A complete guide to recommended sightseeing, shopping spots, and classic events around Shibuya Station in Tokyo

Shibuya, Tokyo, is a world-famous tourist destination that is bustling all year round. There are plenty of things around the station that you will never get tired of visiting, such as "Shibuya Scramble Crossing" and "Shibuya Center Gai".

This article covers everything from access to Shibuya Station to must-see spots around the station. When planning your trip, be sure to use this article for reference!

How to get to Shibuya Station from Tokyo/Kanto suburbs

First, let's understand the access to Shibuya Station from major stations in Tokyo and the suburbs of Kanto.

Currently, there are a total of 9 railway lines operated by 4 companies running through Shibuya Station. You can access not only Ikebukuro and Shinjuku, but also popular sightseeing areas such as Odaiba, Ueno, and Asakusa without changing trains, so access from all over Tokyo is excellent.

In addition, there are many direct lines to Omiya, Kawagoe (Saitama Prefecture), Kamakura, and Yokohama (Kanagawa Prefecture), making it a convenient terminal station as a base for excursions around Tokyo.

Access to Shibuya Station from Tokyo/Kanto Suburbs

However, even if it is all "Shibuya Station" in common, the platforms of each line are distributed from B5F to 3F, and there are various ticket gates and exits. Due to its complex structure, it is sometimes described as a "labyrinth" or "dungeon".

Check the ticket gates and exits according to your destination in advance so that you don't take a detour to your destination or get lost.

*1: A system that combines two-letter route symbols and two-digit station numbers for each station. Each railway company has introduced it so that anyone, including tourists visiting Japan, can easily understand where to transfer and where to get off.

• A Complete Guide to Shibuya Station in Tokyo: From train routes, ticket gates, exits, to discount tickets

Access to Shibuya area from Narita International Airport/Haneda Airport

When traveling from Narita International Airport or Haneda Airport to Shibuya, one option is to use the airport bus in addition to the train. If you want to travel with big luggage, use the bus.

When using Narita International Airport

*1: A low-cost highway bus with simplified services, such as allowing passengers to load and unload their own luggage.

When using Haneda Airport

5 recommended sightseeing spots around Shibuya Station

For sightseeing in Shibuya, here are five standard spots that you should visit at least once.

Hachiko Square/Hachiko Statue

Speaking of landmarks in Shibuya, here! The "Statue of Hachiko", the loyal dog, stands in the "Hachiko Square", right next to the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station. It is often used as a meeting place, and many tourists always take commemorative photos here.

There is a tourist information facility, "SHIBU HACHI BOX" across the street.

• Address: 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko exit, Subway line A8 exit

Shibuya Scramble Crossing

The "Shibuya Scramble Crossing", said to be the busiest crossing in the world, spreads out in front of the statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog. Five pedestrian crossings connect Dogenzaka and Shibuya Center Gai, and when the traffic light changes, passers-by start walking all at once. The sight of about 3,000 people coming and going during busy times can only be described as a masterpiece!

• Address: Dogenzakashita, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko exit, Subway line A12 exit

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Shibuya Center-gai

"Shibuya Center-Gai", Tokyo's premier shopping district, is just across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Look for the arch-shaped signboard at the entrance. The main street is lined with restaurants such as izakaya, ramen shops, karaoke shops, and fast food restaurants.

• Address: Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko Exit, Subway Line A6a/A6b Exit

Moyai Statue

Next to the statue of Hachiko, the faithful dog, the “Moyai Statue” is also one of the meeting places. It was donated to Shibuya Ward in 1980 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the transfer of the Izu Islands and Niijima Village to Tokyo. The face of a young man on the front and the face of an old man on the back gives a big impact!

• Address: 1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Exit: JR lines West Exit, Subway Line A2 Exit

SHIBUYA SKY (Shibuya Scramble Square 14F-46F)

"SHIBUYA SKY" is an observatory that offers a 360-degree view of the city of Tokyo from 229 meters above the ground. On clear days, you can see Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji. On the 46th floor "SKY EDGE", you can take pictures that look like you are floating above the skyscrapers.

• Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines east exit, Subway line B6 exit
• Official site: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/ 

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5 recommended shopping spots and commercial facilities around Shibuya Station

Shibuya is always on the cutting edge of fashion and culture. These five facilities are where you can learn about the latest trends!

SHIBUYA109

Opened in 1979, "SHIBUYA109" is a mecca for young fashion, accumulating various contents that young people like. Focusing on fashion brands targeting women in their teens and 20s, there are more than 100 apparel shops and café restaurants. It is known by the abbreviation of "Marukyu".

• Address: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko exit, Subway line A2
• Official site: https://www.shibuya109.jp/

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MIYASHITA PARK

"MIYASHITA PARK" is located in the middle point between the Shibuya area and the Harajuku/Omotesando area. It consists of the commercial facility "RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK", the rooftop park "SHIBUYAKURITSU MIYASHITA PARK" and the urban hotel "sequence MIYASHITA PARK".

• Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Miyamasuzaka exit, Subway line B1 exit
• Official site: https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/

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MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store

"MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Honten Store" by the discount chain store "Don Quijote" handles about 80,000 to 100,000 items. The store, which extends from B1F to 7F, has a wide range of sweets, alcohol, cosmetics, medicines, souvenirs, and more. Duty-free, open 24 hours.

• Address: 28-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko exit, Subway line A2 exit
• Official site: https://www.donki.com/store/shop_detail.php?shop_id=442

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SHIBUYA STREAM

"SHIBUYA STREAM" is a complex facility that is directly connected to Shibuya Station and consists of cafes, restaurants, and hotels. In addition to his ramen shop, cafe, yakiniku restaurant, and Japanese restaurant on the 1st to 3rd floors, various events are held irregularly on the 1st floor square.

• Address: 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest Exit: JR lines New South Exit, Subway Line C2 Exit
• Official site: https://shibuyastream.jp/

Shibuya PARCO

"Shibuya PARCO" functions as a hub for transmitting culture with about 190 shops. You can get everything from trendy fashion items to Japan's representative game and manga character goods. The restaurant that occupies B1F and 7F should be inresistable for Japanese food lovers!

• Address: 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
• Nearest exit: JR lines Hachiko exit, Subway line A6c exit
• Official site: https://shibuya.parco.jp/

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3 classic events held around Shibuya Station

Around Shibuya Station, where many events are held throughout the year. Here, we will focus on three of the biggest.

*Written based on information from the most recent event.

Countdown event in front of Shibuya Station

A countdown event in front of Shibuya Station that has been held on New Year's Eve every year since 2016 (*2). Just before the date changes, the timer will be projected on the large screens surrounding the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and the excitement will reach its climax! Every year, more than 100,000 people welcome the New Year, and it is a tradition of the year-end and New Year holidays in Tokyo.

*2: Canceled from 2020 to 2022 to prevent the spread of COVID-19

• Spending the New Year in Japan - Toshikoshi & Hatsumode

Shibuya Halloween

On October 31st, or on the Saturday and Sunday night just before the main date, the area in front of Shibuya Station will be filled with people in costumes and cosplay, including police officers, witches, and manga and anime characters. Many clubs and bars also hold Halloween events, and the whole city is like a cosplay competition.

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Blue Cave SHIBUYA

The illumination event "Blue Cave SHIBUYA" is held from late November to late December every year. Approximately 600,000 blue LED light bulbs will be used to create a fantastic space for about 800m from Shibuya Koen-dori to Yoyogi Park's zelkova trees.

• Official site: http://shibuya-aonodokutsu.jp/

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There are still many places to see around Shibuya Station!

You can enjoy sightseeing in the area around Shibuya Station alone, but you can't miss the area that can be reached in about 10 minutes on foot from the station. For example, we recommend Oku-Shibuya, which is lined with galleries and coffee shops, and Cat Street, known as the center of street fashion. If you have time to spare, you can go a little further and visit nearby areas.