A record-breaking 726,200 Singaporeans visited Japan in 2025, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) – a 5.1% increase from the year before. What’s not to love about the food, culture, onsen, skiing, and everything in between?
If you’re like me, and always visit via Tokyo, then you’re in luck, because this guide’s got you covered on a whole bunch of free things to do in Tokyo amidst all the indulging.
The current exchange rate is ¥100 = S$0.81 as of 7th May 2026.
The fastest and most effective way to get around Tokyo is via the subway system. For access to both bus and train systems, you can get Suica or PASMO cards that have no price difference. Train fares vary based on distance but these typically range from ¥180-¥330 (~S$1.45-S$2.66). These are the standard prices for bus tickets, using the cards:
You can purchase these cards, physically at station ticket machines or counters. You’d simply have to deposit ¥500 which you can get back if you return the card before leaving Japan. Do note that a ¥250 handling fee will be deducted from the remaining balance on your card, should there be any.
Or, you can avoid the hassle of depositing funds and you can pay via Apple Pay or Google Pay. For iPhones, you’d simply have to add Suica or PASMO to your wallet app. For Androids, add Suica or PASMO under “E-Money” in your Google Pay app. Do note, iPhones 8 and up as well as Japanese-compatible Android devices are required to use these features effectively.
Taxis are also another option to travel around Tokyo, however, they’re generally more expensive and take more time. But, if you’re having a late night, feel free to use cab-hailing apps, like, GO Taxi App (App Store | Google Play) or Uber (App Store | Google Play).
Image credit: @alvisdeyn via Instagram
Now, Tokyo Station may look like a quaint colonial mansion on the outside, but anyone who’s been there will know that the area is actually a maze of train platforms, shopping malls, and restaurants. Hidden amidst all the melange of activities is INTERMEDIATHEQUE, a natural history museum that not many tourists know to look out for.
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If you’ve busted all your budget on Disneyland and ramen, swing by this free-entry museum where you can find age-old artefacts and taxidermy of animals like birds, without paying a single yen. There are also skeletons of a killer whale, giraffe, and sea lion, which all together serves some serious Night at the Museum vibes.
Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram
While it’s not uncommon for gardens in Japan to charge admission fees, Hotel New Otani Tokyo’s garden is free for all to enter. You don’t have to book a stay at the S$270+/night hotel in order to enjoy this scenic 10-acre-large facility, with more than 400 years of history behind it.
Image credit: @hotelnewotanitokyo via Instagram
This quaint enclave amidst the hubbub of Tokyo is filled with carp ponds, a stone garden, and a bright red Taiko bridge for all your IG needs. And, if you think Singapore’s Yunnan Garden is cool, wait till you see this hotel’s 6m-high gushing waterfall, surrounded by Japanese stone lanterns and resting huts.
There are 58 sakura trees here so you’ll be able to go on a romantic stroll amidst pretty pink leaves if you time your visit right. Those who fall in love with the garden can also book a stay at Hotel New Otani Tokyo to enjoy gazing at it through your window.
Book a room at Hotel New Otani Tokyo.
Address: 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8578, Japan
Opening hours: 6am-10pm, Daily
Contact: +81 3-3265-1111
Image credit: @misakky510 via Instagram
Art and craft videos can be super satisfying to watch, and to get that therapeutic experience IRL, visit Origami Kaikan, where you’ll get to watch a Japanese artisan paint handmade washi (Japanese paper).
This is made entirely out of paper.
Image credit: @randoheruu via Instagram
The star of the show though, has to be their impressive gallery that displays origami masterpieces such as one of a maiko (Japanese apprentice geisha), framed by 1,000 orizuru (folded cranes).
Image credit: @burcunimetdumlu via Instagram
Image credit: Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo
Travellers on a budget would likely give luxury stores a pass. But that doesn’t mean you can’t check out Espace Louis Vuitton Tokyo, which you’ll find on the top floor of the LV building in Omotesando.
‘You made me leave home…’ by contemporary Indian artist Rina Banerjee.
Image credit: @hypeart via Instagram
Designed by Japanese architect Jun Aoki, the glass box is an exhibition space for contemporary artworks that the French culture and art organisation Fondation Louis Vuitton curates as part of its Hors-les-murs programme. The exhibitions are updated seasonally, so check out the Espace website for details on current shows.
