewpoint
Marunouchi House
Closed · opens 11 amFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeEducation;history museum
Meiji University Museum
Closed · opens 10 amFree entry
SeeScience museum
Minato Science Museum
Free entry
SeeHistory museum
Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Museum
Free entry
SeeHistory museum
NHK Museum of Broadcasting
1, 港区
Closed · opens 10 amFree entry
SeeMuseum
Naruse Memorial Hall
Free entry
SeeLibrary
National Archives of Japan
Free entry
SeeArt museum
National Art Center Tokyo
Closed · opens 10 am tomorrowFree entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeArt gallery
Palette Gallery
Free entry
SeeAttraction
Roppongi Hills Lighting
六本木ヒルズ・けやき坂通りのクリスマスイルミネーション
Free entry · Wheelchair accessible
SeeSumida
Ryogoku Fireworks Museum
両国花火資料館 ryōgoku hanabi shiryōkan
2-10-8 Ryogoku
Thu-Sat 12:00-16:00, open daily Jul-AugFree

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