Cheap Ways to Enjoy Tokyo

Tokyo is known as a hyper-consumerist mecca but here at ABNRML JAPAN we like to check out the cheap and fun things to do around the whole prefecture. There’s lots. Here are our favorite ways to explore Tokyo without breaking the bank.

Everything here should be free with the exception of transportation and food costs. The list won’t be in order of preferences, but by location instead. That way y’all can plan your exploring when you’re out and about.

So let’s start with the world famous, Shinjuku!

Shinjuku City Viewing Photo by Dino Sabic — Shinjuku City Viewing Photo by Dino Sabic

Once you escape the busiest train station on Earth there’s plenty of sights to see, but why not stop by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buildings first? There’s a North and South Tower you can visit, and both have free access indoor observation decks. Head the designated elevator which leads to the 45th floor, that’s 202 meter in the air.

The twin viewing platforms on both buildings can give you that sweet sweet panoramic photo you need for the socials. There’s a lot to see so you can spend a good couple hours here taking in the megacity from all different angles. The only things I’d be wary of are lines and wait times. That being said, on a clear day you can catch a glimpse of Mt. Fuji from the Southern tower, and Mt. Takao from the Northern Tower.

You can snag a really nice picture at the Shinjuku station’s Southern Terrace area. If you visit during the winter season, you might even be able to catch some illuminations near the world’s largest clock tower, Docomo Yoyogi building. While you’re at it, you can take a selfie with the famous the Suica Penguin Statue nearby.

If you want some nature photography, head over to Shinjuku Gyoen Park. They cultivate the seasonal flowers and blooming trees, so there’s nature aplenty for a low entry of ¥500.

If you need a restroom break and don’t wanna use an outdoor public toilet, any number of department stores have free and clean restrooms. The higher the floor, the cleaner in my opinion. For my Trans and GNC folks, the Don Quijote stores in Shinjuku and Shibuya also has all gender toilet rooms to use (last time I was there in 2019). You’re welcome.

So you’re walking around the city and hear a roar off in the distance. It sounds…well it sounds like Godzilla. Guess what? You’re not wrong. Toho Cinemas in Kabukicho has a life-sized Godzilla head statue, complete with roars on the hour and atomic breath blasts as well.

Get your pictures at the Godzilla gates at the entryway, and head up to the 8th floor of the cinemas to the free viewing deck. If you’re in Tokyo, you gotta get a picture with the 怪獣王 [Kaiju Ō], the monster king: Godzilla

Just a quick train stop away is, Harajuku station!

Design Festa Gallery Wall Mural Photo by Ash

Harajuku isn’t just a shopping destination. The local art scene is really popping, and it’s not just around fashion. The Design Festa Gallery is a free exhibition area, tucked away in the hustle and bustle of Takeshita Street. The building itself feels like an art installation and when you walk in it’s…cozy. That being said there are plenty of rooms to explore. Part of the fun is that you can wander in and find hidden gems and the artists behind the work as well.

It’s awesome because you can catch different exhibitions over time and, if you buy some artwork you’re supporting smaller and local artists. There’s a cafe space too if you wanna chill and grab a snack. This quirky art gallery is free to browse. It’s a great venue and a must see if you’re looking for a little break from the madness that is Harajuku.

Meji Jingu Gate Photo via Commons Wikimedia

Now if you’re craving some quiet away from the traffic and tourists, head to the Meji Jingu Shrine. An enormous Tori Gate marks the distinction from everyday life to the sacred spaces beyond them. The Shrine itself is nestled away in nature with large open walkways guiding you to the Temple.

Meiji Jingu is great to get out of the sun and into an insulated bubble of serenity. Well as much as you can get with an extremely famous Shinto Shrine. Renovations on the temple have rendered it immaculate. There’s plenty to see here and even a few benches in the Shrine’s courtyard if you can snag a seat.

I always recommend people check out the Shrine because it really highlights the duality of Tokyo. You have Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shrine literally right next to each other and you can witness tradition live seamlessly beside modernity.

Once you’ve weaved your way out of the Shrine area, Yoyogi park is just around the corner. If you’re looking for an open area or hear some music booming, well Yoyogi is a famous event site. Everything from the Namaste India Festival, to Tokyo Rainbow Pride, to the Nikufest (meat festival) happens out there.

