Shinjuku | Time Out Tokyo

Free things to do in Tokyo this week

For free things to do in Tokyo, check out these top events and festivals and explore the city’s best attractions without paying anything

Advertising

Tokyo has a reputation as being an expensive city, but it doesn't have to be so. Yes, we have the most number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world, but you can also get a meal at these top-rated restaurants for around ¥1,000. There are more ways you can save too; for example, take advantage of the free museum days, where you can visit the city's best art and cultural institution without paying for a ticket. Want more? Check the list below for all the events and festivals you can join in this week at no cost.  

RECOMMENDED:  Best free things to do this weekend

Explore Tokyo for free

  • Things to do
  • Shiba-Koen
Legend tells of the star-crossed lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi who, separated by the Milky Way, are only able to meet once a year on the night known as Tanabata. This festival is synonymous with colourful streamer decorations, wafts of romance, and a ritual in which people write wishes on strips of paper (tanzaku) and tie them to bamboo branches. Zojoji's version of the celebration features a beautiful candle light-up on Sunday and Monday from 6pm to 9pm. Hundreds of washi paper lanterns are arranged in the shape of the Milky Way along the staircase that leads up to the temple’s main hall. Make sure to write down your wish for Tanabata on a colourful strip of paper, which you can get for ¥200 each. The temple priests will conduct a special ceremony at 5.30pm on July 7, where they’ll bless your wishes.  For this special occasion, Zojoji Temple is selling a beautiful Tanabata-themed omamori lucky charm (¥3,000). If you’d like to get your hands on one, we recommend buying yours in advance via the temple’s online shop, since quantity is limited. When you’re making the purchase, don’t forget to write your name in the column for additional notes, as the priests will read out your name at a special prayer on the night of July 7. The omamori will be shipped after the event (from July 8). For more information, see the event website.
  • Things to do
  • Kudanshita
Yasukuni Shrine’s annual Mitama Matsuri is one of Tokyo’s largest Obon festivals. First held in 1947, the festival is best known for its 30,000 lanterns: 10,000 large lanterns light the approach to the shrine while 20,000 smaller ones are set up at the inner shrine grounds. This year, the lanterns will be illuminated daily from dusk until 9.30pm between the days of July 13 and July 16. During this four-day festival, Yasukuni Shrine’s outer gardens will host a series of daily events, such as a noryo summer folk dancing festival around the bronze statue of Masujiro Omura, and a beautiful display of Sendai Tanabata ornaments. Plus, you’ll also find a congregation of food trucks selling street food throughout the festival period. Don't miss the giant Nebuta float processions and Awa Odori dance performances happening on Monday July 14 from 6.30pm and 7.30pm respectively. They are, arguably, the highlight of the festivities. Additionally, there are portable shrine processions taking place at 6.30pm on July 13 and 15.  The event takes place from 5pm to 9.30pm daily.
Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Aoyama
The UNU farmers’ market is one of Tokyo’s longest running and best-attended markets. Taking place every weekend in front of the university’s Aoyama headquarters, this one always attracts a knowledgeable crowd. Organic and local fare is readily available every Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with the farmers themselves happy to provide details about their wares. Plus, there's always a few food trucks on hand if you wish to enjoy a quick meal.
  • Things to do
  • Yokohama
Taking place around Yokohama Port, Yokohama Night Flowers (formerly Yokohama Sparkling Twilight) lights up not only the city but also the sky above it. It's a stunning sight as the fireworks are set off above the illuminated boats crisscrossing the sea in front of Yamashita Park.  This time around, there are 16 five-minute fireworks displays scheduled from February to September. Depending on the date, the fireworks are launched from either Osanbashi Pier and/or Shinko Pier. This makes the seaside Yamashita Park an ideal vantage point to catch all the explosive action. Along with the fireworks, Yokohama is also hosting several food events nearby, including the Yokohama Strawberry Festival (February 6-March 2), Yokohama Bread Festival (March 7-9), Belgian Beer Weekend Yokohama and more. See the event website for updates. Fireworks displays are held on February 1, 8 and 22, March 1 and 29, April 5, 6 and 19, May 17 and 24, June 21, July 5 and 12, August 10, and September 6 and 14. (2025)
Advertising
  • Things to do
  • Ikebukuro
Spreading out all over Ikebukuro, the annual Hula Festival paints the area in distinctly Hawaiian colours. Outdoor gigs by Hawaiian bands and a dizzying variety of food and drink stalls complement the main event − with an expected 151 teams and up to 2,500 hula dancers convening to show off their hula skills across four stages. If you feel like swinging your hips too, head to the Global Ring Theatre at 6.45pm on both days for 15 minutes of fun, feel-good hula dancing that everyone can join.

More things to do in Tokyo

  • Things to do
88 things to do in Tokyo
88 things to do in Tokyo

Discover the city with our ultimate checklist of the best things to do and things to see in Tokyo, from museums and tours to restaurants and bars

Advertising
Recommended
    You may also like
    You may also like
    Advertising