Shibuya is the Heart of Tokyo’s Youth Culture.
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant and bustling districts, renowned for its fashion, entertainment, and cultural significance. As a major transportation hub, Shibuya Station connects several key train lines, making it easy to access from all over the city.
Shibuya is famous for its landmarks, such as the bustling Shibuya Crossing, known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, and the Hachiko Statue, a beloved meeting spot that tells the heartwarming story of a loyal dog. The district is also a cultural and artistic hub, with many galleries, museums, and creative spaces hosting various exhibitions and events.
With its cosmopolitan atmosphere, Shibuya is welcoming to international visitors, and English-speaking staff are common in many shops and restaurants. Whether you’re into fashion, nightlife, or simply want to experience the dynamic energy of Tokyo, Shibuya is a must-visit destination that offers something for everyone.
Activities in Shibuya
Shibuya scramble crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the most famous and busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, located in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan. Here are the key points about Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
During peak times, it’s estimated that up to 3,000 people cross the intersection with every light change.
Several nearby buildings, such as Shibuya Scramble Square and Starbucks in the QFRONT building, offer excellent vantage points to view the crossing from above, providing a unique perspective on the organized chaos below.
Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky is an observation deck located at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building in Tokyo.
The observation deck is one of the highest in Tokyo, offering panoramic views of the city from 229 meters (about 750 feet) above ground. It spans the 45th to 47th floors of the building.
Shibuya Sky provides unobstructed 360-degree views of Tokyo. On clear days, visitors can see iconic landmarks such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and even Mount Fuji in the distance.
Opening Hours : 10:00-22:30 (Last admission 21:20)
Shibuya Center Gai
The downtown area stretches approximately 350 meters from the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing. This lively street is lined with fashion boutiques, various stores, cafes, taverns, karaoke parlors, and shops of all genres, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists to experience the vibrant culture and trends of young people.
Cat Street
Cat Street serves as a charming promenade linking Harajuku to Shibuya. Contrasting the upscale boutiques of the main thoroughfare, it boasts an array of streetwear brands and eclectic shops, inviting visitors to explore its hidden gems. Nestled among them are quaint cafes, offering a serene respite for weary sightseers.
Hachiko Memorial Statue
The statue of Hachiko, which sits just outside the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station, is modeled after Hachiko in Akita Prefecture, who waited here for his master to return home from work in the 1920s and continued to wait for nine years after his death from illness. Today, it is known as the most famous meeting place at Shibuya Station, and many people stand around Hachiko every day.
Maruyamacho Area
Maruyama-cho, once a flourishing red-light district, retains its traditional buildings and atmosphere. It is now a nightlife hub with many restaurants, bars, and clubs, becoming especially lively at night. The area is also known for its approximately 300 love hotels.
Konnoh Hachimangu Shrine
The magnificent red shrine building, a valuable structure registered as a cultural property of the ward, is a famous Tokyo landmark showcasing Edo architectural style. Known for blessings in traffic safety, fertility, and career promotion, it has seen an increase in worshipers in recent years and is a popular power spot.
Jinnan Area
The Jinnan area is a fashion district where fashion boutiques and select stores gather to enjoy the latest trends. There are also many cafes, lifestyle stores, and art galleries in the area, offering a variety of ways to enjoy the area.
Shopping
Miyashita Park
Miyashita Park, opened in 2020 on the site of the former park, features about 90 stores, including luxury brands and record shops, in a 330-meter-long building. Highlights include the retro Shibuya Yokocho, a 19-store area offering cuisine from across Japan, direct-from-producer food stores, bars, and coffee shops.
Shibuya Scramble Square
Shibuya Scramble Square, opened on November 1, 2019, near Shibuya Station, is one of the tallest buildings in the area at 229.7 meters. It has 213 stores and restaurants from the basement to the 45th floor, and the rooftop features the SHIBUYA SKY observation deck.
Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109, a popular shopping spot attracting 35,000 visitors on holidays, houses over 100 stores featuring young fashion brands, accessories, cosmetics, cafes, and restaurants. Each floor offers diverse styles, from cute to sexy, with some stores offering great bargains.
Tower Records
Tower Records in Shibuya, spanning nine floors, is one of Japan’s largest CD stores, offering a wide range of music genres. You can use listening machines, attend in-store performances and autograph sessions, consult knowledgeable staff, and enjoy a café with a music-themed menu.
Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya Hikarie, opened in 2012, is a cultural landmark directly connected to Shibuya Station. Targeting working women in their 20s to 40s, it offers sophisticated products and provides easy access via JR and subway lines, even on rainy days.
Hands
Hands is a large home improvement center offering a wide range of products, including DIY supplies, household goods, interior items, stationery, beauty and health products, pet goods, and hobby toys. It’s a convenient shopping spot for DIY enthusiasts and those looking to enhance their home life.
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