It’s a bustling park with enough space to post up or wander around any events that might be going on when you’re there. Remember to bring a picnic mat, since there’s plenty of space to lounge. They also have foliage for every season, from Sakura, Gingko, to Japanese Maple leaves and more. Unlike Shinjuku Gyoen Park, this one doesn’t have an entry charge.

Next up: SHIBUYA!

Shibuya Crossing Scramble Birdseye Photo by RYUSEI TAKAHASHI

When I tell you…I could spend a week in Shibuya and still have things I haven’t seen yet, I mean it. There’s something here for any and everyone. That being said we’re here to talk about affordable things to do. So this one is a technicality, because you don’t have to buy anything if you’re window shopping.

Now, with the sheer volume of stores in the area you can find something to post on the gram just by strolling around. There’s pop up stores, there’s the Shibuya Lush store, Shibuya 109, the Tsutaya just by the crossing and the brand new Shibuya Scramble Square Building.

Here are some stores I recommend personally:

Atmos is a specialty shoe store that is on the bleeding edge of sneaker fashion.
Tower Records is legit one of my favorite music stores with a beer garden on their rooftop.
Animate Shibuya is an anime and game merchandise store with…just so much.
Mandarake is another specialty store of collectibles like figures, manga, games, and ultra rare finds if you wanna dig for a little bit.
Loft Shibuya is an all round interesting department store filled with souvenirs and stationary.

Window shopping in one of the worlds biggest cities can be super fun, but just be careful. You might find yourself dropping serious cash if you find things you really like. That being said, it’s still fun to see what Shibuya has to offer.

Need a break from the megacity? Aight gotchu.

This is for you Museum lovers!

Take a trip to the famous Tokyo Station where there’s a countdown monument to the Tokyo Olympics, as well as a couple of museums. Just across the street from the station is the KITTE building with a free rooftop viewing of the historic train station!

Not only that, they house Intermediatheque: a two story natural science museum in the former Post office turned shopping mall. There’s more than meets the eye and it’s a rarely discussed spot in terms of things you gotta check out. It’s quite nice and well maintained for being tucked away and free to enter year round.

Now if you’re looking for a larger museum experience, well The National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo (MOMAT) opens their doors for free to the public on the first Sunday of every month and whoooo it’s worth it! The whole site is well maintained and the exhibits rotate pretty often. It’s part of their initiative to get more folks visiting the museums and even on free days it’s not super busy. Big recommend.

Now just beside the MOMAT is an absolutely enormous garden. The Imperial Gardens are just astonishingly huge and well maintained. It’s really cool to see this much nature within the megacity that is Tokyo. Take a stroll through the manicured gardens and check out the architecture as this garden is literally across a moat. I know I’ve said “must see” a couple times but again, this spot comes with a big co-sign from us. We’ve been a few times and still haven’t seen all it encompasses.

Beyond the Concrete Jungle and onto West Tokyo!

Mt. Takao! Yes for all you nature and hiking fans, West Tokyo has a range of mountains with a nearly thousand year old Temple nestled in the crown of Mt. Takao. It’s considered a lower grade mountain to climb in terms of difficulty and some folks do it multiple times a year!

There’s also a cable car that you can take if you want to skip the hike up or down but climbing it is absolutely free. You have your choice of several trails and a perfect place for wonderful nature photos as well. If you go during the Fall/Winter seasons, the Japanese maple and Gingko trees light up the mountain with their red and yellow leaves. In case you’re looking for something outside the city this is a must see.

Showa Kinen Park Photo by mfedley via japan-guide

Another open air park in West Tokyo is Showa Kinen Park. Tachikawa as a city is pretty cool with their monorail, Ikea, and large park space. It’s near some new developments that they’re working on, but the park is so vast that you don’t notice it. In fact, it’s large enough to have their own fireworks show during the end of summer firework season. There you go! Our recommendations for cheap spots to hit while you're in Tokyo. I hope this was helpful so let us know.

Note: This article was published before the global pandemic had affected travel and most everyday activities including sightseeing and tourism.