The Times Square of Japan.
Home to the famous Shibuya Crossing, countless skyscrapers, and a vibrant night life, Shibuya is one of the busiest places in Tokyo and the city that never sleeps. It’s known as the center of pop culture in Japan and there’s an endless selection of entertainment, restaurant, and izakaya. During the day, there’s also lots to see including unique shops and cultural sites. We hope that this guide can show you the best that Shibuya has to offer.
Things to do
Experience the Shibuya Crossing
Locals tend to try to avoid the Shibuya Crossing, but to everybody else, it’s quite a sight. On a busy night, up to 2,500 people cross the intersection at once and it’s considered one of the busiest crossings in the world.
After you experience it first-hand, take a step back and watch the crossing from a distance to see it’s real magic. These are some recommended places to get a good view of the crossing:
- Starbucks in the Tsutaya building
- L’occitane cafe
- Mag’s Park in Magnet
- Roof of Shibuya Scramble Square
Address: 2 Chome-2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Take a Picture with Hachiko
The Hachiko statue was built in memory of a truly loyal dog named Hachiko.
Hachiko was a dog who had a special bond with it’s owner. The dog was very loyal and always showed up to Shibuya station in the afternoon to greet his owner after work. Unfortunately, it’s owner died while at work in 1925, but the dog continued to come back to Shibuya station at the same time, every single day. Hachiko kept this up for 10 years past his owner’s death, and only stopped because Hachiko had passed away as well. In honor of the dog’s loyalty, its body was cremated and was placed next to his owner’s ashes.
Address: 1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Konno Hachimangu Shrine
If you’re curious about the history of the Shibuya area, then you should definitely check out Konno Hachimangu Shrine. This 900 year old shrine is the site of the Shibuya family, the family from which Shibuya was named after. Despite being in one of the busiest places in Japan, it’s one of the less popular shrines in Tokyo, so it may be a quieter experience than shrines like Asakusa.
Hours: 24 hours
Address: 3 Chome-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Cost: Free
Phone Number: 03-3407-1811
Check out Tower Records
Another interesting thing to do in Shibuya is to check out the flagship store of the famous Tower Records in Shibuya. Out of all the 85+ stores they have across Japan, the one in Shibuya is the biggest, and there are 8 stories filled with various genres of music from the latest hits to old school classics. This is also one of the few places in Tokyo where they still sell CDs and vinyls which may interest some collectors. There’s also a cafe inside with a nice atmosphere where you can grab a light snack!
Hours: 10:00am – 11:00pm
Address: 1 Chome-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Phone Number: 03-3496-3661
Shop at 6 Floors of Muji Store
Over the last few years, Muji has gotten popular outside of Japan, and if you’re a fan as well, then you need to check out the 6 story Muji store in Shibuya! Muji is known for its simple yet high quality products and this Muji store has all kinds of selections and even a cafe!
Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Address: Japan, 〒150-0042 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Udagawacho, 21−1 モヴィーダ館Ｂ1～5Ｆ Parking Building, Ｂ1Ｆ 渋谷西武
Phone Number: 03-3770-1636
Visit the Very First Tokyu Hands Store
Tokyu Hands is a department store in Japan and it’s also one of the best place to go to for DIY materials. The store in Shibuya is the first Tokyu Hands store ever and may be worth checking out to get a unique Japanese souvenir!
Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Address: 12-18 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Phone Number: 03-5489-5111
Splurge at Mega Don Quijote
The biggest Don Quijote in Japan is located in Shibuya and it is HUGE. The Mega Don Quijote is a massive 7 story building that’s open for 24 hours and has everything from souvenirs to imports and shampoos to today’s lunch. Best of all, it’s tax free for tourists so take advantage while you’re here!
Hours: 24 hours
Address: 28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 154-0042, Japan
Phone Number: 03-5428-4086
Take in Some Art at the Parco Building
Towards the end of 2019, the new Parco Building opened up in Shibuya and this place is almost like an art museum. There are various manga inspired figures and artwork displayed throughout the building. There’s also a Pokemon store, free rooftop garden access, and is home to Japan’s first official Nintendo store.
Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-8377, Japan
Phone Number: 03-3464-5111
Shibuya Scramble Square
The Shibuya Scramble Square opened towards the end of 2019 and became the tallest skyscraper in Shibuya. This 47 story skyscraper has to offer various traditional and western restaurants, office buildings, shopping malls, and the tallest view of Shibuya with the rooftop observation deck.
Hours: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Address: 2 Chome-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Phone Number: 03-4221-4280
Shibuya Stream
Once you’re done exploring rooftops, you can come to the southern end of Shibuya and take a stroll through Shibuya Stream. On the inside, there’s office buildings, shopping malls, and restaurants, similar to the Shibuya Scramble Square building. On the outside, there’s an LED lit stairs and a river bank with aesthetic illuminations running along it which is the perfect spot to take your date after a nice dinner!
Hours: Weekdays 11:00am – 1:00am,
Saturdays 11:00am – 10:00pm,
Sundays 11:00am – 9:00pm
Address: 3 Chome-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Phone Number: +81 570-050-428
The Shibuya Night Life
Nonbei Yokocho
Nonbei Yokocho is Shibuya’s version of Golden Gai. Right next to the Shibuya crossing, there’s two alleyways with old architecture houses that are packed with bars and izakaya that can seat up to 5-6 people at a time.
Address: 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Center Gai
Right across the Shibuya crossing is the entrance to Center Gai. During the day, this area is filled with tourists looking through various shops. At night, this place becomes the gathering place for Tokyo’s youth. From Center Gai, you can have easy access to bars, clubs, or any other way to spend the night.
Hours: 24 hours
Address: 12-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Phone Number: 03-3461-3314
Party at the Club Central of Tokyo
If you’re into clubbing then Shibuya is your place. With over 15 different clubs, ranging from EDM to Hip Hop, Shibuya is the center hub for all kinds of night life. Here are some clubs and their websites for more info.
Stay Out ALL Night
If you miss the last train, no worries because you’re in Shibuya! There’s lots of places that run 24 hours or at least until the morning train. There’s 24 hour karaoke, ping pong, bowling, billiards, and so much more. If you’re feeling a bit exhausted, you can go relax at a manga/internet cafe nearby and if you’re feeling hungry, McDonalds, Ichiran, and many other chains are open 24 hours as well.
Activities
- Karaoke
- Ping pong
- Bowling
- Billiard
- Darts
Place to Rest
- Internet/Manga cafe
- Cheap Love Hotels
Food
- McDonalds
- Ichiran
- Matsuya
Restaurants to Try
There are millions of restaurants in Shibuya and with the construction of new buildings, the numbers are only increasing. While we think that there are no bad choices in any restaurant in Shibuya, here are some unique places we’ve discovered that we recommend trying out.
- Sushi Uobei/Genki Sushi: Bullet train sushi restaurant
- Wired Cafe: Awesome cafe in a book store
- Streamer: Japanese coffee chain.
- Sincere Shibuya: Michelin star French restaurant
- Kobe Beef Teppanyaki: Luxury wagyu beef restaurant
- Afuri ramen: Healthy ramen with yuzu
- Pizza Slice: Authentic NY Pizza
Accommodations
Shibuya is one of the best places to stay in Japan when it comes to convenience. Not only is everything open til late at night, Shibuya also connects to various places with 10 different lines running through this one station. Here’s are some places that you can easily access from Shibuya:
- Shimokitazawa
- Yokohama
- Kichijoji
- Kawasaki
- Kawagoe
Hostel
- Turn Table Hostel – Nice clean hostel with a balcony and restaurant
- Wise Owl Hostels Shibuya – Hostel with private room options and shared kitchen.
Budget
- Sakura Hotel Hatagaya – Small but satisfactory hotel with 24 hour restaurant.
Mid-Range
- The Millennials Shibuya – Capsule Hotel with contemporary design.
- Shibuya hotel EN – Unique hotel with interesting designs.
Luxury
- Shibuya Stream Excel – Luxury style hotel at a moderate price
- Hotel Koe – Minimal yet luxury hotel with a restaurant, store, and occasional events.
- Trunk Hotel – Hotel with stylish interior and modern architecture.
