Free Things to Do in Tokyo
After two weeks exploring Tokyo, I quickly learned you don’t need a big budget to enjoy the city. From centuries-old temples to buzzing crosswalks and peaceful parks, Tokyo has plenty of amazing things to do, and it’s all completely free.
If you’re planning a trip and want to experience Tokyo without overspending, here are 5 of my favorite free activities, plus other 5 bonus picks.
1. Experience the Buzz at Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing in the Evening
No trip to Tokyo is complete without walking in the middle of Shibuya Crossing: the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection. It’s chaotic in the best way and an unforgettable experience for first-time visitors.
What to do: Watch from street level for the full sensory overload, or head up to the Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby (11th floor) for a free view from above.
Optional upgrade: For a panoramic skyline view, visit Shibuya Sky, the open-air observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square. It’s one of the best spots in the city to catch the sunset.
- Ticket price: ¥2,200 online / ¥2,500 on-site
- Where to buy: Official Shibuya Sky website opens ticket sales 2 weeks in advance
- Why book online: It’s cheaper than buying on-site and far less likely to be sold out
- Best time to go: Book a slot around 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM so you’re at the top in time to watch the city glow during sunset
With limited hourly capacity and high demand during golden hour, advance booking online is strongly recommended.
2. Visit Tokyo’s Oldest Temple: Senso-ji
Senso-ji Temple
Located in the Asakusa neighborhood, Senso-ji Temple dates back to the year 645 and is Tokyo’s oldest and most visited Buddhist temple. It's completely free to enter and blends deep cultural history with a vibrant local atmosphere.
Don’t miss: The temple is fronted by Nakamise-dori, a bustling shopping street lined with souvenir stalls and traditional street food vendors. Try local snacks like taiyaki (fish-shaped cake with sweet filling), dango (skewered rice dumplings), and melonpan (sweet bread with a crunchy top) as you make your way to the temple gate.
Optional upgrade: For an immersive experience, rent a traditional Japanese kimono for the day. Many rental shops are located just minutes from the temple. It’s a popular way to enjoy Asakusa’s old-town charm and take memorable photos.
- Average rental price: ¥3,000 to ¥6,000 for a full-day kimono set (includes accessories, hair styling, and assistance with dressing)
- Pro tip: Some shops offer couples’ or group packages and discounts if you book online in advance
Wearing a kimono while walking through the temple grounds and narrow backstreets adds a fun, cultural touch to your visit and it makes for beautiful photos.
3. Spot Thousands of Lucky Cats at Gotokuji Temple
Gotoku-ji Temple
Hidden in a quiet residential area of Setagaya, Gotokuji Temple is believed to be the birthplace of the Maneki-neko, or beckoning cat. The peaceful temple grounds are filled with thousands of cat figurines left by visitors as offerings, making it one of the most unique temple experiences in Tokyo.
Why go: Unlike the major tourist spots, Gotokuji is calm, uncrowded, and perfect if you’re looking to explore beyond the usual itinerary.
Getting there: The temple is a bit outside central Tokyo. You’ll need to take the Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station or the Tokyu Setagaya Line to Miyanosaka Station.
- If you’re using a Tokyo Metro Pass, it won’t cover this area. The pass is valid only within the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks. You’ll need to pay a small fare (~¥150–¥300) for the portion beyond its coverage.
What to do: After strolling through the peaceful grounds and admiring the rows of cat statues, you can also:
- Buy your own small Maneki-neko figurine from the temple office to take home as a souvenir. Prices start from around ¥500 for small sizes and go up for larger versions.
- Write a wish on a wooden ema (prayer plaque) decorated with the lucky cat motif. The price is around ¥500–¥800 per plaque.
It’s a quiet spot with a heartfelt atmosphere. Many visitors leave their own cat statues or write hopes for health, luck, or success on these plaques.
4. Snap Photos at Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Inspired by the Eiffel Tower, Tokyo Tower is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Standing at 333 meters, its bright orange-and-white frame cuts a striking figure against the Tokyo skyline.
