Tokyo is known as one of the most expensive cities in Japan, but in fact, there are plenty of attractive spots you can enjoy for free. In this article, we have carefully selected places where you can fully experience the charm of Tokyo without breaking the bank, from art museums and observation decks to lush parks. By visiting these spots, you can enjoy a rich and memorable Tokyo sightseeing experience while keeping your budget in check.
*The information in this article is current as of September 29, 2025.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
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Enjoy Art and Culture for Free! 5 Recommended Museums & Galleries Including the Sumo Museum and Ginza Sony Park
1. Sumo Museum (Ryogoku)
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This museum is located next to Ryogoku Kokugikan, the spiritual home of sumo, Japan’s national sport. It displays valuable materials such as nishiki-e (colored woodblock prints) and banzuke (ranking lists) that tell the history of sumo, as well as kesho-mawashi (ceremonial aprons) worn by sumo wrestlers. It’s a spot that can be enjoyed not only by sumo fans but also by anyone interested in traditional Japanese culture.
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Sumo Museum
- Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo Ryogoku Kokugikan 1F
- Access: About 1 minute walk from Ryogoku Station
- Opening Hours: 10:00–16:30 (last admission 16:00) *Hours may change during tournaments, etc.
- Official Website: https://kokugikan.sumo.or.jp/
2. Advertising Museum Tokyo (Shiodome)
The only museum in Japan dedicated to advertising. You can systematically learn about the history of Japanese advertising, from Edo-period handbills to the latest digital ads. The carefully selected exhibits from a collection of about 330,000 items are also valuable for understanding the evolution of Japanese popular culture and design. Located inside Caretta Shiodome, it’s also a great spot to combine with a shopping trip.
Advertising Museum Tokyo
- Address: Caretta Shiodome B2F, 1-8-2 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 5 minutes walk from JR Shimbashi Station, 2 minutes walk from Shiodome Station
- Opening Hours: Tue–Sat 12:00–18:00
- Official Website: https://www.admt.jp/
3. Ginza Sony Park (Ginza)
This is a new type of urban park that reopened in 2024. The multi-level space connecting above and below ground lets you enjoy interactive exhibitions and art installations using the latest technology for free. Regularly held special exhibitions and events let you experience the fusion of Japan’s cutting-edge technology and creativity.
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Ginza Sony Park
- Address: 5-3-1 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from Yurakucho Station
- Opening Hours: 11:00–19:00
- Closed: Year-end/New Year holidays and maintenance days (see official website for details)
- Official Website: https://www.sonypark.com/
4. Anime Tokyo Station (Ikebukuro)
This facility was established in Ikebukuro as a new tourist hub for Japanese anime culture. It features exhibitions and photo spots of popular anime works, making it a must-see spot for anime fans. Limited-time special exhibitions are also held, allowing you to experience the forefront of Japanese pop culture.
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Anime Tokyo Station
- Address: Fujikyu Building East No.5, B1F–2F, 2-25-5 Minamiikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About a 4-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station
- Opening Hours: 11:00–19:00 (Last entry 18:45 / Special exhibitions 18:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following weekday if Monday is a national holiday), New Year holidays, temporary closures
- Official Website: https://animetokyo.jp/
5. Tokyo Midtown Design Hub (Roppongi)
A hub for design located in Roppongi, a district known for design and art. Various special exhibitions are held throughout the year. You can experience a wide range of design genres, including graphic design, product design, and architecture, and discover the forefront of Japan’s creative industries.
Tokyo Midtown Design Hub
- Address: Midtown Tower 5F, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Direct underground connection from Roppongi Station, about 8 minutes on foot from Nogizaka Station
- Opening Hours: 11:00–19:00
- Official Website: https://www.designhub.jp/
Learn for Free! 5 Hands-on Facilities & Museums Including Toyosu Market and Japan Sake Information Center
6. Toyosu Market (Toyosu)
One of the world’s largest markets for seafood and produce, supporting Japanese food culture. Visitors can observe the lively market and the famous tuna auctions (advance reservation and lottery required) from dedicated walkways. Enjoying fresh seafood at the market’s restaurants is also a highlight.
Toyosu Market
- Address: 6-6-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Right next to Shijo-mae Station
- Opening Hours: 5:00–17:00
- Market Closed Days: Check the official website
- Official Website: https://www.toyosu-market.or.jp/
7. Gas Science Museum “Gasutenani” (Toyosu)
A science museum where you can enjoy learning about energy and the environment. Through quizzes and games, you can have fun discovering the mysteries of fire and the properties of gas.
