Shibuya is Tokyo’s most visited district for those seeking fun. It’s a place that never disappoints, offering everything related to entertainment and excitement.
This article will give you an idea of everything this fantastic district has to offer and how to make the most of your visit.
With so much to see in Shibuya, the best approach is to plan your itinerary in advance and make sure you don’t miss anything.
If you’re looking to have a great time, unwind, savor delicious food, and embrace all that hedonism has to offer, Shibuya awaits on your trip to Tokyo to fulfill it all.
Let yourself be amazed by this special place within Tokyo. Here are some top spots for your visit.
What to see in Shibuya?
There’s so much to see in Shibuya that you might need more than just one day to explore this part of Tokyo.
Therefore, it’s best to plan well, knowing exactly what you want to visit, and try to do it in sections, taking advantage of the nearby attractions.
In Shibuya, you’ll find a huge variety of stores, both in shopping centers and along the charming streets of the district. Added to this are museums, gardens, and great spots for dining.
If you want to experience Tokyo’s eccentric side, Shibuya is a must-visit.
Shopping Centers
The shopping centers in Shibuya are packed with attractions to keep you entertained for hours.
The best-known and most visited of them is Shibuya 109. This shopping center occupies an entire building and is exclusively dedicated to women’s fashion.
Considered a shopping paradise by many, it’s the perfect place whether you’re shopping for yourself or looking for a gift.
In short, it’s one of the most interesting places to visit in Shibuya.
Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing
The Shibuya Pedestrian Crossing is one of Japan’s most iconic images abroad.
It has appeared as a symbol of Tokyo in films, animations, series, magazines, and other media across nearly every country.
The five pedestrian crossings of Shibuya are synchronized by traffic lights, creating a visually stunning effect when they all turn green for pedestrians at once.
Seeing it from above is spectacular. We recommend watching it while enjoying a coffee at the Starbucks on one of its corners.
It’s the largest and busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and has become a tourist attraction, drawing more and more people eager to walk through the crowds.
The Statue of Hachiko
The story of this remarkable and loyal dog has circled the globe for decades. Today, it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t heard of Hachiko.
This beloved statue commemorates Hachiko’s unwavering loyalty, as he waited every day for his owner at Shibuya Station, even after his owner’s passing.
Hachiko is already known by millions of people, especially since a movie was made about his story.
This fame draws a large number of tourists eager to see the statue dedicated to him.
The Hachiko statue is located right in front of Shibuya Station, where he waited faithfully for his owner until the end of his life. Don’t be surprised to see flowers and toys left there as tributes to him.
Every day, Hachiko would accompany his owner to the station when he went to work, and he would wait at the door for his return. But one day, his owner did not come back.
Hachiko’s owner had passed away suddenly, yet the dog remained at the station’s entrance, waiting for him for ten years from 1925 until his own death.
Following the passing of this loyal dog, a statue was erected in his honor. Hachiko’s body was preserved through taxidermy and can be seen today at the National Science Museum.
Center Gai
Center Gai is where Japan’s fashion trends are born, making it a hugely significant area.
This entire zone is pedestrian-only, allowing for a relaxed stroll through one of Tokyo’s most famous districts.
In Center Gai, you’ll find a wide variety of boutiques and arcade centers. Both types of entertainment keep this area bustling with visitors at nearly all hours.
Additional attractions include restaurants known for high quality yet reasonably priced meals, which may be more affordable than they first appear.
Nightclubs extend the experience into the late hours, while local bars offer a lively atmosphere for soaking in the vibe of the area.
Capture the essence of Shibuya and enjoy a one-of-a-kind adventure with the Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, and Tokyo Tower Go Kart Tour, bringing your Tokyo journey to life in an exciting and memorable way.
Koen Dori
This expansive shopping street stretches from Marui department store to Yoyogi Park.
The street’s name comes from a large shopping center in the area, though it isn’t particularly distinctive on its own.
Shops here are high-quality, and you could easily spend an entire day exploring them.
Tower Records
This legendary music and media retailer has an enormous branch in Tokyo.
Although it’s not technically part of the Tower Records chain, it does share the same name. For this reason, it’s more of an affiliate location.
Tower Records Japan Inc. has been present in the country since 1979, originally as a branch of MTS Incorporated. Just a year later, it opened its first store in Sapporo.
By 2002, Tower Records Japan successfully gained independence from the American company but retained the name, as it had become an appealing brand in its own right.
This separation proved advantageous when, in 2006, the U.S. company declared bankruptcy. Unlike the original, Tower Records Japan remains active and thriving.
Today, it operates 80 stores throughout Japan.
The most iconic store is the one in Shibuya, boasting nine floors filled with such a variety of products that you may find it hard to leave!
Opening its doors in 1995, it has remained the largest store of its kind in the country ever since.
Gastronomic walking tour in Shibuya
Shibuya is renowned across Japan for its cuisine, both traditional and contemporary, with a reputation for cutting-edge culinary creations.
If you want to sample innovative dishes, this is the place.
To fully experience the culinary landscape of Shibuya, joining a food tour like this one is highly recommended.
This tour takes participants to local spots popular with residents, as well as others that attract visitors.
On this tour, you can savor treats like Osaka-style Takoyaki, Hiroshima Okonomiyaki, Kobe beef skewers, various sushi types, and end with a dessert called Taiyaki.
The tour costs €130 per person and lasts 3 hours.
Where to eat in Shibuya
In Shibuya, there are countless places to explore Japanese cuisine, though some stand out for quality, price, or speed.
Here are our top recommendations:
- Uobei. Located in central Shibuya, this spot is known for serving high-quality sushi. It even offers dishes that are exclusive to this location, as they’re original creations.
- Maiizumi. This restaurant, part of a well-known chain, is in Shibuya and specializes in breaded pork cutlets, or tonkatsu, prepared with care for quality.
Where to stay in Shibuya
While Shibuya may not be known for an extensive hotel scene, it doesn’t mean there’s a lack of quality options, just that choices are somewhat limited.
The main recommendation is to choose a hotel near Shibuya Station, as this makes transportation especially convenient.
If you’re considering staying in Shibuya, these are two great options:
Shibuya Granbell Hotel, which offers comfortable, practical rooms with essential amenities. It’s also quite affordable, making it ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
For a more premium stay, Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel is a good choice. The rooms are priced slightly above average but are well worth it.
Location and how to get to Shibuya
The easiest way to get to Shibuya is by train, taking the Shinjuku, Shonan, Yamanote, or Saikyo lines to Shibuya Station.
Alternatively, you can take the metro via the Anzomon, Ginza, Fukutoshin, Tokyu Toyoko, or Tokyu Den-Entoshi lines, getting off at Shibuya Station.
After exploring Shibuya, you can continue your Tokyo adventure by purchasing a 24, 48, or 72-hour metro ticket to enjoy unlimited access to all corners of this vibrant city.