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Shibuya Guide: Unique Things to Do in Tokyo's Pop Culture District
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Tokyo's Shibuya area is an iconic center of Japanese contemporary culture. From the Hachiko Square and the Scramble Crossing to the views from SHIBUYA SKY, dining, and shopping, here are 22 popular and little-known things to do in this lively neighborhood.
Shibuya - Explore Tokyo's Diverse Culture Hub
The center of Tokyo's mainstream fashion, culture, cuisine and so much more, Shibuya draws people from all walks of life.
Our guide introduces 22 of the most popular and lesser-known things to do in Shibuya.
Shibuya Guide: Must-Visit Places and Dining
1. Hachiko's Statue
2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing
3. SHIBUYA SKY: Tokyo Views
4. Center-Gai Street
5. Nintendo Tokyo and Pokemon Center Tokyo
6. Clubbing in Shibuya
Dining
7. Dogenzaka-dori
8. Pepper Parlor: Tasty Waffles Served by Robots
9. Conveyor Belt Sushi
10. d47 Shokudo: Eat Your Way Around Japan
11. Hachigatsu no Kujira Bar: Movies and Cocktails
12. Reg-on Diner: An American Diner
13. L'Occitane Cafe: Relax in a Trendy Cafe
Shopping
14. Shibuya PARCO
15. Tokyu Plaza
16. Shibuya 109 and MAGNET by Shibuya 109
17. Shibuya Hikarie: Refined Shopping
18. Loft Shibuya: Lovely Japanese Souvenirs
19. Miyashita Park
20. Village Vanguard: Unique Gifts
Art and Museums
21. The Myth of Tomorrow in Shibuya Station
22. Watarium Art Museum
1. Meet Hachiko Outside Shibuya Station
Hachiko, the faithful Akita dog that waited for his owner outside Shibuya Station for years after his death, is memorialized in stories, movies, and of course, in statues. Just outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station, you will find this statue of Hachiko.
This is a popular meeting spot for anyone waiting for friends in Shibuya, and throughout the year, you may even find Hachiko dressed up to match the season.
In 2023, we celebrate 100 years since Hachiko's birth! Various events are planned for November in Shibuya and Akita, Hachiko's hometown.
There is another Hachiko waiting for you in Shibuya, though! Take a look at the article below for details.
2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing - Get the Perfect Photo!
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world; it's said that at its busiest there are over 3,000 people crossing here at once. As such, there are many people who come here to photograph the hustle and bustle of the city.
If you'd like to get a better view of the scramble crossing, then you'll need to look up. For more about the best places to view the intersection from, read the article below.
3. SHIBUYA SKY: Panoramic Views of Tokyo
Photo by Pixta
After exploring the scramble crossing from the ground level, head to SHIBUYA SKY, the rooftop observation deck within SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE, a complex filled with shops and restaurants. The observatory is located 229 meters above ground.
The entrance to the observation area is on the 14th floor. Shibuya Sky is open from 9:00 to 23:00, so you can enjoy the stunning Tokyo views and the scramble crossing day and night.
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4. Center-Gai Street: Take in the Eclectic Atmosphere
Center-gai Street is the road directly across from the scramble crossing and is the main route through Shibuya's trendiest shops, clubs, restaurants, and izakayas. There's almost too much to cover here in a single article. The shops and restaurants here are constantly changing, so travelers here will not be disappointed no matter how many times they visit!
5. Nintendo Tokyo and Pokemon Center Tokyo
Anime and gaming fans should head to the sixth floor of Shibuya PARCO, a shopping and amusement center. Here, assembled together in one place are Nintendo TOKYO and Pokemon Center Shibuya, as well as character goods shops such as Token Ranbu Yorozuya Honpo and JUMP SHOT.
Collectors will be thrilled to know that these stores also share limited-edition goods.
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6. Hit the Town at Night: Clubbing in Shibuya
TK NIGHTCLUB. Picture courtesy of PR Times
As a city for young people, Shibuya is one of the best places to head out and enjoy the night in Tokyo too. There are plenty of bars and izakayas, as well as some of the most popular clubs in Tokyo here too - plus, these clubs have gained a reputation as being great places for tourists to visit as well.
While not every club is suited to tourists, there are several clubs in Shibuya that you can enjoy all night long, without having to worry about missing your train.
TK NIGHTCLUB, CLUB asia, and BRAND SHIBUYA are some of the clubs we would recommend. Don't forget your ID!
