Dec 20th 2024
Feb 10th 2025
"Shibuya" is a big city representing Tokyo. It is the center of the latest trends in youth fashion, culture, and dining.
In recent years, the area has undergone a large-scale redevelopment project that is said to take place only once every 100 years, and is being reborn as the “new Shibuya.
In this issue, we will introduce recommended spots in Shibuya, including such new attractions, in each “area” centering on Shibuya Station!
Let's start with spots near Shibuya Station.
Shibuya Station is served by JR East, Tokyu Corporation, Tokyo Subway (Tokyo Metro, Keio Corporation), and other railroad companies. It is truly a transportation hub!
It is an icon of Shibuya that everyone will see at least once when they come to Shibuya. It is also a famous meeting spot!
The model for this dog was Hachi, an Akita dog breed.
Hachi was the beloved dog of its owner, Dr. Eizaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University (now Tokyo University). Hachi waited at Shibuya Station for 10 years for his owner, who had passed away, and was later given the title of “loyal dog” in recognition of his loyalty to his owner. Incidentally, this is a true story that happened more than 100 years ago.
When you come to Shibuya Station, please visit Hachi!
Statue of Hachikō | |
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address | 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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This is also one of the most iconic spots in Shibuya.
The number of people crossing the scramble crossing at one green light is said to be about 3,000.
I am always crossing the street without thinking about it, so it doesn't seem like there are that many people, but to be honest, I am surprised...!
I see many photographers taking pictures at the scramble crossing.People start walking in random directions and cross the street without bumping into each other, perhaps giving the impression of a “big city.If you want to take pictures at the Scramble Crossing, be careful where to set up your tripod and when to exit the intersection!
Shibuya Scramble Intersection | |
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address | 1-1-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
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Opened in 2000, this is a large commercial complex. It is divided into the West Wing (office building) and the East Wing (hotel building), and has 25 floors above ground.
The Keio Inokashira Line is directly connected to the JR line through the avenue from the ground level, and there is a bus terminal on the 5th floor with buses to and from Haneda and Narita airports. Due to its location and convenience, this spot is used by many people on a daily basis.
The building is also known for the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, one of the best grade hotels in Tokyo, Taro Okamoto's mural “Myth of Tomorrow,” and the Midori Sushi Shibuya restaurant, where you can always find people waiting in line. I often use this area when I head toward Dogenzaka! (Although I almost always just pass through...)
SHIBUYA MARK CITY | |
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address | 12-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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It is the tallest structure in Shibuya, standing a whopping 230 meters high! It houses a shopping zone with apparel, general merchandise, and restaurants, and is always crowded with people.
The upper floors are a high-grade office area, and the tenants include Softbank, DeNA, Mixi, CyberAgent, and other leading companies in the Japanese tech industry. (*As of 2024)
The building is directly connected to Shibuya Station on the JR, Tokyu, and Tokyo Metro lines, so access to transportation is excellent. We are envious that you can work in such a place!
Shibuya Scramble Square | |
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address | 24-12 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
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The observation deck from the 45th floor to the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. The 360-degree view of Tokyo is truly breathtaking!
Admission is 2,200 yen for adults and 1,700 yen for junior high and high school students if tickets are purchased in advance. Admission for elementary school students and younger is available only at the ticket counter on the day of admission. (*Children under 3 years old are admitted for free.)
There is also a ticket that includes use of a sofa seat at the rooftop bar + drink + snack, so those who want to relax and have fun can also use this ticket! Also, the elevators run every 20 minutes, but there is no limit to the time you can stay, so there is no need to worry about time.
If you want an open and exciting experience, I recommend you to go there at least once!
SHIBUYA SKY | |
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address | 14F, 45F, 46F & Rooftop |
Opening hours | Daily: 10:00 AM - 22:30PM |
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This monument stands quietly at the west exit of Shibuya Station.
Although it is not so conspicuous, it is the second most famous meeting place after the statue of Hachiko the Loyal Dog. Since there are fewer people around the statue than in front of Hachiko, you may not be able to find it unless you are a little conscious of your surroundings.
