Tokyo promotes cut-price tourism options

Just hours after Tokyo was named as the second most expensive city in the world for expatriates by the Mercer survey, the London office of the Japan National Tourism Organisation swung into action to demonstrate that this city can be a very reasonable destination for tourists.In fact, they point out, many of the most eye-catching attractions and sights can be seen and experienced for free.

"The survey measures the comparative cost of over 200 items in cities around the world, including housing, clothing and household goods - many things not applicable to tourists," the JNTO said.

"For visitors to Japan, Tokyo offers lots of affordable options," it said. "In Tokyo, you can get conveyor belt sushi from just 60 pence per plate, a huge, delicious bowl of noodles for £5 (€5.70) and quality hotel rooms can be found from around £75 (€85) per night or a night in a hostel, such as the hip Toco Tokyo Heritage Hostel, from around £22 (€25) per night."

With accommodation and cheap eats arranged, the JNTO has listed 15 unique things that can be done in the Japanese capital for free.

Top of the list is a visit to Tokyo's oldest temple, Sensoji, which was founded in the 7th century and is surrounded by traditional shops and restaurants in the surrounding district.

Another must-see is Meiji Shrine, the huge Shinto shrine surrounded by 178 acres of lush parkland in the heart of the city. Tokyo also has numerous festivals throughout the year, all of which are free to attend, and range from celebrations of longevity to events dedicated to flowers, fertility, the moon, children, stars and remembering the dead. These festivals invariably include processions, food stalls and live entertainment.

Tsukiji Fish Market is also free for visitors, although you will have to get up early to see the market traders in full cry. Not far from Tsukiji is the up-market Ginza district, which is also home to the Sony Showroom, where high-tech gizmos that will not be available outside Japan for many months can be tested out. Other showrooms that can be visited for free include the Nissan Gallery, Toyota's Mega Web and the Honda Welcome Plaza.

Japanese companies are behind some of the best photography equipment in the world, with Fuji Film, Canon, Nikon, Kodak, Konica, Minolta and Pentax all operating free exhibition showrooms around the city.

A guided tour of Tokyo with Goodwill Guides will take visitors off the beaten track with a local volunteer, while many of the spectacular traditional gardens that are dotted throughout the city do not charge an entry fee. Zen rock gardens, pools with carp, bonsai trees and stone lanterns are among the attractions at the Imperial Palace East Garden, the Nezu Shrine Garden and Ueno Park, to name but a few.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, in the Shinjuku district, does not charge to access the public observation deck on its 45th floor, while dozens of museums - from the huge and mainstream to the tiny and offbeat - are similarly free. Try the Sumo Museum, close to the sumo stadium in eastern Tokyo, the Parasite Museum, the Yebisu Beer Museum or the Fire Museum.

Sumo stables are where wrestlers live and train and usually welcome foreign visitors who want to watch them practicing their moves. A stroll through the Harajuku district, particularly on the weekends, will underline the diversity of fashion styles that are adopted by young Japanese, while another option is to tour the grounds of the Imperial Palace on a Sunday on a borrowed bicycle.

Architectural tours are taking off thanks to the work of some of the world's most incredible contemporary architects, while after expending all that energy a trip to the Sake Plaza to find out how Japan's traditional rice wine is created works as an excellent way to relax.

Source - independent.co.uk