The Best Things To Do In Shibuya, Tokyo

Welcome to Shibuya! Shibuya is one of the most famous neighborhoods or wards in Tokyo and we could not visit Japan’s capital without exploring it. In this blog, I will share everything you should know before visiting this neighborhood: the best things to do in Shibuya, where to sleep, where to eat, etc. Interested? Then keep reading this block to find out more!

SHIBUYA

If you think of Shibuya, you will most probably think of Shibuya Scramble Crossing, one of the most famous crossings in the world. However, Shibuya Ward has more to offer than this crossing, Harajuku, the famous district for pop culture shopping, and the beautiful Yoyogi Park and Meiji Shrine are also part of this ward.

Here are some interesting facts about Shibuya:

Shibuya is also a popular district for shopping, dining, and enjoying nightlife.
Shibuya is also a predominant place for youth fashion and pop culture. Its streets are the birthplace of many of Japan’s fashion and entertainment trends.
The Shibuya crossing is not only one of Japan’s busiest crossings; it is also a fantastic place to practice your photography skills. The visuals are so good that it appears in many films, TV shows, commercials, etc.

THE BEST THINGS TO DO IN SHIBUYA

Let’s get started with the best things to do in Shibuya. As usual, at the end of this blog, you will find a map in which I have pinned all the places that I will mention in here.

AREA NEAR SHIBUYA STATION

1. Cross the Shibuya Crossing as many times as you want

Shibuya Crossing is probably the most famous crossing in the world. It is estimated that approximately half a million people cross here daily. The particularity of this crossing is that it stops the traffic in every direction, allowing pedestrians to cross in every direction simultaneously. It is not the only crossing of this type in Japan, but it certainly is impressive.

Having seen this crossing so many times on TV, films, and social networks, I was excited to cross it. Surprisingly, even though there are thousands of people crossing at the same time, people cross without bumping into each other. It was so impressive, we had to cross it several times in different directions.

2. Admire Shibuya Crossing from above

Once you’ve crossed it, it is time to admire Shibuya Crossing from above and appreciate how many people cross it simultaneously. There are many options depending on your budget.

From Shibuya Train Station: In Shibuya Station, an elevated bridge allows pedestrians to cross the street. You get to see the crossing from here, but it is a bit far away. On the positive side, it is completely free if you’re on a low budget.
Starbucks Tsutaya: In one of the most iconic places “free” to see Shibuya Crossing from above, it is also very busy. Be ready to wait in line. If you manage to get a seat in one of the windows overlooking the crossing, you will get amazing views for the price of a coffee.
L’occitane Café: Right next to the Starbucks, in the same building, you will find this café where you can also get good views of the crossing.
Shibuya109: On the top of the Shibuya 109 building is a rooftop called Mag’s Park with an entry fee of 1800 yen in 2024 but includes a drink.
Shibuya Hikarie: Hikarie Sky Lobby, located on the 11th floor of the Hikarie building, offers a free panorama of one of Tokyo’s most famous sites.
Shibuya Sky: Shibuya Sky is one of the newest observation decks in Tokyo that has become super famous. You have probably seen many videos and photos and videos on different social networks. This is the one we chose and we really loved the experience.

3. Watch the sunset from Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky Observation Deck is more than just a place to see Shibuya Scramble Square from above. Here you will also get amazing 360-degree views of Tokyo from above.

Shibuya Sky is all about the visuals. It has two full floors, where you can admire the city from all perspectives. The last floor is open, which makes it the only one of these characteristics in Tokyo.

We were impressed by this observation deck and understood its hype. It is definitely a place not to miss in Shibuya.

Practical information

Shibuya Sky is open daily between
Tickets cost 2200 yen per person (if bought online) and 2500 yen per person (if bought on-site).
Always check the latest updated information at Shibuya Sky’s official website.
It is recommended to buy your tickets online in advance since they tend to sell out. Tickets can be bought up to one month in advance.
I recommend booking your tickets an hour or so before sunset. This way you’ll see the city both during the day and at night. Don’t worry about getting there too early, there are a lot of waiting lines to get photos in the best spots so you’ll need as much time as you can.
Even on a sunny day, you might want to consider getting a light jacket. The open rooftop gets quite windy and you’ll be thankful for it.

4. Visit Hachiko's Statue

Hachiko is a very famous dog in Tokyo. He became famous for his loyalty to his owner and his story was made into a movie in 2029. Hachiko was a dog of the Akita breed who used to accompany its owner every day, a Tokyo University professor to Shibuya Station and wait for him until he returned home in the evening. However, one day in 1925, the professor died while giving a class. Hachiko waited for him at the station for almost 10 years, hoping he would return one day. The people living in the area took pity on the poor dog and kept and eye on him and brought him food.

