“Shibuya” is one of the busiest areas in Tokyo, known as the “city of young people.” It’s not only considered a base for Tokyo’s fashion trends, but you’ll also unexpectedly catch glimpses of scenery filled with a nostalgic atmosphere. Due to its status as an important transit hub on the “Yamanote Line,” it has developed into a significant commercial and economic city.
This article will introduce unmissable tourist attractions when visiting Shibuya, must-try gourmet restaurants, and shopping facilities where you can buy various trendy fashion brand products, among other sightseeing information. We wish everyone a vibrant trip to Shibuya.
Table of Contents
- What kind of place is Shibuya?
- 7 Must-Visit Attractions in Shibuya
- 5 Popular Gourmet Spots in Shibuya
- 7 Classic Shopping Facilities in Shibuya
- Frequently Asked Questions about Shibuya Sightseeing
- Conclusion
What kind of place is Shibuya?
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most iconic commercial cities, ranked alongside Shinjuku and Ikebukuro as one of Tokyo’s three major sub-centers, and is located on the west side of Tokyo’s 23 wards. The term “Shibuya” has multiple meanings: sometimes it refers to the entire Shibuya Ward, sometimes to “Shibuya” as a town name, and it also denotes the area surrounding Shibuya Station.
Within Shibuya Ward, there are various distinctive and well-known areas such as “Harajuku,” “Omotesando,” and “Daikanyama.” Harajuku is the headquarters leading Japan’s youth fashion trends, gathering numerous cutting-edge brand fashion stores and high-end boutiques. Omotesando attracts people with its elegant atmosphere, strong sense of luxury, and aesthetically pleasing cityscape. Daikanyama, on the other hand, is a quiet oasis amidst the hustle and bustle, where the refined streetscape and lush greenery create an atmosphere that allows one to forget the city’s clamor.
This article will focus on the area around Shibuya Station, home to the “Shibuya Crossing” and “Shibuya Center Gai.” Similar to Harajuku, the area around Shibuya Station serves as a birthplace of Japanese trend culture. It brings together various shops, restaurants, and tourist attractions, bustling with a constant flow of people from morning till night, filled with a lively and noisy atmosphere. Beyond that, there are also restaurants where you can enjoy traditional cuisine and various festival activities where you can experience traditional Japanese culture. This allows visitors to fully experience the unique charm of Shibuya, which blends cutting-edge fashion, ever-changing sophisticated streetscapes, and a nostalgic ambiance.
When is the best season to travel to Shibuya?
Shibuya has numerous commercial facilities, allowing you to fully enjoy sightseeing pleasures like strolling, shopping, and savoring gourmet food all year round. However, if one had to choose the most suitable season for travel, it would be spring and autumn. This is because exploring Shibuya is primarily done on foot, and with the cold winters, hot summers, and the constant stream of people every day, walking for extended periods can be particularly tiring. Therefore, choosing the pleasant weather of spring or autumn will make your journey more relaxed and enjoyable.
Shibuya Seasonal Dressing Guide:
Spring (March - May): Light knitwear, hoodies, cardigans Summer (June - August): Light clothing, short sleeves Autumn (September - November): Long-sleeved T-shirts, jackets, and light coats Winter (December - February): Overcoats, wool suits, thick sweaters, and jackets
How to get to Shibuya?
Getting to Shibuya Station from Tokyo’s major stations is very convenient and quick. The main transportation methods and required times are as follows:
From JR Tokyo Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The journey takes about 20 minutes. From JR Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line. The journey takes about 5 minutes. From JR Ueno Station: Take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. The journey takes about 30 minutes. From JR Shinagawa Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line. The journey takes about 15 minutes. Main Transportation for Shibuya Sightseeing:
All tourist attractions, restaurants, and shopping facilities around Shibuya Station can be reached on foot. If you need to go to Harajuku or Daikanyama, which are located within Shibuya Ward, please refer to the table below:
From Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line. The journey takes about 3 minutes. From Shibuya Station to Daikanyama Station: Take the Tokyu Toyoko Line. The journey takes about 3 minutes.
