Sumida River Fireworks Festival
画像提供:墨田区 | Sumida River Fireworks Festival
画像提供:墨田区

Free things to do in Tokyo this weekend

On a budget? Make the most of Tokyo without breaking the bank, thanks to our round-up of free things to do at the weekend

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Don't let your budget get in the way of you having a good time. While Tokyo may appear as an expensive city, there are still lots of free things to do in the city; these include events, festivals, exhibitions and more. After all, at the best things in life are free.

Need more recommendations? Check out our list of the best things to do this week, cheap Michelin-starred meals, and free museum days.

See Tokyo for free

  • Art
  • Shimokitazawa
This September, Shimokitazawa welcomes the return of its annual lunar art festival that will coincide with the upcoming autumn moon. Back for its fourth edition, Moon Art Night Shimokita will span several venues in the neighbourhood, including the Shimokita Senrogai Open Space in front of Shimokitazawa Station’s east exit, the rooftop of Higashi-Kitazawa Station, and the Bonus Track complex. Exhibits include an outdoor moon installation by UK artist Luke Jerram, whose giant floating model features striking details of the moon’s surface as captured by Nasa. This particular installation – titled ‘Museum of the Moon’ – is set to be on show every day at the vacant lot of the Shimokita Senrogai complex.  The festival is also hosting London-based artist Nelly Ben Hayoun-Stépanian, whose luminous blue cat inflatables will be on display at the Bonus Track complex. Inspired by the paradoxical Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, which explores how a cat can be both alive and dead at once, the artist created the cats as a way to spark imagination and explore our relationship with the universe. A new addition this year, Japanese visual artist Takayuki Mori is participating with a three-dimensional installation titled ‘Uranometria’. The work depicts constellation motifs across a celestial dome using ultraviolet-responsive threads, which illuminate the invisible lines that connect the stars in glowing neon colours. His work, which invites viewers to reflect on how humanity has...
  • 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.
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  • Things to do
  • Chofu
Chofu is hosting its annual hanabi (fireworks) festival by the banks of the Tama River with massive fireworks (including starmines) synchronised to music. It sees around 10,000 rockets launched over the course of an hour starting at 6.15pm, with some fireworks being choreographed to pop songs using computer-controlled audio and launch systems. Reserved seating is still available at the Dentsu University Field, Fuda, and Keio Tamagawa locations, with prices starting at ¥6,000 for seats at Keio Tamagawa and ¥4,000 for floor seating at Dentsu University Field. Tickets can be purchased at Seven-Eleven multicopy machines or online via Seven Ticket, with pick-up at a convenience store required after purchase. If this all seems like a hassle, don’t worry, there are free non-reserved seating near Keio Tamagawa Station and next to Tamagawa Citizen Square. Just make sure to arrive a few hours early, as space is limited.  For the venue map and transport information, check the event page.
  • Things to do
  • Nezu
Nezu Shrine is not only famous for its 3,000 blooming azalea in spring, the sacred grounds also host the annual Grand Festival, considered as one of Edo’s (as Tokyo used to be known) top celebrations. The festival, formerly named ‘Tenkasai’, started in 1714 under the sixth shogun Tokugawa Ienobu and saw large floats carried through the streets. Nowadays, you can enjoy Sanza-no-mai and Urayasu-no-mai dance performances – both intangible cultural assets of Bunkyo ward – plus a variety of street food stalls. The shrine's main mikoshi (portable shrines) will not be carried out this year, but expect drumming performances by local taiko troupes Nezukoren and Gongen Taiko on September 20 from 11am and 12noon respectively. Sanza-no-mai performances will be held on September 21 from 2pm, and the Urayasu-no-mai performance will be held from 7pm on September 20.

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

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