Enjoying the Sleepless City of Shibuya! Recommended Night Tours
Shibuya, known worldwide as a hub for fashion and culture, is one of Japan's most cutting-edge cities that continues to evolve through ongoing redevelopment.
Recognized as a center of youth culture, Shibuya is densely packed with live music venues and theaters. At the same time, it boasts numerous historic museums and galleries, giving it an artistic dimension as well. The iconic "Scramble Crossing" in Shibuya is the busiest intersection in the area and is said to be the most crowded crossing in the world. Even late at night, the flow of people never stops.
As night falls, Shibuya's streets become even more lively and energetic. The nighttime atmosphere has its own unique charm, different from the daytime. With many Izakayas and bars, Shibuya's nightlife is so vibrant that it's called the "city that never sleeps." However, it can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the area. To efficiently enjoy Shibuya's nightlife, joining a tour is recommended.
In this article, we'll introduce popular Shibuya night tours.
Walking Tour of Shibuya
Shibuya Night Walking Tour
source：Tokyo Localized
This is a two-hour tour starting at 8 PM, where you'll walk around Shibuya's tourist spots with an English-speaking guide. While there's a daytime version of the same tour, the atmosphere changes significantly at night. This tour is free to book, and you're welcome to tip the guide at the end based on your satisfaction.
The tour begins at Shibuya Station, where you'll first view the massive mural "Myth of Tomorrow" by Taro Okamoto, depicting the moment of an atomic bomb explosion.
Next, you'll visit the "Shibuya Scramble Crossing," said to be the world's most famous intersection. From there, you'll explore iconic Shibuya spots such as "Nonbei Yokocho," "Miyashita Park," "Spain Zaka," and "Center Gai," ending at the "Hachiko Statue." Incidentally, "yokocho" refers to narrow alleys branching off main streets, typically lined with Izakayas in Japan.
As you walk, the guide, well-versed in Shibuya's history, will provide various information about the area. Of course, you'll have opportunities to take photos at each spot.
- Start time: 20:00
- Duration: 2 hours
- Fee: Free (Tips for the guide are welcome after the tour)
- Guide language: English
- Recommended points: Efficiently visit tourist spots and enjoy the nighttime atmosphere of Shibuya
Bar Hopping Tours in Shibuya
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
This tour allows you to enjoy "Hashigozake" (bar hopping) in Shibuya with a friendly guide.
First, you'll take photos at the "Scramble Crossing" and "Hachiko Statue" before heading to the tour's highlight, "Niku Yokocho."
Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of a building in the heart of Center Gai, Niku Yokocho is a hidden gem even for many Japanese. It's said to be the largest yokocho in Japan, with 28 small shops in a row, offering an indoor street food atmosphere. While it's crowded every night, the guide secures seats for you. The close proximity to other customers allows for enjoyable interactions! You can choose from various meat dishes such as fresh meat sushi, teppanyaki, and wagyu steak.
The fee includes food and drink, so you won't have to worry about payments during the tour. This popular tour also includes visits to Izakayas in "Dogenzaka," allowing you to fully experience the vibrant nightlife of Shibuya.
Shibuya: Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl
source：Get Your Guide
This tour takes you to three drinking spots in Shibuya's popular areas with a guide.
First, you'll enjoy photo opportunities at the famous "Scramble Crossing" before having your first drink at a nearby local Izakaya. Immerse yourself in the Izakaya atmosphere.
Next, you'll move to "Miyashita Park," a recently renovated area that's becoming a new hotspot. Order your second drink at a bar inside Miyashita Park, known for its open spaces ideal for shopping and food hopping.
Lastly, you'll head to "Shibuya Center Gai," known as a hub of youth culture. You'll visit the third bar in this area, which symbolizes Shibuya's nightlife and is bustling with people until late.
You can enjoy Shibuya's most active nighttime hours while safely navigating through crowds to your destinations. As you walk, the guide will share information about Shibuya's history and attractions.
The fee is 6000 yen for the guide's services. Food and drink expenses are not included, so prepare cash for these.
- Start time: 20:00
- Duration: 3 hours
- Fee: 6000 yen
- Food and drink not included → Cash needed
- Guide languages: English/Japanese/Chinese
- Recommended points: Visit Miyashita Park, a newly popular area. Spend about an hour at each location, allowing for a relaxed drinking experience.
Tokyo: The Best Izakaya Tour in Shibuya
source：Get Your Guide
This tour takes you to local drinking spots in three distinct areas representing nighttime Shibuya. The fee includes guide services and food and drink expenses.
First, enjoy photo opportunities at the famous "Hachiko Statue" and "Scramble Crossing" before heading to an Izakaya in Shibuya Center Gai.
Known as a hub of youth culture, this area is busy all day and becomes even more lively at night. Experience the Japanese way of enjoying alcohol at the first Izakaya in Center Gai.
The second stop is "Nonbei Yokocho." A short walk takes you to a street that feels like a time slip, retaining a retro Showa-era atmosphere. Here, you'll visit a popular yakitori shop. Learn about various chicken parts while enjoying both standard and unusual menu items.
