My Tokyo Guide
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Updated: October 19, 2022
Artistic shots of Shibuya's iconic crossing continue to feature on the pages of global fashion and travel magazines, and for good reason. The chaotic, yet miraculously organized crossing has become a symbol of Tokyo's dynamism, and represents Shibuya—Japan's trend-setting powerhouse dedicated to fashion and arts. Join the crowds as they diverge off into the many streets and alleyways to shop and hangout in hip cafes, bars, and restaurants. Spend time appreciating the area's fiercely independent art scene, or simply visit to experience the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.
In addition to JR Lines, Shibuya Station is also on the Keio Inokashira Line, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, and Tokyo Metro's Ginza, Hanzomon and Fukutoshin Lines. It takes 20 minutes to walk from Shibuya Station to the Aoyama, Omotesando and Harajuku areas and 15 minutes to the Daikanyama area.
From Haneda Airport: 55 minutes by Limousine Bus, or 45 minutes by train to Shibuya Station.
From Narita Airport: one hour 55 minutes by Limousine Bus, or one hour 40 minutes by train to Shibuya Station.
From Shinjuku Station: 7 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station.
From Tokyo Station: 23 minutes on the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station.
A trip to Tokyo wouldn't be complete without setting foot on Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Jostling through the surging wave of people that floods the intersection outside Shibuya Station every two minutes is an experience in itself. Combine that with some of the city's best sushi and bumping into burly sumo wrestlers, and Shibuya offers the ultimate Tokyo tourist experience. Snap a picture of the iconic crossing from above from one of the surrounding cafes or station buildings, or if you're quick and careful, take a picture from street-level from within the scramble itself.
The streets of Shibuya continue to be responsible for global fashion trend-setting. The iconic building of Shibuya109 is a mecca for fashion-conscious teenagers, whereas Shibuya Hikarie and Seibu are modern complexes for sophisticated fashion shopping and dining. Alternatively, drop by the Jinnan area and browse the legions of distinctive select shops. Not just a place for the modern fashionista, if you are a designer or creator, head to the modern lifestyle megastores Hands or Loft; or pick up some quirky souvenirs from the well-stacked shelves of discount store giant, Don Quijote.
As to be expected of Shibuya’s dynamic and ever-changing nature, a number of new commercial facilities have sprung up in recent years. In MIYASHITA PARK, you can sample local food from all over Japan. At Shibuya Yokocho, for example, there are numerous restaurants offering a wide range of gourmet specialties, from sushi and ramen to gyoza and yakitori, handmade by artisan chefs, as well as sumo wrestler meals prepared by former sumo wrestlers, and karaoke bars. You can also enjoy a wide variety of entertainment, with lively performances taking place every day, including magicians, music, and events.
Towering above Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Square is a new landmark tower in Shibuya that is popular for its "Shibuya Sky" observation deck, offering a breath-taking 360-degree panoramic view from a height of about 230 meters.
Meanwhile, the renovated Shibuya Parco is attracting attention as a center for cutting-edge art, culture and food. There’s lots to enjoy, including shops, restaurants, art galleries, a cinema, a theater, as well as a floor dedicated to manga and gaming, and a rooftop park. Finally, Shibuya Fukuras is a tourist information facility and art center, with an integrated bus terminal, and commercial facilities at Tokyu Plaza Shibuya.
To match its cutting-edge fashion, Shibuya is also home to a deep and creative art scene. Small movie theaters showcase lesser-known Japanese and international films and often host one-off events and movie festivals. The funky areas of Udagawacho and Maruyamacho are your place for record shopping, live music venues and clubbing. The quieter corner of the city is Oku-Shibuya, where you'll find hip bars, restaurants, and booksellers stocking a super selection of tastefully chosen books.
Based on Shibuya’s reputation as a popular area for young people and aim to become more of an international city, the Tokyo Anime Center in DNP PLAZA SHIBUYA opened in April 2021, as a new center for anime culture. Shibuya is the setting for a number of popular anime and manga, such as “Idolmaster Cinderella Girls” and “Jujutsu Kaisen” with its Shibuya Incident arc. There are also anime and game floors on the 6th floor of Parco.