Tokyo is a fascinating destination… and cheaper than you would think. We are referring as much to the flight, as to the accommodation (thanks to, for example, the ryokan – traditional accommodation that due to the pristine spirit of the Japanese, creates a magical balance between simplicity, order, cleanliness and perfection) and food (for example, in Japanese franchises where you can eat good food for very cheap), etc.
If I were you I would seriously consider travelling to Japan. If the Iberia Joven young person discounts are not enough to entice you, we will let you in on a secret: three free things to do in Tokyo that you won’t already know. Ready?
1_ See the sun rise in Tsukiji, the fish market, and feel privileged. Waking up to the frenzy of Tokyo’s biggest and liveliest fish market, as well as being one o the biggest in the world. Tsukiji is synonymous with colours, smells and sounds and a great place to take photos – all for free.
The star of the fish market is the tuna auction. Each day, there is only room for 120 people. To get a place, anyone interested has to request it on the same day from five o’clock in the morning in the Osakana Fukyu Centre, located in the Kachidoki port. First come, first served. And free.
2_ Look at the city from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Offices Viewpoint. The building has two twin towers 243m high, in which there are observatories in each on floor 45. Entry, from 09:30 to 23:00 is completely free of charge. Some advice: the view from the south tower is slightly better.
3_ Immerse yourself in the Buddhist atmosphere of the Sensoji Temple, as well-known as the Asakusa Kannon Temple. Entrance to this, one of the most colourful and famous shrines, is totally free. In addition, there is no older temple in the capital. How to get there? Sensoji is only a few yards from the Asakusa station (metro lines Ginza and Asakusa).
Note: it is expected that, on November 2016, Tsukiji market will change location to Toyosu, an artificial island in Tokyo created in 1930.
Photo | Iñaki Pérez de Albéniz