7. Dogenzaka-dori
Dogenzaka-dori in Shibuya houses several dining facilities and shops on its two street-level floors and Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya on the remaining eight floors.
The first floor of Dogenzaka-dori connects the Orchard Boulevard with the back alleys of Dogenzaka, an area with many intimate izakaya bars and eateries.
There are 12 different shops within Dogenzaka-dori, including Japan's first Lil Woody's shop and Tokyo's specialty coffee shop Sarutahiko Coffee. Stop by eashion fun SHIBUYA for delicious treats and smoothies, or by THE CITY BAKERY for sweet pick-me-ups. The popular tapioca bubble tea specialty shop Gong Cha also has a store here.
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8. Pepper PARLOR: Tasty Waffles Served by Robots
Pepper PARLOR is a cafe where visitors can experience a future where humans and robots coexist happily. Pepper, the cute robot provided by SoftBank Robotics, will take your order.
The menu at Pepper PARLOR consists of sweet, gourmet waffles and light dishes, various types of juice and shakes, as well as coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages. A special menu for children is also available.
9. Grab Sushi off a Conveyor Belt in Shibuya
Numerous kaiten sushi, or conveyor belt sushi-style restaurants make their home in Shibuya.
This is one of the most simple ways to eat out in Japan, as customers eat by simply taking plates off the rotating belt. There is no need to place an order or use Japanese (if you do have requests for certain sushi, though, you will have to order). It is also budget-friendly, as plates cost usually between 100 and 300 yen, depending on the type of sushi. This means that most people can have a high-quality sushi meal for less than 2,000 yen.
Well-known conveyor belt sushi restaurants in Shibuya include Genki Sushi, Uobei, Sushi Zanmai, and Midori Sushi. All have foreign-language menus and are welcoming to international travelers.
10. Eat Your Way Around Japan - d47 Shokudo
While Shibuya is well known for its numerous eateries of all kinds, d47 Shokudo really stands out from the crowd because, not only do they offer traditional Japanese dishes, but they serve regional delights from all corners of Japan, and sell some specially selected regional dishes as well.
If you are visiting Japan, but aren't able to get to all of the places that you'd wanted to visit, then a trip here just might make you feel a bit better! To see their menu and some of the products available in their shop, check out the following article:
d47 Shokudo
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, 2-21-1 Hikarie 8F
Hours: 11:30-22:30 (Lunchtime/Tea time/Dinner time)
Nearest Station: Shibuya Station
Website: http://www.hikarie8.com/en/
11. Check Out a Movie and Cocktail Lover's Dream: Hachigatsu no Kujira Bar
Hachigatsu No Kujira is a little-known bar in Shibuya dedicated to movies and delicious cocktails. Each and every drink on the menu here is based on a movie, with certain movies being featured each month. New movies are constantly inspiring drinks here as well, which makes it a bar that has many movie-loving regulars too.
If you're looking for a casual, fun place to get a drink and relax, then this is perfect.
12. Try Japan's Take on an American Classic: Reg-on Diner
Although Japan has plenty of its own delicious cuisines to offer, those on vacation might find themselves feeling a little homesick for a taste of home. Reg-on Diner, just a 15-minute walk from downtown Shibuya, is where you will find Tokyo's best American-style burgers.
The A.B.C Burger is one of their most popular burgers; made from organic-raised Australian beef and tallow from Japanese cattle and comes with avocado, bacon, and cheese (ABC) on top. To see more of their menu and directions on how to reach Reg-on Diner, take a look at the following article:
13. L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya: Relax at a Trendy Cafe
Photo by Pixta
Shibuya is full of little restaurants, bars, and izakayas, and there are plenty of amazing cafes here to choose from too. No matter which part of Shibuya you are in, there is always a trendy little hotspot that has plenty of its own unique and freshly prepared drinks and light meals to offer.
If you're searching for a place with an elegant atmosphere, L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya, operated by the French cosmetic maker L'Occitane, is an excellent choice.
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.
14. Shibuya PARCO: Shopping and Entertainment
Photo by PR TIMES
Shibuya PARCO is a fashion, art, and technology hub with a total of 193 shops and restaurants on nine floors. It is also home to Nintendo Tokyo and Pokemon Center Tokyo, as well as art galleries. Its restaurant floor features various types of Japanese and international cuisine.
This is one of the best places to look for unique Japanese fashion and stylish goods in Shibuya.
