Shibuya, Tokyo is one of largest areas in Tokyo! It’s sparkle, noisy, busy and full of people.. and with full of fun! You can do a lot of things to enjoy, here are my best things that I would recommend you to do!
I have been around Shibuya since I was 10 years old, so that I consider myself as i know enough about Shibuya to introduce you!
Where To Go: Iconic Famous Spots
Say Hi To Hachiko Statue
Shibuya Hachiko is one of most famous “meet-up” places in Shibuya, right in front of Shibuya crossing.
Hachi was a loyal dog that had been waiting for his family (owner) to come home every day even after his death. There are some movies about it, Hachi: A Dog’s Tale is one of them.
There is also a train car where you can sit down inside which is good place for waiting someone when it’s raining.
Shibuya Crossing Tokyo
The most famous crossing in the world – people say, and I agree. You might have seen it on movie or music video such as “Lost in Translation”, “Fast & Furious”, “One way or another” by ONE DIRECTION, and so on.
Surprisingly (not for me), people don’t bump into each other when 3,000 people are crossing at blue light (2 mins) at most. Japanese people know that tourists want to take picture in the middle, but please be careful to stop suddenly.
When the most crowded?
If you want to see the most crowded situation, I would recommend you to go there at night on Friday or Saturday.
Best Places to See Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing View / Mag’s Park – Magnet by Shibuya
It is free to go up at the building named Magnet in front of Shibuya Crossing, and you can have a great view from high place. I wouldn’t recommend if it is raining.
Pathway between Shibuya Mark City and JR Shibuya station
This is also free since it is just pathway. It might be 2nd to 3rd floor high, but you can have a nice view with roof. If you want to have a break, you can go to some places.
Starbucks Shibuya Crossing
Get something at ground floor, go up to get a seat upstairs, and just watch people from there. * Note: Check if there are available seats since it is always packed with people waiting their companies.
https://goo.gl/maps/oEVxZbRSv9365rL18
Loccitane cafe
This cafe also is located in front of crossing. *Note: you might not able to get a seat by window
https://goo.gl/maps/YqfEsK38gBtWt9w46
GUSTO
It’s in same building wit Loccitane Cafe, but at 7th floor. It’s a family restaurant. *Note: you might not able to get a seat by window
https://goo.gl/maps/K261CNs8sEr531oZ7
Playing Games at Game Center, Shibuya
It is one of amusements that you can do with small amount of money. There are a lot of games like mario cart, basket ball (shooting) game, table ice hockey, crane game, etc. Also, pri-kura (Print club) is always a thing to do for young people!
You need cash (you can break the big bill to small coins there). If you are over 18 years old, you can go anytime.
EST Shibuya (SEGA)
I don’t see many tourists here, not crowded.
https://g.page/sega_shibuya?share
Adoes Shibuya
It’s a bit small, but many people here.
https://goo.gl/maps/JfJEb81HAbV1meLZ8
Visit Trendy Spots in Shibuya
Chill at Miyashita Park
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It’s opened in 2020, still new (since Japan was kinda closed for tourists for a while due to covid)!! There are shops, restaurants, hotel, and garden on roof. How nice it is to have some nature in a busy city like Shibuya.
Shibuya Sky – Shibuya Scramble Square
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It is also new-ish opened in 2019. You can go up to the observatory called Shibuya Sky where you can have 360 degree of view from 230 meters high. Even if it is raining, you can enjoy it at SKY GALLERY.
Ticket
You need to buy ticket. It is a bit cheaper to buy online than at building.
https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/brand/en/index.html
Note
You need to put your bag on a locker before going upstairs. Refundable locker, but you need to put 100 yen (cash). It is windy up there, be careful for your outfit.
Eat Japanese Food in Shibuya
I’d introduce some places where I’d take my friends from abroad to.
Ramen / Tsukemen
- Ichiran
- Tsujita
Sushi / Sashimi
- Sushi no Midori at Mark City Shibuya
- Kaikaya for seafood
Beef
- Gyu katsu Motomura for Lunch with small number of people
- Shoutaian for Lunch
Drink at Nonbei Yokocho
If you are 20+ years old, you can drink in Japan. There is an alley called Nonbei Yokocho. It’s very close to Shibuya Crossing. Small bars are lining up there, and the atmosphere there is very nostalgic!
Shibuya Shopping
Shibuya is the place where you can find anything – from clothing, stationaries, books, cosmetics, accessories, in a wide range of price; inexpensive place to high-end brand.
Japan Brand
- Muji
- Uniqlo / GU
100 yen shop
- Daiso
- Seria
Discount Shop
- Don Quijote
Variety Shop
- Loft
- Tokyu Hands
Mall
- 109 / 109 for men
- Hikarie
- Markcity
Department Store
- Seibu
- Tokyu
Shibuya Night Life
There are many night clubs in Shibuya. I personally don’t go nightclubs anymore, and I used to go in other areas not shibuya.
But I have been some of them there, and I list up some famous ones.
- Harlem
- Camelot
- Contact
- Womb
- Atom
Explore a bit outside of Shibuya
If you take a train for 1 stop away, you can go to another area.
- Harajuku
- Omotesando
- Daikanyama
Shibuya never gets me bored! Always something new, something exciting!
Hope you are excited for what waits for you there 😉
