10 Must Visit Spots in Shibuya
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most popular and lively areas. Much like its counterpart Shinjuku, it is home to an abundance of iconic landmarks, great shops, cafes, restaurants and attractions. Shibuya is also rich in history, and also has some great temples and shrines. Now, Shibuya is probably most popular with younger people and its colourful youth and pop culture. If you have already done some research on Tokyo, chances are you’ve already read about Shibuya. We have created this page to provide you with the inspiration you need to make the most of your time exploring this bustling neighbourhood! On this page you will find the following information :
— 10 Must Visit Spots in Shibuya
— 30 Best Day-trips and Overnight Getaways from Tokyo
10 MUST VISIT SPOTS IN SHIBUYA
We offer a tour which visits the Shibuya area which we highly recommend for anybody wanting to experience Shibuya to the fullest in one day! The tour visits most of the places listed below, so if after reading this article Shibuya sounds like somewhere you’d love to visit, click on the tour card below!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Shibuya : The Best of Both | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya-Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 / Shibuya Crossing
For most people when they think of Shibuya, they think of the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing! This is one of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks and the busiest crossing in the world, with approximately 2,500 people crossing each time! It is easy to understand once you experience walking across it for yourself. Join the crowds and have a quintessential Tokyo experience as you gaze around at the towering skyscrapers and neon signs. The crossing is extremely easy to locate as it is right outside the Hachikō exit of Shibuya station. If you really want to experience the organised chaos of the crossing and you’re feeling brave, then we recommend paying a visit on the weekends or during rush hour! If you’re looking to enjoy the crossing from afar, then why not head to the Starbucks cafe directly opposite to people watch and see the thousands of people crossing at once. Please note that the Starbucks gets very busy for this reason, so you may need to wait for a seat.
2 / Hachikō Statue
Located directly in front of the Shibuya Crossing is the famous and much loved statue of Hachikō. Hachi as he is also known was a Japanese Akita dog who became famous for waiting for his owner outside of Shibuya station even after he passed away. On one fateful day, his owner had a sudden heart attack at work. Despite his permanent absence, Hachi would continue to walk to Shibuya station patiently waiting for his owner to return. Japanese people saw Hachi’s love and devotion to his owner, and began feeding him and taking care of him. When Hachi passed, many people attended his funeral and to commemorate this loyal and sweet dog, a statue was erected outside of the station in his honour. Please note that the statue is very popular and many people wait in line for a chance to have a photo. However, you can still admire Hachi from afar! The statue is so important and famous that Shibuya station even has an exit dedicated for people wanting to visit it, the ‘Hachikō Exit’.
3 / Shibuya Sky and Scramble Square
Shibuya Sky and Scramble Square is a new skyscraper complex which offers visitors modern attractions and amenities. The most notable of these attractions is Shibuya Sky located on the top floors of Scramble Square. Opened only in 2019, this plush and modern observatory is the newest of the bunch of the Tokyo observatory offering and stands at 229 meters high. The observation deck provides 360 degree views of Shibuya and wider Tokyo, making it an absolute must for any architecture and cityscape fans. If you’re lucky, on clear days you can even see Mount Fuji. Shibuya sky offers both indoor and outdoor viewing areas, but please note that when the weather is bad the outdoor areas will be closed. An enjoyable light and sound show is played as you ascend to the observation deck, which is particularly spectacular at night! We don’t visit Shibuya Sky on our Shibuya tour, but we highly recommend visiting in the evening or night after our tour concludes to watch the sunset and enjoy night time views of the city. For more information, check out our Shibuya Sky page! If you also want to find out more about Tokyo’s best observatories, then check out our Tokyo’s Best Observatories and Viewpoints of the City page!
4 / Meiji Jingu Shrine
Meiji Jingu is a beautiful Shinto shrine just a stone’s throw away from Harajuku station. It is probably one of Tokyo’s most famous and popular shrines, and for good reason. Built to commemorate Emperor and Empress Meiji, the grounds of the shrine are nestled within a beautiful man made forest of towering Cedar trees. The walk up to the shrine is truly peaceful, and the minimal design of the shrine showcases the beauty of Shinto architecture. Other highlights of the shrine are the famous Sake barrels donated by various supporters of the Emperor and the small garden which was used by the Empress for restbite. If you’re lucky, you may be able to witness a traditional Shinto wedding at the shrine which is a wonderful experience. Visitors can also enjoy visiting the Shrine’s own museum, cafe and souvenir shop. Check out our Meiji Jingu Shrine page to find out more information.
