A free observation deck
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has free observation floors with views across the city, and Mount Fuji on clear days.
Tokyo has a reputation for being expensive, but some of the best plans cost little or nothing. Perfect for students, working holiday people, or anyone saving for the next trip. Prices and opening days change, so check before you go.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku has free observation floors with views across the city, and Mount Fuji on clear days.
Meiji Jingu in Harajuku and Sensō-ji in Asakusa are free to walk around. Go early morning for a calmer visit.
Yoyogi Park is free and huge. Grab konbini snacks and a sheet, and you've got an afternoon.
Yanaka's old lanes, the Meguro River, or Kagurazaka's alleys. Walking side by side is one of the easiest ways to talk.
Most weekends there's a matsuri somewhere. Watching the mikoshi is free; the food stalls are optional.
Shimokitazawa's vintage shops, Harajuku's back streets, or a giant electronics store in Akihabara. Browsing costs nothing.
Shopping streets like Togoshi Ginza or Sunamachi Ginza are full of croquettes, skewers and sweets for a few hundred yen each. Share a bit of everything.
A surprisingly good meal for little money, and very Tokyo.
Public baths cost around ¥500 in Tokyo. Relaxing, local, and a great story for anyone new. Check tattoo rules first.
Weekday daytime rates are often much cheaper than evenings, especially with a drink bar.
Cheap drinks, quick and chatty. Everyone stands shoulder to shoulder, which makes talking easy.
One drink, then a stroll. The classic low-cost first meet. Where to get a good one.
Buy Me a Matcha is free. It shows you people in Tokyo who speak English and also want new friends. Match, pick a café, and meet one-on-one over a matcha. Not a dating app.
Get it on the App Store