7 Must-Visit Attractions in Shibuya
Shibuya’s tourist attractions are also quite popular among overseas travelers because they offer the latest fashion trends and unique, exciting experiences. Especially if it’s your first time visiting Shibuya, it is highly recommended that you check out the popular spots introduced below.
1. Shibuya Crossing
This crossing in front of Shibuya Station is said to be the busiest and most crowded intersection in the world. The spectacular sight of thousands of people crossing the street simultaneously has made this Shibuya intersection a landmark representing Tokyo. From the connecting bridge linking the JR Yamanote Line and the Keio Inokashira Line, you can overlook the bustling scene of people coming and going at the crossing.
Every time the traffic light turns green, the intersection is instantly flooded with people. At its peak, as many as 3,000 people can be seen crossing in various directions within about 2 minutes.
2. Shibuya Center Gai
Exit JR Shibuya Station from the Hachiko Exit, pass by the Akita dog statue “Faithful Dog Hachiko Statue,” which is often used as a meeting point, and cross the ever-busy Shibuya Crossing. The bustling street before you is Shibuya Center Gai, officially named “Shibuya Center Shopping Street.”
The street is lined with numerous department stores, restaurants, karaoke & amusement arcades, and various specialty shops. The fashion items sold here are almost all at the forefront of trends, making it famous as a trendsetting hub for Tokyo’s youth culture and one of Shibuya’s representative tourist attractions.
3. Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya
Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya is located within the “Shibuya Cultural Center Owada,” a 5-minute walk from the West Exit of JR Shibuya Station. On its 17-meter diameter dome screen, beautiful starry skies and images full of cosmic presence are projected. The facility is well-equipped, and the adult admission fee is only 600 yen.
The starry sky is displayed on an astonishing scale, featuring 15,000 general stars and 250,000 stars from the Milky Way galaxy.
4. SHIBUYA SKY
This is an observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape from approximately 230 meters above ground. Located on the 14th, 45th, 46th, and rooftop floors of Shibuya’s tallest building, “Shibuya Scramble Square,” it is divided into three zones: “SKY GATE,” “SKY STAGE,” and “SKY GALLERY.”
Among these, “SKY STAGE” boasts a viewing space of about 2,500 square meters where you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view in the open air. Not only can you see landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree, but on a clear day, you can also gaze upon Mount Fuji in the distance.
Shibuya Scramble Square
Situated directly above Shibuya Station, where the Tokyu, JR East, and Tokyo Metro railway lines converge, and directly connected to the station. With 7 basement floors and 47 above-ground floors, it is the tallest tower building in the area and a new landmark for Shibuya.
The commercial facilities, spanning from the 2nd basement floor to the 14th floor above ground, host an extensive lineup of shops, including a wide variety of dessert shops, fashion boutiques, general stores, and various restaurants. Other floors house facilities such as the co-creation space “SHIBUYA QWS,” which hosts various events, and high-end offices.
5. MIYASHITA PARK
Shibuya’s cultural landmark, “MIYASHITA PARK,” is a complex facility housing commercial spaces, a rooftop park, and a hotel. It’s a cultural spot where you can freely enjoy shopping, gourmet food, sports, stay at a hotel offering nighttime music, and play as you please.
A wide variety of shops are gathered here, including apparel, miscellaneous goods, record stores, and “yokocho” (alleyways with small eateries). The mix of high-end brand stores and casual alleyways side-by-side is a style unique to Shibuya.
The rooftop “Shibuya Ward Miyashita Park” features a lawn plaza that anyone can freely access, as well as paid facilities such as a bouldering wall, a skating rink, and a multi-purpose sports facility.
