Welcome to Shibuya – Tokyo’s Thriving and Lively Hotspot!
Shibuya is one of the most iconic and energetic neighborhoods in Tokyo, known for its dynamic atmosphere, trendsetting fashion, and electrifying nightlife. This vibrant district serves as a hub of entertainment, shopping, and culture, offering something for everyone.
Wondering what to do in Shibuya? From its world-famous scramble crossing to chic boutiques and buzzing nightlife, Shibuya is packed with exciting experiences for all types of travelers.
Whether you’re visiting Tokyo for the first time or returning as a seasoned explorer, this guide will introduce you to the top things to see and do in Shibuya.
Get ready to dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of this energetic neighborhood, and discover how to make the most of your time here. So, grab your camera, lace up your walking shoes, and let’s explore everything that Shibuya has to offer!
Explore the Famous Shibuya Crossing – The World’s Busiest Intersection
The iconic Shibuya Crossing is a bustling intersection located in the heart of Shibuya and is known as the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing.
With its sheer size and electrifying energy, Shibuya Crossing has become one of the most famous landmarks of Tokyo and a must-visit destination.
First and foremost, the sheer volume of people at Shibuya Crossing is awe-inspiring!
As the traffic lights turn red, pedestrians from all directions start to gather at the crossing, waiting for the signal to change. Once the signal changes to green, the intersection is filled with a sea of people moving in unison, crossing the intersection all eager to make their way to the other side.
The sight of the synchronized movement of people, the sound of footsteps, and the flashing lights of billboards overhead create a sensory overload that is both awe-inspiring and exhilarating.
Shibuya Crossing has been featured in several famous movies, TV shows, and music videos. Here are some of the most popular ones:
- The movie “Lost in Translation”, directed by Sofia Coppola, features Shibuya Crossing in a memorable scene where the main characters, played by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, navigate the bustling streets of Tokyo.
- The movie “Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift” showcases Shibuya Crossing in several high-octane car chase scenes.
- The movie “Resident Evil: Retribution” features Shibuya Crossing as a backdrop for intense action sequences, including a battle with zombies amidst the busy pedestrian crossing.
One of the best ways to experience Shibuya Crossing is by standing at one of the surrounding vantage points. Here are some of the best spots where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the crossing:
- Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya – Located on the second floor of Tsutaya Shibuya, the Starbucks cafe offers a great vantage point overlooking Shibuya Crossing. However, it is a busy place and you might have to patiently wait for an opportunity to get to one of the windows.
- Shibuya Sky – The observation deck is located on the rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square Building, which is one of the tallest buildings in Shibuya, and is definitely one of the best spots to photograph the crossing. The glass windows extend all the way to the floor, giving you uninterrupted views. However, there is an entrance fee to the deck which are s typically around 2,000 to 2,500 yen for adults.
- Shibuya Stream – Shibuya Stream has a rooftop terrace with an open-air deck with glass railings, providing an excellent spot for photography. But, it is not free. There is an entrance fee to the rooftop terrace which is typically around 2,000 yen.
- Pedestrian Bridges – There are two pedestrian bridges that you might want to check out: the Shibuya Mark City Bridge and the Tokyu Plaza Shibuya Bridge. Both are popular spots for photographing the crossing.
- Street Level – Don’t forget that capturing the energy and atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing from the street level can result in some unique and dynamic photos! Make sure to include some foreground, and middle ground to create some dimension.
- Hands down, Shibuya Crossing is a place where the pulse of the city can be felt, and the fast-paced urban lifestyle of Japan comes to life. A visit to Tokyo would not be complete without experiencing the electrifying energy and iconic atmosphere of Shibuya Crossing.
Dive into Shopping and Dining at Shibuya Center-Gai
Shibuya Center Gai is a bustling shopping street located in the heart of Shibuya, known for its trendy fashion boutiques and unique shops. Here are some of the shops you should not miss:
- Uniqlo is a great store that you need to check out. Once I visited the store, I fell in love with this brand. It is known for its minimalist designs, high-quality materials, and attention to detail. They offer a wide range of basic wardrobe staples, including t-shirts, jeans, outerwear, sweaters, dresses, and accessories. It has nice clean lines, neutral colors, and versatile styles that can be easily mixed and matched for everyday wear. The brand’s name “Uniqlo” is short for “Unique Clothing Warehouse”.