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15. Tokyu Plaza Shibuya: Stylish Shopping
Tokyu Plaza Shibuya is a commercial facility targeted at a mature clientele. The facility includes fashion and accessory shops, refined dining places, beauty salons, souvenir shops, and many other types of stores.
If you are looking for a good lunch spot, how about dropping by one of the excellent restaurants or cafes on the sixth and seventh floors of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya? From sushi, ramen, and yakitori, to refined regional cuisine from Osaka or Kagoshima, there is a wide variety of options available. On the fifth floor, you'll find the Pepper PARLOR with a delicious waffle menu served by Pepper robots.
16. Find the Latest Fashion Trends: Shibuya 109 and MAGNET by Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 and MAGNET by Shibuya 109 are two of the largest and best-known shopping spots in Shibuya. These two centers have everything that Japanese fashion fans need to be dressed to the nines in the latest looks.
Shibuya 109 carries fashion brands popular with women, with everything from make-up and color contact lenses, to shoes and the latest trends. MAGNET by Shibuya 109 has the latest in accessories, business, and casual fashion geared towards men.
Shibuya 109
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Dogenzaka, 2-29-1 Google Map
Hours: 10:00-21:00, Café/Restaurants 11:00-22:00
Website: http://www.shibuya109.jp
17. Refined Shopping at Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya Hikarie is a large department store, located close to Shibuya Station. The fashion items here are mostly career-oriented and casual brands. The stores attract customers of all ages. There are also many different types of stores located in the building, including shops with general goods, cosmetics, and sweets for sale.
This facility is also a convenient place for lunch, as there are many cafés and restaurants inside the building.
Shibuya Hikarie
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Shibuya 2-21-1 Google Map
Nearest station: Shibuya Station
Official Website: http://www.hikarie.jp/ (Japanese)
18. Loft Shibuya: Lovely Japanese Souvenirs
Loft is a store selling stationery, household goods, cosmetics, and interior supplies. It is a large store that extends from the first-floor basement to the sixth floor.
The store is lined with well-designed items such as cute stationery and stylish household goods, based on the concept of offering goods to improve their customers' quality of living. It's a great place to find good quality, beautiful souvenirs from your trip to Japan.
Loft Shibuya
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya, Udagawacho 21-1 Google Map
Hours: 10:00-21:00
Nearest station: JR Shibuya Station
Website: https://www.loft.co.jp/ (Japanese)
19. Miyashita Park
Miyashita Park is a shopping complex with a rooftop green space and skateboard ground.
Located along the Yamanote Line, this trendy hub is home to various types of shops and brands with a focus on sportswear and outdoor activity goods. There are several dining facilities in the precincts, from restaurants to cafes.
20. Shop for Unique Gifts at Village Vanguard
For those looking for something unique, a visit to Village Vanguard is a must. A chain store with locations around Tokyo and Japan, the main branch is located in Shibuya. There are multiple levels to this miscellaneous goods shop, selling Japan-made items related to pop culture, anime, manga, books, apparel, and accessories. Village Vanguard is particularly popular with young shoppers. A visit here will give you a firsthand view of what's trendy in Japan.
Be sure to browse through the store's selection of eclectic food, normally not sold at supermarkets in Japan. Spend at least an hour here looking through the colorful, interesting, and sometimes silly goods here. You will be able to many one-of-a-kind items, ideal for souvenirs and gifts.
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21. See Lost Art: The Myth of Tomorrow in Shibuya Station
Along the pedestrian walk linking the JR Yamanote and Keio Inokashira lines, you will find this massive mural hanging over the walkway. This is the "Myth of Tomorrow" by the incredible and prolific Japanese artist Taro Okamoto.
This 30-meter-long mural was meant for display in Mexico, but mysteriously disappeared in the late 1960s, and wasn't seen again until 2003, when it was brought back to Japan.
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22. Appreciate the Arts at Watarium Art Museum
The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, nicknamed Watari-um, is the place to go to see contemporary Japanese art in Shibuya. It is a private art gallery that displays modern art from its unique landmark building on Gaien-nishi Street.
Those with a passion for the arts and interested in appreciating little-known artists are sure to enjoy the new and thought-provoking exhibitions held here.
FAQ
Why is Shibuya so famous?
Shibuya, a renowned district in Tokyo, Japan, garners global fame for several key reasons. The district is home to the world-famous Shibuya Crossing, a bustling pedestrian intersection symbolizing Tokyo's urban energy. Shibuya is a hotspot for fashion enthusiasts, offering a plethora of trendy shops and boutiques that epitomize Japanese street fashion. Known as a center of youth culture, Shibuya boasts vibrant nightlife and entertainment venues, including arcades and clubs, catering to a younger demographic.
