Walking in Shibuya! 10 Must-See Spots
Shibuya, a popular tourist destination, is the epicenter of Japanese youth culture. It's currently undergoing a once-in-a-century redevelopment and continues to evolve daily. The sight of people crossing the Scramble Intersection is one of Shibuya's photogenic highlights.
Shibuya is home to many art museums and live music venues, showcasing its artistic and musical side. In recent years, it has become known as the setting for popular anime, attracting many visitors. Shopping spots for trendy Japanese souvenirs are also popular among foreign tourists.
Shibuya, which attracts various age groups, is full of dining options from casual izakayas to luxury restaurants. Today, I'll introduce a recommended course to fully enjoy the charm-filled streets of Shibuya!
1. Hachiko Statue
The "Shibuya Hachiko Statue" is a symbol in front of Shibuya Station and a famous meeting spot. It's recommended to start your Shibuya tour from Hachiko.
Hachiko, an Akita dog, waited for his deceased owner at Shibuya Station for about 10 years. This behavior was featured in newspaper articles, making Hachiko famous. Hachiko himself participated in the ceremony when the bronze statue was erected.
The current Hachiko statue is the second one, as the original was destroyed during wartime. In 2023, to commemorate Hachiko's 100th birthday, events were held, including about 40 Akita dogs walking through Shibuya.
- Address: 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Immediately outside the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Along with the Hachiko statue, the "Scramble Crossing" in front of Shibuya Station is another symbol of Shibuya. At peak times, about 3,000 people cross at once, earning it the title of "world's busiest intersection."
Many foreign tourists make the Scramble Crossing one of their sightseeing goals. A foreign acquaintance of mine described it as "artistic how such a large crowd can cross systematically without colliding."
The observation facility (SHIBUYA SKY) in Shibuya Scramble Square offers a great view of the Scramble Crossing from above.
Access: Immediately outside the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
3. Shibuya 109
"Shibuya 109" celebrated its 45th anniversary in April 2024. Once called the holy land of “gyaru” fashion, Shibuya 109 continues to be a source of various youth cultures. With many shops selling fashion, cosmetics, and accessories, as well as stylish cafes, it's perfect for picking up trendy souvenirs or taking a break.
My recommendation is the cafe restaurant "Cheese and Honey" on the 7th floor. Their pasta and doria topped with fluffy egg souffle are visually appealing and satisfying. The honey fruit tea is also delicious.
<Information>
- Address: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3477-5111
- Hours: Shopping 10:00 am-9:00 pm / 7F cafe Ma Maison 10:00 am-10:00 pm / 7F Cheese and Honey 11:00 am-10:00 pm
- Closed: January 1st
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
- Official website: https://www.shibuya109.jp/
4. MEGA Don Quijote
Source: TripAdvisor
If you're unsure about souvenir shopping, "MEGA Don Quijote" is recommended. The charm of this store is its vast product range. With the concept of "Convenience," "Discount," and "Amusement," the store offers everything from food, cosmetics, hair care products, and clothing, to electronics.
Japanese snacks are especially popular among foreigners. You can find chocolates, gummies, and snack foods at bargain prices, making it ideal for those who want to buy in bulk for souvenirs. Another attraction is that it's open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It's nice to be able to visit anytime during your trip.
<Store Information>
- Address: 28-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 0570-076-311
- Hours: Open 24 hours
- Closed: Never
- Access: 5 minutes walk from Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
- Official website: https://www.donki.com/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=442
5. Center Gai
When talking about Shibuya, you can't miss "Shibuya Center Gai." It's filled with shops where you can enjoy modern Japanese culture, including 100-yen shops, game centers, karaoke, and ramen restaurants.
There are also many stylish cafes and casual izakayas, making it a great place to visit for meals. On weekend nights, it's crowded with young people, and just walking down the street gives you a full sense of "Shibuya."
In recent years, local shopkeepers have been focusing on crime prevention patrols, and volunteers have been working on cleaning up litter, aiming to make it a place where everyone can enjoy safely. Please be sure to visit!
- Address: Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 1 minute walk from Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
6. Shibuya PARCO
Source: TripAdvisor
"Shibuya PARCO," with its eye-catching modern exterior, is full of the latest trends in various genres including art, music, games, and anime. In the shopping area that fuses shopping and technology, robots connected to the information center roam the floors.
When my friends' families visit from abroad, I always take them to "CYBERSPACE SHIBUYA" on the 6th floor. The "Nintendo" and "Pokemon" shops, popular overseas, are enjoyed by both children and adults.
The rooftop has a spacious outdoor area and is also recommended as a night-view spot.
<Store Information>
- Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3464-5111
- Hours: Shopping 11:00am-9:00pm / Dining 11:30am-11:00pm / 6F (Nintendo Tokyo, Pokemon Center) 10:00am-9:00pm / 7F Restaurants 11:00am-11:00pm
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Access: 6 minutes walk from JR Shibuya Station
- Official website: https://shibuya.parco.jp/
7. TOWER RECORD
Source: Official website
"TOWER RECORD Shibuya Store" was the center of the Japanese music scene in the 90s. Known as the world's largest CD shop with 800,000 CDs in stock, it's affectionately called "Tawa-reko." The 8-story building with its eye-catching yellow and red logo is a landmark in Shibuya.