His statue was built in 1934 to commemorate his loyalty and Hachiko was there at the statue’s unveiling! He passed in 1935 after waiting for his friend for 10 years.

5. Shopping like there's no tomorrow

The area near Shibuya Station is also a very popular area for shopping both for tourists and locals. So if you want to buy some souvenirs and staff to bring back home from your trip, Shibuya is just the place for you. Here you will find many shops such as Loft, Don Quijote, Daiso, Muji, Uniqlo, etc. Just make sure you have room in your suitcase for everything!

HARAJUKU AREA

1. Visit Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is the fourth biggest park in Tokyo with a surface of 54.000 square meters. It is a peaceful haven within a hectic city and a fantastic spot to walk and enjoy some nature within the city. Inside this park, you will also find one of the most famous shrines in Tokyo, Meiji Shrine.

Yoyogi Park is full of small forested areas, ponds, fountains, etc. It is one of the favorite places for locals to enjoy picnics or other outdoor activities. During the cherry blossom season, it is quite common for Japanese to visit Yoyogi Park to admire them.

2. Explore the famous Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is one of the most important shrines in Tokyo and located in the middle of . It was built in 1920 and was dedicated to the Meiji Emperor, who was the first emperor of modern Japan. The shrine we can visit today is a reconstruction since the original one was destroyed during the Second World War.

The entrance to the shrine is marked by a 12-meter-tall wooden Torii Gate which is really impressive. Once you pass this torii gate, the path will lead you through a forest with stone lanterns and sake and wine barrels on both sides and the shrine buildings at the end.

At the shrine complex buildings, you will be able to participate in the Shinto rituals, buy protective charms and amulets, and if you’re lucky even witness a Shintoist wedding.

Practical information

Entry to the shrine is completely free.
The shrine is open between sunrise and sunset. Check the official Meiji Shrine website to get updated information.

3. Shop at Takeshita Street

Next to Harajuku train station, you will find Takeshita Street (Takeshita Dori). This is a 400-meter-long narrow street with many trendy fashion shops and boutiques, second-hand stores, and the cutest (kawaii) food stalls.

Takeshita is always very busy but more so on the weekends and it is very common to see Japanese teens dress in extravagant clothes and emulating their idols.

Even if you’re not interested in shopping here, Takeshita Street is certainly an experience. Just immerse yourself in between the crowds and see were you end up.

4. Window shop in Omotesando Avenue

Not far from Takeshita Dori, you can find Omotesando Avenue, where you will find all sorts of shops. From more budget-friendly ones to high-end stores. But even if you’re not interested in shopping, a stroll through Omotesando is always interesting to see the most impressive architectural designs. Here are some of the buildings in Omotesando that you can’t miss:

V28 Building with its curved façade.
Iceberg Building. As the name says, the building is designed to look like an iceberg.
Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku. The entry to this building is full of mirrors.
Swarovski Omotesando.
Gyre Building
Tods Building
Hugo Boss Omotesando Building
One Omotesando, etc.

Photo by Daryan Shamkhali on Unsplash

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT SHIBUYA?

The answer to this question is always depending on how much you want to do and see. Do you like to visit in a more fast-paced way or do you like to explore and discover places at your own rhythm?

In our case, we spent a complete day in Shibuya, and was the perfect amount of time for us. However, you have to take into consideration that we didn’t spend much time shopping, so if you want to do so, you might want to add some extra time.

HOW TO GET TO SHIBUYA?

Shibuya is quite a big neighborhood so it will depend on where you want to go.

To reach the famous Shibuya Station from Tokyo Station, there are several options. If you have a JR Pass, then the easiest way is to get on the Yamanote Line which will take you directly to Shibuya Station. If you don’t have a JR Pass, then another option is using the Tokyo metro system. Just hop on the Ginza Line and it will take you directly to Shibuya station.

If you want to reach Harajuku area, here are your options. With an active JR Pass, your best option is to also use the Yamanote Line until Harajuku Station. Don’t have a JR Pass? Then your best option is the metro Chiyoda Line.

EATING IN SHIBUYA

Shibuya is one of the best areas in Tokyo to eat. There are so many options, you will not be able which one to choose. Here are some recommendations:

Ichiran Shibuya for some delicious ramen.
Kumachan Onsen. Make sure to reserve in advance if you want to eat at this kawaii hot pot restaurant.
Street food at Takeshita Dori. Not only will it be delicious it will also be super cute.
Harajuku Gyozaro. This small restaurant has delicious gyozas.

ACCOMMODATION IN SHIBUYA

Shibuya is one of the most expensive areas for accommodation in Tokyo since it is quite a popular and lively area. If I had to choose, I would stay more in the Harajuku area than near Shibuya Station as the latter is more noisy.

Here are some hotel recommendations I would choose for myself.

MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS

And that’s it for this week’s blog. I hope you liked it and found it useful. Let me know what you think in the comments!

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