The Moyai statue was built in 1980 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the transfer of Niijima, an inhabited island in the Izu Islands, to Tokyo.
In fact, the statue has “two faces”: the back side is the face of an old man, and the motif is the face of a person who was once exiled to Niijima, a penal colony on the island. Did you know that? By the way, the front side is said to be a surfer brother. If you are interested, please stop by!
Moyai Statue | |
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address | 1-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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The Tokyu Department Store's Toyoko branch was known as the “Toyoko Department Store.
Many people may have used the store as a “convenient passageway” between the Hachiko side and the Moyai Statue side during its business days (I did, too).
This store will be closed in March 2020, and is now under construction. It is currently under construction. Many of you may not have been able to see the last of the building because of the Corona disaster at the time. But even now, the scenery of people lined up along the wall of the building waiting for each other has not changed.
In 2027, the Shibuya Scramble Square is scheduled to open as the Phase II building. I am looking forward to seeing its reborn appearance!
(Tokyu Department Store) | |
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address | 24-1 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8319 |
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The area is bounded by Kinou-zaka, Miyamasuzaka, and Mitake-dori, which connect Meiji-dori and Aoyama-dori, known as the main streets in Tokyo.
As the name “slope” implies, there is a difference in elevation between Meiji-dori and Aoyama-dori. Although the distance to the top is shorter than Dogenzaka on the opposite side of Shibuya Station, the gradient is greater. (It is best not to make many round trips up and down the hill)
The area is close to the office district and is lined with many restaurants. Izakayas and bars are busy during the day for lunch and at night. There are also many cafes in the area, so it may be a good place to take a break when you go out.
There are also large commercial facilities such as Miyashita Park and Shibuya Hikarie nearby, so many people visit this area for shopping and sightseeing.
This 4-story low-rise complex reopened in 2020 from Miyashita Park. Located between Meiji-dori Avenue and the JR railroad tracks, it features a distinctive arched canopy that integrates the park, commercial facilities, and a hotel.
The gray-toned building creates a modern, relaxed atmosphere, and the green color really stands out. the fourth floor has a lawn area and benches where many people sit and chill from day to night.
The futsal courts that existed in Miyashita Park have disappeared, and a skate park has been installed in their place.
There is a fee to use the skate park, and helmets are available for free. For a fee, protectors and even skateboats can be rented, so anyone can skate here, even if they come empty-handed! (But, brutally, the park's sections are for advanced skaters, so first-timers are advised to go with an experienced skater.) The bouldering wall in the park is the same as it used to be. It's a shadow of its former self!
MIYASHITA PARK | |
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address | 20-10 Jingumae Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001 |
Opening hours | Daily: 08:00AM - 23:00PM |
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It is a high-rise complex with 34 floors above ground. It houses a shopping mall, offices, a movie theater, restaurants, cafes, and other facilities. It is directly connected to Shibuya Station for easy access, and is used by many people, including tourists and business people.
The observation deck “Sky Lobby” on the 11th floor of Hikarie allows visitors to enjoy the night view. Moreover, it is free of charge. It is a popular spot that can be visited even late in the day, as it is open until 24:00, with no regular holidays. Please make use of it for sightseeing or on a date!
Shibuya Hikarie | |
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address | 21-1 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8510 |
Opening hours | Daily: 11:00AM - 21:00PM |
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The shrine is tucked away between buildings in a back alley. It is so quiet that it is hard to believe that you are in Shibuya, and you almost feel as if time has stopped.
The main feature of this shrine is the presence of Japanese wolves instead of komainu (guardian dogs)! It seems to have been remade, but the original statue has existed since the Edo period (1603-1868).
The shrine also holds a rooster market, and on the day of the rooster in November, a rake market is held on the shrine grounds and food stalls line Miyamasuzaka.
If your timing is right, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere of this spot. It seems that red seals are usually available, so you may want to bring your own red seal book with you!
Miyamasu Mitake Shrine, Shibuya | |
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address | 12-2 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | (Open 24 hours) |
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It is not just a post office.” It is a post office “in Shibuya.