One nice point is that floors are divided by genres such as "J-pop," "Anime & Game music," "Rock," "New release," making it easy to find the music you're looking for. There are also many artist signing sessions and talk events, which could become a memorable part of your Japan trip.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-3496-3672
- Hours: 11:00 am-10:00 pm
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station
- Official website: https://towershibuya.jp/
8. MIYASHITA PARK
Source: Official website
"MIYASHITA PARK" combines a park, shops, restaurants, and a hotel. You can enjoy it in various ways: relaxing while sightseeing, browsing luxury brand shops, or tasting cuisines from around the world.
My recommendation is the "Studio Ghibli" apparel shop on the 3rd floor. It offers character goods from Ghibli works popular overseas, such as "Spirited Away" and "Princess Mononoke."
The attached hotel "sequence," with the concept of "gentle connections," is easily accessible from anywhere and perfect as a base for Tokyo sightseeing.
<Information>
- Address: 6-20-10 Jingu-mae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-6712-5630
- Hours: Shops 11:00 am-9:00 pm / Restaurants 11:00 am-11:00 pm
- Closed:
- Access: 3 minutes walk from Exit A7b of Shibuya Station
- Official website: https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/
9. Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho
Source: Official website
"Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho," just steps from Shibuya Station, is a street lined with nostalgic Japanese izakayas. "Nonbei" refers to people who love alcohol. "Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho" has about 40 retro and unique izakayas and bars, and you can often see foreigners enjoying casual stand-up drinking.
My favorite way to enjoy it is to visit several places. There are so many attractive shops that it's hard to decide which one to enter, so let's try all the ones you're interested in! In Nonbei Yokocho, conversation with unfamiliar customers is also part of the fun. A moment that starts with "Kanpai!" will become a wonderful memory of your Japan trip.
<Information>
- Address: 1-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Contact: info@nonbei.tokyo
- Hours: Varies by store
- Closed: Varies by store
- Access: 2 minutes walk from Exit A7 of JR Shibuya Station
- Official website: http://www.nonbei.tokyo/
10. SHIBUYA SKY
To fully enjoy the view of Shibuya, I recommend "SHIBUYA SKY" on the 14th to 47th floors of Shibuya Scramble Square. From the rooftop observation space, you can look directly down at the Scramble Crossing and enjoy a 360-degree view of Tokyo.
I recommend visiting at night. At the comfortable music bar "Paradise Lounge," you can enjoy original cocktails and snacks along with the night view.
Entry requires a date and time-specific ticket, which can be purchased at the ticket counter on the 14th floor or on the website. Tickets are cheaper on the website than at the ticket counter.
<Information>
- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Phone: 03-4221-0229
- Hours: 10:00 am-10:30 pm (Last entry at 9:30 pm, Ticket sales until 9:20 pm)
- Closed: January 1st
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station, 14F of Shibuya Scramble Square
- Official website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/about/
- Web ticket purchase site: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/ticket/
Joining a tour is also recommended
Shibuya Free Walking Tour
Source: Tokyo Localized
For a Shibuya tour full of highlights, joining a tour is also recommended. The "Shibuya Free Walking Tour" is a 2-hour tour guided by English-speaking guides. Starting from a shopping building directly connected to Shibuya Station, it visits tourist spots like the Scramble Crossing. The night tour also introduces popular nightlife areas. The tour ends in front of Hachiko.
To provide the best hospitality, the tour has a limit on the number of participants, and advance reservation is required. You can book up to the day before the tour if there's availability. Please wear comfortable clothes for the tour!
Tour details here >> https://www.tokyolocalized.com/shibuya-free-walking-tour-tokyo
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
How about this tour to enjoy Shibuya's nightlife? A friendly English-speaking guide will take you to three izakayas and bars. Starting from the Scramble Crossing, you'll first visit a shop near Shibuya Station. Then, you'll enjoy melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef and carefully selected sake at a shop in the street called "Meat Alley."
The charm of this tour is that you can visit hidden gem shops that tourists might miss. Interacting with locals is also one of the joys of travel. The tour includes 3-4 dishes and drinks.
For vegetarians or those who can't eat fish, the guide will recommend suitable menu items. Please let them know in the comment section when booking.
Tour details here >> https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e97da2a4-a99c-4ec8-b2c2-e5e9ae25a8f6
Shibuya, popular among foreign tourists, is full of attractions! For families, it's recommended to search for souvenirs at MEGA Don Quijote, then stop by the game centers in Center Street and the Pokemon Center in PARCO. It's also a good idea to use the hotel in MIYASHITA PARK as a base and explore a bit beyond Shibuya.
Experience Japanese music culture at TOWER RECORD, and enjoy the night view at SHIBUYA SKY. If you're unsure, try joining a guided tour. You can experience local nightlife too. Enjoy the streets of Shibuya, where everyone from children to adults can have fun!
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.