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Shibuya Scramble Crossing: Top 7 Viewing Spots
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Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo is one of the busiest intersections in the world, with up to around 3,000 people crossing at one time. Learn the best 7 locations to view this famous crossing, such as Starbucks Coffee Shibuya and the Shibuya Sky Observatory.
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Shibuya Scramble Crossing: The Best Views
Photo by Pixta
Shibuya is known around the world for its famous Scramble Crossing. When the crosswalk signal turns green, the estimated number of people crossing the street at a single time can reach up to 3,000 people.
This crosswalk has been featured in films such as Lost in Translation, directed by Sofia Coppola, Resident Evil: Afterlife and The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, which helped propel its status as a landmark known around the world.
Read on to learn the best 7 locations to view and take photos of the Shibuya Crossing. Visit during the day and at night for fantastic views!
Shibuya Crossing: The 7 Best Viewing Spots
1. Shibuya Tsutaya Cafe & Lounge
2. SHIBUYA SKY: The Scramble Crossing’s Highest Viewing Point
3. Shibuya Mark City: Free Admission
4. Magnet by Shibuya 109: Rooftop MAG’s PARK
5. L'Occitane Café Shibuya
6. Gusto Shibuya Ekimae Store: For Bird's Eye Views
7. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu: A Hotel and Cafe with Scramble Crossing Views
1. Shibuya Tsutaya Cafe & Lounge
The Starbucks Coffee Shibuya Tsutaya Store has been seen as the best spot for viewing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
It's quite easy to understand why: the walls of the building are made of clear glass, with no other buildings or objects obstructing the view of the intersection. It is also the closest of the spots featured on this list. Here you can enjoy a close-up and personal view of the crosswalk.
Originally a video rental store, Shibuya Tsutaya has undergone a major renewal and reopened on April 25, 2024. The first and the B1 and B2 basement floors feature pop-up stores and events showcasing animation, music, and other creative content from Japan and the world.
The second, third, and fourth floors are a cafe & lounge space with approximately 500 seats, where you can enjoy drinks while viewing the Shibuya Crossing.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
Starbucks Coffee occupies the second floor, while SHARE LOUNGE operates the third and fourth floors. This space has been conceived as an area where visitors can find insights and inspiration.
Picture courtesy of PR Times
The fifth, sixth, and seventh floors feature lounges, bookstores, and cafes with original concepts. The fifth floor is home to the POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE (admission fee required), where visitors can enjoy a premium Pokémon card gaming experience in a sophisticatedly designed special space. Complimentary drinks and snacks are provided, and the entire space exudes the essence of Pokémon cards.
The rooftop of Shibuya Tsutaya is planned to be an outdoor event space. It might also be helpful to know that the entire Shibuya Tsutaya facility employs cashless payment.
Due to the renewal, visitors at Shibuya Tsutaya can now enjoy viewing the Shibuya Crossing from any floor. The entire building is thoughtfully designed as a welcoming space where people can immerse themselves in the lively culture of Shibuya.
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2. SHIBUYA SKY: The Scramble Crossing’s Highest Viewing Point
Shibuya Crossing viewed from SHIBUYA SKY. Photo by Pixta
Located in the bustling SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE building, the futuristic SHIBUYA SKY is the place to go for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the Scramble Crossing.
SHIBUYA SKY during the day. Photo by Pixta
The 46th floor’s outdoor observatory, the SKY STAGE, offers an incredible panoramic view of Tokyo - including the iconic crosswalk. Night views are particularly stunning, and visitors to the trendy observatory can spend time relaxing in one of its seats or hammocks while enjoying the scenery.
Photo by Pixta
The SKY GALLERY indoor observatory also offers fantastic views, as well as futuristic digital art installations related to the area.
For those who want to enjoy the view in style, the observation deck’s rooftop bar lounge THE ROOF offers beer, wine, cocktails, and even champagne.
SHIBUYA SKY is open from 10:00 until 22:30 (final admission at 21:20), and tickets for adults cost 2,200 yen - 2,500 yen, depending on whether they’re purchased on the same day or in advance. Please be aware that same-day tickets may not be available; we suggest buying your ticket online in advance.
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3. Shibuya Mark City: Free Admission
If you want to enjoy the view without having to pay for it, head over to the Shibuya Mark City Walkway.
This walkway is located between the JR Yamanote Line's Tamagawa Exit and the Keio Inokashira Line Exit. Since the walls are all made of glass, you can observe the intersection from above at a relatively lower height.
However, please take care not to block the walkway if you are taking photos since this passage is often crowded.
Pictured above is a view of the crossing from the Shibuya Mark City's walkway.
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4. Magnet by Shibuya 109: Great Views from the Rooftop MAG’s PARK
Another location with excellent views of the Shibuya Crossing is MAG's PARK, on top of the Magnet by Shibuya 109 shopping mall. Go up to the rooftop for a stunning view of the Scramble Crossing at day or night.