5 / Harajuku
Harajuku is probably one of the most famous areas in all of Tokyo! Famous for its pop culture and street fashion that has been beloved by young people for decades, Harajuku is the place to come if you want to see unique clothing styles, trendy street foods and all things ’Kawaii’! ( cute in Japanese!). When many people think of Harajuku, they think of Takeshita Dori. A long street lined with clothing and accessory stores, games arcades, street food vendors and even animal cafes. It is a fun place to visit at least once for an hour or two to soak in the more modern pop culture side of Japan. However, Harajuku is also home to ’Cat Street’ and its many trendy and fashionable boutiques, cafes and hair salons. So make sure to wander off Takeshita Dori and explore these cool side streets! For more information, check out our Harajuku page!
6 / Miyashita Park
Miyashita Park is an urban oasis right in the middle of the bustling Shibuya! Located around the corner from Shibuya crossing and the Hachikō statue, it is within easy walking distance to go and experience during your time spent in Shibuya. Miyashita Park is located on top of a multi-story complex full of shops, cafes and restaurants. At the base of the complex visitors will find a long row of modern style Izakaya restaurants which are a great way to experience this side of Japanese culture. Likened to the British pub, they are affordable and fun places to see how Japanese locals let their hair down. Visitors can enjoy spending a few hours shopping and eating before heading up to the roof top to relax at Miyashita Park’s terrace. It is the perfect spot to sit, rest up after lots of walking and gaze out at the surrounding cityscape of Shibuya. So we highly recommend stopping here as a great place to charge your batteries before continuing on your Shibuya exploration! There are a few vendors on the terrace selling cocktails, beers and coffee, so why not grab a drink and relax like a true Shibuya local!
7 / Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 will not be for everybody. Aimed mostly at the younger female demographic, it is a large shopping complex filled with many unique and independent fashion and accessory boutiques, cosmetics, as well as some cute cafes. If you love the street fashion in Japan, especially the ’Kawaii’ and girly styles, then we highly recommend stopping by here to do some retail therapy to pick up some one of a kind pieces for your wardrobe. However, even if you don’t consider yourself a fashionista or aren’t into the clothing style, you can still enjoy window shopping and gazing at the fashions which are very quintessential of modern day Tokyo pop culture. Shibuya 109 is just a short walk from Shibuya station, and you can see it clearly as you come out of the station. Cross the iconic Shibuya crossing and head straight to Shibuya 109 to be amazed by the clothing designs and fashion culture.
8 / Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho is located directly opposite Miyashita Park. In contrast to the more modern style Izakaya restaurants, Nonbei Yokocho is a small alleyway lined with older and more retro Izakaya and bars. Long before Miyashita Park was built, this was the place to go for great food and drinks! It is sometimes referred to as ’Drunkard’s Alley’ due to its reputation for its fun nightlife! The alleyway has a nostalgic and cosy atmosphere reminiscent of post-war Japan. It offers visitors a more intimate setting, with most of the establishments only being able to hold a handful of people at one time. Don’t worry, this is not a tourist trap as it is still very popular with locals! We highly recommend popping by at night to experience Shibuya nightlife if you can get a seat!
9 / Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular and largest parks. Located near Harajuku station and Meiji Shrine, visitors can easily walk across to the park after doing some exploring at these other attractions. It is a vast space, popular with locals who you will see exercising, walking their dogs and having picnics. The park has large lawns, a lovely pond and beautiful wooded areas which are magical in the Autumn. On weekends it is very busy with people trying to escape from the concrete jungle of Tokyo. Musicians, street performers and dance groups often come here. There are many trendy and high quality coffee shops and bakeries nearby, so we recommend picking up some baked goods and a coffee to enjoy during your visit to the park. The park is also a haven for those seeking out a great place to see Cherry Blossoms. The park attracts huge crowds for the cultural celebration known as ’Hanami’ or flower viewing parties. Many will have picnics under the blossoms with friends and loved ones, enjoying drinks and the lively atmosphere. If you happen to be in Tokyo for Spring, we highly recommend trying out ’Hanami’ for yourself.
10 / Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya Hikarie is a sleek and stylish skyscraper located near Shibuya station. It opened in 2012 and has since become one of the most popular places to go in Shibuya. Hikarie is home to an array of shopping and dining options, office spaces and cultural facilities. Shops range from low end to high end to suit all budgets. We highly recommend going to Hikarie for dinner to get some fantastic views of Shibuya at night! However, our favourite feature of Hikarie is the observation level where you can watch all of Shibuya and the Shibuya crossing from high above the bustling crowds. On clear days you can even see Mount Fuji! Hikarie’s cultural facilities known as ’Shibuya Hikarie ShinQs’ is also a great place to stop by. This is home to an art gallery, theatre and the host of regular events.