It is conveniently located in the middle of Miyamasuzaka slope. In addition to its location, it is a large post office with many ATMs and teller windows that many people use day and night. Until a few years ago, it was open 24 hours a day. (Still, it is open until 9:00 p.m. on weekdays, which is a real blessing...!)
Although many business people and residents of the surrounding area seem to frequent this location, it is also used by many travelers from overseas.
In addition to sending and receiving packages, the Shibuya Post Office also offers a “temporary luggage storage service (ecbo cloak). This service was created in response to the growing demand for luggage storage, such as the lack of space in coin-operated lockers.
It is sure to be useful not only for travelers but also for business people, students, and in various everyday situations!
Shibuya Post Office | |
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address | 12-13 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8799 |
Opening hours | Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
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It is a trend-setting center stretching from Shibuya to Harajuku. Meiji-dori Avenue is lined with large commercial facilities and popular brand-name stores, and is a popular spot for both domestic and international tourists and fashion-loving young people.
This commercial complex is located across the street from MIYASHITA PARK.
The building includes a fitness club, movie theater, cafes, and restaurants. We recommend the restaurant on the top 12F where you can enjoy French cuisine while overlooking the poolside terrace, and the cafe on the 3rd floor also has a pool and poolside terrace seating so you can relax and enjoy the resort atmosphere.
Please take advantage of this restaurant for lunch or dinner when traveling, going out, or on a date!
cocoti SHIBUYA | |
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address | 23-16 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | Daily: 11:30AM - 21:00PM |
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The building houses a cafe, multipurpose event space, offices, and rental housing.
Various events are held in the outdoor plaza in front of the building, making it a fun place to stop by for the first time. The building also features shared offices for creators and a multipurpose space that can be used for exhibitions and galleries, and is managed with a focus on “creative activities” in Shibuya.
A connecting passageway on the 2nd floor allows access to cocoti SHIBUYA.
SHIBUYA CAST. | |
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address | 23-21 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | Daily: 9:00AM - 20:00PM |
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It is a narrow back street parallel to Meiji Dori, connecting Shibuya and Harajuku. It is a fashion trend-setting area lined with vintage clothing stores and brand-name stores. Although there are many new brand stores, the charm of this spot is that it is lined with vintage clothing stores of various genres. If you have time, it is fun to visit vintage clothing stores!
There are also restaurants with a relaxed atmosphere, which may be just what you need when you are tired of walking around! There are also take-out stores on the Harajuku side of the street, so it is also fun to enjoy Cat Street while walking around eating.
Cat Street | |
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address | Shibuya River Promenade Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
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Located in the heart of Shibuya, this is an area where youth culture and the latest trends gather.
The area is crowded with restaurants and entertainment venues, and is bustling with people from morning until late at night. It is a place where you can truly experience the Japanese metropolis of Shibuya.
Tower Records' flagship store. With a sales floor area is one of the largest CD stores in the world. There is a café, event space, and a live performance space in the basement. The store's prominent appearance makes it a popular meeting place.
Covering all genres of music, the store has not only new and old releases, but also a floor dedicated to classical music. The store also stocks a large selection of both new and used analog records, which are enjoying a worldwide boom. You may even be able to find the record you have been wanting!
It is fun just to look around the store because of the high quality of the sales section, including store original promotional pop-ups, artist autographs and comments, life-size panels and life-size figures, etc.
TOWER RECORDS SHIBUYA | |
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address | 22-14 Jinnan Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041 |
Opening hours | Daily: 11:00AM - 22:00PM |
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It is a representative spot of Shibuya, a downtown area that symbolizes youth culture, especially among those in their teens and twenties. With a high concentration of fashion, dining, and entertainment stores, visitors can experience the latest trends. It is also a spot where travelers can experience the energetic atmosphere of Shibuya.
The Center Street entrance also sees about 110,000 people a day. It is currently extremely safe thanks to the cooperation of the police, making it a safe place to enjoy sightseeing and shopping!
Shibuya Center-Gai | |
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address | Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
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An icon in Shibuya. It is known for having the world's highest sales among all Starbucks stores in the world. Located next to the Center Street entrance, the window counter seats on the 2nd floor offer a view of the Scrumple Crossing.