Gas Science Museum “Gasutenani”
- Address: 6-1-1 Toyosu, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 6 minutes on foot from Toyosu Station
- Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last entry 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a national holiday), New Year holidays, facility inspection days
- Official Website: https://www.gas-kagakukan.com/
8. Japan Sake Information Center (Toranomon)
A facility where you can learn about Japanese sake, shochu, awamori, and other Japanese alcoholic beverages. The processes of sake brewing, its history, and cultural background are explained in detail, giving you deeper insight into Japan’s sake culture.
Japan Sake Information Center
- Address: 1F, Japan Sake Brewery Toranomon Building, 1-6-15 Nishi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Toranomon Station
- Business Hours: Weekdays 10:00–18:00【Online Shop Hours】Weekdays 10:00–16:00 (orders accepted 24 hours)
- Closed: Saturdays, Sundays, national holidays, New Year holidays
- Official Website: https://japansake.or.jp/JSScenter/
9. Tokyo Water Science Museum (Odaiba)
The Tokyo Water Science Museum is an interactive facility where you can learn about the role of "water" and "waterworks" in daily life. There are a variety of programs, including a theater with a four-screen theater where you can experience the water cycle, exhibits explaining the role of water source forests, and tours that show how water is delivered to homes.
Tokyo Water Science Museum
- Address: 3-1-8 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Tokyo Big Sight Station
- Opening Hours: 9:30–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closed: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), and New Year holidays (December 28 to January 4)
- Official Website: https://www.mizunokagaku.jp/
10. Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan (Nihonbashi)
This museum allows you to systematically learn about the history of Japanese currency from ancient times to the present. You can trace the development of the Japanese economy through actual exhibits, from Wadokaichin coins to the latest banknotes. The displays of Ōban and Koban (large and small) gold coins from the Edo period and anti-counterfeiting technology are particularly fascinating, giving you a sense of Japan's advanced printing techniques.
Currency Museum of the Bank of Japan
- Address: 1-3-1 Nihonbashi-hongokucho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo (inside the Bank of Japan Annex)
- Access: 8 minutes on foot from Tokyo Station, 1 minute on foot from Mitsukoshimae Station
- Opening Hours: 09:30–16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
- Closed: Mondays (open on public holidays), and New Year holidays (December 29 to January 4)
- Official Website: https://www.imes.boj.or.jp/cm/
If you want a spectacular view! 5 Free Observation Decks & Night View Spots in Tokyo, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory and Marunouchi Illumination
11. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory (Shinjuku)
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This spectacular spot offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters above ground. There are two observatories, North and South, and on clear days you can even see Mt. Fuji. Especially from dusk to night, the city of Tokyo sparkles like a jewelry box. There is also a café and souvenir shop inside the observatory, so you can relax and enjoy your time.
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Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building Observatory
- Address: 2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
- Access: About 10 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Station, right next to Tochomae Station
- Opening Hours: South Observatory 9:30–21:30, North Observatory 9:30–17:00
- Closed: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays(South Observatory), 2nd and 4th Mondays (North Observatory), New Year holidays, etc. (Check the official website for details)
- Official Website: https://www.zaimu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/tochousha/goannai/tenbou
12. Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center Observation Terrace (Asakusa)
The 8th floor observation terrace of this tourist information facility, located right across from Kaminarimon, is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Asakusa's downtown scenery. It's a perfect photo spot where you can see both Tokyo Skytree and the five-story pagoda of Senso-ji Temple, and the illuminated night view is especially magical.
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Asakusa Culture and Tourist Information Center Observation Terrace
- Address: 2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1 minute walk from Asakusa Station
- Opening Hours: 9:00–20:00 (1st floor information counter), 9:00–22:00 (8th floor observation terrace)
- Reference Site: https://www.city.taito.lg.jp/bunka_kanko/kankoinfo/info/oyakudachi/kankocenter/a-tic-gaiyo.html
13. Keyakizaka Illumination (Roppongi)
This is one of Tokyo’s most iconic winter illuminations, held every year. About 400 meters of Keyakizaka Street are adorned with warm lights, creating a romantic atmosphere. Photos with Tokyo Tower in the background are perfect for social media.
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Keyakizaka Illumination
- Address: 6-10-1 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately near Roppongi Station
- Event Period: November 4, 2025 (Tue) – December 25, 2025 (Thu), 17:00–23:00
- Official Website: https://www.christmas.hills-site.com/
14. Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Illumination (Tokyo)
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About 1.2 kilometers of street trees from the Marunouchi exit of Tokyo Station to Otemachi and Yurakucho are illuminated in champagne gold. The sophisticated cityscape lined with brand shops creates a refined and urban atmosphere.
