Did you know that every year on October 1st is Tokyo Citizen’s Day (都民の日)?
On this special day, many museums, zoos, and cultural facilities in Tokyo open their doors for free admission. Even if you’re not a Tokyo resident, you can enjoy the benefits—so it’s the perfect chance to explore the city without spending a yen on entry fees!
Here is a list of places to visit for free on Tokyo Citizen’s Day:
🐼 Zoos & Aquariums
- Ueno Zoo(恩賜上野動物園) (famous for giant pandas)
- Tama Zoological Park(多摩動物公園) (Hino City – large, open-air zoo)
- Inokashira Park Zoo(井の頭自然文化園) (Kichijoji – small, cozy zoo)
- Tokyo Sea Life Park(葛西臨海水族園) (Kasai Rinkai Suizokuen – known for its tuna and penguins)
🎨 Museums & Culture
- Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum(東京都美術館) (special free exhibitions may apply)
- Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum(江戸東京たてもの園) (Koganei Park – historic houses & buildings)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum(東京都庭園美術館) (Shirokanedai – famous for Art Deco style building & gardens)
- Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (東京都写真美術館) (Ebisu – photography & media art)
- Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (東京都現代美術館) (Kiba – contemporary art exhibitions)
🌿 Gardens & Nature
- Hamarikyu Gardens(浜離宮恩賜庭園) (Shiodome – Japanese garden with tea house)
- Rikugien Garden(六義園) (Bunkyo – Edo-period strolling garden)
- Kiyosumi Gardens(清澄庭園) (Fukagawa – pond and stepping stones)
- Tonogayato Garden(殿ヶ谷戸庭園) (Kokubunji – traditional landscaping)
- Jindai Botanical Gardens(神代植物公園) (Chofu – huge collection of plants and flowers)
- Yumenoshima Tropical Greenhouse Dome(夢の島熱帯植物館) (Koto – botanical garden)
- Kyu Shiba Rikyu Gardens (旧芝離宮恩賜庭園) (near Hamamatsuchō – one of Tokyo’s oldest gardens)
- Koishikawa Korakuen (小石川後楽園) (Bunkyo – Chinese-style influences, autumn leaves)
- Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens (旧岩崎邸庭園) (Western-style mansion & gardens in Ueno)
- Mukojima Hyakkaen Gardens (向島百花園) (Sumida – seasonal flowers)
- Kyu Furukawa Gardens (旧古河庭園) (Western-style rose garden + Japanese garden, Kita)
- Tokyo Port Wild Bird Park (東京港野鳥公園) (Ota – birdwatching paradise)
Here are my recommended spots to check out:
1. Ueno Zoo(恩賜上野動物園)
Located right in Ueno Park, Ueno Zoo is Japan’s oldest zoo and home to its most famous residents: the giant pandas. The zoo also houses over 3,000 animals, from elephants to tigers, making it a fun and family-friendly stop. And on Tokyo Citizen’s Day, you can see them all for free!
2. Tama Zoological Park(多摩動物公園)
If you prefer a less crowded zoo, head out to Tama Zoological Park in Hino. It’s much larger than Ueno Zoo and offers wide, open spaces that feel closer to a natural environment. The highlight here is the lion bus, where you can ride through the lion habitat.
3. Tokyo Sea Life Park(葛西臨海水族園)
Located inside Kasai Rinkai Park, Tokyo Sea Life Park (Kasai Rinkai Suizokuen) is famous for its giant bluefin tuna tank and adorable penguins. It’s a great spot for kids and adults alike, and after exploring the aquarium, you can stroll along the waterfront park with views of Tokyo Bay.
4. Rikugien Garden (六義園)
If you’re more into tranquil strolls, Rikugien Garden in Bunkyo is one of Tokyo’s most beautiful Edo-period gardens. With its large pond, elegant bridges, and winding paths, it feels like stepping back in time. It’s especially lovely in autumn, when the leaves start turning red and gold.
5. Kiyosumi Gardens (清澄庭園)
Another fantastic Japanese garden is Kiyosumi Gardens in Fukagawa. It’s known for its large pond filled with koi fish and turtles, and the famous stepping stones that let you walk across the water. The quiet atmosphere makes it a perfect escape from Tokyo’s busy streets.
6. Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens (旧岩崎邸庭園)
Once the residence of the Iwasaki family (founders of Mitsubishi), Kyu Iwasaki-tei Gardens is a fascinating mix of Western and Japanese architecture. The Western-style mansion has elegant woodwork and stained glass, while the surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat.
7. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo (東京都現代美術館)
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Kiba. The museum hosts thought-provoking exhibitions featuring both Japanese and international artists, with everything from installations to media art. It’s a fantastic chance to experience cutting-edge creativity—for free!
8. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum (江戸東京たてもの園)
For something unique, head to Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum in Koganei Park. Here you can wander through historic houses, old shops, and traditional bathhouses that were relocated from across Tokyo. It feels like walking through a time capsule, and it’s a lot of fun for photography.
Final Thoughts
Tokyo Citizens’ Day is the perfect excuse to go exploring. Whether you want to see pandas at Ueno Zoo, stroll through peaceful gardens like Rikugien and Kiyosumi, or dive into art and history at Tokyo’s museums, there’s something for everyone—and it’s all free on October 1st.
So mark your calendar, grab your walking shoes, and make the most of this once-a-year opportunity to enjoy Tokyo’s best attractions without spending a yen!
🎉 If you’re excited about exploring Tokyo’s top museums, zoos, and gardens for free on Tokyo Citizen’s Day but aren’t sure how to plan it all, I can help! 🏙️
I offer personalized trip coordination—from creating a smooth itinerary that covers the best free-admission spots, to arranging nearby cultural experiences, local food stops, and even cozy accommodations. That way, you can just enjoy Tokyo’s incredible attractions without worrying about the details—or your budget.