Reopening in April 2024, the 2nd floor has been expanded to include an entire floor. It was often the case that the seats were occupied when we stopped by, but we are glad to see that it is now more easily accessible than before!
Starbucks Coffee - SHIBUYA TSUTAYA STORE | |
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address | 1F & 2F, 6QFRONT 21 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
Opening hours | Daily: 7:00AM - 22:30PM |
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This large-scale general merchandise specialty store consists of seven floors.
A wide variety of products are available, including stationery, watches, accessories, cosmetics, health care goods, kitchenware and interior goods, and character goods. One of the attractions of this store is that you can search for products of your own taste and encounter interesting goods that you have never seen before.
Shibuya Loft | |
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address | 21-1 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
Opening hours | Daily: 11:00AM - 21:00PM |
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The five themes of “Fashion,” “Art & Culture,” “Entertainment,” “Food,” and “Technology” are mixed and matched on the floors from the first basement to the tenth floor. This next-generation commercial facility targets a wide range of age groups and genders, and is truly a “one-of-a-kind” spot where visitors can enjoy an exciting and original space and atmosphere.
The basement restaurant area is always crowded with people, offering a variety of unique restaurants, including Japanese cuisine. The rooftop plaza on the 10th floor is an open space with relatively few people during the daytime on weekdays, making it a great place to spend a relaxing time!
渋谷PARCO | |
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address | B1-10F, Shibuya PARCO/Hulic Building 15-1 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8377 |
Opening hours | Daily: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Some stores may have different operating hours) |
Nintendo TOKYO & Pokémon Center (6F): Daily: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM | |
Restaurants (7F): Daily: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
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Nintendo Co., Ltd. is one of Japan's leading companies in the development, manufacture, and sale of computer games. NintendoTOKYO is located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO.
In addition to selling game consoles and software, the shop offers a wide variety of character goods. There is also a café, and events and hands-on gaming events are held here, making it a fun spot for both children and adults. If you visit Shibuya, be sure to stop by!
Nintendo TOKYO | |
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address | 6F, Shibuya PARCO 15-1 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
Opening hours | Daily: 10:00AM - 21:00PM |
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Pokemon Center Shibuya is located on the 6th floor of Shibuya PARCO (Parco) as well as Nintendo TOKYO. On holidays, the spot is crowded with many tourists and families. At the entrance of the store, Mewtwo is sleeping in a capsule, representing the world of Pokemon. It makes you feel good!
Seasonal events are sometimes held, so check it out if you want to get goods designed for a limited time!
Pokémon Center Shibuya | |
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address | 6F, Shibuya PARCO 15-1 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8377 |
Opening hours | Daily: 1:00AM - 21:00PM |
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A landmark of Shibuya. It is a commercial facility that offers a variety of culture, including fashion, music, and dining.
Targeting mainly women in their teens and twenties, it is a fashion building popular among many young people as a source of the latest trends. As a place that transmits trends from Shibuya to the rest of the world, it is a hot spot that attracts a lot of attention and tourists.
SHIBUYA109 | |
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address | 29-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
Opening hours | Daily: 10:00AM - 21:00PM |
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Located in Center Street, this is one of the largest meat alleys in Japan, with an array of “meat” themed stores. The interior and storefronts have a retro Showa-era atmosphere, giving visitors a nostalgic feeling.
In addition to enjoying a variety of meat dishes, the close proximity of customers to each other and to store employees makes it a friendly and homey place. If you want to enjoy not only the meat and drinks, but also the atmosphere, we recommend that you go there!
Shibuya Niku Yokocho | |
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address | 2F, Chitose Building 13-8 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
Opening hours | Daily: 5:00 PM - 3:00 AM (next day) |
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It is a large discount store with the concept of “a wide selection of goods” and “surprisingly low prices. It offers a wide variety of daily necessities, clothing, cosmetics, medicines, and foodstuffs, and many people come to shop there on any given day.
It is clearly different from other stores in terms of size and selection, which is something that can only be found in Shibuya. It really has everything! Souvenirs and goods for tourists from overseas are also available, and because it is a duty free store, such sections are always crowded.
MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store | |
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address | 28-6 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 154-0042 |
Opening hours | (Open 24 hours) |
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The hall section of “Bunkamura,” a cultural complex that promotes music and art culture in Shibuya. It is one of the world's leading concert, opera, and ballet halls. It is also known as the venue for the famous “Tokyu Silvester Concert,” an annual New Year's Eve countdown.
The facility, with the exception of the hall portion, is currently under construction and is scheduled to reopen in 2027.
Orchard Hall, Bunkamura | |
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address | 3F, 24-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8507 |
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Udagawa-cho in Shibuya is also famous as a mecca for vinyl records, and although the number of stores has decreased, there are still stores that sell analog records. Among them, Manhattan Records has been in business for 40 years and offers a wide variety of records, mainly soul, funk, hip-hop, and R&B. The company is also a representative of the “Shibuya-kei” culture, which has led the Japanese hip-hop scene from Shibuya to the rest of the world.
The store offers not only used records but also new vinyl editions, making it a popular spot for collectors from Japan and abroad to frequent.
Manhattan Records | |
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address | Kifune Building 10-1 Udagawacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0042 |
Opening hours | Daily: 12:00AM - 20:00PM |
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Located beyond the downtown area of Shibuya, this is a spot with many stores with a relaxed atmosphere. There is a high-end residential area nearby, and because it is a quieter area than the downtown area, time seems to flow more slowly. It used to be called “Ura-Shibuya,” but is now called “Oku-Shibuya. In recent years, this area has been slowly gaining popularity.
The area has a fashionable and sophisticated atmosphere, and many celebrities frequent the area as their personal guests. It is a recommended spot for those who want to spend a relaxing time for lunch, dinner, or just strolling around Shibuya!
Inner Shibuya(Oku-Shibuya) | |
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address | Kamiyamacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0047 |
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It is a busy area that stretches along the slope extending from the west exit of Shibuya Station, and is lively day and night. There are many spots where one can feel the history of Shibuya, and while the area retains a trace of its old days, new buildings have been constructed in recent years, creating a coexistence of tradition and modernity. The area is especially lively at night.
Opened in 2023, this large complex also serves as a passageway connecting Bunka-mura-dori and Dogenzaka, which split in two from SHIBUYA109.
Inside the facility is “Domise,” Don Quijote's inexpensive, high-quality, carefully selected merchandise, which is very popular among tourists because it also offers topical products and travel goods. There are also many other fashionable restaurants in the building, so be sure to stop by!
dogenzaka-dori | |
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address | 25-12 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
Opening hours | Daily: 7:00AM - 23:00PM |
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A narrow pathway connecting Dogenzaka and Bunka-mura Dori. The street is lined with small restaurants and live music venues.
Located in a historic brick building that has been in business since 1955, the Taiwanese restaurant “Reiho” has been the “face” of Dogenzaka Koji since 1955.
It is not only a convenient street, but also one of the few places where you can feel the history of Shibuya!
Dogenzaka Koji | |
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address | 2-chome Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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Located halfway up Dogenzaka, this downtown area retains a strong Showa-era flavor. In the Showa period, there were jazz cafes, movie theaters, and bowling alleys, traces of which can still be seen today. There are also stores catering to the adult crowd, and it is also regarded as the place where Shibuya's entertainment district began. If you are interested in the history of Shibuya, you may enjoy this spot even more!
Today, there are some famous restaurants that have been featured in the media, and the area is also a hideout for gourmet adults.
Hyakkendana | |
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address | 18-16-2 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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This is the entrance on the upper side of Dogenzaka in Shibuya Mark City. It is located on the 4th floor of Shibuya Mark City. It is very convenient to go smoothly from Dogenzaka to Shibuya Station. (Especially great on rainy days).
Near the entrance of the passageway, where many people pass by, there is a monument to Akiko Yosano, a poet, poetess, and thinker of the Meiji era, and you can learn about the history of Dogenzaka.
In fact, this entrance passageway is also the site of the former track of the Tokyu Tamagawa Line (1907-1969) that connected Shibuya Station and Futakotamagawa Station. It is surprising that trains used to run in such a place!
