Tokyo for free

Japan sits at the top of many travel lists, and the strength of the Australian dollar against the Japanese yen is helping.

As I write this, an Australian dollar is worth about 100 yen.

The exchange rate is at one of its highest points of the past five years and is maintaining an upward trajectory.

A spokesperson for InsideJapan Tours, a specialist tour company, says: “Comparative to holidaying in the US or UK, Japan certainty gives Aussies more bang for their buck.”

And the specialist team at InsideJapan Tours has come up with the top-10 cheap and free things to do in Tokyo.

Metropolitan Government Building

Instead of the relatively expensive Tokyo Skytree, head to the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which has great views and is free.

Tokyo’s green spaces

For a city that’s famous for skyscrapers and technology, Tokyo has a lot of green spaces. Shinjuku Gyoen is one of the best parks, with Japanese gardens and green space. Entrance is 500 yen ($5). Take a cheap and delicious convenience store picnic. Ueno Park is well-known to locals for the lotus flowers on Shinobazu Pond and its temples and museums. All temples are free to visit, as is the park itself, and entry to the museums is about 600 yen ($6). Tokyo’s Imperial Palace Gardens are also free to visit.

Festivals at Yoyogi Park

Window-shop in Harajuku, then stop off at the Meiji Shrine (both are free), then head to nearby Yoyogi Park, where there’s a free festival or event almost every weekend.

Hike up Mt Takao

On the outskirts of Tokyo, Mt Takao is a popular spot for Tokyoites. It’s green most of the year, but orange and red during autumn leaf season. A round trip is about 930 yen ($9.33), and there are views from the summit.

Modern architecture

Tokyo has fine architecture, particularly in Omotesando and Aoyama. Award-winning architects are showcased on Omotesando Boulevard — many are Pritzker Prize recipients, architecture’s highest honour. Walk gently uphill in the direction of Roppongi Hills.

Department stores

Japanese department stores are a wonderland of the high-tech, the beautiful and the downright odd. That makes them one of the best free things to do in Tokyo. Tokyu Hands and Don Quijote are two of our favourite chains.

Giant robots and test-drive cars on Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, which can be reached by monorail or walking over the Rainbow Bridge. Originally built as a set of manmade forts to protect Tokyo, it was redeveloped as a futuristic residential area in the 1980s, and has now been revitalised as one of Tokyo’s most popular shopping, leisure and dining spots. There is a replica Statue of Liberty, futuristic architecture, neon light shows, an artificial beach and Mega Web — a giant Toyota showroom and museum packed with cutting-edge new technology and historical exhibits. With an international driver’s permit, visitors can test drive cars for 300 yen ($3).

Tokyo’s temples

The vermilion Senso-ji and quiet, forested Meiji Shrine, are free and two of Tokyo’s most famous temples. Around Senso-ji in Asakusa, explore market streets and traditional restaurants and try a cheap plate of okonomiyaki. Around the wooden gate at Meiji Shrine, there’s often the chance of glimpsing a Shinto wedding ceremony.

People-watch

Tokyo is a great city to indulge in this free pastime, from the boutiques of Harajuku, with some of the city’s trendiest teens, to Shibuya’s famous road crossing and Akihabara’s arcades.

Sumo wrestlers in training

Tickets to Japan’s seasonal sumo tournaments are pricey, but visitors can go to one of Tokyo’s sumo “stables” (called sumo beya) and sit in on morning training. Be respectful and quiet throughout proceedings.

+ Japan specialists at Inside Japan can tailor a self-guided cultural adventure to suit specific interests, timeframes and budgets. InsideJapan Tours was established in 2000 by co-founders Alastair Donnelly and Simon King. This independent Japan travel specialist offers escorted small group tours, self-guided cultural adventures and fully tailored itineraries.

insidejapantours.com/au/