SHIBUYA, where Should you Go in the Most Crowded City in Tokyo, Japan?

SHIBUYA, where Should you Go in the Most Crowded City in Tokyo, Japan?

Shibuya expands along main streets such as Centre Street, Koen-dori, and Dogenzaka. There are also lots of attractive spots, such as dining spots hidden behind alleys and small theatres inside multi-tenant buildings.

Here are the introduction of the sightseeing spots of Shibuya, such as shopping spots, amusement spots and night life in Shibuya.

Famous Sightseeing Spots in Shibuya that should not be Missed

Famous Sightseeing Spots in Shibuya that should not be Missed

Shibuya has a variety of famous sightseeing spots. Here, we will introduce some spots that are a must-see.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Scramble Intersection is a large intersection right in front of JR Shibuya Station. It is said that around 1,000 people cross each time a green light appears.

You are sure to be overwhelmed by the sight of the area always brimming with people even on non-event days.

In addition, the centre street and Koen-dori are connected to this intersection.

Shibuya Hachiko

Shibuya Hachiko

Hachiko Shibuya is a dog statue in front of Shibuya Station. It is not only for looking at, but it also serves as a landmark for a meeting place in front of the crowded station.

However, in recent years, the story of Hachiko was made into a Hollywood movie, which has made it an even more famous sightseeing spot.

The Best Spots in Shibuya for Window Shopping

The Best Spots in Shibuya for Window Shopping

Shibuya has many fashion buildings. There are many stores in the fashion buildings, so they are also ideal for window shopping. Here, we will introduce some particularly recommended large-scale malls.

Name of FacilitiesCharacterists
Shibuya Hikarie
A Convenient shopping spot directly connected to the station
Shibuya Scramble Square
The tallest building with an observatory in the area.
Shibuta Mark City
Indoor mall where it is easy to do window shopping.
Shibuya FUKURAS (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)
A mall packed with miscellaneous goods and fashion goods.

Shibuya Hikarie

Shibuya Hikarie is a shopping mall that is directly connected to Shibuya Station. There are lots of genres such as fashion goods, cosmetics, and clothes.

They provide a food corner which is particularly unique in a fashion building. There are a lot of snacks and Japanese take-out side dishes, so you may wish to stop by for souvenirs.

In addition, there is a duty-free counter, information desk and coin lockers on the B3 floor. Being applicable for tax exemption depends on the item, but it is necessary to make a purchase of more than 5,000 yen.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Shibuya Hikarie
  • Street address: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8510
  • Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit B5
  • Wi-Fi:Available
  • Language:English, Chinese, Korean
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, DISCOVER, UnionPay

Shibuya Scramble Square

Shibuya Scramble Square

Shibuya Scramble Square is a fashion building that has high-brand shops and stylish miscellaneous goods stores. The building has coin lockers located on the 1st floor and a tax exemption counter on the 4th floor, in this way they provide a convenient service environment for foreign visitors in Japan.

Furthermore, Shibuya Scramble Square is 47 stories above ground, making it the tallest building in the Shibuya area. From "SHIBUYA SKY", the rooftop observation facility, it is possible to look over the cityscape of Shibuya.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Shibuya Scramble Square
  • Street address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-6101
  • Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit B6
  • Wi-Fi:Available (SHIBUYA Wi-Wi-Fi)
  • Language:English, Chinese, others(depending on the store)
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay

Shibuya Mark City

Shibuya Mark City is a complex facility directly connected to Shibuya Station. The 4th floor is a 400 metres indoor passageway where it is possible to do window shopping for fashion accessories and travel goods.

There is a tourist information centre located on the 4th floor, a currency exchange machine on the 2nd floor, and coin lockers located on the 2nd, 4th and 5th floors. It should be noted that currency exchange is available for 31 kinds of currency including US dollar, Euro and Thai baht.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Shibuya Mark City
  • Street address: 1-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
  • Access: Directly connected to Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station Central Exit
  • Wi-Fi:Available (SHIBUYA Wi-Wi-Fi)
  • Language:English, Chinese(Simplified/Traditional), Korean
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay (Depending on the shop)

Shibuya FUKURAS (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)

Shibuya FUKURAS (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)

Shibuya FUKURAS is a complex on the west side of Shibuya Station. Tokyu Plaza on the lower floor contains fashion goods and miscellaneous goods shops.

