Enjoying Shibuya's Underground: Shibuchika
Shibuya, bustling with diverse crowds, is the epicenter of Japanese youth culture. Popular among foreign tourists, spots like the Scramble Crossing and the Hachiko statue are favorite photo locations. The area is also famous for its art museums and live music venues, contributing to its reputation as a hub for arts and music. Recently, it became the setting for the anime "Jujutsu Kaisen."
With a variety of eateries, casual bars, and retro izakayas, Shibuya is highly recommended for international visitors.
Currently, Shibuya is undergoing its biggest transformation in a century. Construction is everywhere as the area continues to evolve. While trendy fashion buildings are increasing above ground, the charm of Shibuya lies in its well-developed underground (shibuya shibuchika) as well. Today, we'll introduce you to Shibuya's underground world in detail.
Tokyo's Underground Scene
Tokyo, one of the world's largest metropolises, boasts numerous well-developed underground shopping areas. A prime example is the "Yaesu Chika-gai" at Tokyo Station. With about 180 shops including restaurants, fashion boutiques, general stores, nail salons, drugstores, and even osteopathic clinics, it's a major underground complex. Exploring these dungeon-like underground passages can be an exciting adventure to discover your favorite shops!
Shibuya's underground (shibuya shibuchika) scene is equally impressive. With renovated traditional areas and newly created underground plazas, Shibuya's underground is thriving. It offers spaces unique to Shibuya, where various people gather, from retro shops to stylish cafes. Let's explore the charm of Shibuya's underground, which is highly recommended for foreign visitors!
Shibuya's Underground Shopping Street "Shibuchika"
source：Official website
"Shibuya Chika-gai," commonly known as "Shibuchika," is a long-established underground shopping area that has existed in Shibuya for over 60 years. Born in 1957, Shibuchika underwent renovation in 2020 and reopened in 2021. It now houses about 70 shops, including both long-standing stores and new entries, offering food, fashion, and general goods. You can find unique shops like a tobacco store selling rare cigar brands.
Located directly beneath the Scramble Crossing, Shibuchika is easily accessible from the station, making it convenient for tourists to visit before or after sightseeing. It offers a wide variety of food options, including sweets and bento boxes. "Omusubi Gonbe," which opens early in the morning, is a great place to try onigiri, a proud Japanese fast food. How about having it for breakfast before exploring Shibuya?
Highlights of "Shibuchika"
Shopping Without Getting Wet
Directly connected to subway exits, Shibuchika allows you to shop without getting wet even on rainy days. Even if you exit from the JR Hachiko Exit, stairs leading underground are readily available.
Moreover, Shibuchika's passages are directly connected to the B1 floor corridor of Shibuya Mark City. This means you can enjoy shopping and dining without stepping outside, which is particularly advantageous during bad weather or hot summer days.
Japan has been experiencing more frequent sudden heavy rains called "guerrilla rainstorms" in recent years. Even if you're caught without an umbrella during your trip, Shibuchika offers a perfect shelter where you can continue your sightseeing while staying dry.
Multiple Exits
Shibuchika has numerous exits, making it easy to access various directions. On hot summer days, it's recommended to enter Shibuchika first, do some shopping or take a break before moving to your next destination. If you want to go from the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Hanzomon Line, or Toyoko Line to Shibuya Mark City via Shibuchika, exit A5a is your best bet.
While the variety of exits might seem complex to foreign visitors, rest assured that most station signs have English translations. If you can navigate these exits skillfully, you'll fit right in with the Tokyo locals!
Abundance of Eateries (Tokyu Food Show)
After renovation, Shibuchika's food offerings have significantly improved. The Tokyu Food Show, a food area developed by Tokyu, features a wide variety of side dishes and specialty stores offering Japanese, Western, Chinese, and bakery items, along with ample eat-in spaces. You can casually take out dishes from renowned Japanese restaurants like "Nadaman."
My personal recommendation is "Kageyama-rou," a French-Chinese fusion restaurant originally from Jiyugaoka. You can enjoy their collagen-rich chicken white soup ramen in the eat-in area. This is their first commercial facility branch, allowing you to easily taste flavors from a famous restaurant.
Shibuya Station East Exit Underground Plaza
The "Shibuya Station East Exit Underground Plaza," which opened in 2019, was created as Shibuya's new entrance to enhance comfort and convenience for Shibuya Station users. With the concept of "a comfortable plaza connecting the station and the town," it's located at Shibuya Station's East Exit and directly connected to the B1F of Shibuya Scramble Square East Tower. It's recommended to pass through here when going from the Hachiko Exit to Shibuya Scramble Square or Hikarie.
With cafes, a bus information center, and powder rooms, this underground plaza is user-friendly for foreign tourists. Please use it as a route to start your Shibuya exploration.
Highlights of Shibuya Station East Exit Underground Plaza
UPLIGHT COFFEE
source：Official website
Located on B2F of the East Exit Underground Plaza, "UPLIGHT COFFEE" is a coffee shop perfect for a quick break during your travels. Renovated in April 2023, it offers coffee from select Aoyama coffee roasters. They also have a variety of food options including canelés and seasonal sweets. With free Wi-Fi and power outlets available, you can relax and gather tourism information.
Note that from July 14, 2024, it will become completely cashless. Prepare credit cards, QR payments, or electronic money for smooth transactions.
<Store Information>
- Address: B2F, East Exit Underground Plaza, 2-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-6324-2739
- Hours: 9:00am - 9:00pm
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit B7 / Near Miyamasu-zaka Central Gate of the subway
- Official Website
- Official Instagram
@cosme POWDER ROOM
source : @cosme Official website
The "@cosme POWDER ROOM" is a powder room operated by @cosme, Japan's largest cosmetics information site. It features four mirrors equipped with power outlets and USB ports, allowing for hair iron use and smartphone charging. Free cotton and cotton swabs are also available.
If you register with the @cosme app, you can try testers of popular brand cosmetics and skincare items. The mirrors can adjust light brightness, including natural light and night versions, making it perfect for selfies. Stop by for a makeup touch-up during your sightseeing!
Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit B7, B1F East Exit Underground Plaza
Available Hours: 4:30am - 1:30am the next day