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Tokyo Station & Marunouchi Illumination
- Address: Marunouchi 1–3-chome, Yurakucho 1-chome, Otemachi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Right near Tokyo Station
- Event Period: November 13, 2025 (Thu) – February 15, 2026 (Sun)
15. Tokyo Midtown Hibiya (Hibiya)
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya’s “HIBIYA Magic Time Illumination 2025” is a festival of lights themed around “magical moments.” The highlight is an 8-meter-tall main tree inspired by the Disney movie “Zootopia 2.” In addition, creative illuminations are displayed along Hibiya Nakadori and Park View Garden, with lights on daily from 16:00 to 23:00.
Tokyo Midtown Hibiya
- Address: 1-1-2 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Directly connected to Hibiya Station, and only a 4-minute walk from Yurakucho Station
- Event Period: November 13, 2025 (Thu) – February 28, 2026 (Sat) *Event period may vary by area
- Official Website: https://www.hibiya.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/event/7174/
Enjoy Greenery and Spectacular Views in the Heart of the City! 5 Relaxing Nature Spots Including Ueno Park and Yoyogi Park
16. Ueno Park (Ueno)
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This is one of Tokyo’s most famous urban parks, renowned as a cherry blossom spot in spring. Within its vast 530,000 square meters, you’ll find historical sites like Shinobazu Pond and Toshogu Shrine, as well as a zoo and a cluster of museums, making it a place you can enjoy all day. You can also enjoy boating on the pond or forest bathing along the lush walking paths—an oasis of nature you wouldn’t expect in the heart of the city.
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Ueno Park
- Address: 5-20 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2 minutes on foot from Ueno Station, 1 minute on foot from Keisei Ueno Station
- Reference Site: https://www.kensetsu.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/jimusho/toubuk/ueno
17. Yoyogi Park (Harajuku)
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Located right next to the youth district of Harajuku, this urban oasis offers a tranquil, forest-like atmosphere. On weekends, flea markets and international exchange events are often held, allowing you to enjoy a multicultural vibe. The spacious lawn area is perfect for picnics, jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing as you like.
Yoyogi Park
- Address: Yoyogi Kamizono-cho (Area A), Jinnan 1-chome & Jinnan 2-chome (Area B), Shibuya-ku
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Harajuku Station, 3 minutes on foot from Yoyogi-koen Station
- Reference Site: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/index.html
18. Hibiya Park (Hibiya)
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Located in the heart of the business district, this urban park is adorned with beautiful flower beds and fountains. Opened in 1903 as a Western-style modern park, it hosts various events at its outdoor music hall, offering cultural experiences as well. The ginkgo tree-lined avenue in autumn shines golden, making it a popular spot for enjoying the fall scenery in central Tokyo.
Hibiya Park
- Address: Hibiya Park, Chiyoda-ku
- Access: 8 minutes on foot from Yurakucho Station, right by Hibiya Station
- Reference Site: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/hibiya/index.html
19. Hotel New Otani Tokyo Japanese Garden (Nagatacho)
You can stroll for free through this vast Japanese garden of about 10,000 tsubo (approx. 33,000 square meters) with over 400 years of history. Designed as a traditional stroll garden with a pond, it features seasonal flowers, koi swimming in the water, waterfalls, and other expressions of Japanese garden beauty. The garden is open to non-hotel guests as well, which is a great bonus.
Hotel New Otani Tokyo Japanese Garden
- Address: 4-1 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3 minutes on foot from Akasaka-mitsuke Station, 3 minutes on foot from Nagatacho Station, 6 minutes on foot from Kojimachi Station, 8 minutes on foot from Yotsuya Station
- Official Site: https://www.newotani.co.jp/tokyo/garden/
20. Happo-en (Shirokanedai)
Located in Shirokanedai, Tokyo, Happo-en is a Japanese garden with a history of over 400 years. The approximately 10,000 tsubo (approx. 33,000 square meters) stroll garden features bonsai trees over 500 years old and historic tea houses. Despite being in the city center, it offers a tranquil space where you can experience the harmony of traditional Japanese landscaping and nature, passed down since the Edo period. It is a recommended spot for international visitors. There are also restaurants on the premises where you can enjoy a meal while overlooking the garden.
Happo-en
- Address: 1-1-1 Shirokanedai, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4 minutes on foot from Shirokanedai Station
- Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00–19:00 / Weekends & Holidays 9:30–19:30
- Official Site: https://happo-en.com/
21. Odaiba Marine Park (Odaiba)
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This park features a man-made beach facing Tokyo Bay and offers a spectacular view of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo’s skyscraper skyline. The scenery is especially romantic at sunset, when the glow of the setting sun contrasts beautifully with the illuminated Rainbow Bridge, captivating many visitors.
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Odaiba Marine Park
- Address: 1-10-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Odaiba-Kaihinkoen Station or Daiba Station, 10-minute walk from Tokyo Teleport Station
- Official Website: https://www.tptc.co.jp/park/01_02
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