Among them, the miscellaneous goods shops are packed full of traditional Japanese crafts and Japanese goods. There are lots of stores in Tokyo and Shibuya that are the first of its kind, so some goods can only be bought here.

In addition, there is a Shibuya tourist information centre on the 1st floor. Foreign staff are always available, so make sure to stop by before heading out sightseeing in Shibuya!

Spot information

  • Spot name: Shibuya FUKURAS
  • Street address: 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
  • Access:
    • JR Shibuya Station South Gate West Exit… About 1 minute on foot
    • Tokyu, Keio, Tokyo Metro Shibuya Station… About 3 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi:Available
  • Language: English (depending on the shop)
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, DISCOVER, UnionPay

Shopping Spots in Shibuya ~ Fashion ~

Shopping Spots in Shibuya Fashion

Shibuya is a city packed full of cutting-edge fashion. Here, we will introduce some shops for fashion shopping.

A Fashion Building with Casual Brands aimed at Young People

There are many large buildings in Shibuya where casual brand shops are located. They are largely concentrated on Koen-dori, and from the nearest station, the stores SHIBUYA109, MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, Shibuya Marui, Shibuya Modi (formerly Marui City Shibuya) and Shibuya PARCO are lined up.

The price range of the clothes that can be purchased in fashion buildings range from several thousand yen to several tens of thousands of yen.

Shibuya Department Stores for Adults into High-End Fashion

There are also fashion stores for adults in Shibuya. For example, the Seibu Shibuya store has lots of high-brand stores, and these stores have high-quality, luxurious lineups.

In addition, Tokyu Department Store HONTEN Store (Main Branch) stocks brands with products that cost above 100,000 yen per item.

If you wish to spend time shopping for high-end fashion, try Tokyu HONTEN Store in Shibuya, which is located at the back of Bunkamura-Dori.

Fast Fashion Shops with Plenty of Reasonably Priced Products

Shibuya is abundant with large-scale fast fashion stores. They are largely concentrated on the west side of Shibuya station.

Fast fashion stores are characterized by the fact that people can enjoy shopping casually as the prices of the products are reasonable. Such stores include UNIQLO, ZARA, GU, and more.

Among these stores, the fashion styles of ZARA products are relatively unique.

Shopping Spots in Shibuya Miscellaneous Goods

Shopping Spots in Shibuya Miscellaneous Goods

Shibuya's miscellaneous goods stores range from reasonably priced stores such as DAISO (Shibuya DAISO) and 3COINS (Shibuya 3COINS) to large stores. Here, we will introduce recommended large-scale street stores where an abundant amount of miscellaneous goods are lined up.

Name of facilities Characteristics
Tokyu Hands
A lineup that will excite your craft loving side
Shibuya LOFT
A shop perfect for souvenir shopping
MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store (Main Branch)
A discount store with miscellaneous goods, Daily necessities and Food
BicCamera Shibuya (East Store and Hachikoguchi Store)
Large-scale home appliance store with a wide selection 
Tower Records Shibuya Branch
Music and Video media speciality store

Shibuya Tokyu Hands

Tokyu Hands is a large-scale miscellaneous goods store. It features a wide range of craft supplies and components for building products. Therefore, it is particularly recommended for people who wish to make their own original products.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Tokyu Hands Shibuya
  • Street address: 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Access: JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit…about 8 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available(Hands_FreeSpot)
  • Language:English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Russian, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Portuguese, Spanish, French
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

Shibuya LOFT

Shibuya Loft is a general store that faces Koen-dori. They stock fashionable and attractive products like household goods and stationery. In addition, there are plenty of miscellaneous Japanese goods, which make perfect souvenirs.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Shibuya Loft
  • Street address: 21-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Access:
    • A3 exit from Tokyo Metro / Tokyu Shibuya Station, about 3 minutes on foot
    • Hachiko Exit on JR Shibuya Station, about 5 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available
  • Language: English, Chinese
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, UnionPay,
  • VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store (Main Branch)

MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Branch is a comprehensive discount shop. The shop sells products like household appliances and brand bags.

