See celebrations and enjoy free guided tours—fun without spending a dime！9 things you can do for free in Tokyo

Photos & Text /Dextalk – Chopping Wood and Feeding Horses, Traveling the World

Hong Kong people travel to Japan all year round, many of whom have taken more than three solo trips to Tokyo or Osaka annually. With the yen continuously appreciating, how can you save money on a solo trip to Tokyo? Here are 9 things that let you explore Tokyo romantically without breaking the bank:

1. Get a Free Tokyo SIM Card

Starting from February 1st, visitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan entering Japan via Narita Airport in Tokyo can receive a free Japanese SIM card with 500MB of data for 5 days. Travelers need to download the “WAmazing” app (iOS only) to register in advance, and after registering at least 4 hours before arrival, they can pick up the “Free SIM Card” at the automated kiosk at Narita Airport by scanning the QR code registered earlier.

2. Visit Tsukiji Market for Free and Even Bid

If you love sashimi, how can you miss the world’s largest fish wholesale market? Get up early and head to Tsukiji Market to witness the bidding. If you’re lucky, you can even place a bid yourself—but there’s a limit of 120 bidders per session, so check if the market is open before you go.

3. Cycle Around Tokyo Imperial Palace

The Tokyo Imperial Palace near Tokyo Station is a great free spot to relax. You can stroll leisurely along the moat or hop on a bike to explore the area.

4. Draw a Fortune at Senso-ji Temple

Many say the fortunes at Senso-ji Temple are amazingly accurate—don’t miss this when you’re in Tokyo. But try to avoid holidays, as it gets extremely crowded.

5. Chill Out at Meiji Shrine

If you find Senso-ji Temple too touristy, Meiji Shrine is a great alternative. Its serene atmosphere helps you unwind instantly. You can also catch a baseball game at the nearby field.

6. Join Free Festivals in Tokyo

Festivals are one of the most captivating aspects of Japan. If you’re on a solo trip to Tokyo and happen to catch one, consider it fate. Immerse yourself in the festive spirit—you’ll be surrounded by joy and excitement.

7. Join a Free Tokyo Guided Tour

Nowadays, many volunteer groups across Japan offer free guided tours for foreign tourists, and Tokyo is no exception. You can find some free one-day city tours around Tokyo.

8. Ride Tokyo’s Free Shuttle Buses

Tokyo has an extensive and efficient transportation system, including several free shuttle buses such as the Tokyo Bay Free Shuttle (Odaiba), Free Shuttle in Jiyugaoka, Marunouchi Free Legend Bus (Tokyo Imperial Palace, International Convention Center, Hibiya Park), Nihonbashi Free Shuttle (Nihonbashi), and Asakusa Free Shuttle (Senso-ji Temple).

9. Enjoy Free Views of Tokyo’s Nightscapes

There are many skyscrapers in Tokyo that offer free night view spots. Head to their observation decks to admire the dazzling nightscape of Tokyo. Examples include Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, Shinjuku NS Building, Shinjuku Sumitomo Building, and World Trade Center Building.

In fact, once you put down that shiny travel guidebook, you’ll realize there’s so much more to do in Tokyo.

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