Things to see and do in Tokyo for free

These are some of the places we visited and things we did during our Tokyo trip... all for free.

1. Harajuku
2. Meiji Shrine
3. Senjoji Temple
4. Tokyo Metrolitan Government Building
5. Imperial Palace Gardens
6. Basement Food Halls

 

1. Harajuku

There are a few interesting things to do at Harajuku:

 

People-watch - Observe young people in unique street fashion.

 

Takeshita Dori - Walk down and take in the atmosphere at Takeshita Dori. Here you will be able to jostle with many young people, pop into a boutique store, grab a bite on the go, or wander into a budget store 100 yen shop.

 

Harajuku Station - Admire this single platform iconic station that was built in early 1900s.

 

2. Meiji Shrine

Also in Harajuku, this shrine (Meiji Jingu) is nestled in a serene park. You will be able to admire the wooden Japanese architecture, and if you are lucky, be able to observe a wedding procession with the wedding party in traditional Japanese dress.

 

3. Senjoji Temple

Great photo opportunities at this Buddhist temple in Asakusa. At dusk the nearby pagoda is lit up bathed in gold. The Nakamise street leading up to the Senjoji temple is filled with stalls selling snacks and souvenirs. Grab some free food samples here.

4. Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

Rise up to the 45th floor and take in the panoramic view of Tokyo city. On a clear day, you will be able to see Mt Fuji.

5. Imperial Palace Gardens

Stroll the garden, have a picnic, or simply people watch. In spring, you will be greeted by cherry blossoms and in autumn, the rich colours of the leaves. Don't forget to catch the double bridge.

6. Basement Food Halls

Go to the basement food halls of the large department stores, and stretch out your hand for free food samples.

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Wedding ceremony at Meiji Shrine

The Meiji Shrine, was built in 1920 in commemoration of Emperor Meiji. The shrine is a 10 minute walk from Harajuku station. The shirine was built in solid Japanese cypress wood. Apart from admiring the architecture and Japanese religious culture, tourists visit the Meiji Shrine to try and catch a wedding ceremony in progress. We were fortunate enough to catch two wedding ceremonies that cool Saturday Spring morning. When's the best time to catch a wedding ceremony at the Meiji Shrine? Weekend mornings.

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Panoramic view of Tokyo

The best views of Tokyo can be from the 45th level of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building at Shinjuku, right next to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. I went in the morning, took a 55 second elevator trip up to the observation deck. It was a fairly clear morning and I had a great panoramic view of the city with Mt Fuji, or Fuji-san (3776 metres) as the locals call it, in the background. Apparently if you visit during sunset, you will be able to see an orange tinge outlining Mt Fuji as the sun sets behind it. The windows go all the way around the building, so not only was I able see west towards Mt Fuji, I managed to look east and spotted the Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower too. And did I mention that all this was for free? Yes, no entrance fees at all.

 

Shinjuku Park.

Tokyo Sky Tree (634 metres).

Mode Education Institution Cocoon Tower (204 metres).

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Best places to view Mt Fuji from Hakone

Hakone is well known as a resort destination of traditional Japanese ryokan hotels and onsens and catching amazing views of Mt Fuji. Where are the best spots to view Mt Fuji from Hakone?

Mt Fuji is sometimes affetionaly called Fuji-san to the locals. It is Japan's highest mountain standing 3776 metres located at Honshu Island, about 100 kilometres south west of Tokyo.

There are many day trips being organised from Tokyo to Mt Fuji, sometimes to the 3rd and 5th station depending on weather conditions.

Others like myself, preferred to take in the majestic views from afar. During my brief two-day visit to Hakone, I managed to catch Fuji-san several times. My two best spots are:

1.   On the ropeway between Souzan and Owakudani.
Starting from Gora, I took the Cable Car up to Souzan, then switched to the Ropeway. The ropeway trip started with a sharp incline befeore it peaked then headed down. It was at the apex of this journey that fellow passengers gasped in awe as Fuji-san came into view, with it's beautiful snow-capped peak glistening in the sunlight.

2.   From the observation deck at Owakudani.
Alighting from the ropeway at the Owakudani station, I exited the station and took 2 minutes to walk up the road to the nearest buidling. The single storey building which has a store selling souvenirs and black eggs (eggs steamed in the sulfur infused hot springs from that area), has an observation deck on the second floor. It was from this vantage point that I managed to capture the glorious stature of Mt Fuji. I would recommend a morning viewing, as the sun would be behind you as you look west to Mt Fuji.

 The cable car leaving Gora and hedaing up to Souzan.

The Ropeway cars at Souzan station.

Photo of Mt Fuji taken from inside the ropeway car as it reaches the apex bewteen Souzan and Owakudani  

Owakudani at 1044 metres. 

Hello Kitty enjoys some black eggs at Owakudani.

 From the observation deck at Owakudani.

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Free food in Tokyo

Free food! What? In expensive Tokyo? It's no secret that the food basements at the large department stores are treat for the senses. I enjoyed the free samplings that they handed out. If you're on a budget, pop down there in the evenings after 7pm when large discounts are held to clear off stock. My recommendation - Isetan basement food area at East Shinjuku.

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