The fact that it is open 24 hours is attractive. They stock plenty of confectionery and fresh food, so there is no need to worry if you need to buy something suddenly in the middle of the night.

Spot information

  • Spot name: MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store EGA Don Quijote
  • Street address: 28-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Access: JR Shibuya Hachiko exit...5 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available(DONKI_Free_Wi-Fi)
  • Language:English, Chinese、Korean, Thai
  • Credit cards:VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

BicCamera Shibuya East Store and Hachikoguchi Store

Bic Camera is a large-scale home electronics retailer. There is one store on the east side and one store on the west side of Shibuya Station.

Additionally, the company offers a service where customers can pick up their purchased products at the airport. The purchased products will be sent to the airport and they will arrive the next day at the earliest, so it is worth using if you need to.

Spot information

  • Spot name:
    • BicCamera Shibuya East Store
    • BicCamera Shibuya Hachikoguchi Store
  • Street address:
    • 1-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002
    • 2-5-9 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043
  • Access:
    • Shibuya Station Miyamasuzaka Exit B2 ... right by the station
    • Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit A4 ... right by the station
  • Wi-Fi:Available(Bic_Wi2_WiFi)
  • Language: Japanese only
  • Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club, DISCOVER

Shibuya Tower Records

Tower Records is a large-scale music and video specialty store. Various genres of music and video software are gathered in the huge store.

Moreover, it is affiliated with the luggage storage service company called ecbo cloak, which allows customers to store large luggage while they shop. It should be noted that a reservation is required to use the service of ecbo cloak.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Tower Records Shibuya
  • Street address: 1-22-14 Kanan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041
  • Access: JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit ... Around 3 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available
  • Language: English
  • Credit cards: Available

Shibuya Amusement Spots

Shibuya Amusement Spots

Amusement spots in Shibuya include game centres, museums and cinemas. Here, we will introduce the main facilities.

TYFFONIUM SHIBUYA

TYFFONIUM SHIBUYA is a spot the virtual world of VR can be experienced. Put on VR equipment and explore the world of 3D video. Not only images but there are also 4D effects like wind and fragrance, so in this way it is possible to get a realistic view of the world.

Spot information

  • Spot name:TYFFONIUM SHIBUYA
  • Street address: 27-4 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Access: Exit A3 of Tokyo Metro, Tokyu and Keio Electric Railway Shibuya Station ... About 3 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi:Unavailable
  • Language: English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional)
  • Credit cards: VISA, Master Card and others

VR PARK TOKYO

VR PARK TOKYO is a VR theme park. You can experience VR that has been carefully selected from all over the world. It is packed with attractions that allow you to experience the VR world with not only your eyes, but your entire body.

The admission fee is 3,000 yen per adult. In addition, it is 110 minutes unlimited play, so be sure to try out all of the attractions.

Spot information

  • Spot name:VR PARK TOKYO
  • Street address: 13-11 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042
  • Access: JR Shibuya Hachiko Exit ... About 5 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available
  • Language: English
  • Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

Samurai Armour Photo Studio

The Samurai Armour Photo Studio is a spot where you can become a samurai. You can have your photo taken in the studio while wearing traditional Japanese armour called Kacchū (甲冑).

There are also photography courses in the city. If you come to Shibuya, you may as well take a commemorative photo of the Shibuya cityscape.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Samurai Armour Photo Studio
  • Street address: 5-6 Maruyama-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0044
  • Access: JR Shibuya Station ... About 10 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Unavailable
  • Language: English
  • Credit cards: VISA, Master Card, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners Club

WATARI-UM The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art

The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art is a facility that displays the artwork of both domestic and foreign artists. The main collection is modern art and there are even performances.

Also, it’s worth paying attention to not only the interior but also the exterior. The designer is Swiss architect Mario Botta. The characteristic of the design is its stylish air that is suitable for displaying modern art.

Spot information

  • Spot name: WATARI-UM The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Street address: 3-7-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
  • Access: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Gaiemmae Station… 8 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Unavailable
  • Language: English
  • Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Game Centre

Game Centre in Shibuya

There are three game centres in Shibuya, Adores Shibuya, Taito Station and High-Tech Land Sega Shibuya.