6. Shibuya City Shoto Museum of Art
The Shibuya City Shoto Museum of Art was designed in his later years by Seiichi Shirai, an architect active during the Showa era, who was known by the nickname “the philosophical architect.” The building’s facade, made from what Shirai called “kouunseki” (red cloud stone) – a faintly pink granite – features a gently curving outer wall accented by a golden gate, creating a romantic artistic atmosphere.
Throughout the museum, designs showcasing Seiichi Shirai’s talent are evident, and it is said that many visitors come specifically to admire the beauty of the architecture itself.
5 Popular Gourmet Spots in Shibuya
Shibuya brings together cuisine from all over Japan and even from around the world, making feasting one of the great pleasures of sightseeing in Shibuya. You can savor Japanese home-style cooking and traditional dishes in old-fashioned restaurants exuding a nostalgic charm; enjoy creative, trendy cuisine with fine wine in stylish and luxurious spaces; or delight in a leisurely drink at an izakaya tucked away in the streets and alleys. When you’re in Shibuya, be sure to try the following 5 gourmet spots.
1. Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard’s Alley)
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho is located in a small alleyway beside the train lines near Shibuya Station, where about 40 small and cozy izakayas are gathered. Among these izakayas, some mainly offer Japanese home-style cooking or regional cuisine, while others are small bars or bistros, each with its own distinct style. Although business hours vary by shop, most are open from evening around 18:00 (6 PM) until 24:00 (midnight).
2. THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY
Located on the rooftop of Shibuya’s landmark, SHIBUYA SKY, this is a bar where you can gaze out at representative Tokyo skyscrapers such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree while enjoying a special time. Accompanied by pleasant music and drinks, you can relax and appreciate the beautiful, ever-changing scenery from sunset into the night. Sofa seats can be reserved in advance by purchasing tickets online.
3. Menya Musashi Bukotsu Gaiden
“Menya Musashi Bukotsu Gaiden” is a ramen shop specializing in tsukemen. Tsukemen is a type of ramen where the soup and noodles are served in separate bowls. The shop follows the tradition of the popular ramen restaurant “Menya Musashi” and frequently offers various creative ramen dishes that you can’t find at other ramen shops, often on an irregular basis.
Customers can choose from two types of soup. One is a basic soup made by simmering chicken and pork bone broth with seafood ingredients such as crab and dried fish. The other is a rich soup made by adding dried bonito to the basic soup and simmering it further.
4. Yakiniku Gyūgūjō
Yakiniku Gyūgūjō is run by entertainer Hiroyuki Miyasako and promoted by YouTuber Hikaru, with whom Miyasako has a close friendship, making it a highly anticipated yakiniku restaurant even before its opening. Since its launch in March 2022 in Shibuya’s bustling commercial district, it has become a hot topic due to its high-quality meals and positive reviews from YouTubers, earning it the title of “Japan’s most talked-about restaurant.”
The Wagyu and crossbred beef offered in the restaurant are all carefully selected by discerning artisans.
5. Tower’s Bar “BELLOVISTO”
The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is located in the heart of Shibuya, an area with a rich international atmosphere, and the bar “BELLOVISTO” is situated on the hotel’s top floor, the 40th floor. From 150 meters above ground, you can view the ever-changing, beautiful streetscape of Shibuya. Here, you can savor cocktails crafted by world-class bartenders, Japanese whiskies, and renowned liquors from around the world, along with a variety of seasonal appetizers.
7 Classic Shopping Facilities in Shibuya
Shibuya is one of the birthplaces of Japan’s latest trends and one of the country’s most avant-garde and stylish shopping paradises. It boasts many attractive shopping spots, including flagship stores of popular fashion brands and large multi-purpose commercial facilities. Below are introductions to several classic shopping facilities suitable for all age groups. Here, you’ll find everything from fashion and gourmet sweets to lifestyle goods and various service shops, allowing you to enjoy a full day of shopping.
