Shibuya: Spectacular Views! Restaurants with Great Vistas
Shibuya is one of Japan's busiest and most vibrant districts. Popular among local shoppers and tourists from both Japan and abroad, it sees a constant flow of people daily. Many office buildings line the streets, making it a workplace for numerous individuals.
The iconic symbol of Shibuya's bustling nature is the Scramble Crossing. Considered the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, it sees over 500,000 people traversing on busy days. It's an unbelievable number, isn't it? I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of people when I first crossed it.
Shibuya is also a fiercely competitive area for restaurants, with over 4,000 eateries concentrated in the district. With high rents and numerous famous establishments, only popular restaurants can survive the competition. It's safe to say that any restaurant that has managed to stay in business in Shibuya is guaranteed to serve delicious food.
In this article, we'll introduce some of the absolute best Shibuya restaurants with a view in 2024, focusing on those that offer beautiful scenery along with their culinary delights.
If you are interested in explore Tokyo's trendy culture, check the article below! I summarize how and where you can enjoy them as much as possible.
Takashi Nakadomari
Japanese Cuisine Restaurants
Japanese Restaurant "Shunsai"
source：Official website
This restaurant is located on the 25th floor of the Shibuya Excel Hotel, offering views from 100 meters above ground. One of the attractive points of this hotel is that it's taller than the surrounding buildings, allowing for unobstructed panoramic views.
From here, you can enjoy the view of Meiji Shrine, a large shrine surrounded by the sprawling metropolis. At night, the serene daytime view transforms into a dazzling nightscape that sparkles like countless stars. Both daytime and night offer different charms, making it a place worth visiting twice.
"Shunsai" not only offers great views but also exquisite cuisine. They serve authentic Japanese dishes with meticulous presentation and refined flavors. The menu changes with the seasons, but my recommendation is the tempura. It has a very light texture that melts away in your mouth with great taste.
Basic Information:
・Address: 25F, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
・Closed: Sunday dinner (If Sunday is in the middle of consecutive holidays, then the last day of the holiday)
・Phone: 03-5457-0131
・Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
・Official website URL: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/shunsai/63770/index.html
Tsukada Shabu-shabu
source：Tabelog
Here, you can enjoy supreme dishes like sukiyaki and shabu-shabu while taking in the expansive view from the large windows.Shibuya is known as an "ever-changing city" due to its constant redevelopment. As of 2024, there's ongoing construction work just below "Shabu-shabu Tsukada," which you can observe from above.
It's a unique view that you can only see now. You can enjoy the current scenery or contemplate the changing face of Shibuya. After the construction is complete, there will be new views to enjoy, giving you something to look forward to on your next visit.
The food served here is simply delicious. The well-marbled meat and fresh, juicy vegetables are all top-quality and pair perfectly with the broth. The restaurant's recommended dish is "A5 rank Japanese Beef and Brand Pork Shabu-shabu/Sukiyaki."
The tender, melt-in-your-mouth A5 rank meat is a must-try at least once in your lifetime.
Basic Information:
・Address: 12F Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: January 1st
・Phone: 050-5456-2662
・Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:00-15:00 (L.O. Food 14:00, Drinks 14:30), 17:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 21:30, Drinks 22:00)
Sat, Sun, Holidays: 11:00-16:00 (L.O. Food 15:00, Drinks 15:30), 17:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 21:30, Drinks 22:00)
・Official website URL: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/shops_restaurants/shop_70.html
・Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shabushabutsukada.shibuya/
French Cuisine Restaurants
Coucagno
source：Tabelog
Located on the 40th floor of Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, "Coucagno" offers a view of the urban landscape stretching to the horizon. The night view is particularly beautiful, with its sparkling lights resembling scattered jewels.
The authentic French cuisine made with seasonal ingredients is also exquisite. The plating is beautiful, making not only the view but also the food very photogenic.
They offer anniversary plans, making this stylish restaurant perfect for special occasions.
There's a smart casual dress code, so dress up in your favorite outfit and enjoy a wonderful time.
Basic Information:
・Address: 40F Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, 26-1 Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Tuesdays
・Phone: 03-3476-3000
・Hours: Mon, Wed-Sun, Holidays: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 20:00)
・Official website URL: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/cerulean-h/restaurant/coucagno/index.html
"À Bientôt"
source：Tabelog
"À Bientôt" is a French restaurant on the same floor as the previously introduced "Shunsai." From here, you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of the urban skyline and tourist attractions.
A particularly noteworthy sight is the "New National Stadium," which was a venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and is now a tourist attraction. It's not something you get to see often, so be sure to look for it.
Here, you can indulge in authentic French course meals. Each dish has a distinct flavor profile and generous portions, ensuring complete satisfaction.
Basic Information:
・Address: 25F, Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
・Phone: 03-5457-0132
・Hours: 06:30-10:00 (L.O. 09:30), 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:30-21:30 (L.O. 20:00)
・Official website URL: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/abientot/index.html
Italian Cuisine Restaurants
BALCONE SHIBUYA
source：Tabelog
The charm of this restaurant lies in its terrace seating. The terrace on the top floor of the 9-story building is very open, with a pleasant breeze flowing in. Relaxing under the warm sunlight, you'll forget about the hustle and bustle of Shibuya just outside.
I also love the interior design of this restaurant. The concept is "adult space," and the interior illuminated by orange lights creates a very calming atmosphere. Every time I come here, it reminds me of a scene from a stylish movie.
The food is also very chic, appealing not only to the taste buds but also visually.
