Traveling to Japan on a budget – the best FREE places to visit in the country

Vacationing can be an expensive endeavor, so save a bit of yen by visiting these fantastic free locations!

Everyone who visits Japan has a huge bucket list of places to visit that are “can’t miss”. Most of the time those tourist spots are unbelievable, but they will also cost you a pretty penny. Sometimes you just can’t get away from paying for admission, but there are plenty of places in Japan that are totally worth the visit and won’t cost you anything to get in. Here is RocketNews24’s list of the best 0 yen locations in the country.

 Hokkaido – Tohoku

Nikka Whisky Yoichi Distillery (Yoichi, Hokkaido)
This picturesque whiskey distillery offers both guided and self-guided tours that finish with a tasting of three whiskeys at the end. [More Information]

Okurayama Viewing Point (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
One of the most famous sightseeing spots in Sapporo, the Okurayama Ski Jump was used in the 1972 Winter Olympics. [More Information]

Farm Tomita (Nakafurano, Hokkaido)
A beautiful expanse of colorful and fragrant flowers, this lavender field is an extremely popular destination in early June. [More Information]

Kanto

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
Though not as popular as Tokyo Tower or SkyTree, this building often appears in Japanese anime and science fiction. There are observation decks in each tower on the 45 floor. [More Information]

Happo-en (Minato, Tokyo)
A beautiful garden from the Edo Period where you can enjoy a quintessential Japanese view no matter where you stand. [More Information]

Asakusa Culture & Tourist Center (Asakusa, Tokyo)
Situated just outside of Kaminarimon, there is tourist information in English as well as a viewing platform on the 8th floor. [More Information]

Hotel Chizanso Tokyo Garden (Bunkyo, Tokyo)
Enjoy beautiful Japanese scenes in the rich garden of this hotel. [More Information]

JAL Sky Museum/JAL Factory Tour (Haneda, Tokyo)
Though the tour is free, it’s currently only offered in Japanese, but there is plenty to see and experience even without a perfect understanding of the language. [More Information]

Hotel New Otani Garden (Chiyoda, Tokyo)
The garden has more a history that stretches back more than 400 years and boasts a 10-acre-ground with ancient stone lanterns, bridges over koi ponds and even a waterfall. [More Information]

Kirin Yokohama Beer Village (Yokohama, Kanagawa)
The tour last about 60 minutes and is followed by three glasses of wonderful Kirin beer. [More Information]

Naritasan Park (Narita, Chiba)
A beautiful park that is highlighted by cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer and stunning fall foliage in autumn. [More Information]

Koshin’etsu

Suntory Hakushu Distillery (Hakuto, Yamanashi)
Here, you can enjoy walking around the whiskey museum, shop, bar and restaurant at no cost. [More Information]

Matsumoto Alps Park (Matsumoto, Nagano)
This small park offers breathtaking views of the Japanese alps on a clear day. [More Information]

Hokuriku – Tokai

Kurobe Dam (Kurobe, Toyama)
The tallest dam in Japan is nestled in between rolling hills of trees. On one side is a beautiful lake, and the other side shows the power and intensity of the dam. [More Information]

Air Park, Hamamatsu Air Self-Defense Force Base, Public Relations Hall (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka)
Check out numerous planes spanning several generations as well as tons of information about the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force. [More Information]

Monet’s Pond (Seki, Gifu)
This beautiful pond is a popular destination that looks as if the Renaissance master painter himself created it. [More Information]

Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
This picturesque area is home to three villas, built with typical Japanese architecture, and is surrounded by natural scenery. Though the tour is free, you have to make a reservation ahead of time to take part. [More Information]

Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
Another beautiful villa in Kyoto is the Katsura Imprerial Villa, which is said to have the most beautiful garden in all of Japan. Advance reservations are required. [More Information]

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
This museum is dedicated to preserving the arts and crafts of Japan including kimono, obi sashes, lacquerware and ceramics. [More Information]

Mint Museum (Osaka City, Osaka)
Learn all about the minting process of Japanese coins and more at this museum. [More Information]

Suntory Yamazaki Distillery (Mishima-gun, Osaka)
Winner of the best whiskey in the world in 2014, the newly renovated museum next to the distillery is packed with everything you’ll want to know about Yamazaki and the whiskey process. Unfortunately, tasting doesn’t come free. [More Information]

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum (Ikeda City, Osaka)
Much has already been written about the instant ramen museum, but one of the best things about this place is that it’s free! Those who want to create their own personal cup of instant ramen can do so for just 300 yen (US$2.40) [More Information]

Duskin Museum – Mister Donut Museum (Suita City, Osaka)
The Duskin corporation’s sweetest subsidiary is surely Mister Donut. If you visit the Duskin Museum in Suita City, don’t miss out on a trip through Japanese doughnut history at the Mister Donut Museum. Visitors can also participate in the Mister Donut Kitchen experience with a reservation for a nominal fee. [More Information]

Chugoku – Shikoku

Japanese Marine Self-Defense Force Kure Museum, Tetsukujira-kan (Kure, Hiroshima)
This museum features a decommissioned submarine that you can actually explore! Learn all about the Japanese Marine Self-Defence Force (JMSDF), the submarines they command and the minesweeping they do. [More Information]

JMSDF First Service School (Etajima, Hiroshima)
What was once the Imperial Naval Academy before World War 2 is now a school for the JMSDF. Participate in a 90-minute tour around the campus, take in the history, and visit the navy museum.  [More Information]

Former Izumo Taisha Station (Izumo, Shimane)
Closed in 1990, this old train line used to connect Izumoshi Station with the Izumo Taisha Station. Now it is an important cultural property as the station was built using only Japanese architecture. This stunning building continues to serve the public as a free museum. [More Information]

Kyushu

Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Airbase Archives (Kagoshima City, Kagoshima)
An airbase that also serves as a historical museum. Their main attractions are the many historical planes that are maintained on the museum grounds. [More Information]

Okinawa

Orion Happy Park (Nago, Okinawa)
Take a tour of the Orion beer factory where Orion Beer is manufactured. Tours last for 40 minutes with a 20 minute tasting at the end. Reservations are recommended. [More Information]

Okichan Dolphin Theater (Kunigami, Okinawa)
Part of the Ocean Expo Park that also houses the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, entrance to the Ocean Expo Park and the dolphin show is free, however other attractions do have an admission fee. [More Information]

Be sure to “get your money’s worth” at these great locations! Share your favorites or any places that we might have missed in the comments below.

Top Image: Instagram/ikazuy, Instagram/knight_of_chat, Instagram/ojichan156, Instagram/jjmaniiii edited by RocketNews24

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