BEST TOURS IN TOKYO
Shibuya is just scratching the surface of what Tokyo has to offer. The Capital is steeped in history. The city has faced many hardships from earthquakes, fires and the air raids of WW2, and unfortunately many of its oldest buildings and structures have disappeared over time. However, Tokyo does a fantastic job at celebrating and retaining much of its character and culture, with stunning renovations of temples and shrines, museums housing some of Japan’s finest artefacts, and hidden pockets of neighbourhoods that have managed to preserve its original architecture despite the many challenges its faced. Pop culture lovers will rejoice at Japan’s modern aesthetic, with its bright lights and neon signs that make the city glow at night. There really is so much to see and do in Tokyo! Check out our ’Best Tours in Tokyo’ page which will give you more information on the tours mentioned in the previous section, as well as the best tours in Tokyo and the best day trips from Tokyo throughout the Kanto region. However, to give you a taste of what we offer, check out the tours below! We hope you book a tour with us!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Walking Tour in Shinjuku and Kagurazaka : Tokyo Hot Spots and Hidden Gems | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 17:30 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Yotsuya Sanchome Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Walking Tour in Yanaka, Nezu and Sendagi : Experience Tea Ceremony and ’Yanesen’ Old Tokyo | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 10.30 – 17:10 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Nippori Station WEST exit |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Ultimate Tokyo Tour : Imperial Palace, Sake, Robots, Japanese Gardens and Edo Museum | |
| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:30 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Tokyo Station’s Domed Lobby Area by Green and White Information Board |
| Adult Rate | ¥19,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥13,000 |
THINGS TO DO IN TOKYO
This page would not be complete without also suggesting our wider recommendations on things to do in Tokyo which includes both the golden tourist attractions and some lesser known activities you can enjoy. Why not check out Things to Do in Tokyo page which will also give you plenty of inspiration for your time spent in Tokyo. Here you will find some of the best activities and recommendations on how to spend your time in the Capital, as well as some tours that you can join to make the most out of your trip!
From watching Sumo wrestlers train to eating the freshest sushi at local markets, playing Taiko drums to exploring hidden shrines and temples, Tokyo truly has it all. Our Tokyo tours enable you to pick and choose from a wide range of areas and activities to explore during your trip. Want to explore lesser known neighbourhoods in Tokyo, or do you want to get into the hustle and bustle of the world’s most populated city, then click the link above and start exploring what you can do in Tokyo to make your trip unforgettable.
30 DAY-TRIPS & GETAWAYS NEAR TOKYO
While Tokyo has more than enough to keep you entertained for your entire visit, it is also an ideal base from where to escape the city and explore our home region of Central Japan and beyond. Boasting the majority of Japan’s tallest mountains, verdant forests, open spaces, ancient temples and a slower way of life, it is everything that Tokyo is not. Our ’30 Things To Do Near Tokyo: Best Day-Trips & Overnight Getaways’ page includes some fantastic tips and suggestions of what’s on offer. Here are some examples of the tours we offer outside of Tokyo, but click on the link above to see more . We hope it tempts you to explore beyond the city!
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Mount Fuji and Hakone | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Shinjuku Bus Terminal |
| Adult Rate | ¥28,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥24,000 |
1 Day Tour
| Day Trip to Kawagoe : Experience the ‘Little Edo’ of Japan | |
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| Period | All Year Round |
| Time | 09:00 – 16:45 |
| Meeting Place | Inside Ikebukuro Train Station |
| Adult Rate | ¥17,800 |
| Child Rate | ¥11,000 |
1 Day Tour
| 1 Day Tour : Explore Nikko’s World Heritage and National Park | |
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| Period | April – October |
| Time | 08:40 – 19:15 |
| Meeting Place | Outside Asakusa Ekimise Department Store |
| Adult Rate | ¥24,900 |
| Child Rate | ¥18,900 |
WHERE TO STAY IN TOKYO
There is no shortage of accommodation in Tokyo ranging from luxury hotels, mid-range to budget, youth hostels and even capsule hotels! The areas of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Tokyo are among the most popular with tourists, all of which have excellent public transport links, shopping, bars and restaurants. Therefore they make excellent bases for a short stay in the city. Check out our Tokyo destination page which includes everything you need to know about the city, and our ‘Where to Stay in Tokyo’ page for what areas to book your hotels and find the right accommodation for you.
HOW TO GET TO TOKYO
As Japan’s sprawling capital, Tokyo is the start and end point of numerous train lines and express bus services making it easy to reach from all over the country. Our ‘How to Get to Tokyo’ page includes detailed information about how to get there from popular starting points including Tokyo Haneda airport and Tokyo Narita. Why not also check out our ’Comparing Tokyo Haneda Airport and Tokyo Narita Airport’ page for more useful information for planning your trip.
