TripAdvisor have compiled their 2017 list of the best free tourist spots to visit based on comments and ratings on the service’s website over the past year. The list tallies 20 must-visit locations, all of which will have people baffled that they are actually free.
Coming in at number 1 this year is the “Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building.” Comments pointed towards the building’s observation deck being free as one of the highlights of the building. This has resulted in many tourists making their way to the building for a look themselves. A few years ago you would never see people lining up at the elevators, but now it’s not uncommon to see rows of people close to 50 meters on weekdays at noon.
Some other remarkable locations that ranked on the list are facilities related to beer brewery, specifically in Hokkaido, Shizuoka, Aichi, Kyoto and Osaka. This includes the Asahi Beer factories in Hokkaido, Suita (Osaka), Nagoya (Aichi), as well as “Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji” in Shizuoka and “Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory” in Kyoto, all of which can be toured for free. At three of the Asahi Beer factories and the Suntory Beer Factory you’re allowed to sample up to three beers for free after the tours, so there’s often a lot of people! “Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji” underwent reconstruction in 2014. There are free tours available on weekends and national holidays. You have to pay to try the samples here, but there’s a beer garden encased in the bliss of nature and you’re free to take snacks!
The Nozawa Onsen Public Baths (soto-yu) made its first ever appearance on the list. The people of the village offer the hot spring town’s 13 open air baths as community property. One comment said “You can enjoy 13 open air baths. There are many hot spring sources so I’m also thankful for that. Each of the baths have their own charm too you can enjoy each one of them individually. The water is pretty hot, but that’s what hot springs are all about!” (translated from Japanese)
Another new entry to the ranking is the “TOTO MUSEUM” which exhibits the history of the toilet company. TOTO was established in 1917 making this year the company’s 100th anniversary. To celebrate, the company opened the museum at its headquarters in Kitakyushu, Fukuoka in 2015. At the museum you can learn about the history of the business and the development of its products as well as how TOTO became architects of the plumbing industry.
Ranking List (names marked with * have made the list for the first time)
1st Place – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (Shinjuku, Tokyo)
2nd Place – Hiroshima National Peace Memorial Hall for the Atomic Bomb Victims* (Hiroshima-shi, Hiroshima)
3rd Place – Shugakuin Imperial Villa (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
4th Place – Katsura Imperial Villa (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
5th Place – Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts (Kyoto-shi, Kyoto)
6th Place – Okichan Theatre (Motobu, Okinawa Prefecture)
7th Place – Air Park (Air Self-Defense Force Hamamatsu Public Relations Hall) (Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
8th Place – Hotel New Otani – Japanese Garden (Chiyoda, Tokyo)
9th Place – ANA Kitai Kojo Kengaku* (Ōta, Tokyo)
10th Place – Tokyo Camii – Turkish Culture Center* (Shibuya, Tokyo)
11th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Hokkaido (Sapporo, Hokkaido)
12th Place – Japan Maritime Self Defence Force Museum (Kure, Hiroshima Prefecture)
13th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Suita* (Suita, Osaka)
14th Place – Nozawa Onsen Public Baths (Nozawa Onsen, Nagano Prefecture)
15th Place – Baird Brewery Garden Shuzenji* (Izu, Shizuoka Prefecture)
16th Place – Bunshokan* (Yamagata, Yamagata Prefecture)
17th Place – Suntory Kyoto Beer Factory (Nagaokakyo, Kyoto)
18th Place – TOTO MUSEUM* (Kitakyushu, Fukuoka Prefecture)
19th Place – Asahi Breweries, Ltd. Nagoya* (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture)
20th Place – JAL Kojo Kengaku Sky Museum (Ōta, Tokyo)
With such a big list, there’s plenty to be enjoying during your trip in Japan, whether it’s the government building, TOTO MUSEUM, a beer factory and even the hot springs. Be sure to bookmark this list as reference during your travels.
■Information
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.jp/
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[Channel47] Inbound Travel Product Allowing Visitors to Experience the “Real Japanese Countryside” in Iida, Nagano Prefecture Now on Sale
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DEEP EXPERIENCE THE INAKA -TENRYUKYO・IIDA CITY-■Tour Summary
This is a special tour that allows inbound visitors to experience the traditional culture and beautiful landscapes of Minami-Shinshu. By participating, guests can leave the hustle and bustle of the big city behind, appreciating the true essence of Japan by spending time in the quiet region of Tenryukyo, Iida City, Nagano Prefecture.◼︎Main Points
・A Three-day, two-night all-inclusive tour departing from JR Toyohashi Station with time spent in the Tenryukyo area in Iida City, Nagano Prefecture
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・Special snacks and drinks supervised by Yukimoto, a famous restaurant in Iida that was awarded Gold on Tabelog.
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・Experience traditional Japanese culture (mochi pounding, Fire Festival, Wayuraku, Ningyo Joururi, etc.)
・Stay in a farmhouse homestay to experience real life in the Japanese countryside◼︎Dates
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⑤ January 24-26, 2025◼︎Optional Menu
Dinner at ‘Yukimoto’
*Courses and drinks are not included in the tour price.◼︎Details/Contact
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Official Tour Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inaka_tenryukyo/ -
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