Basically, you can experience UFO catchers (claw machine), medal games, Purikura (photo booth that prints out cards and stickers), and more.

However, the Adores Shibuya branch has plenty of prizes. Taito Station is attractive as the number of games are said to be the most in Shibuya, and "Hi-Tech Land Sega Shibuya" has original prize UFO catchers.

Movie Theatres in Shibuya

Movie Theatres in Shibuya

Shibuya has a wide variety of cinemas from large ones to small ones.

For example, if you wish to go to a big cinema, TOHO Cinemas Shibuya is recommended. If you wish to watch a film in a small space, head for Euro Space or Bunkamura Le Cinema.

Try Karaoke in Shibuya!

Try Karaoke in Shibuya!

Karaoke stores in Shibuya are located at the south exit side of Shibuya Station, Dogenzaka, and the central area. There are lots of chain stores such as Karaoke no Tetsujin" and "Karaoke Kan". The fee is around 180 yen for 30 minutes during the day and about 400 yen for 30 minutes at night. (Information accurate as of December 2019)

The Karaoke Kan is affiliated with the luggage storage service called "Porter Express", so you can store your luggage while sightseeing even after doing karaoke.

Kimono Rental Shops

Kimono Rental Shops

If you want to rent a kimono in Shibuya, use VASARA Shibuya or modern kimono Sasaka. Both offer services from dressing to hair setting. However, a reservation is required to use these services.

Pricing starts at around 3,000 yen at VASARA Shibuya and 3,800 yen for three hours at modern kimono Sasaka. (Information accurate as of December 2019)

Clubs and Nightlife in Shibuya

Clubs and Nightlife in Shibuya

Shibuya is also abundant with nightlife spots. There are plenty of live houses, clubs and bars. For example, live houses such as Shibuya eggman and TSUTAYA O-EAST are famous.

If you wish to play all through the night, head for a club. Clubs have a large capacity and they are easy for anyone to enter. One feature of a club is that a large number of people can enjoy dancing. Clubs are especially concentrated in the Dogenzaka / centre area.

If you wish to drink in a calm atmosphere, head for a bar. There are around 120 bars, largely located on the west side of the JR Shibuya Station. A budget of around 3,000 yen should be considered.

Is Shibuya Safe at Night?

Is Shibuya Safe at Night?

Shibuya is designated as a major busy area by the Metropolitan Police Department. Since they are taking comprehensive measures in busy areas, malicious touting is decreasing.

However, some pickpocketing and shoplifting still occasionally occur. The occurrence time is often between the hours of 16:00 and 20:00, so be careful during this time frame.

Sightseeing Spots Around Shibuya Station

Shibuya sightseeing spots are not just in the town area, but there are also abundantly green parks if you go a little further out.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is located on the north of Shibuya area. It is divided into two areas: a forest park area and a plaza area.

The forest park area is so abundant with nature that you can't imagine that you are in the middle of the city. In the plaza area, events such as flea markets are held.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Yoyogi Park
  • Street address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-0052
  • Access: JR Harajuku Omotesando....3 minutes on foot
  • Wi-Fi: Available (Free Wi-fi & Tokyo)
  • Language: English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean

Meiji Jingu

Meiji Shrine is located on the north side of the Shibuya area. There is a large artificial forest on the shrine precincts, and it is popular as an oasis within the city.

Furthermore, about 10 kinds of seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms and camellia can be enjoyed in the garden.

Spot information

  • Spot name: Meiji Jingu
  • Street address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 151-8557
  • Access: 1 minute on foot from JR Harajuku Station
  • Wi-Fi: Unavailable
  • Language: English
  • Ticket Purchase: At acceptance
  • Credit cards: No credit cards accepted

Omotesando

Omotesando is a shopping area located northeast of Shibuya Station. Zelkova trees are lined up on both sides of the main street, creating an orderly impression

There are high-brand shops lined up such as Prada and Omotesando Hills, a fashion building.

In addition, there are lots of stylish cafes, so it is popular as a spot for taking a short break.

Index

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