Found in central Tokyo, Shibuya is one of the first places so many travelers want to visit. But after seeing Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the overwhelming number of shops and restaurants might have you wondering where to start. Let's take a look at what awaits you in Shibuya.
Shibuya Overview
Tokyo is often seen as a city made up of many smaller cities, and Shibuya is one of the liveliest. It's a place to go shopping for the latest trends, and to visit tasty restaurants and cute cafes round every corner.
The main draw for travelers is usually Shibuya Scramble Crossing, famous as the busiest crossing in the world, but Tokyoites know that it is so much more than that.
Historically, Shibuya was home to a castle built by the Shibuya clan, but during the warring states period between 1467–1615, the castle was abandoned. Flash forward to the opening of the Yamanote Line and Shibuya Station in 1885, and Shibuya was on its way to becoming the tourist hotspot it is today. It wasn't until 1932 that things started to really pick up when the Tokyu Toyoko Line opened, making it an important stop between Tokyo and Yokohama.
Image provided by ©SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE
Aside from the station and crossing, Shibuya is also known for its insane Halloween parties, where it seems as though the entirety of Tokyo gathers together to dress up and flaunt their fancy costumes.
A more recent attraction is the SHIBUYA SKY, about 230 meters above Shibuya, that allows you to stand on the rooftop and look down at Shibuya Scramble Crossing, as if the people scrambling across were tiny ants!
What to Do in Shibuya
Shibuya is a great place for shopping, cafés, and sightseeing by day, and izakaya, night views, and karaoke by night! So let's take a look at some of the best places to visit for a day out in Shibuya.
Attractions and Activities
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is known for being the busiest crossing in the world, with as many as 3,000 people crossing at any one time. Of course, that number has somewhat dwindled in the times of the coronavirus pandemic, but thankfully that makes it a little easier to cross!
The crossing was created in 1932 when the Tokyu Toyoko Line opened, and the station was gaining in popularity. These days, it'sa tourism hotspot, and many look for the perfect place to get a good photo. Although some people opt for cafes on the first and second floor, later on we'll show you where to get a photo from above. If that's what you're here for, head on over to the sections about SHIBUYA SKY or MAGNET by SHIBUYA109!
Shibuya Crossing
Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo bottom
Shibuya
Hachiko Statue
The story of the a…
