Are you looking for free things to do in Japan? These are the best places to visit:
1
Sapporo Beer Museum
SapporoThe Sapporo Beer Museum is situated in the Sapporo Garden Park in Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique cultural experience for tourists interested in the history of beer production in Japan. 2
Nagoya City Municipal Archives Museum
NagoyaThe Nagoya City Municipal Archives is a historic building situated in the city of Nagoya, in the Aichi Prefecture of Japan. This building holds significant historical value and provides a glimpse into the architectural trends of the past. 3
Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum
TokyoThe Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, situated in the scenic Ueno Park in Tokyo, Japan, is a government-supported institution. This location offers visitors the opportunity to combine a visit to the museum with a stroll through the park, making it an ideal destination for art and nature lovers alike. 4
Naramachi Karakuri Toy Museum
NaraOpened in 2012, this museum invites all children to come and play with their collections of traditional Japanese toys. Suitable for adults as well. 5
Chichu Art Museum
Naoshima 6
Meguro Parasitological Museum
TokyoThe Meguro Parasitological Museum, located in the Meguro Ward of central Tokyo, Japan, is a unique science museum dedicated to the study of parasites and parasitology. This museum offers a unique opportunity to learn about a diverse range of parasites and their life cycles. 7
Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims
HiroshimaThe memorial hall was built in 2002 by Kenzo Tange to commemorate the victims of the nuclear attack. The institution stores memories and stories from the survivors, photographs, and names of the victims. 8
Naramachi Museum
NaraVisit this quaint museum if looking for information about Nara, its history, and local culture. 9
JMSDF Kure Museum
Kure 10
Tokyo Water Science Museum
Koto 11
Daigo Fukuryu Maru Exhibition Hall
Koto 12
TOTO Museum
KitakyushuThis unique museum displays toilets & tableware made by the Toto company, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2016. Entry is free and the whole exhibitions is located in a beautiful modern building, so it is worth a short visit even if you are not interested in toilets. 13
Suginami Animation Museum
Suginami 14
Ad Museum Tokyo
MinatoTokyo boasts a plethora of museums that document nearly everything you can think of. This museum, opened in 2002, definitely belongs among the more unusual ones - it maps adverts in Japan from as early as the Edo period until today. In addition to that, the museum also aims to promote research of 15
5-Days Children's Cultural Science Museum
HiroshimaChildren are allowed not only to observe, but also to touch things in order to understand science in this museum. There's also a planetarium show. 16
Mint Museum
Osaka PrefectureOpened in 1971, this fascinating museum describes coin production in Japan. Explore the history and development of local coin-making and see more than 4000 items such as historical coins and documents. Guided tours are available. The museum is surrounded by a peaceful cherry tree garden - an ideal 17
Tokyo Fire Department Firefighting and Disaster Prevention Reference Center
Tokyo 18
Tsunami and Storm Surge Disaster Prevention Station
Osaka PrefectureAn educational center and museum which seeks to educate the general public about the natural disasters that have occurred in Osaka. It also teaches its visitors how to behave when an earthquake or tsunami might hit the city in the future.- 19
CupNoodles Museum
Ikeda 20
Saga Castle History Museum
Saga Prefecture- 21
Madame Tussauds Tokyo
MinatoAn iconic wax museum named after its founder, Marie Tussaud, dates back to the second half of the 18th century. Among the first figures Marie made herself were e.g. Voltaire and Benjamin Franklin. Today, you can find Madame Tussauds museums all over the world. They display wax doppelgangers of wel 22
Nagasaki Prefectural Art Museum
NagasakiOpened in 2005, this museum mainly features Nagasaki-related artworks, that is artworks that either portray Nagasaki, or were made by Nagasaki-born artists. You can also find one of the largest collections of Spanish art here.- 23
Toyako Visitor Center
Toyako 24
The Shoto Museum of Art
