Free Tokyo

In Japan there are many fascinating places that you can enjoy for free. These include such diverse attractions as beer museums, food galleries, hi-tech consumer electronics showrooms, cosmetics factories and television studios. With so many different places to visit there’s bound to be something of interest for everyone.

Food & Drink Facilities

The Sapporo Beer Museum

Description : Come here for details of beer history and a clear explanation of the brewing process.
Open : 9:00-15:40
Close : Dec. 29 - Jan. 5
Contact : 011-731-4368 (Japanese)
Address : Kita 7-jo Higashi 9-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 10 min. by bus from JR Sapporo Sta.
URL : http://www.sapporobeer.jp/english/guide/sapporo/ (Japanese/English)

Area Guide

Otokoyama Sake Museum

Description : A display of various valuable items that explain the history and cultural significance of sake-brewing, a traditional Japanese technology. The exhibits include a number of documents of historical importance dating back around 330 years. Come to see not only the sake-brewing equipment, but also woodblock prints and literature featuring rice wine.
Open : 9:00 - 17:00
Close : Dec. 31- Jan. 3
Contact : 0166-48-1931 (Japanese)
Address : Nagayama 2-jo 7-chome, Asahikawa-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 20 min. by bus from JR Asahikawa Sta.
URL : http://www.otokoyama.com/english/otoko_b/
otoko_b2/index.html (Japanese/English)

Area Guide

Furano Wine Factory

Description : Furano is one of Japan's top winemaking areas, and the Furano Wine Factory is a key facility. Visitors can learn about the winemaking process and test taste the results. In June through August the factory is illuminated along with the adjoining lavender field, creating a beautiful and mysterious appearance.
Open : 11:00 - 20:00 (May.-Oct.), 11:00 - 19:00 (Nov.-Apr.)
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 0167-23-4155 (Japanese)
Address : Shimizuyama, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
Access : 5 min. by taxi from JR Furano Sta.

Area Guide

Furano Cheese Factory

Description : The cheese produced in this factory comes from cows milked on local dairy farms. Visitors can observe the process of making cheese and taste fresh samples. At a do-it-yourself facility, visitors can try their hand at making butter and ice cream.
Open : 9:00 - 17:00 (May-Oct.), 9:00 - 16:00 (Nov.-Apr.)
Close : Open every day (May.-Oct.). Closed on Sundays, and first and third Saturdays (Nov.-Apr.)
Contact : 0167-23-1156 (Japanese)
Address : Nakago-ku, Furano-shi, Hokkaido
Access : About 8 min. by car from JR Furano Sta.

Area Guide

Kirin Yokohama Beer Village

Description : Learn more about the history and production of beer in a relaxed atmosphere.
Open : 10:00 - 17:00
Close : Every Monday (Oct.-May.), Late Dec.- early Jan.
Contact : 045-503-8250 (Japanese/English)
Address : Kirin Beer Yokohama Factory, 1-17-1, Namamugi, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 8 min. walk from Namamugi Sta. on Keikyu Line
URL : http://www.kirin.co.jp/about/brewery/factory/yoko/ (Japanese)

Suzuhiro Kamaboko (Fishcake) Museum

Description : Find out more about various types of fishcake and fishpaste through exhibits and panel displays. Watch the masters make kamaboko using a traditional method.
Open : 10:00 - 17:00
Close : Late Dec. - early Jan.
Contact : 0465-24-6262 (Japanese/English)
Address : 245 Kazamatsuri, Odawara-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 7 min. by Hakone Tozan Tetsudo from Odawara Sta. to Kazamatsuri Sta. then about 1 min. walk

Area Guide

Suntory Tomi-no-oka Winery

Description : One of the largest wineries in the country. Visitors can observe winemaking, taste the wine, and go for walks.
Open : 9:30 - 16:40
Close : Late Dec.- early Jan., Every Saturday
Contact : 0551-28-7311 (Japanese)
Address : 2786 Onuta, Futaba-cho, Kitakoma-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access : 30 min. by taxi from JR Kofu Sta.
URL : http://www.suntory.co.jp/wine/tominooka/
guide/index.html (Japanese)

Area Guide

Mars Wine (Factory Tour)

Description : Visitors can observe the process of making wine through to the finished product, and enjoy the taste of luxury wine.
Open : 8:30 - 17:00
Close : Open every day
Contact : 055-262-4121 (Japanese)
Address : 126 Yamasaki, Isawa-cho, Higashiyatsushiro-gun, Yamanashi-ken
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Isawa-onsen Sta.

