Super Cheap Japan: Budget Travel in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Hiroshima and Surrounding Areas (Super Cheap Guides Book 1)

Design Festa Gallery (デザインフェスタギャラリー) A host of small galleries, more than 70 when at full capacity, showing off the latest up-and-coming artists. All sorts of styles, and ever changing exhibitions on display. Design Festa has become a bit of an institution in Harajuku, and makes going to an expensive gallery unnecessary for most. FREE • Times vary

National Museum of Nature and Science (国立科学博物館) Split into a Japan Gallery and a Global Gallery, this museum thankfully has English explanations for large number of exhibits. As well as having standard exhibitions on dinosaurs and nature, visitors can also learn about the history of humans in Japan and the ecologically diverse islands. Definitely r

5. Shibuya Featuring Tokyo’s most photographed area, the Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble, this hyperactive area has lots of people watching and window shopping opportunities for budget travelers.

Tokyo National Museum (東京国立博物館) The first stop for anyone with a keen interest in Japanese history, art, design or fashion.

4. Shimo-Kitazawa A maze of narrow streets, that look completely unchanged from the 50’s or 60’s. No ugly skyscrapers here.

Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum (東京都美術館) A prefectural art museum, largely built underground so as not to stand out too much in the green park.

7. Tokyo Metropolitan Observation Decks Skip the pricey SkyTree and head to this free observation deck for a spectacular view over the city.

Meiji Jingu Meiji Jingu Shrine (明治神宮) Located next to Yoyogi Park, Meiji

Mount Takao The essential hiking day trip from Tokyo. Super cheap to access, easy to navigate and all you can drink beer at the top!