Shibuya 25
Hiroshima City Manga Library
HiroshimaAll manga lovers will be excited! Go through more than 100,000 pieces of manga related materials or borrow manga magazines. 26
Honkawa Elementary School Peace Museum
Hiroshima 27
Jinpūkaku
Tottori 28
Mitsubishi UFJ Money Museum
NagoyaThe Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Money Museum, located in Nagoya, central Japan, is a numismatic museum that opened its doors in 1961. Originally known as the 'Tokai Bank Money Museum', it underwent a name change in 2006 due to bank mergers. 29
Japan Coast Guard Museum YOKOHAMA
YokohamaThe Japan Coast Guard Museum YOKOHAMA is a museum situated in Yokohama, Japan. It is dedicated to maritime safety and the Japanese Coast Guard. This museum provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history and role of the Japanese Coast Guard in ensuring maritime safety. 30
Ishikawa Aviation Plaza
Komatsu 31
Chanpon Museum
NagasakiThis museum and restaurant in one is all about a local culinary speciality - the Chanpon (also called Champon) noodle dish, which is a unique type of ramen only made in the Nagasaki area. There is also a shop selling some Nagasaki memorabilia. 32
Kyoto City Archaeological Museum
KyotoThe Kyoto City Archaeological Museum, located in Kamigyō-ku, Kyoto, Japan, is a museum that houses an extensive archaeological collection. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in archaeology and the history of Kyoto. 33
Odawara City Local Culture Museum
Odawara 34
Perry Memorial Hall
Yokosuka 35
Ome Municipal Museum of Provincial History
Ome 36
Ebina City Onkokan
Ebina 37
Fukuoka Akarenga Cultural Center
Fukuoka Prefecture 38
Police Museum
Chuo 39
The Museum of Modern Japanese Literature
Meguro 40
Nishi Chaya Shiryokan Museum
Kanazawa 41
Toei Animation Museum
Tokyo 42
Sino-Japan Peace Treaty Memorial Hall
Shimonoseki 43
Ashigaru Shiryokan Museum
Kanazawa 44
Pierson Memorial Museum
Kitami 45
Fukuromachi Elementary School Peace Museum
Hiroshima 46
The Bank of Japan Otaru Museum
Otaru 47
Waseda University Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum
Shinjuku 48
The Kyushu Ceramic Museum
Arita 49
National Archives of Japan
Chiyoda 50
Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
Minato 51
Miyazaki Prefectural Museum of Nature and History
Miyazaki Prefecture 52
Shokei-Kan
Chiyoda 53
Sapporo Salmon Museum
SapporoLearn about the salmon life cycle in this nice museum located right in the heart of the park.- 54
Hamafukutsuru Ginjo Brewery
Kobe 55
WoodEgg Okonomiyaki Museum
HiroshimaThe museum is dedicated to okonomiyaki, a typical Japanese pancake stuffed with various ingredients. Note the shape of the structure. 56
Edogawa Natural Zoo
Edogawa 57
Lake Biwa Canal Museum of Kyoto
KyotoThe Lake Biwa Canal Museum is a commemorative establishment situated in the Sakyō ward of Kyoto city. It is conveniently located near the Murin-an garden, making it an accessible destination for tourists exploring the area. The museum offers a deep dive into the history and significance of the Lake Biwa Canal, providing a unique cultural experience. 58
Sapporo City Transportation Museum
SapporoExplore the history of the city and admire its beautiful historic building. A place worth visiting not only for history enthusiasts. 59
Takaoka Castle Park Zoo
Takaoka 60
Nishiyama Zoo
Sabae 61
Yumemigasaki Zoological Park
Kawasaki 62
North Safari Sapporo
Sapporo 63
Nogeyama Zoological Gardens
YokohamaNogeyama Zoological Gardens is a free zoo that is situated in Nogeyama Park, in the Nishi-ku district of Yokohama, Japan. This location offers visitors the opportunity to explore a variety of wildlife without any admission fee. The zoo's location within a park also provides a serene and natural environment that enhances the overall visitor experience. 64
Osaka City Sewerage Science Museum
Osaka PrefectureThis interesting museum is focused on role of water and sewerage system in our life. It is very unusual museum, where you can learn many new things. 65
The University Museum, The University of Tokyo
Bunkyo 66
Sapporo Artpark
SapporoSapporo Art Park, located in Minami-ku, Sapporo, is an open-air complex dedicated to visual and performing arts. The park offers a variety of exhibits and facilities, providing a unique cultural experience in harmony with the natural beauty of Sapporo. It's a place where art and nature coexist, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate both. 67
