When thinking of travelling to Japan, things that come into people’s mind are advanced city, skyscrapers, cherry blossom festival and one of the most-concerned issues- high expenses. From flight ticket, accommodation, food to road trips, all have been tagged as expensive and Japan is always being eliminated as an affordable country to travel.
But wait, you can always go for a budget yet valuable summer trip in Tokyo as July and August are considered as off-peak travel season in Japan.
So, here comes topmost saving tips- this is the high time for you to grab a cheap flight ticket!
Have saved some amount on the flight ticket, how about the expenses there?
Chill, summer in Tokyo, the big capital of Japan is always filled with wonderful surprises that will surely be the wow-factors for your trip! Most importantly, the entrances are all FREE! Here we go!
1. City view of Tokyo
Why paying and climbing up to Tokyo Tower or Skytree when you can always go to Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free observatory? Located at Shinjuku, the forty-eight storeys building is open from 9:30am until 11pm, allowing you to get a panoramic view of the remarkable landmarks from Tokyo Tower to Mt. Fuji and immerse in the illuminating hues of night lights.
Address: 2 Chome-8-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku City, Tokyo 163-8001
Nearest station: Tocho-mae Station
2. Visit to Tokyo Tower
A trip to Japan is not complete without a visit to the iconic landmark. Sightseeing is always free and don’t forget to check out the hidden spot at the exit of Tokyo Tower Parking Center- where you can take a perfect-angled Instagrammable picture with this majestic artwork of Tokyo.
Address: 4 Chome-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-0011
Nearest station: Akabanebashi Station
3. Hanabi (fireworks) festival
This is marvelous! Known to be the best fireworks in the world, the one and a half hour breath-taking and spectacular display will surely bring colours to your tour in Japan. In Tokyo, Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival which takes place at the end of July yearly is one of the massive fireworks festivals that could not be missed!
Tips: arrive at the venue earlier for a free strategic seat to enhance your viewing experience!
Address: Taito Riverside Sports Center, 1 Chome-1-10 Imado, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0024
Nearest station: Asasuka Station
Besides, the fireworks festival is also available at different places in July and August.
4. Lake Kawaguchi Herb Festival
Can’t get to see the pinkish Cherry Blossom Festival? The purplish lavender is there for you! Not just in Hokkaido, lavender viewing is also available in Tokyo, particularly at Yagizaki and Oishi Park at the shore of the Lake Kawaguchiko. The natural aromatherapy featuring the picturesque stunning lake and the magnificent Mt. Fuji will surely bring you a never fading sweet memory. Lake Kawaguchiko is easily accessible by taking a train or bus to Kawaguchiko station. The station is also the place where you can get an unobstructed view of the majestic mountain. Ready to be greeted by the soothing purplish view and the fragrance of lavender field?
Click here for a detailed access to Lake Kawaguchiko.
5. Visit to Shrines and Temples
Another must-visit, Meiji Jingu Shrine in Shibuya and Sensoji Temple in Asakusa! How can you miss out the social media feed with the symbolic and unique architectures when travelling to Japan? While some require an entrance fee, these top shrines and temples are opening for free, not only give you an Insta-worthy memory but also allow you to experience Japanese culture at zero cost.
Meiji Jingu Shrine: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557
Nearest station: Harajuku station
Sensoji Temple: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City, Tokyo 111-0032
Nearest station: Asasuka Station
6. Suntory Musashino Free Brewery Tour
Free original and freshly brewed beer in Japan? Yes! The brewery tour is something that you should not miss! Located at Fuchu, Tokyo, Suntory-the premier beer brand offers you a free brewery tour that comes along with free beer tasting at the end of the tour, giving you an insight on how the premier beer product is made while satisfying your gustation. Even if you are non-beer drinkers, you are also welcome for the tour as soft drinks and water are provided. The free tour is open to all by reservation via phone call or booking on the website.
Even the transport service is also free! Just take a bus or train to Bubaigawara Station and the blue yellow shuttle bus will bring you right in front to the brewery.
7. Kimono Experience featuring your #OOTD
Awesome #OOTD! While Kimono (Japanese traditional clothes) rental service is available along the streets and alleys, JNTO Tourist Information Center (TIC) is offering you the Kimono for free! In addition to that, there are so much more interesting discoveries for tourists. TIC is also providing a variety of cultural experiences such as shodo-calligraphy and origami, that sums up to a fulfilling cultural trip.
Address: 1st Fl, Shin-Tokyo Bldg., 3-3-1, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo , 100-0005
Nearest station: Tokyo Station
Putting aside the mind-set that Japan is an expensive country to travel, the enriching cultures in Japan have so much to offer. Most of the places to visit allow free entrance which helps you to save up much travelling expenses without compromising your experience.
Other saving tips:
- Cheap items are available at flea market and 100-yen store such as Daiso and Don Quijote.
2. Oishii! Local delicacies at low price- ranging from drinks, onigiri (rice ball) to bento (boxed meal), enjoy the scrumptious meals from convenience stores (such as Family Mart, Lawson and 7 Eleven) and supermarkets (such as AEON, Seven and I Holdings and OK Supermarket), it saves much on your expenses.
3. Purchase the food at supermarkets from evening until night- they always come with a discount, ranging from 10% up to 70%.
4. There is no tipping service being practised in Japan.
With the astounding colours of the nature and culture, it will definitely bring you a fulfilling and promising worthwhile journey.
