"Free" open day/activities in Tokyo

We are going to JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency - the Japanized version of NASA) center in Tsukuba this Saturday, for an open day. I think it is going to be fun, for both parents and kids (we are going there with Fendi and Liya).

Anyway, for those who are interested in a day outing at JAXA center in Tokyo, the Open House of Aerospace Research Center is scheduled on 20 April 2008, more details could be found here.
While I am at this, might as well share other "Tokyo-for-free" stuff.

For those who are interested in visiting Ueno Zoo for free, there is no admission charges on March 20 (Ueno Zoo's Anniversary Day), May 4 (Greenery Day), and October 1 (Tokyo Citizens' Day).

Yokoso Japan is a site to check from time to time especially during Yokoso Month campaign (late January to end of February). Normally there will be two days of no admission charges to enter Tobu World Square and another two days for Nikko Edo Wonderland back to back. Information on these free open days (including bus from Kinugawa Onsen eki to these two theme parks) is never published on the respected sites, but could only be found out by checking on Yokoso Japan's site (different dates for 2007 and 2008, so no surprise if it is going to be different again in following years)

Then, there's the free , New Discovery of Akihabara tour, which would be a good option to do on Saturday so as not to miss the visit to Anime University (no visit on Sunday). There's also free guided tour of Asakusa on Sundays, available at Asakusa Travel Information Center, located conveniently just opposite the famous Kaminarimon gate.

And if museum is your cup of tea, you might want to try out Currency Museum in Nihombashi (opened on weekends), or Sumo Museum in Ryogoku (closed on Sunday, Saturday and public holidays), or Tsubouchi Memorial Theatre Museum in Waseda University (closed on lots of days - but one can always check the website for more information), or just visit Sannomaru Shozokan, in East Garden of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo Higashi Gyoen) which houses art treasures belonging to the Imperial family. The garden is closed on Mondays and Fridays. The Imperial Palace buildings and inner gardens are opened twice a year, for public appearances of the Imperial family members on January 2 (New Year's Greeting) and the current Emperor's birthday (for now, it is December 23).

Then, there are plenty of industry-related museums like TEPCO's Electric Power Historical Museum in Shibuya (closed on Mondays), or NHK Museum of Broadcasting, also in Shibuya (and closed on Mondays too). Odaiba/Shiodome area houses some interesting showcases too such as Panasonic Center, National Home Center and Toyota Meg@web. If you are a Ferrari enthusiast like my hubby, there's a former F1 model used by Schumi on exhibition at Shell Cafe Museum (closed on Saturdays) on the first floor of Daiba Frontier Building (the same building which houses Saizeriya restaurant, just next to Daiba Kaihin Koen eki on Yurikamome line). Or if you are in Shinjuku, maybe a drop at Living Design Center Ozone in Shinjuku Park Tower will remind you a bit of a trip to IKEA, only with more tasteful and stimulating exhibits.

If a stroll in a Japanese style garden is what you have in mind, then feel free to go to either Chinzan-so or New Otani Hotel. Ninomaru area in Kokyo Higashi Gyoen too has been maintained as an Edo Period Japanese garden.

Many are aware that one can visit the observation decks on Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building , better known as Toucho, for free. For different views of Tokyo, one could also give observation decks at Shinjuku Nomura Building and Shinjuku Sumitomo building a chance. Less tourists there, and no toy shop (like the one they have in Toucho, which could be a threat to parents with kids who would guling-guling on the floor unabashedly insisting on getting expensive toys)