High-altitude observation decks, 13 hot springs, and more—all in the latest “Top 20 Free Attractions in Japan”!

▲The dolphin show at Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is free. (Photo / Reporter Peng Huaiyu)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Japan is truly a fascinating country that never gets old, but with its relatively high cost of living, expenses like food, accommodation, and entrance fees can add up, leaving your wallet noticeably lighter after a trip. Travel platformTripAdvisorhas released the "Top 20 Free Tourist Attractions in Japan for 2017," featuring everything from observation decks to Japanese gardens, hot springs, and even beer estates — all completely free of charge. Budget travelers and backpackers, time to pack your bags and head out again!

No. 1: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Climb up to the 45th-floor observation deck for a panoramic view of Tokyo, and on clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji. It has been ranked No. 1 by netizens for seven consecutive years.

No. 2: Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims (Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
In 1945, during World War II, the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The hall documents Japan’s painful modern history.

▲Kyoto Shugakuin Imperial Villa spans 540,000 square meters and requires advance application through the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office. (Photo /Kavanahprovided. Please do not reproduce without permission to avoid copyright infringement.)

No. 3: Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Covering 540,000 square meters, this mountain villa was built by the shogunate and requires advance application through the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office.

No. 4: Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Renowned as Japan’s finest garden. It’s currently the peak season for vibrant autumn foliage. Like Shugakuin Imperial Villa, advance application via the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office is required.

No. 5: Kyoto Traditional Industry Experience Hall (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Those interested in traditional Kyoto culture will enjoy this spot, which offers traditional crafts, geisha performances, and workshops.

No. 6: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Dolphin Show Theater (Motobu Town, Okinawa Prefecture)
While tickets are required for the beautiful aquarium inside Okinawa Churaumi Park, the outdoor dolphin show is free to visit!

No. 7: Air Park Aviation Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Information Center (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
This three-story exhibition hall displays various fighter jets and military gear, a must-visit for aviation and military enthusiasts.

No. 8: Hotel New Otani Japanese Garden (Chiyoda, Tokyo)
The garden takes on different appearances across the four seasons, spans 40,000 square meters, and is one of Tokyo’s renowned gardens.

No. 9: ANA Aircraft Factory (Ota Ward, Tokyo)

No. 10: Tokyo Camii Turkish Culture Center (Shibuya Ward, Tokyo)
Known as one of Asia’s most beautiful indoor buildings, the center is a religious site affiliated with the Turkish Embassy. Non-Muslim visitors are also welcome.

No. 11: Asahi Beer Hokkaido Factory (Sapporo City, Hokkaido)

No. 12: Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure Museum (Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
Kure City recently made headlines by recruiting Taiwanese people with the surname Kure as tourism ambassadors, generating significant buzz. Once a major Japanese military stronghold, the city houses precious historical archives and even a real submarine, the Akishio SS-579.

No. 13: Asahi Beer Shiritsu Factory (Suita City, Osaka)

No. 14: Nozawa Onsen Outdoor Baths (Nozawaonsen Village, Nagano Prefecture)
Absolutely heartwarming. Located outside Nozawaonsen Village in Nagano Prefecture, there are 13 free public hot springs with a long history dating back to the Edo period. These 100% natural hot springs are maintained by local residents, with clean pools and excellent management.

No. 15: Baird Brewery Gardens Shuzenji (Izu City, Shizuoka Prefecture)
This isn’t a temple but an American-style beer estate from California. You can learn about the beer brewing process and industry knowledge. It’s recommended to email in advance to book a visit.

No. 16: Bunkyo Kan / Yamagata Prefectural Folk Museum (Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture)
Designed in the style of British Renaissance architecture, both the garden and layout are worth appreciating in detail. The museum exhibits the history and cultural artifacts of Yamagata Prefecture and was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan in 1984.

No. 17: Suntory Kyoto Brewery (Nagaokakyo City, Kyoto)

No. 18: TOTO Museum (Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture)
Yes indeed. The world-renowned Japanese toilet brand TOTO has its own museum, showcasing nearly 1,000 toilet and bathtub exhibits, which are highly popular.

No. 19: Asahi Beer Nagoya Factory (Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture)

No. 20: JAL Factory Tour Sky Museum (Ota Ward, Tokyo)
For those interested in aviation and airplanes, JAL is one of Japan’s largest airlines, offering insights into aircraft models and related equipment.

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.