Niigata Learning Center For Humans & The Environment
Niigata 68
San’in Kaigan Geopark Center
Shin-onsen 69
The Kids Science Museum of Photons
Kizugawa 70
Hokkaido University Museum
SapporoThe Hokkaido University Museum, located in Sapporo, Hokkaidō, Japan, was established in 1999. It is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering visitors a chance to explore a vast collection of materials and learn about the history and culture of Hokkaido. 71
Matsudo City Museum
Matsudo 72
Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum
Kobe 73
Yokote Masuda Manga Museum
Yokote 74
JGSDF Public Information Center - Rikkun Land
Asaka 75
Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum
KaratsuThe Saga Prefectural Nagoya Castle Museum, located in Karatsu, Saga Prefecture, Japan, was inaugurated in 1993. The museum is situated on the site of the historic Nagoya Castle, which was constructed in 1591 and served as a base for Hideyoshi's invasion of Korea. This historical context provides a unique backdrop for the museum and its exhibits.- 76
Hokkaido Railway Technology Museum
SapporoTake your family to this unique museum to see the history of railway in Japan. A must-visit for railway enthusiasts as well. 77
Kumano Hongu Heritage Center
Tanabe 78
Ginowan City Museum
Ginowan 79
Higashitagawa Culture Memorial Hall
Tsuruoka 80
Niigata Manga Animation Museum
Niigata 81
Sapporo Sewerage Science Museum
Sapporo 82
Akita Prefectural Museum
Akita Prefecture 83
The Suiboku Museum, Toyama
Toyama Prefecture 84
Gas Museum
Kodaira 85
Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum
Kobe 86
Shigaraki Ceramic Cultural Park- Ceramics Museum
Koka 87
Shuin Naito Memorial Museum of Watercolors
Shonai 88
Toyohashi City Museum of Art and History
Toyohashi 89
Rokkasho Visitors Center
Rokkasho 90
Uemura Adventure Museum
Tokyo- 91
Joyama Zoo
Nagano 92
Tabata Memorial Museum of Writers and Artists
Kita 93
Hitachi City Museum
Hitachi 94
Tokyo Waterworks Historical Museum
Bunkyo 95
Kobe City Museum
Kobe- 96
Nakayoshi Zoo
Kuriyama 97
British House Yokohama
Yokohama 98
Banknote and Postage Stamp Museum
Kita 99
Onomichi City Museum of Art
Onomichi- 100
Hiratsuka Park Petting Zoo
Hiratsuka 101
Hiroshima University Museum
Higashi Hiroshima- 102
Nakayoshi Square - Nogeyama Zoological Gardens
Yokohama - 103
Shinozaki Pony Land
Edogawa 104
NTT History Center of Technologies
Musashino 105
Bluff No.111
Yokohama 106
Institute of Science Tokyo Museum and Archives
Meguro 107
JRA Race Museum
Fuchu 108
Narita Airport and Community Historical Museum
Shibayama 109
Narita Yokan Museum
Narita- 110
Sakurajima Visitor Centre
Kagoshima Prefecture 111
Mogami Yoshiaki Historical Museum
Yamagata 112
Saga Prefectural Art Museum
Saga Prefecture- 113
Exhibition for History of Carl Raymon
Hakodate - 114
Global Oceanographic Data Center -GODAC
Nago - 115
Helios Distillery
Nago 116
JMSDF Sasebo Museum Sail Tower
Sasebo- 117
Toyama Prefecture Itai-Itai Disease Museum
Toyama Prefecture 118
Iwakuni Chōkokan
Iwakuni- 119
Takeo Onsen New Building
Takeo - 120
Manda Pit Station
Arao - 121
Suntory Whiskey Museum
Hokuto - 122
Nemuro City History and Nature Museum
Nemuro - 123
GEORIA -Izu Peninsula Geopark Museum
Izu - 124
Suzuki Plaza
Hamamatsu - 125
Japanese Overseas Migration Museum
Yokohama - 126
Kakonoura Historical Museum
Bizen - 127
Rausu Municipal Museum
Rausu - 128
Polar Science Museum
Tachikawa 129
Akita Prefectural Museum of Agricultural Science
Daisen 130
Saga University Art Museum
Saga Prefecture- 131
Nara Craft Museum
Nara - 132
Intermediatheque
Chiyoda 133
Kumamoto City Water Science Museum
Kumamoto- 134
Kyoto Museum of Photography
Kyoto 135
Hakone Geomuseum
Hakone 136
Miyazaki Prefectural Art Museum
Miyazaki Prefecture- 137
Waterworks Memorial Museum
Osaka PrefectureThis museum provides a deep introduction into water system of Osaka. You will see what happens with the water before it will get to your water tap. Very intriguing exposition! 138
Osaka Museum of Science and Technology
Osaka Prefecture 139
Ninomaru Art Museum
Kakegawa- 140
Takayama Museum of History and Art
Takayama - 141
TOKYO Minatorie
Koto 142
Bank of Japan Currency Museum
