Joanna James
People love Shinjuku, and it is known as one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Tokyo. Let's take a look at all the free and low-cost things you can do when in Shinjuku.
Begin your free things to see and do the tour at the Yotsuya Fire Museum. Entering the place is free of charge; all you have to do is grab yourself a visitor's pass at the entrance. Take the lift to the top floor and begin your exploration there, working your way down to the ground floor. Though the place is free, the things to see inside of it sure have great value. This will be a fun and entertaining visit for both adults and children, with interactive displays and a lot of activities happening around you. One part of the museum also has a cartoon corner at which you can settle down and watch cartoons about fire safety. They might sound like preachy cartoons, but they are, in fact, fun to watch.
The Big Buddha is inside the Taisoji Temple, which is close to the Fire Museum. It's quite a short walk, but if you don't feel like tiring yourself yet, you can always take the subway and get off at the next stop. The temple has a lot of stray cats living inside of it, and you are allowed to feed these cats too. If you are visiting during August, you might be able to watch the annual summer festival celebrations at the temple.
From having a greenhouse that houses tropical plants from all over Japan to amazing picnic spots to sit and hang out at, this park is free for all and is quite a find. Located just a few minutes away from apartment hotels in Shinjuku the likes of Citadines Central Shinjuku Tokyo, the Shinjuku Green is a must visit when you want to while away a slow evening in the outdoors. The entry to the park is not free, but there are a few facilities inside of it that you might not pay extra to use. On May 4th every year, the entry to the park is absolutely free, meaning it will be crowded then.
After you are done exploring the Shinjuku Gyoen, walk a block further, and when you pass the Starbucks, get on Yasukuni Street. This is where you will find the Hanazono Shrine. Many cultural and religious festivals happen here throughout the year, and if you happen to visit during one of these celebrations, you are lucky!
What is a holiday without a few treat yourself moments? The massage chairs in BicQlo are cheap and feel good too if you don't think of the people that might be staring at you that is. The store is also known for having the oddest assortment of goods and electronics, so you can explore the place and once your feet need the rest, hop into a massage chair and relax, while your poor feet get some rest.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
