photo by Fumi Yamazaki
The number of international visitors to Japan continues to rise steadily. The tourism bureau reported 18.5 million inbound travelers in the first half of 2025. Japan offers an extraordinary range of activities, from savoring diverse Japanese cuisine and exploring historic sites, temples, and shrines to enjoying urban sightseeing and vibrant nightlife. Each region has its own unique character and offers travelers experiences found nowhere else, which is one of the greatest appeals of visiting Japan.
Since your time in Japan is limited, you will want to enjoy as many activities as possible and ideally at a good value. In this guide, we introduce smart ways to enjoy activities across Japan at a discount, useful not only for residents but also for travelers visiting from overseas.
Free Admission Days at Museums, Art Galleries, and Cultural Attractions
In Japan, November 3 is designated as Culture Day, a national holiday when many museums, art galleries, and other cultural institutions across the country open their doors to the public free of charge. In 2025, participating venues include the Tokyo National Museum, the National Museum of Modern Art, Kyoto, and the Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties.
Tokyo also celebrates Tokyo Citizens’ Day on October 1, during which admission fees are waived at a wide range of facilities, including gardens, botanical gardens, zoos, museums, and art museums throughout the city.
In the Kansai region, Kansai Culture Day takes place in mid November, shortly after Culture Day. On this occasion, museums, art museums, and cultural archives across the eight prefectures and two major cities of Kansai offer free admission.
If there are cultural institutions you have been wanting to visit in Japan, planning your trip around these dates is an excellent way to enjoy exhibitions at no cost.
Free Observation Decks
When sightseeing in a big city, many travelers find themselves drawn to the views from observation decks. The scenery from high above is undeniably spectacular, although admission fees can be surprisingly steep. In such cases, free observation decks in government buildings or commercial towers can be a great alternative.
In Tokyo, for example, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers panoramic views of the city from its 45th floor at no cost. In Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building is famous for its Floating Garden Observatory, and while the main deck requires a ticket, visitors can access up to the 39th floor for free.
Across Japan, many local government buildings also feature complimentary observation floors, including the Gunma Prefectural Office, the Ibaraki Prefectural Government Building, Toyama City Hall, and Sakai City Hall. Before your trip, it is worth checking whether your destination has a free observation deck, as you may discover an excellent view without spending a yen.
Choose Lesser Known Amusement Parks
When it comes to theme parks in Japan, places like Tokyo Disneyland & DisneySea or Universal Studios Japan are the first to come to mind. These world famous parks are undeniably fun, and many travelers feel they are a must visit at least once. However, the downside is clear: admission prices are high, and the wait times can be overwhelming due to their global popularity.
This is why it can be a great idea to look beyond the major parks and consider smaller, regional amusement parks instead. They may not have the same name recognition, but they often offer shorter lines, lower prices*, and a more relaxed, local atmosphere.
For example:
- Fuji-Q Highland (Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi): One-day pass ¥6,000–7,800 for adults
- Japan Monkey Park (Inuyama City, Aichi): One-day pass ¥3,900–4,500 for adults
- Sanrio Puroland (Tama City, Tokyo): One-day passport ¥4,900–5,900 for adults
Each of these parks has its own unique appeal, ranging from adrenaline pumping thrill rides to encounters with beloved characters. They are also significantly more affordable than major destinations like Disneyland or Universal Studios Japan, making them well worth considering if you want a full day of fun at a lower cost.
In recent years, many theme parks and amusement parks in Japan have adopted dynamic pricing. This means admission is cheapest on weekdays during off peak seasons rather than on weekends or public holidays when crowds are highest.
*A one day ticket for adults at Tokyo Disneyland or DisneySea starts at ¥7,900, while Universal Studios Japan starts at ¥8,900.
Use 1 Day Public Transport Passes
When exploring major cities like Tokyo or Osaka, sightseeing passes that allow unlimited rides on public transportation for one day can be incredibly useful. And they do more than simply save you money on transportation. One of the biggest perks is that these passes often come with additional discounts at attractions, shops, and restaurants within the covered area.
For example, the “Tokyo Metro and Toei One Day Pass,” which allows unlimited travel on Tokyo Metro and Toei lines, provides discounts at selected restaurants, retail stores, and cultural facilities. Osaka offers its own “Osaka Amazing Pass,” and Kyoto has the “Kyoto Subway & Bus 1‑Day Pass,” both of which include similar benefits beyond transportation, such as discounted admission and special offers.
Tokyo Metro and Toei One Day Pass
Osaka Amazing Pass
Kyoto Subway & Bus 1‑Day Pass
Travel makes you richer
Japan is a country rich in history, culture, cuisine, and modern entertainment, offering no shortage of activities for every kind of traveler. While there are countless places to explore, every trip comes with a budget. Naturally, you will want to make the most of your stay by experiencing as much as possible without overspending.
The good news is that as the number of international visitors continues to grow, more and more budget friendly options and special deals for travelers have become available. The money saving tips introduced here are easy to use for both residents and visitors from overseas. Many attractions also publish information about free admission days and discounted tickets on their official websites, so it is worth checking in advance for the places you plan to visit.