The iconic Hachiko Statue near Shibuya Station honors loyalty and serves as a popular meeting spot. Additionally, Shibuya's Shibuya 109 department store stands as a landmark synonymous with the area's chic fashion scene. This dynamic blend of fashion, entertainment, iconic landmarks, and lively street life makes Shibuya a must-visit destination for visitors to Japan and a social hub for locals.
Is Shinjuku or Shibuya better?
The debate between choosing Shinjuku or Shibuya as the better destination in Tokyo is subjective and based on personal preferences. Shinjuku stands out for its diverse atmosphere, offering everything from vibrant nightlife in Kabukicho to tranquil parks and shopping opportunities. It serves as a major transportation hub and boasts impressive skyscrapers with panoramic views.
In contrast, Shibuya is synonymous with youth culture and trendy fashion, featuring the iconic Shibuya Crossing, vibrant street life, and a plethora of entertainment options. Whether one opts for Shinjuku's varied experiences or Shibuya's energetic vibe depends on individual interests, with each district providing a unique perspective on Tokyo's dynamic cityscape.
Is Shibuya better at night?
Although offering plenty of exciting activities both at day and night, Shibuya shines as a vibrant nightlife hub offering a variety of entertainment options after dark, including numerous bars, clubs, and late-night dining spots. The district's illuminated streets, bustling ambiance, and late-night shopping opportunities, such as those at Shibuya 109, create a captivating experience for visitors. With karaoke bars, arcades, and a reputation for safety, Shibuya remains a popular choice for nighttime activities, catering to diverse preferences and ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere for all who explore it after sunset.
What is the famous street in Japan Shibuya?
One of the most famous streets in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan is Center Gai, located in a corner of the popular Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Center Gai is a bustling pedestrian street in the heart of Shibuya known for its vibrant atmosphere, lined with numerous shops, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and entertainment venues. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lively and dynamic experience that encapsulates Shibuya's lively spirit and urban energy.
What is a fun fact about Shibuya?
A fun fact about Shibuya is that Shibuya Station is the place where the famous loyal dog Hachiko used to wait every day for its master to return, even after the latter's passing. Hachiko's statue is a landmark and a famous meeting spot in Shibuya.
The original statue was unveiled in 1934, a year before Hachi's passing, with Hachiko himself in attendance during the unveiling. Unfortunately, the original statue was later melted down and repurposed for WWII military efforts. In 1948, an artist called Takeshi Ando crafted the statue that now stands at Shibuya Station. You can read more about Hachiko, the loyal dog, here.
Does Shibuya have nightlife?
Shibuya's nightlife is a bustling mix of bars, clubs, live music venues, karaoke spots, and late-night dining options, ensuring a diverse and vibrant after-dark experience. The district's iconic Shibuya Crossing, along with entertainment hubs like Dogenzaka, adds to its energetic allure, making it a top destination for a dynamic night out in Tokyo.
How late are things open in Shibuya?
In Shibuya, the nightlife thrives with bars, izakayas, and nightclubs open until the early morning hours, with some closing past 5:00 AM. Karaoke spots are popular, and some operate 24/7 or close around 5:00 AM. Restaurants cater to late-night diners, closing around midnight. Additionally, Shibuya's convenience stores are open 24/7. During the day, shops follow consistent hours, with major department stores opening around 10:00 and closing by 20:00 to 21:00.
Is Shibuya known for shopping?
Shibuya stands out as a renowned shopping destination, celebrated for its diverse and trendy fashion scene. Anchored by the iconic Shibuya 109, a hub for cutting-edge styles and youthful trends, the district offers a wide array of fashion boutiques, department stores like Shibuya Scramble Square, Hikarie, Tokyu, and PARCO, and specialty shops catering to varied interests—from electronics to anime and vintage treasures.
Shibuya's vibrant shopping streets pulse with energy and creativity, reflecting the district's close ties to the latest fashion innovations, making it a must-visit destination for shoppers seeking unique styles and a dynamic retail experience in Tokyo.
Shibuya Has So Much to Offer!
Shibuya has practically everything any visitor to Tokyo could hope for - which is why it can be a challenging place to visit in just a day. If you'd like to get the most out of a day or afternoon in Shibuya, then consider this your guide to seeing the city at its best. Have fun in Shibuya!
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