Admission is 300 yen, and the roof is open from 11:00 to 23:00, making it a great spot to go any time of the day. You can enjoy a snack or drink on the rooftop; events are held regularly. For more information, see the official website.
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5. L'Occitane Cafe: Take in the Sights in Style
Photo by Pixta
In search of a place where you can take in the view while enjoying an upscale, elegant atmosphere? Look no further than L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya, operated by the French cosmetic maker L'Occitane.
The shop is located on the first floor, while the second and third floors house a spacious cafe with large windows. Here you can enjoy parfait desserts, as well as teas or cocktails flavored with fruit and herbs, all while leisurely looking over the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.
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6. Gusto Shibuya Ekimae Store: A Family Restaurant with Views
Photo by Pixta
Another fantastic place to observe the Shibuya Crossing is Gusto Shibuya Ekimae, a chain family restaurant. This location is nestled on the 7th floor of the same building as the L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya.
This spot is the ideal location for tilt-shift photography, to capture this world-famous scene as if it were a toy town. Gusto is your best option if you want to take in Shibuya from a high vantage point.
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7. Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu: A Hotel and Cafe with Scramble Crossing Views
For those staying in Shibuya, it’s now possible to book a room with a Scramble Crossing view!
Occupying the 5th to 24th floors of the Shibuya Mark Building and directly connected to Shibuya Station, the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is the only hotel in the area that offers its guests a stay directly overlooking Tokyo’s most famous crossing.
Even if you don't stay at the hotel, you can drop by the stylish lounge Estacion Cafe on the 5th floor and enjoy coffee, tea, cocktails, and desserts with views of Shibuya Crossing.
The hotel provides modern and stylish rooms, as well as housing a trendy lounge area and providing excellent dining options. When booking, we recommend that guests request a room on the crossing side, to get that iconic view!
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Enjoy Viewing the Shibuya Crossing
Every day, many people cross this intersection. Within seconds, pedestrians flood this intersection from every single direction. Somehow they all slip past each other without colliding and eventually disperse toward their respective destinations. Come witness this kaleidoscope-like phenomenon with your very own eyes.
FAQ
What is the traffic scramble in Shibuya?
The "traffic scramble" in Shibuya refers to the famous pedestrian crossing outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo, Japan. Known as the Shibuya Scramble Crossing or Shibuya Crossing, it is one of the busiest and most iconic pedestrian intersections in the world. This bustling junction allows pedestrians to cross in all directions, including diagonally, once the traffic lights halt vehicles in all directions. The coordinated flow of pedestrians crossing from multiple points simultaneously creates a mesmerizing sight, particularly during peak hours when hundreds of people cross the intersection at once.
Why is Shibuya Crossing so famous?
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, is famous for being one of the busiest pedestrian intersections globally, serving as an iconic symbol of urban life and modern Tokyo culture. Its vibrant energy, organized chaos, and photogenic appeal have made it a cultural landmark and popular destination for tourists and locals alike, attracting visitors to experience its bustling atmosphere and unique charm.
Which exit is Shibuya Scramble?
In Shibuya Station, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing can be accessed from various exits, but one of the main exits that leads directly to the famous crossing is the Hachiko Exit (also known as the Hachiko-guchi Exit). The Hachiko Exit is named after the famous loyal dog Hachiko and is a popular meeting point. Exiting through the Hachiko Exit will lead you towards the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, allowing you to experience one of Tokyo's most iconic spots.
Where is the busiest crosswalk in the world?
The Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan, is widely regarded as the busiest pedestrian crossing globally, with 2.4 million people crossing the intersection daily, an average of up to 2,500 people per crossing.
How many people cross Shibuya Scramble a day?
On average, 2.4 million people cross Shibuya Scramble each day.
Is Shibuya Crossing better at night or day?
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo offers distinct experiences during both the day and night. In the daytime, the crossing is alive with bustling crowds, showcasing the vibrant energy and urban activity of Tokyo. It's a great time to witness the dynamic scene and observe the lively interactions of visitors and locals.
Conversely, in the evening, Shibuya Crossing transforms into a dazzling display of neon lights and city illumination, creating a visually striking and vibrant ambiance. The nighttime setting with its bright lights and neon signs offers a different but equally captivating perspective, making for a memorable visit regardless of the time of day.
Read also
All pictures from PIXTA
人見知りの人嫌いな人情家,スローせっかち,iPhonegrapher,WebDirector,Editor,Writer,国内競技運転者ライセンスA(俗称A級ライセンス)所持,大型自動二輪免許所持,メガネ男子萌え,文房具マニア,デジタルガジェットと旅とごはん(作るのも食べるのも)好き
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