Imado Jinja Shrine
Free: All time Imado Jinja is competing with Daijingu Shrine as the top love shrine in Tokyo. However, Imado Jinja has something else it’s popular for: as the origin of the “Maneki Neko” or the “Beckoning Lucky Cat”. The story goes that an old woman who lived in Imado (Asakusa) was forced to sell her...
Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
Free: All time Out of love and out of luck? If you’re in Tokyo, pay a visit to Tokyo Daijingu Shrine – the city’s most powerful shrine when it comes to matters of the heart. Many Japanese, especially young females, frequent the Daijingu to pray for successful love lives. On weekends, find an epic queue...
Sengakuji Temple
Free: All time Sengakuji Temple is a temple mainly famous for its graveyard where the “47 Ronins” are buried. One of the most popular historical stories in Japan, the tale took place at the start of the 18th century. It is about a group of ronin (masterless samurai) who avenged the death of their lord,...
Atago Shrine
Free: All time The Atago Shrine was built in 1603 under the order of the Tokugawa family. The shrine is located on Atago Hill, which is 26 meters above sea level. The most famous part of the shrine is undoubtedly its steep stairs leading to the shrine. The hill itself is named “Otoko Zaka” literally...
Zojoji Temple
Free: All time Standing next to Tokyo Tower, Zojoji Temple is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism in the region. It was built in 1393 and moved to its present location in 1598. Zojoji Temple was formerly the family temple of the Tokugawas family and is now designated as a national...
Hanozono-Jinja Shrine
Free: All time Constructed in the early Edo Period, Hanazono-Jinja Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Tokyo. It is located in the heart of Tokyo, tucked in between the tall buildings in Shinjuku. This was not the case when it was built. Hanazono literally means Flower Garden. The land surrounding Hanazono Shrine was...
Freebies at Blood Donation Centers
Free: All time Hmm, well, this isn’t exactly “free.” Basically, the idea is that you become a blood donor and in return, you’ll get to have a go at the generous supply of free food and drinks at the donation center. It is actually a well-known fact that blood donation centers provide donuts, rice crackers,...
Suntory Musashino Brewery Tour
Free: All time Suntory Musashino Brewery offers free one-hour touring during which participants learn about Suntory’s Premium Malts’ production process. Free beer and snacks are at the end of the tour. The tours run every 30 minutes during its operating hours. Check the official website to make sure the factory is open before heading out...
Free Drinks at Free Cafe Harimaya Station
Free: All time Free Cafe in Ginza is run by Harimaya, a traditional rice cracker maker. When it first opened, Free Cafe offers free rice cracker treats from its “Okaki Bar”, as well as coffee, green tea, and juice at the drink bar. All at no cost whatsoever! What’s the catch? There’s none. Apparently, this...
Japan Guide | Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Free: All time If you’re visiting Japan but somehow is too broke to shell out extra money for the Lonely Planet guidebook, you may be glad to know that the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) provides an in depth 48-page guidebook on Japan. Although it doesn’t provide accommodation and restaurant recommendations, the Japan Guide gives...
Tourist’s Language Handbook | Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Free: All time Although Japan ranked 14 in their English proficiency compared to the countries in the world, it’s normally rather difficult to communicate with with locals when in Japan if you don’t speak Japanese. Japan National Organization (JNTO) offered downloadable PDF’s of Tourist’s Language Handbooks. It’s available in various languages: English, French, Chinese, Korean,...
Tokyo Walks | Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO)
Free: All time There are many ways to see Tokyo but one of the most recommendable ways, however, is to venture forth into the streets on your own so that you may feel first-hand the pulse of one of the world’s most bustling cities. Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has put together a 10-page downloadable...