- Zara is another international fashion brand that offers a wide range of clothing, shoes, and accessories for men, women, and children, known for its on-trend designs.
- Wego is a popular Japanese fashion brand that offers trendy and casual clothing for men and women, with a focus on street style and youth culture.
- Loft is a lifestyle store that offers a wide range of products, including stationery, home goods, beauty products, and unique Japanese merchandise. Village Vanguard is a unique store that offers an eclectic mix of merchandise, including books, novelty items, quirky home goods, and unique gifts. Bershka is another international fast fashion brand that offers trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women, with a focus on street style and youthful fashion. Tokyu Hands is a popular Japanese department store known for its wide range of products, including home goods, crafts, stationery, and beauty products. Don Quijote is a well-known discount store chain in Japan that offers a wide range of products, from cosmetics and snacks to electronics and souvenirs, with a unique and diverse selection.
- Village Vanguard is a unique store that offers an eclectic mix of merchandise, including books, novelty items, quirky home goods, and unique gifts. Bershka is another international fast fashion brand that offers trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women, with a focus on street style and youthful fashion. Tokyu Hands is a popular Japanese department store known for its wide range of products, including home goods, crafts, stationery, and beauty products. Don Quijote is a well-known discount store chain in Japan that offers a wide range of products, from cosmetics and snacks to electronics and souvenirs, with a unique and diverse selection.
- Bershka is another international fast fashion brand that offers trendy clothing, shoes, and accessories for men and women, with a focus on street style and youthful fashion. Tokyu Hands is a popular Japanese department store known for its wide range of products, including home goods, crafts, stationery, and beauty products. Don Quijote is a well-known discount store chain in Japan that offers a wide range of products, from cosmetics and snacks to electronics and souvenirs, with a unique and diverse selection.
Center Gai is also known for its diverse dining options, with numerous cafes, restaurants, and food stalls serving a variety of cuisines. From Japanese street food to international cuisine, you can find something to suit your palate.
Here are some popular dining spots in Center Gai that you should add to your list:
- Ichiran Ramen is a great ramen restaurant chain in Japan known for its unique dining experience and delicious tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen. The broth is rich and creamy, made from simmering pork bones for hours to extract the maximum flavor. You can customize your ramen by filling out an order sheet with your preferences, including noodle firmness, soup richness, garlic strength, spice level, and other toppings.
- Gyukatsu Motomura is another very popular restaurant in Shibuya known for its specialty dish called gyukatsu, which is a deep-fried beef cutlet. The beef cutlets are breaded and deep-fried to a crispy texture, while the inside remains tender and juicy. The result is a beautifully flavorful cutlet. Just writing about it makes me hungry!
- Uobei Sushi is a great and affordable fast-paced sushi dining experience in Shibuya. It is known for its unique system where you place your orders using a touch screen panel, and the sushi is delivered to your table on a conveyor belt. Pablo Mini is a popular dessert cafe located in Shibuya known for its delectable and adorable mini cheese tarts in various flavors, including matcha, chocolate, and seasonal flavors. The cafe is a part of the famous Japanese cheese tart brand, Pablo, which is known for its high-quality and delicious cheese-based desserts.
Take Commemorative Photos of Hachiko Statue
Hachiko’s Memorial Statue is a famous bronze statue of the dog Hachiko right next to the Shibuya Station.
The statue is a symbol of unwavering love, devotion, and loyalty.
Hachiko, also known as “Hachi”, was a Japanese Akita dog that belonged to Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University.
According to the story, Hachi would accompany Professor Ueno to Shibuya Station every day when he went to work, and would patiently wait for him to return in the evening.
However, in 1925, Professor Ueno unexpectedly passed away at work, leaving Hachi waiting at the station, unaware of his owner’s fate.
Despite Professor Ueno’s passing, Hachi continued to go to Shibuya Station every day for the next nine years, waiting for his owner to return.
He became a symbol of loyalty and devotion, capturing the hearts of the local community and gaining national attention. In 1934, a bronze statue of Hachiko was erected near Shibuya Station to commemorate his loyalty and dedication.
Today, the Hachiko statue in Shibuya is a popular meeting spot for locals.