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Toyosu Fish Market is the upgraded version of the famous Tsukiji Fish Market. It’s twice as large, allowing it to keep the title of “World’s Largest Fish Market” firmly in its grasp, and only 2km away from its previous location.
Image credit: @jimmydashner via Instagram
Early risers – or night owls – can pick up a visitor’s pass to enter the building and catch the iconic tuna auctions at about 5.30am. The best way to experience an auction would be to hear and observe it up close from a special deck on the lower floor and to do so, you’ll have to join a lottery to be one of the 100 guests picked daily.
Don’t worry if you don’t get picked, as you can still watch from a gallery on a higher level. You might not be able to hear the auction, but at least there’s a friendly “Language Co-talk Volunteer” who’ll explain everything going on to you in English.
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If you’re the type that needs to drink a bottle of Coke almost every day, you need to sign yourself up for a Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan Tama Plant Tour. The tour will allow you to witness the manufacturing process where all the magic happens, and you’ll also get to check out different versions of Japanese Coca Cola bottles throughout the years.
Image credit: @berryzcret via Instagram
Tours are held from Mondays to Fridays at 10am,1pm, and 3pm and are approximately 60 minutes long. Do note that these tours are conducted in Japanese, but English guidebooks are available.
Image credit: Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan
You’ll need to make a reservation for this tour; slots are released 30 days before your desired date via their website.
Make a booking for the Coca-Cola Japan Tama Plant Tour.
Address: 1 Chome-2-9 Nobidome, Higashikurume, Tokyo 203-0041, Japan
Contact: +81 050-3139-8489 | Coca Cola Japan Tama Plant website
Image credit: @jigza via Instagram
Gundam fanatics check this out – there’s a majestic 19.7m-tall Unicorn Gundam from the Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn series standing proudly in front of Divercity Tokyo Plaza.
Image credit: @herbyjai via Instagram
Simply seeing the Gundam in its normal mode is no big deal. The real show starts when the gigantic figure transforms into Destroy mode – its antenna expands, and you can see it come to life as it starts to glow and move for 5 minutes.
Showtimes: 11am, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & every 30 minutes from 7pm-9.30pm, Daily
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The Imperial Palace in Tokyo is a must-visit, especially in spring and autumn, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views – either a sea of cherry blossoms or fiery fall foliage.
While some areas of the palace are only accessible with a paid ticket, you can visit the East Garden FOC for a walk or hanami, AKA cherry blossom viewing, picnic.
Image credit: Justgola
You can also have a volunteer guide who will bring you around and tell you about the palace’s history while you admire the seasonal flora and fauna.
The park is open from 9am on Tuesday to Thursday, as well as Saturday and Sunday. If a national holiday falls on a Monday or Friday, the garden will be closed the next day.
Closing times vary throughout the year, and the garden might sometimes be closed for Imperial Court functions, so you’ll want to check the Higashigyoen website for the latest calendar.
Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-8111, Japan
Contact: +81 3-3213-2050 | Higashigyoen website
Image credit: @justvcreative via Instagram
Japan is the birthplace of anime, and you’ll know how big of a thing it is there when you see anime characters plastered all over train stations and giant billboards. It’s such an iconic part of the country’s culture that there’s a Suginami Animation Museum in Ogikubo.
Stretch of wall filled with doodles by famous artists
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Here, you’ll find exhibits of familiar anime like Doraemon and Studio Ghibli’s Totoro, as well as more obscure ones. Besides that, there are super-rare preserved original sketches of your favourite characters, as well as the actual tools used by the artists.
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If you understand Japanese, you can even join a workshop about anime production, or listen to a talk given by professional animators. Otherwise, you can pick up an English audio tour, or browse at your own leisure.
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Japan is the only country where sumo wrestling is performed professionally, and there are grand tournaments which are still widely attended today, even by international tourists.
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While tournament tickets can be hard to secure, and ringside sets can cost a pretty penny, you can watch sumo wrestlers practise for free at Arashio-beya Sumo Stable. You can observe the sumo wrestlers training from outside the stable, typically between 7.30am-9am on practice days – check their training calendar ahead of your visit so you can see if they’ll be in action.