Shibuya Mark City (Dogenzaka Entrance) | |
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address | 10-1 Dogenzaka Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043 |
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This district is located on the right side of Dogenzaka, which is also famous as a “hotel district. With a high concentration of clubs and live music clubs, the area is especially lively at night as a town for young people.
Maruyamacho prospered as an inn town in the Edo period (1603-1867) and as a flower town in the Meiji period (1868-1912), with many ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurants) and geiko (geisha) coming and going in a hurry. Although it is hardly felt anymore, its history and culture remained strong until the 1980s. The streetscape near Shinsen Station on the Keio Inokashira Line still gives a sense of the atmosphere of the area when it was a flower district.
If you want to feel the history of Shibuya, be sure to stroll through Maruyama-cho as well!
Maruyamacho | |
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address | Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0044 |
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Located within walking distance of Shibuya Station, this area has a relaxed atmosphere slightly removed from the bustle of the downtown area. Dotted with restaurants and office buildings, there are many hideaway restaurants, cafes, and galleries, providing a relaxing atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya.
Namiki-bashi bridge is located at the point connecting Shibuya and Ebisu Stations, and there are riverside paths and lush greenery in the area. It is highly recommended for a holiday stroll or as a gourmet adult restaurant exploration area!
It is a large complex located at the south exit of Shibuya Station. It is one of the representative spots of the “Shibunan” area, commonly known as the south side of Shibuya Station. It is directly connected to Shibuya Station for easy access, and features a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
In addition to the commercial zone, there is also a hotel, which is widely used by overseas tourists. The office floor houses the Japanese headquarters of the global IT company Google.
SHIBUYA STREAM | |
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address | 21-3 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | Daily: 7:00AM - 23:30PM |
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Located on the south side of Roppongi Street, this shrine is famous for its origins in the “history of Shibuya.
In the Heian period (1092), a castle called Shibuya Castle existed, and it is said that the main castle was located near the present Kaneo Hachiman Shrine.
The shrine enshrines Yahata-no-kami (Hachiman-no-kami), the god of war, and has long been revered as a place where people can enjoy the divine virtues of victory, fending off bad luck, safe delivery, and success in life, as well as keeping enemies at bay.
The shrine's gate, main shrine, and cherry trees on the grounds have been registered as designated cultural assets for their beauty of form and historical value.
Shibuya and Aoyama are designated as Ujiko areas (areas considered to be protected by the shrine's deity), and the “Shibuya Konnoh Hachimangu Festival” with a tradition of more than several hundred years is still held every September as a local festival. The sight of many portable shrines being carried out with grand shouts in front of Shibuya 109 is a sight not to be missed!
Konnoh Hachimangu Shrine | |
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address | 5-12 Shibuya Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002 |
Opening hours | Daily: 9:00AM - 17:00PM |
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Located a short distance from Shibuya Station, the area has a relaxed atmosphere with office buildings and upscale residential areas. Known for its cherry blossoms, Shibuya is also home to the famous cherry blossom viewing spot, which attracts many people from Japan and abroad in the spring.
Redevelopment has been underway since 2018, and with the recent opening of a large complex, the area is being transformed into a new and attractive area of Shibuya.
Located in Sakuragaoka-cho, Shibuya, this slope is, as its name suggests, a popular spot for viewing the beautiful rows of cherry trees in spring. The slope, which has a large gradient of approximately 20 degrees, is flanked on both sides by 30 cherry trees, creating a peaceful atmosphere throughout the year.
From late March to early April, the cherry trees are in full bloom, creating a beautiful archway along the slope. During this season, the cherry blossoms are lit up at night, making it possible to view them at night. Many visitors come to enjoy the bright and gorgeous daytime and the fantastic nighttime atmosphere, and to catch a glimpse of the scenery.
Sakura-zaka (Sakura Slope) | |
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address | Sakuragaokacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 |
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Fully opened in July 2024, it is a next-generation complex with 39 floors above ground.
With a collection of cutting-edge stores and restaurants, it is attracting attention as a landmark for creating trends and disseminating culture. It also has restaurant and office floors, as well as bookstores, pharmacies, convenience stores, and supermarkets, making it not only a facility for excursions and sightseeing, but also a convenient place for residents and office workers in the area.
