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, ice cream, hamburgers, and other treats to entice donors to keep returning. Some centers even go as far as holding events such as fortune telling and nail care services, as well as giving out freebies. Why not visit one of these blood donation centers, do some good for the humanity and get fed in return. It’s a win-win situation. Hint: The Akiba:F Donation Center even has free Wi-Fi, free drinks free comic books to read and an awesome futuristic office.
Website: www.tokyo.bc.jrc.or.jp
Some of the blood donation centers in Tokyo:
Red Cross Tocho Blood Donation Center
Address: Tocho Tominhiroba B1, 2-8-1 Nishi Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Apheresis Donation 10am – 12pm, 2pm – 5pm, Whole Blood Donation (200/400ml) 10am – 12:45pm, 2pm – 5:45pm; Closed Saturdays & Sundays, Dec 29-Jan 1
Phone: +81 (03)3343 2231
Direction: Subway Toei Oedo Line to Tochomae Station
Shinjuku East Exit Blood Donation Center
Address: Kawase Bldg 6F, 3-17-5 Shinjuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Opening hours: Apheresis Donation 10am – 7pm, Whole Blood Donation (200/400ml) 10am – 6:30pm, closed Dec 31-Jan 1
Phone: +81 (03)5269 1431
Direction: Subway Fukutoshin, Marunouchi, Shinjuku Line to Shinjuku Sanchome Station
SHIBU2 Blood Donation Center
Address: Village 101 Bldg 8F, Sakuragoaka-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Opening hours: Apheresis Donation Mon-Fri 10am – 11:30am, 1:30pm -5pm; Sat-Sun, nat. holidays 10 am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 5:45pm, Whole Blood Donation (200/400ml) 10am – 12:15pm, 1:30 – 5:45pm; Closed Dec 31-Jan 1
Phone: +81 (03)3770 0820
Direction: Subway Fukutoshin, Ginza, Hanzomon Line to Shibuya Station
Akiba:F Blood Donation Center
Address: Asakaze Ni Go Kan Bldg, 1-16-9 Soto Kanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Opening hours: Apheresis Donation Mon-Sun 10am – 11:30am, 1:30pm – 5pm, Whole Blood Donation (200/400ml) Mon-Sun 10am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 5.45pm; Closed Dec 31-Jan 1
Phone: +81 (03)3251 8201
Direction: Subway Hibiya Line to Akihabara Station
Ikebukuro East Blood Donation Center
Address: Takase Central Bldg 8F, 1-1-4 Higashi Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo
Opening hours: Apheresis Donation Mon-Sun 10am – 11:30am, 1:30am – 5pm, Whole Blood Donation (200/400ml) 10am – 12:15pm, 1:30pm – 5:45pm, Closed Dec 31-Jan 1
Phone: +81 (03)3988 9000
Direction: Subway Marunouchi, Yurakucho, Fukutoshin Lines to Ikebukuro Station
Photo credit: Steve Nagata