TokyoThe Bank of Japan Currency Museum, located in the Chūō district of Tokyo, is a dedicated institution showcasing the history and evolution of the country's currency. It is housed in one of the buildings of the Bank of Japan, making it a significant location for those interested in the financial history of Japan. 143
Sato Art Museum
Tokyo 144
Meiji University Museum
TokyoThe Meiji University Museum is an educational institution managed by Meiji University. It is situated within the Surugadai campus of the university. The museum is a significant cultural and educational hub, offering a unique blend of exhibits and collections that reflect the diverse academic disciplines of the university. 145
Osaka Prefectural Museum of Kamigata Comedy and Performing Arts
Osaka PrefectureIf you are interested in traditional Japanese drama, do not miss this museum, that provides exposition of costumes and other stage items from Kamigata comedies and Rakugo storytelling. 146
The Bank of Yanagihara Memorial Museum
Kyoto 147
Beni Museum
Minato 148
Nakamura Tsune Atelier Museum
Shinjuku 149
Memorial Museum for Soldiers, Detainees in Siberia, and Postwar Repatriates
Shinjuku 150
Min-on Music Museum
Shinjuku 151
Sawanotsuru Sake Museum
Kobe 152
Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art Oji Branch Haradanomori Gallery
Kobe 153
Parliamentary Museum
Chiyoda 154
Koishikawa Annex, Museum of Architecture, The University Museum, The University of Tokyo
Bunkyo 155
Museum of Health and Medicine Bunkyo
Bunkyo 156
Toyohashi Museum of Natural History
Toyohashi 157
Ichikawa History Museum
Ichikawa 158
Geological Museum Tsukuba
TsukubaThe Geological Museum, which is part of the Geological Survey of Japan, is located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. It was officially opened to the public in 1980. This museum is a significant destination for those interested in geology and earth sciences, offering a unique insight into the geological history of Japan. 159
Science Museum of Map and Survey
TsukubaThe Science Museum of Map and Survey, located in Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan, is a unique institution dedicated to the fields of mapping and surveying. Visitors can explore a variety of exhibits and displays that delve into these fascinating disciplines, offering a unique perspective on the world around us. 160
Nara Prefecture Complex of Man'yo Culture
AsukaThe Man'yo Culture Museum, also known as Nara-kenritsu Man'yō Bunkakan, is situated in the scenic Asuka village in Nara Prefecture, Japan. This location is not only rich in natural beauty but also steeped in history, making it an interesting destination for tourists. 161
Funabashi City Historical Museum
Funabashi 162
Miyagi Tsunami Disaster Memorial Museum
Ishinomaki 163
Hanno Municipal Museum
Hanno 164
Daiichi Sankyo Kusuri Museum
Chuo 165
Ryogoku Fireworks Museum
Sumida- 166
Ryukyu Shimpo Newspaper Museum
Naha - 167
Uruma City Ishikawa Museum of History and Folklore
Uruma - 168
Noboribetsu Cultural Exchange Center Kant Lera
Noboribetsu - 169
Iwaki Local History Museum
Yurihonjo - 170
Tomakomai Port Museum
Tomakomai - 171
Regional Disaster Prevention Facility Tsurumi River Basin Center
Yokohama - 172
Nagisa Museum
Tateyama - 173
Onna Village Museum
Onna - 174
Heijo Palace Site Museum
Nara - 175
Betty Smith Jeans Museum & Village
Kurashiki - 176
Science Square TSUKUBA
Tsukuba - 177
Yokohama Yamate Tennis Birthplace Memorial Hall
Yokohama - 178
Odorikonosato Museum
Oshima Subprefecture - 179
Sanuki Folk Art Museum
Takamatsu - 180
Ashiribetsu Local Museum
Sapporo - 181
Amabe Kofun Historical Museum
Oita Prefecture - 182
Miyazawa Kenji Ihatov Museum
Hanamaki - 183
Saga City Cultural Museum
Saga Prefecture - 184
Japan Atomic Power Company Tsuruga Visitor center
Tsuruga - 185
Mikawachi Ceramics Museum
Sasebo - 186
Amashinkaikan
Amagasaki - 187
Toyako Summit Memorial Museum
Toyako - 188
旧奥行臼駅逓所
Betsukai - 189
Naha Hārī Museum
Naha - 190
大湯こけし館
Kazuno - 191
YKK Center Park
Kurobe - 192
Honjo Local Museum
Yurihonjo - 193
Toyokawa City Center of Peace Exchange
Toyokawa - 194
Ippongi Park Exhibition Hall
Nakano - 195
Airport History Museum
Chitose - 196
Sky museum
Chitose - 197
Toyogawashi Goyunomatsunamiki Museum
Toyokawa - 198
Yosami Radio Transmitting Station Memorial Museum
Kariya - 199
Hamaoka Nuclear Power Museum
Omaezaki - 200
Ishikawa Forestry Experiment Exhibition Hall
Hakusan