In addition, a new JR ticket gate directly connected to the Shibuya Sakura Stage has been built, creating a passageway connecting the east and west sides of Shibuya. The flow of people to and from the Shibuya Stream has changed dramatically, making it much more convenient.
On weekday evenings, there are few people and it becomes quite quiet, so we highly recommend this spot for those who want to enjoy a meal or work calmly in a space away from the hustle and bustle of the city!
Shibuya Sakura Stage | |
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address | 1-1 Sakuragaokacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 |
Opening hours | (Operating hours may vary by store.) |
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This is a full-scale planetarium facility located on the 12th floor of the Shibuya Ward Cultural Center Owada. It is popular as a place where visitors can experience the star-filled sky and the mysteries of the universe in a realistic way, making full use of the latest visual technology and sound equipment.
Programs that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people from adults to children are shown, and the facility is popular with many people, including tourists and families.
Since it is located within walking distance from Shibuya Station, it is also a great place for date nights!
Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya | |
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address | 12F, Bunka Sogo Center Owada 23-21 Sakuragaokacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 |
Opening hours | Tuesday-Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM |
Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM | |
Monday: Closed | |
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Opened in 2001, this skyscraper complex consists of a luxury hotel, restaurants, and office space. It is easily accessible from Shibuya Station and offers an unparalleled view of the city.
Cerulean Tower is operated by Tokyu Corporation, and the current location of Cerulean Tower was the headquarters of Tokyu Corporation (now Tokyu Corporation) until 1992.
The Cerulean Tower has a "Noh theater" on the second basement floor, where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese performing arts.
The view of Shibuya from the bar “BELLOVISTO” on the top floor of the tower is sparkling and glittering like a scattering of jewels, and is truly a spectacular sight! The atmosphere inside the bar is superb, with live piano music playing while you enjoy your drinks. (Afternoon tea is also available during the daytime.)
If you are looking for an elegant and quality time, why not try this place?
Cerulean Tower | |
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address | 26-1 Sakuragaokacho Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0031 |
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Although not by area, here are some extra points that we feel cannot be left out when discussing Shibuya.
Shibuya also has an aspect of being a “night town. This can especially be experienced in the area between Dogenzaka and Maruyamacho.
There are izakayas (Japanese style pubs) and fashionable restaurants serving delicious food, but there are also nightclubs, love hotels, and restaurants and general stores catering to the adult crowd. Perhaps that is why there are far more people here at night than in the daytime, especially on weekends when the nightclubs are so crowded that even the surrounding streets become congested.
Depending on the location and time, the area may not always be safe, so if you enjoy “night activities” in this area, be careful not to get into trouble.
If you enjoy “night activities” in this area, be careful not to drink too much or get into too much trouble. Be careful of malicious touts. Enjoy yourself in moderation! (*An experienced person speaks for himself)
Shibuya is home to many long-established skate stores and street brand stores, and it is also an irresistible town for those who love street culture and fashion. (I am one of them.) Shibuya has a strong image of fashion culture and music culture, but we should not forget the “street culture” that was born from or is within it.
But why does Shibuya have a thriving street culture? It can be said that it is because Shibuya is a place where people with diverse values interact and communicate, and it is this culture that has emerged.
(It is also because of Shibuya's proximity to the “Ura-Harajuku” area, which is called the sacred ground of street culture, that you can see many skaters and dancers on the streets.
As an aside, I feel that the nuances and values of street culture are gradually being appreciated in Japan in recent years. I am sure that the fact that skateboarding and breakdancing have become Olympic sports (and Japanese athletes have achieved brilliant results in these sports) is also a tailwind.
I hope that Shibuya will continue to be a town that transmits street culture!
How was it? In this article, we have introduced 40 recommended spots in Shibuya.
We hope you have learned that Shibuya has a long history and has always been a town full of charm.
We cannot say enough about the charms of Shibuya, which Japan boasts to the world, but we would be happy if you could feel the charms of Shibuya even a little through this article!
Thank you for reading to the end. See you again in the next article!
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