1. SHIBUYA109
SHIBUYA109 in Shibuya is the original trendsetter for Japanese fashion. For many years, it has attracted fashion-conscious young people. It brings together the latest trendy apparel and is highly regarded not only in Japan but also overseas. It frequently appears in media such as television, newspapers, magazines, and online, leading the way for Japan’s hottest current brands and outfit coordination.
2. Shibuya Hikarie
This is a high-rise complex commercial facility that is not only a great place for shopping and dining but can also satisfy various entertainment and travel purposes. From the 3rd basement floor to the 5th floor above ground is the shopping area “ShinQs,” lined with a variety of uniquely styled shops. The entire floor is designed with white and wooden materials as a base, creating a soft and gentle atmosphere.
3. Shibuya Stream
Shibuya Stream is a large-scale complex facility built through the redevelopment of the southern part of the former Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station platform and tracks, as well as the surrounding Shibuya River area. This high-rise building, with 35 floors above ground and 4 basement floors, houses offices, various restaurants, and commercial facilities.
The upper floors are primarily office space, while the lower floors consist of a hotel, a multi-functional event hall, sports spaces, and various shops and dining establishments.
4. LABI Shibuya
“LABI Shibuya” is located about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. The store, spanning from the 1st basement floor to the 6th floor, displays the latest variety of home electrical appliances, many of which you can actually touch and try out. For example, you can check the feel of items like hair dryers and beauty devices before purchasing, offering an experiential shopping pleasure.
In addition to home appliances, they also stock a diverse range of daily necessities such as hair dyes, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, as well as snack foods like matcha and sweets. It’s a very popular place to buy souvenirs.
5. Shibuya MODI
This commercial facility is located about a 2-minute walk from JR Shibuya Station, which is renowned as a center for fashion and cultural dissemination. Shibuya MODI itself serves as a hub for spreading various cultures, including fashion and music. A major feature is its forest-like exterior, with the entrance adorned with abundant greenery.
Over 80% of its customers are female, and of those, more than 70% are in their teens to thirties. Consequently, the tenant shops offer the latest product lineups catering to the young people of Shibuya. Additionally, the event space on the 2nd floor hosts events related to music, anime, and more.
6. Tokyu Plaza Shibuya
Located within the large commercial facility “Shibuya Fukuras,” “Tokyu Plaza Shibuya” is a shopping center aimed at mature adults. It houses approximately 60 sophisticated shops and over 10 well-known restaurants, making it a great place for those looking to purchase high-end goods representative of Japan, exquisite crafts, or enjoy high-quality cuisine.
7. Shibuya Mark City
Shibuya Mark City is a commercial facility built with the corporate slogan “A Day for Adults in Shibuya.” Shibuya Mark City is divided into two buildings: the East Mall and the West Mall. From the 1st basement floor to the 3rd floor above ground, there are shops mainly focusing on lifestyle goods and home sundries. The 4th floor’s Avenue Street brings together numerous restaurants of various types for shopping and dining. The “Tokyu Food Show” on the 1st basement floor is lined with shops selling various foods and sweets, and also offers takeaway bento boxes and desserts.
The unique charm of Shibuya is that you can simultaneously experience the latest fashion trends and traditional Japanese culture. Moreover, the Shibuya redevelopment project “Greater SHIBUYA 2.0,” led by Japan’s “Tokyu Group” since 2021, is on such a grand scale it’s dubbed a “once-in-a-century” undertaking. Present-day Shibuya can be described as “Tokyo’s newest tourist destination.” Therefore, if you haven’t been to Tokyo in a long time, it’s recommended that you visit Shibuya!
After exploring the area around Shibuya Station, it’s suggested you check out “Harajuku,” which is also part of Shibuya Ward. It’s very convenient to get from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station, taking only about 3 minutes by train. Harajuku is known as the birthplace of Japanese trend culture and has various shopping facilities, tourist attractions, and creatively styled fashionable restaurants. Please also refer to the article below introducing Harajuku’s must-visit attractions!