Basic Information:
・Address: 9F VORT Shibuya II, 10-3 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Mondays (If Monday is a holiday, then the following Tuesday)
・Phone: 050-5872-1919
・Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 18:00-22:30 (L.O. Food 21:00, Drinks 22:00)
・Official website URL: https://balcone-shibuya.com/
THE THEATRE TABLE
source：Tabelog
At "THE THEATRE TABLE," you can leisurely enjoy Italian cuisine in a spacious interior with high ceilings. The high ceilings allow for larger windows and open terrace areas, offering one of the best urban views in Shibuya.
The cuisine at this restaurant is supervised by the chef of "Aroma Fresca," an Italian restaurant said to be one of the hardest to book in Tokyo. If you find authentic Italian cuisine a bit intimidating, why not try the casual Italian fare here?
With a light texture and smooth mouthfeel, each bite will permeate your body with its deliciousness.
Basic Information:
・Address: 11F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 03-3486-8411
・Hours: Lunch 11:00-14:30 (L.O. 14:00), Tea 14:30-17:30 (L.O. 17:00), Dinner 18:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 21:30, Drinks 22:00)
・Official website URL: https://thetheatertable.jp/
If you are interested in Shibuya's Top 8 Restaurants, check the article below! I summarized food I recommend and how I felt each Restaurants.
Eri
Cafes with a View of Shibuya Scramble Crossing
L'OCCITANE CAFE
source：Tabelog
*Reopened after renovation on April 27, 2024
Official: https://jp.loccitane.com/stores
The Scramble Crossing, as mentioned earlier, is the world's largest pedestrian crossing. Despite over 1,000 people moving simultaneously during each green light, they manage to walk in their respective directions without colliding - it's almost an art.
"L'OCCITANE CAFE" is where you can enjoy watching the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Located on the 2nd and 3rd floors of the "Shibuya Ekimae Building" at the corner of the crossing, it offers a close-up view of the intersection.
This cafe just reopened after renovation on April 27, 2024. The clean and beautiful interior, decorated in bright colors like pink and yellow, exudes a French atmosphere. The fruit-topped sweets are also a highlight of this shop.
Basic Information:
・Address: 2-3F Shibuya Ekimae Building, 2-3-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Irregular
・Phone: 050-5456-1913
・Hours: 10:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:00)
・Official website URL: https://jp.loccitane.com/stores
Cafe Lounge Estacion Cafe
Cafe Lounge Estacion Cafe is located right above Shibuya Station, where you can spend a relaxing time overlooking the Scramble Crossing.
The sight of crowds of people passing by each other seamlessly is spectacular.
While it's always a great view, I especially recommend visiting on a rainy day. The crossing filled with colorful umbrellas looks like a patchwork quilt. You’ll be impressed by the beautifulness.
Also, when you come to this cafe, you should definitely order a cafe latte. You can enjoy cute latte art featuring characters from their collaborations. The collaboration partners change from time to time, but last year they collaborated with Hachiko and Jujutsu Kaisen, among others.
Basic Information:
・Address: 5F Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, Shibuya Mark City, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-5457-0133
・Hours: 08:00-00:00 (L.O. 23:30) *December 30 - January 3: 10:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
・Official website URL: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/estacion/index.html
Must-Visit Scenic Spots in Shibuya
SHIBUYA SKY
source：Official website
If you want to fully appreciate Shibuya's scenery, you can't miss "SHIBUYA SKY," the highest point in Shibuya. Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view from Shibuya's highest observation deck.
The Scramble Crossing spreads out directly below, and in the distance, you can see Tokyo Skytree and even Mount Fuji. It's no exaggeration to say that this is a place where you can look down on all of Tokyo.
There's also a rooftop bar where you can enjoy drinks and light meals 229 meters above ground. Eating while looking down on Tokyo's streets fills you with an exhilaration that you can't experience in ordinary restaurants.
Basic Information:
・Address: 14F, 45F, 46F, and Rooftop, Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: Open daily
・Phone: 03-4221-0229
・Hours: 9:00-22:30 (Last entry 21:20)
・Official website URL: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/
SHIBU NIWA
source：Official website
"SHIBU NIWA" is a warm, wooden plaza on the 17th floor of the Tokyu Plaza shopping mall. From here, you can view the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and stylish buildings like Miyashita Park and Shibuya Stream. The colorfully illuminated urban night view is particularly beautiful.
There's also a cafe & bar called "BAO by CE LA VI" where you can have light meals while enjoying the view. This shop serves Asian-inspired cuisine. Their most famous item is the "Asian Burger," a hamburger where the bun is made of steamed bun dough.
The combination of the elastic steamed bun dough and the patty is exquisite.
Basic Information (continued):
・Phone: 03-3571-0109 (Tokyu Plaza)
・Hours: 11:00-23:00 (Last entry 22:30)
・Official website URL: https://shibuya.tokyu-plaza.com/shibuniwa/
Conclusion
As you can see, Shibuya is home to numerous restaurants and cafes where you can enjoy spectacular views. Did any of these Shibuya restaurants with a view in 2024 catch your interest? I hope that through this article, you've found at least one place you'd like to visit.
As mentioned at the beginning, Shibuya is a fiercely competitive area with over 4,000 eateries concentrated in the district. Therefore, the 10 establishments we've introduced are just a small fraction of Shibuya's renowned restaurants. Why not venture out into Shibuya to discover yet-unknown gems? There are also plenty of shopping areas, so I recommend playing until you're hungry and then heading out for a meal.
Enjoy your culinary adventure in Shibuya, savoring delicious food while taking in the spectacular views of one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts!