Don’t be shy if you’d like a picture with them because they’re very friendly – just be respectful of their space and sport, wait till practice is over, and ask politely.
Address: 2 Chome-47-2 Nihonbashihamacho, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-0007, Japan
Image credit: @su2un0r1 via Instagram
Head over to Yokojukken-gawa Shinsui Park for a relaxing boat ride along the river in a wasen – or traditional Japanese boat. You’d expect this to be a paid attraction, but here, there’s a “Wasen Tomo no Kai” volunteer group that offers 10-minute rides to visitors completely free of charge.
Image credit: @parkful via Instagram
If you have kids, bring them to the small water play area above the river, where they can cool off and play during the warmer seasons.
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With floating platforms to obstacle courses and a rope bridge spanning from one end of the river to the other, this free attraction in Tokyo is perfect for some fun in the sun.
Check out the free boat ride schedule on their website.
Address: 1 Chome-1 Minamisuna, Koto City, Tokyo 136-0076, Japan
Schedule: Available on website
Image credit: @dorissimod via Instagram
Enter the giant Thunder Gate in Asakusa and you will be welcomed by a 250m shopping street called Nakamise-dori. From traditional Japanese handicrafts like folding fans and wooden dolls to handmade yukatas, you’ll be spoilt for choice if you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home.
Image credit: @hirahx via Instagram
Of course, a shopping street can’t do without street food. Check out all the authentic Asakusa snacks like age-manju (fried bun with sweet bean paste filling) or ningyo-yaki (small snack cakes) if you have stomach space to spare.
Image credit: @ls.mt_ via Instagram
If you continue walking down the street, you’ll wind up at the entrance to Senso-ji. It’s an ancient temple that dates back more than 1,300 years – the oldest in Tokyo. It’s a popular destination for those praying for good luck and happiness. Entry to the temple is also free.
If you love Kewpie mayo as we do, then you’ll want to put Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum on your Tokyo hit list. While it’s no longer operating as a real factory, you’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at how your favourite condiment is produced. As part of the tour, you’ll also get some samples of other Kewpie products to take home with you!
Do make a reservation 1 month before your intended tour date – there are English language tours available, but you’ll have to check the calendar for the latest available slots.
Address: 2-5-7 Sengawacho, Chofu, Tokyo 182-0002, Japan
Contact: Kewpie Mayo Terrace Museum website
Image credit: @madameyap14 via Instagram
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku is the tallest free observatory tower in Japan, and it stands at a staggering height of 243m. Ascend to the 45th floor at the very top of the South tower and you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the city – free of charge.
If the sky is clear and you’re there early in the morning when the sun is shining brightly, you might just be lucky enough to see Mount Fuji shyly peeking out in the far distance.
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But if you can’t make it for an early morning visit, don’t be disappointed because this metropolitan city also offers spectacular night views.
Note that the South Observatory is closed every 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month, with daily hours from 9.30am-9.30pm; the North Observatory is closed on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, with similar opening hours except on days that the South Observatory is closed. On those days, the North Observatory is only open from 9.30am-5pm.
The Synergy show.
Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram
Once you get back down to ground level after taking in the views, make sure to check out Tokyo Night & Light, also at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. This show, recurring every 30 minutes from 5.30pm-9.30pm, combines the use of light and music to display visuals that’ll have your jaw on the floor. Check the Tokyo Night & Light website for the latest timetable, because the earlier shows only take place during the months when the sun sets earlier.
Image credit: @tokyonightandlight via Instagram
P.S.: They hold the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent architectural projection-mapped display in the world!
Image credit: @tokyofashion via Instagram
Take a short walk around Harajuku and you’ll notice that there are tons of people – mainly youngsters – decked out in bold outfits and colourful hair. It’s quite an unusual sight you won’t easily find elsewhere in Japan.
This shopping district is basically a giant runway where people express themselves through fashion. Many of the fashion styles you might spot here like gyaru, goth, and lolita originated as a form of rebellious expression – a refusal to conform with Japan’s strict conventions.
Image credit: @dazai_des via Instagram
While you’re there, go window shopping and browse through the myriad of stores selling a quirky variety of Japanese street fashion.