Instant Ramen Museum

Description : Panels and models illustrate the history of instant ramen, now a globally popular dish.
Open : 10:00 - 16:00
Close : Every Tuesday (or the next day, Wednesday, when Tuesday is a national holiday)
Contact : 0727-52-0825 (Japanese)
Address : 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda-shi, Osaka
Access : About 7 min. walk from Ikeda Sta. on Hankyu Takarazuka Line

Kawachi Wine Kan

Description : A display devoted to the history of winemaking and the tools that are used. Wine-tasting is an option.
Open : 10:00-17:00
Close : Open every day
Contact : 0729-56-0181 (Japanese)
Address : 1027 Komagatani, Habikino-shi, Osaka
Access : About 8 min. walk from Komagatani Sta. on Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line

Kobe Shushinkan

Description : Four sake-making facilities including a brew house are used to offer insights into the process of producing rice wine, and into Japanese culture itself. There's also a sake-tasting area.
Open : 10:00 - 18:00
Close : Open every day except Jan. 1-3
Contact : 078-841-1121 (Japanese)
Address : 1-8-17 Mikagetuka-machi, Higashinada-ku, Kobe-shi, Hyogo-ken
Access : About 9 min. by Hanshin Line from Sannomiya Sta. to Ishiyagawa Sta. then about 8 min. walk

Area Guide

Rice Gallery Ginza

Description : Come here to get a clear idea of the rice-production process. Feel free to take home and try out the rice recipes provided. Possible purchases include cosmetics, ice cream and tableware--all made using rice.
Open : 11:00-19:00
Close : Every Monday
Contact : 03-3289-7300 (Japanese)
Address : 1 & 2F, Ginza Gas Hall Bldg., 7-9-15 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 3 min. walk from Subway Ginza Sta.

Area Guide

Rice Gallery Shinsaibashi

Open : 11:00-19:30
Close : Every Monday
Contact : 06-6245-4219 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Chiyoda Seimei Midosuji Bldg., 1-5-5 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka
Access : About 3 min. walk from Shinsaibashi Sta. on Subway Midosuji Line

Area Guide

Rice Gallery Tenjin

Open : 10:00 - 20:00
Close : Third Tuesday
Contact : 092-725-4841 (Japanese)
Address : 6F, IMS, 1-7-11 Tenjin, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka-shi, Fukuoka-ken
Access : About 3 min. walk from Subway Tenjin Sta.

Area Guide

Index

Great Locations for Cosmetics Fans

Shiseido Cosmetic Garden [C] Omotesando

Description : A showroom featuring Shiseido's cosmetic products. You can refer to monitors for guidance on technique as you explore the product range. Specialist staff are on hand to offer further advice.
Open : 11:00 - 19:30
Close : Every Monday, second Tuesday
Contact : 03-5474-1534 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Harajuku Piaza Bldg., 4-26-18 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 7 min. walk from Omotesando Sta. on Subway Ginza Line

Area Guide

Shiseido Kamakura Factory

Description : The Shiseido Kamaura Factory includes the Shiseido Gallery. Here there is an area for trying out cosmetics.
Open : 9:00 - 16:00
Close : Every Saturday and Sunday. National holidays
Contact : 0467-44-6141 (Japanese)
Address : 1-2-3 Iwase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa-ken
Access : About 10 min. walk from JR Ofuna Sta.

Menard Cosmetage

Description : As well as trying out cosmetics, you can also help yourself to a leisurely cup of tea. Staff can offer advice about how to care for skin.
Open : 11:00 - 19:30
Close : Every Sunday and national holidays
Contact : 0120-194362 (Japanese)
Address : 1F, Shinjuku L-Tower, 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Access : About 5 min. walk from JR Shinjuku Sta.

Area Guide

Index

Household Appliances

National Center TOKYO

Address : 1-5-1 Higashi-Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Tel : 03-6218-0010
Access : 1-min. walk from Shiodome Sta. on Subway Toei Oedo Line.
Hours : 10:00-19:00; 10:00-18:00 on Sun.
URL : http://national.jp/center/tokyo/

TOTO Super Space

Address : 26th Fl.; & 27th Fl., Shinjuku L Tower, 1-6-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Tel : 03-3345-1010
Access : 5-min. walk from Shinjuku Sta. (West Exit)
Hours : 10:00-18:00 Closed on the 1st and 2nd Wed.
URL : http://www.e-seikatsutoto.com/sr_new/scripts/
tenji.asp?sr=028&corner=K

All information is based on data as of May 2007 and is subject to change without notice.
© 2007 Japan National Tourist Organization. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.