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Top 5 Free Must See in Tokyo

Top 5 Free Must See in Tokyo

1. Meiji-Jingu Shrine – A most venerable Shinto Shrine is right in the middle of Tokyo. Just a train station from Shibuya, the best time to visit is on Saturdays when you’ll likely see a wedding ceremony. There is no entry fee as it is a shrine in use.

The entrance is just steps from Omatosendo Exit of the Harajuku Station on JR or the Meiji Jingu Station of the Metro. From the streets, you’ll have to walk about 10- 15 minutes on gravel to reach the shrine. You’ll first see a big Tori Gate from the road. Bow once when entering and leaving. Walk a few meters and you’ll reach the gift stores and other facilities on the right. Tour groups usually start from here. There are barrels of Sake and Wine as offerings. Walk onwards and head left to the main shrine.

Here are some reminders to express respect at the Meiji Jingu Shrine:

At the Temizuya (fountain with wooden dippers) on the left before the Main shrine is where you cleanse your hands as preparation for entering the shrine. First, you take the dipper on your right hand, scoop some water and rinse your left hand. Transfer to the left hand then rinse the right hand. Then pour water into your left hand and rinse your mouth. Rinse once again your left hand and rinse the dipper by tilting it up letting the water run down the handle of the dipper. Don’t touch the dipper with your lips.

At the Main Shrine, you can’t take photos when close to the main shrine. A good reminder is when there is a roof above your head you’re not allowed to take photos.

Inside you’ll see small wooden boards surrounding the tree on the right near the main hall. These are Emas which are wooden tablets used to your wishes and prayers. You can purchase one for Y500 at the side of the shrine. You are suggested to write the date and your name with your message. After, you hang it among the others near tree. The Ema designs usually vary depending on the shrine. Sometimes they have the zodiac signs or the crest of the shrine.

Bride getting ready

For more information you can also visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine website: http Meiji Jingu

Train Station: Meiji-jingu Station or Harajuku (JR Yamanote line)

2. Sensoji Temple “Asakusa Kannon” is the oldest and most popular Buddhist temple. The temple is about 3 to 5 minute walk from Asakusa Station.

Nakamise Street

There are usually a lot of people here so I would suggest going early in the morning to avoid the crowds. From the main gate, you find yourself on Nakamise Street- it is lined with stores towards the main temple. You can find a lot of souvenirs here like the “Maneki neko” or beckoning cat, “tenugui” (Japanese towels and other goodies here. You can also sample many Japanese snacks like the“sendei”or rice crackers and don’t miss the stall with a wide variety of soft ice cream like red bean and seasonal favorites like sakura or “cherry blossom” . You’ll have to eat it though in the store as it is considered rude to walk and drink while walking in Japan.

Once within the temple grounds, you’ll notice many small drawers on the side, these are fortunes. To get your fortune, pay the 100Y, then shake the wooden box while asking your question or wish in your head until a bamboo stick comes out. Look for the number of the stick from the drawers and get your fortune inside. If you receive a bad fortune, it is believed you can delay it by tying it in the rack near the temple.

Train Station: Asakusa

3. Tsukiji Market

Famous for its tuna auction, the Tsukiji Market is great to visit to sample fresh and affordable sushi. If you’d like to watch the Tuna auction that starts at 5am, you’ll need to line up early and get one of the limited slots (120 persons/day) each morning. You’ll need to be there even before the trains start running so you should either take a cab or stay nearby. To get more information about the Tuna Auction you can visit: www.tsujiji-market.or.jp for more details.

You can visit later in the morning though and still enjoy the fresh seafood on sale. There are small stalls around the market and restaurants you can enjoy sushi.

Grilled Tuna

Train Station: TSUKIJI Station

4. Shibuya Crossing & Hachiko Statue

No trip to Tokyo is complete without visiting the busy intersection of Shibuya. Right near the Hachiko Statue, the Shibuya Crossing is an interesting sight. Best place to watch is from the second floor windows of Starbucks. It’s usually packed with people though so you’ll have to be lucky to get a seat on the bar looking straight at the intersection. You can also view it from the second floor of the Tokyu Building.

Hachiko Statue

view from Tokyu Building above Train Station

View from the 2nd floor of Starbucks

Train Station: Shibuya: Hachiko Exit of JR Train Station.

5. Government Metropolitan Building – Get a great view of Tokyo for free from the observation decks of the Northern or Southern Building of 45^th floors of the Government Metropolitan Building in Shinjuku. Views of the Skytree, Mt. Fuji, and Meiji shrine can be admired depending on the day’s visibility. Get a glimpse of Tokyo at night from the North Observatory Deck, which is open until 11PM. The Southern Observation deck is only open until 5:30 PM. For more information you may also visit: www.metro.tokyo.jp

Train Station: Shinjuku Station

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