Photo tip: For postcard-perfect views, head to Shiba Park or the nearby Zojo-ji Temple. Both spots offer great vantage points, especially in the early morning light.
One of the most popular photography spots is the staircase in Shiba Park that directly frames Tokyo Tower behind it.
- Best time to go: Arrive around 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM to beat the crowds and get clean shots without people in the background.
- The later in the day you go, the longer the queue. By mid-morning, expect to wait 30 minutes or more just to reach the photo spot.
This location has become a favorite for both tourists and local photographers, so early timing really makes a difference.
5. Relax in Ueno Park
Ueno Park
Ueno Park is Tokyo’s version of Central Park, an expansive green space with wide walking paths, ponds, and cultural landmarks. In spring, it's one of the city’s top spots for hanami (cherry blossom viewing), but it’s worth visiting all year long.
What to do: Grab some snacks, sit under a tree, watch street performers, or stroll around Shinobazu Pond. There’s also free art and music events on weekends.
Optional add-on: The park is home to several excellent museums like the Tokyo National Museum and the Ueno Zoo. Admission isn’t free, but many offer discounted entry days.
Bonus: 5 More Free Tokyo Experiences
If you’ve got more time to explore, these additional spots are well worth the visit and totally free.
6. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
In Shinjuku, this government complex has two free observation decks offering incredible views of the city. On a clear day, you might even spot Mount Fuji.
Best time to visit: Head up around sunset to see the city transition from daylight to a glowing sea of lights.
7. Meiji Shrine
Located in a dense forest near Harajuku, Meiji Jingu is one of Tokyo’s most important Shinto shrines. The walk through the massive torii gates and tall cedar trees feels like a different world even though you’re steps away from the chaos of Takeshita Street.
Pro tip: Visit on a weekend to catch a traditional wedding procession.
8. Takeshita Street
Loud, colorful, and packed with energy, Takeshita Street is the heart of Tokyo’s youth fashion scene. While the shopping isn’t free, the people-watching definitely is. You’ll see everything from pastel Harajuku styles to punk cosplay in one block.
9. Odaiba Seaside Park
If you’re craving open space and water views, Odaiba Seaside Park delivers. This waterfront area gives you a view of Rainbow Bridge, the Statue of Liberty replica, and Tokyo Bay, all for free !
What to do: Walk along the promenade, enjoy the skyline views, or just sit with a bento and listen to the waves.
10. Yoyogi Park
Just a few minutes from Harajuku Station, Yoyogi Park is a favorite local hangout. It’s especially vibrant on weekends when musicians, dancers, and performers take over the open fields.
Ideal for: Picnics, people-watching, or just giving your feet a break between sightseeing.
Final Tips for Your Trip
These were some of my favorite free experiences in Tokyo. They helped make my trip unforgettable without blowing my budget. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a repeat traveler, Tokyo offers a surprising amount of high-quality experiences that don’t cost a thing.
Don’t Forget Internet Access
One essential tip: make sure you have reliable internet while traveling in Japan. I used the Eskimo eSIM, which activated instantly when I landed. It was easy to install, worked perfectly in Tokyo, and even better it covers over 80 countries, so you can use the same eSIM across multiple destinations.
If you’re only planning to visit Japan, Eskimo also offers a Japan-only data plan and an Asia Pacific data plan if you're crossing borders to neighbouring countries. It’s a great value for short-term travelers who just need coverage within the country.
With Eskimo, you don’t have to worry about SIM swaps, slow speeds, or hunting for public Wi-Fi. It lets you move freely, find hidden spots, and stay online without stress. Something every Tokyo traveler needs. If you're a first-time user, you can get 500MB of global data free just for signing up.
Planning your first trip to Japan? Don’t miss our Japan travel tips for first timer. Save this guide for your next trip and enjoy an unforgettable Tokyo on a budget!