Who would’ve thought? The top 20 most highly rated free attractions in Japan for 2017 have been announced.

Covering an area of approximately 540,000 square meters, the Kyoto Shugakuin Imperial Villa is a detached palace managed by the Imperial Household Agency and is also a renowned free spot for viewing autumn foliage. Visitors wishing to tour the site must apply in advance at the management office of the detached palace, which is overseen by the Imperial Household Agency. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

Traveling abroad doesn’t always have to cost a fortune. A global travel review website released its latest list of the most highly rated attractions in Japan — and the best part is, they’re all completely free of charge. In addition to popular spots for enjoying the autumn foliage season, observation decks offering free views of Tokyo’s cityscape, and public bathhouses where you can soak in hot springs for free, there are also lesser-known experiences such as visiting the factories of Japanese airlines — a must-do for aviation enthusiasts. There's even a hidden mosque in Tokyo that can make you feel like you've been instantly transported to the Eurasian continent.

Tokyo Camii, the largest mosque in Japan, can accommodate up to around 2,000 worshippers at once, showcasing its most distinctive dome design. (Photo provided by Shutterstock)

The global travel review website has published a list of the 20 most popular free attractions in Japan for 2017. Topping the list is the “Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building,” whose 45th floor offers a free observation deck providing a panoramic view of Tokyo from a height of 202 meters. Following that are the “Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum,” Kyoto’s “Shugakuin Imperial Villa,” Kyoto’s “Katsura Imperial Villa,” the “Kyoto Traditional Industries Experience Hall,” Okinawa’s “Okichan Theater (dolphin show),” the Shizuoka military museum “Airpark Airport (Japan Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Base),” Tokyo’s “Shinagawa Prince Hotel Japanese Garden,” “ANA Aircraft Factory Tour” in Tokyo, and the “Tokyo Camii.”

Other attractions on the list include Hokkaido’s “Asahi Breweries Hokkaido Factory,” Hiroshima’s “Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum,” Osaka’s “Asahi Breweries Osaka Factory,” Nagano’s “Nozawa Onsen Open-air Bath,” Shizuoka’s “Baird Beer Garden Shuzenji,” Yamagata’s “Bunshokan,” Kyoto’s “Suntory Kyoto Brewery,” Fukuoka’s “TOTO Museum,” Nagoya’s “Asahi Breweries Nagoya Factory,” and Tokyo’s “JAL Factory Tour SKY MUSEUM.” Consider adding these to your must-visit list for your next trip to Japan.

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