Japan for 0 yen
Japan is expensive? Not everywhere. This is our hand-picked list of things you can do in Japan without paying admission: collectibles on the street, a view from 202 metres up, hot foot baths, factory museums and temple grounds.
Selected and checked by hand, as of November 2026. Opening hours change, so check the operator's page before you go (sources below).
Free collecting: manhole covers and stamps
Two collecting hobbies that take you to corners no itinerary knows about.
- Manhole covers, Pokéfuta and Manhole Cards Read the guide Photograph colourful covers featuring Pokémon, Sailor Moon or local landmarks, then pick up the matching collector card on site. Covers and cards cost nothing.
- Stamp collecting: stations, roadside stations, castles Read the guide Many train stations and roadside rest stops have their own stamp you press into your book yourself. The exception: goshuin at temples and shrines usually cost 300 to 500 yen.
Free views over Tokyo
You don't need an observation tower ticket for the skyline.
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Tocho), Shinjuku Two observation decks on the 45th floor, 202 metres up, free admission. The South Tower admits visitors until 21:30, the North Tower until 17:00. The towers close on different days, there are no reservations, and tripods are not allowed. Free admission
Free foot baths
Many onsen towns have public foot baths (ashiyu) that cost nothing. Pack a small towel.
- Dogo Onsen, Matsuyama The foot bath at Hojo-en square is a few steps from Dogo Onsen station, open daily from 6:00 to 23:00 and free. Free
- Kinosaki Onsen, Hyogo Several free foot baths around town, for example in front of the Ichino-yu and Moto-yu bathhouses. More in our Kinosaki guide. Free
- Kusatsu Onsen, Gunma Next to the steaming Yubatake in the town centre there is a free foot bath. More in our Kusatsu guide. Free
Factories and museums with free entry
Company and specialist museums with free entry. Beer breweries no longer belong here: Kirin's tours, for example, now charge a fee.
- Toyota Kaikan Museum, Toyota (Aichi) Free admission, 9:30 to 17:00, closed on Sundays. A new exhibition opened in June 2026. Free admission
- Mazda Museum, Hiroshima Free guided tour, also in English (weekdays at 14:15). Online reservation required, at least two days in advance. Free, reservation required
- Kikkoman factory, Noda (Chiba) Free factory tour of the soy sauce plant, three minutes' walk from Nodashi station. Weekdays only, booked through the online form. Free, reservation required
- Bank of Japan Currency Museum, Tokyo The history of Japanese money in Nihonbashi, free admission, 9:30 to 16:30, closed on Mondays. Free admission
Temples and shrines with free entry
The grounds are often free, while halls, gardens and museums sometimes charge extra.
- Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto Open around the clock with no admission, including the walk up the mountain through the torii tunnels. Free, 24 hours
- Meiji Jingu, Tokyo The grounds are open free of charge from sunrise to sunset. The museum and the inner garden charge admission. Grounds free
- Senso-ji, Asakusa (Tokyo) Free admission, the main hall is open from 6:00 (6:30 from October to March) until 17:00. Next door at Asakusa Shrine, the Sanja Matsuri takes place every May. Free admission
- Todai-ji, Nara The grounds and the great south gate Nandaimon cost nothing. The hall with the Great Buddha is 800 yen. Grounds free, hall 800 yen
Free city tours
Volunteer guides show you their city, and the tour itself costs nothing.
- Volunteer guides (Goodwill Guides) In many cities volunteers show visitors around without a fee, for example the Tokyo Volunteer Guides. You only cover transport, admission and, if you eat together, the guide's meal. Tour free
Sources
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government, observation decks
- Dogo Onsen, Hojo-en foot bath
- Visit Kinosaki, foot baths
- Visit Gunma, Kusatsu
- Toyota, Toyota Kaikan Museum (June 2026)
- Mazda Museum, reservations
- Kikkoman, Noda factory tour
- Bank of Japan, Currency Museum
- Kirin, factory tours (FAQ)
- japan-guide.com, Fushimi Inari
- Meiji Jingu, visiting
- japan-guide.com, Senso-ji
- Todai-ji, admission
- JNTO, Goodwill Guides
- GO TOKYO, guide services