Head off the main thoroughfare to explore Ura-Harajuku, the former back streets of the ‘hood, which these days have taken on a life of their own too.
Address: Jingumae, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0001, Japan
Image adapted from: @sundaysoundtrack, @grskus_tk via Instagram
Compared to regular zoos in Japan, Edogawa City Shizen Zoo is relatively small, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less impressive. It still houses a good variety of animals, and since entry is free, we can’t really complain.
From giant anteaters to Japanese squirrels, Humboldt penguins, Ogre prairie dogs and even Madagascar tortoises, you’ll definitely be able to spend an easy afternoon here if the weather is fine.
Image credit: @dra_dralin via Instagram
You can even get up close to some of their 4-legged residents in the petting zone.
Address: 3 Chome-2-1 Kitakasai, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-0081, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-3680-0777 | Edogawa City Shizen Zoo website
Image credit: Shang-Wei Kuo (KSW) via Google Maps
Yes, you read that right. The same filmmaker who directed all our fav classics, like Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away, designed the Giant Ghibli Clock at Nittele Tower.
This massive clock is about 3 storeys high, decked in copper and steel with incredible detail, like cannons, statues of blacksmiths, and a boiling teapot. You’ll also find that at scheduled times each day, the clock “comes to life” with a tiny show that’ll have you wanting to upgrade your clock back home ASAP. Though, it’d be hard to compete with the cool music features that also come with the Ghibli Clock.
As of March 2026, the showtimes are as follows:
Address: 1 Chome-6-6 Higashishinbashi, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0021, Japan
Image credit: Tokyo Sewerage Museum
Let’s be real, at one point in our lives, we’ve all been curious about where our waste – to put it delicately – goes. At the Rainbow Sewerage Museum, you’ll learn about all the important processes behind sewerage work, water cleaning, and the importance of water in the environment.
You and the kiddos can enter life-sized sewer pipes and play with pumping stations while gaining some newfound knowledge about this cool system.
Address: 2 Chome-3-5 Ariake, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0063, Japan
Opening hours: Tue-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm (Closed on Mon)
Contact: +81 3-5564-2458 | Rainbow Sewerage Museum website
Image credit: @michaeldavisong via Instagram
Don’t worry, Potterheads, we’ve got a freebie for you to geek out over too. Head to Akasaka Station for a homage to your fav magical franchise, Harry Potter, with banners of Hogwarts houses adorning the walls and a massive Time Turner sculpture too.
Make sure to take your pics and cast your spells, while you’re catching a train from this station. But, just remember, it’s leviOsa, not levioSA, lest you embarrass the wizarding community in front of the muggles.
Image credit: スーさん via Google Maps
Even if it’s not time for you to leave Japan yet, make a trip down to Haneda Airport. Apart from arrival and departure halls, it’s home to the JAL Sky Museum, which recently reopened on 1st November 2025 after a 4-year-long renovation.
You’ll want to join the reservations-only tour that takes you to the actual hangar of Japan Airlines. Catch a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes action, including engineers going about their day-to-day maintenance work.
Image credit: HERO TAKE via Google Maps
During your visit, you can also enter a mockup of an aeroplane cockpit, or try sitting on one of the atas JAL Sky Suite and JAL Sky Premium seats.
Yes, kids under 12 get to join the tour for free, but adults have to pay ¥1,000 (~S$8.06) each. You must make an online reservation before you swing by. Slots are released 1 month ahead of time, and only 30-70 visitors are allowed per session – so be sure to plan early.
Days available: Daily
Sessions: 9.30am, 10.45am, 1.30pm*, 2.45pm & 4.30pm* (*not available daily)
For all who’ve yet to visit Japan, this culturally rich country needs to be on your travel bucket list. Scratch the misconception that you have to splurge to have a whale of a time here. As long as you dig a little, you’ll find that there are a ton of fun things you can do there without forking out a single dollar, even in Tokyo.
Check out our other articles on Tokyo:
Image adapted from: @su2un0r1, @alvisdeyn & @naomi_kakiuchi via Instagram, スーさん via Google Maps
Originally published on 20th July 2019. Last updated by Michelle P on 8th May 2026.
A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. Our opinions remain our own.
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