Finally, you'll visit "Shibuya Hyakkendana," an area with 200 shops. Different from Nonbei Yokocho, this area retains a Showa-era atmosphere with glittering neon lights. Here, you'll stop at a sake bar.
- Start time: 17:00-21:00
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- Fee: 17,500 yen
- Inclusions: Guide fee, dinner (5-6 dishes), 3 drinks, photos during the tour
- Guide languages: English, Japanese
- Recommended points: Bar hopping experience in Shibuya's deep areas at night, popular yakitori in Nonbei Yokocho.
Authentic Food Experience in Tokyo
source：Get Yout Guide
This tour allows you to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at three gourmet spots in nighttime Shibuya with an experienced guide.
The tour starts at the lively "Shibuya Center Gai."
The guide will take you to hidden gems loved by locals. These restaurants offer authentic Japanese cuisine such as sushi, yakitori, and tempura. The guide will teach you about Japanese food and drinking culture.
Next, after taking photos at the world-famous "Scramble Crossing," you'll walk to "Dogenzaka." This bustling street, glittering with neon lights, is lined with hundreds of Izakayas and bars.
Here too, you'll avoid tourist-oriented establishments and visit local shops that tourists rarely frequent.
- Start time: 18:00
- Duration: 3 hours
- Fee: 23,000 yen
- Inclusions: Guide fee, food and drink expenses
- Guide language: English
- Recommended points: Enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine like sushi, yakitori, and tempura at hidden gems.
Tokyo Night Food Tour in Shibuya
source：CONTEXT
This is a private tour with one guide per group. It's a 3-hour tour exploring nighttime Shibuya and savoring authentic Japanese cuisine.
As it's a private tour, the meal content can be tailored to each group's preferences, including visits to insider sushi bars or hidden ramen shops.
The basic plan starts with enjoying appetizers with beer or shochu at an Izakaya, followed by a stroll down the neon-lit, bustling Dogenzaka street to experience nighttime Shibuya.
Next, you'll leisurely enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine at a restaurant in Udagawacho. The guide provides rich information about the history and etiquette of Japanese food, as well as Tokyo's nightlife, allowing you to explore Shibuya while feeling closer to Japan.
If time allows, you might also visit "Nonbei Yokocho" to enjoy the retro Showa-era atmosphere and savor beer and yakitori.
While the fee is slightly higher compared to other tours, it includes all meal and drink expenses and offers a highly satisfying experience.
- Start time: 17:00-19:30
- Duration: 3 hours
- Fee: About 63,000 yen
- Inclusions: Guide fee, food and drink expenses
- Guide language: English
- Recommended points: Authentic Japanese cuisine on a private tour
Private Tour Covering Shibuya and Shinjuku
4 Hours Private Shibuya - Shinjuku Night Tour
source：Get Your Guide
This 4-hour tour covers nighttime tourist spots in Shibuya and Shinjuku, including visits to two eateries. Starting from Hachiko in Shibuya, you'll explore iconic spots like Nonbei Yokocho, Scramble Crossing, and Dogenzaka. At "Toritake" in Dogenzaka, you'll spend about an hour enjoying authentic yakitori and drinks.
Then, moving to Shinjuku by train, you'll see attractions like the giant 3D cat advertisement, Kabukicho, the giant Godzilla statue, and Omoide Yokocho.
The tour ends with drinks in Golden Gai. As this tour involves a lot of walking, please wear comfortable clothes and shoes. It's a private tour for small groups of up to 6 people, allowing for some customization within possibilities.
- Start time: 18:00
- Duration: 4 hours
- Fee: 13,500 yen
- Inclusions: Guide fee
- Guide languages: English, French, Arabic
- Recommended points: Efficiently explore tourist spots in Shibuya and Shinjuku while experiencing izakayas
Photo Tour with Shibuya and Shinjuku Night Scenery as Backdrop
Tokyo: Shibuya & Shinjuku Photo & Vlog Shooting Tour
source：Get Your Guide
This tour takes you to the most photogenic spots in nighttime Shibuya and Shinjuku, with a guide taking photos and videos. Starting in Shibuya, you'll visit and shoot at "Scramble Crossing," "Center Gai," and "Nonbei Yokocho."
Then, moving to Shinjuku by train, you'll shoot at "Omoide Yokocho", "Kabukicho", and "Kabukicho Tower”.
While shooting, you can efficiently enjoy the atmosphere of nighttime tourist spots. The professional-quality photos and videos with blog-style compositions will make for great memories. You'll be amazed by the beautiful compositions with night scenery as the backdrop.
At least 15 photos and 3 videos (15 seconds each) will be professionally edited and sent to you later.
- Start time: 20:00
- Duration: 3 hours
- Fee: 20,250 yen
- Inclusions: Guide fee, photo and video shooting and editing costs
- Guide languages: English, Japanese
- Recommended points: Professional photo shoots at photogenic spots in Shibuya and Shinjuku
If you are interested in Shibuya's Tours, check the article below! I summarized how and where you can enjoy them as much as possible.
Eri
