What to do in Shibuya

Shibuya is home to the famous Hachiko dog statue, near the always busy intersection. For a great view of the intersection, I recommend taking a break at Starbucks.

Photo by Japanforeveryone.com

How to get to Shibuya

The Shibuya district is easily accessible by train and metro.
By train you can use the JR Yamanote Line, the JR Saikyo Line or the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line from Ikebukuro or Osaki.
There are three underground lines that start/finish in Shibuya: the Ginza Line (G01 – Tokyo Metro), the Hanzomon Line (Z01 – Tokyo Metro) and the Fukutoshin Line (F16 – Tokyo Metro).
The Narita Express passes through Shibuya and there are stations of the private railways Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-entoshi, Keio Inokashira Line.

Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko statue in Shibuya is a representative symbol of the loyalty and unconditional love of dogs. Located in front of Shibuya Station in Tokyo, the statue is a tribute to the famous dog Hachiko, who waited for his master, Professor Ueno, every day at the station for nine years, even after his death. The unveiling of the statue in 1934 made Hachiko a national hero and it has since become a landmark for locals and tourists visiting Shibuya. The Hachiko statue represents the immortal bond between man and animal and remains an icon of enduring loyalty and affection.

Hachiko square 2020-04-19

Asanagi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
2 minutes’ walk west of JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Shibuya Scramble Square

The SKY SHIBUYA observatories are located on floors 14, 45 and 46, with an additional rooftop observation deck. The open-air observatory on the roof is one of the largest in Japan and provides a spectacular view from a height of about 230 metres. From here, one can enjoy a 360° panoramic view of the iconic Shibuya intersection and the rest of Tokyo, in the heart of Shibuya itself.

In addition to the observatories, there are areas where various events are organised.

Shibuya Scramble Square - SHIBUYA SKY 8

Kakidai, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
10:00-22:30

Last entry at 21:20

No closing days
2000 Yen (1800 Yen if purchased online) adults
1600 Yen (1400 Yen if purchased online) middle and high school students
1000 Yen (900 Yen if purchased online) elementary students
600 Yen (500 Yen if purchased online) children from 3 to 5 years old

Disabled pay half price

5 minutes’ walk from JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Bunkamura

Bunkamura is a cultural centre located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo. This multifunctional facility houses theatres, cinemas, art galleries and shops, offering a wide range of cultural experiences to visitors. The complex is known for its programme of events and has been described as a landmark for art and culture in Japan. Bunkamura is also home to major festivals, exhibitions and theatre performances, making it one of Shibuya’s most vibrant and exciting venues for art and entertainment lovers.

IMPORTANT: In spring 2023 it is scheduled to close for renovation until 2027. Only the Orchad Hall will be open.

Bunkamura

Tyoron2, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
Museum: 10:00-19:00 (until 21:00 Friday and Saturday)
Shops: 10:00-20:00
Restaurants: 11:00-21:30
1 January
10 minutes’ walk north-west of JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Center Gai

Center Gai is a famous pedestrian street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, known as the beating heart of Japanese youth culture. This lively and bustling street is full of fashionable shops, boutiques, cafés and trendy restaurants, attracting a large crowd of young people and tourists every day. With its bright neon signs and energetic atmosphere, Center Gai represents the spirit of Shibuya, offering a unique experience of shopping, food and entertainment. It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in Japanese fashion and youth culture.

Shibuya Center-Gai

DeepSkyBlue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
5 minutes’ walk north of JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Koen Dori

Koen Dori is a famous street in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, stretching along the north side of Yoyogi Park. This charming, tree-lined street is popular with residents and tourists alike for its charming boutiques, cafés and restaurants. Koen Dori offers a pleasant alternative to the hectic atmosphere of other Shibuya neighbourhoods, with a more relaxed and peaceful feel. It is the ideal place to take a stroll, go shopping or enjoy a delicious coffee break, surrounded by the beauty and tranquillity of Koen Dori’s tree-lined street.

Shibuya Koen-dori entrance 2021-09-07 (1)

Asanagi, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
10 minutes’ walk north of JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Spain Zaka

Spain Slope, also known as Supeinzaka, is a characteristic street in Shibuya, Tokyo, stretching uphill towards the Yamate-dori residential district. This narrow, picturesque street was inspired by Spanish architecture, with beautiful facades and colourful tiles reminiscent of the Spanish landscape. Supeinzaka is a popular place to take photos and enjoy a romantic stroll. Along the street are boutiques, cafés and restaurants offering a unique atmosphere. Spain Slope is a must-see attraction for lovers of architecture and unique experiences in Shibuya.

Spain-zaka, Shibuya 2016-05-01

aco pbc, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
10 minutes’ walk north of JR Shibuya station and Shibuya metro station (Z01 – F16 – G01)

Love Hotel Hill

Love Hotel Hill, also known as Dogenzaka, is a popular area of Shibuya, Tokyo, which is home to numerous love hotels. This area is well known for its wide selection of discreet, romantic-themed hotels with rooms by the hour. Love Hotel Hill attracts a variety of visitors, from couples seeking privacy to tourists curious to experience a unique part of Japanese culture. The night-time atmosphere of Dogenzaka is vibrant and fascinating, with a myriad of neon lights illuminating the street, creating an intriguing and seductive atmosphere.

Shibuya - Hotel Sunreon (love hotel) 01 (15554736517)

Joe Mabel, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Shibuya Hikarie

Shibuya Hikarie is a modern shopping centre located in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. With its stylish shop windows and modern architecture, Hikarie attracts residents and visitors alike. This shopping centre houses a wide range of fashion shops, restaurants, cafés and a large theatre. In addition, Hikarie offers a spectacular panoramic view of the city from its top-floor terrace. It is a great place to do fashionable shopping, enjoy delicious meals or simply appreciate the beautiful views of Shibuya. Shibuya Hikarie is a landmark that represents Shibuya’s modernity and urban lifestyle.

Shibuya Station with Shibuya Hikarie 20130506

Twin sta., CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
Shops: 10:00-21:00
Restaurants: 11:00-23:00

Shibuya 109

Shibuya 109 is one of the most iconic shopping centres in Shibuya, Tokyo. With its imposing façade and 10 floors of shops, it is a must-see destination for fashion lovers. Shibuya 109 is famous for its fashionable boutiques offering a wide selection of clothing, accessories and cosmetics. It is a landmark in the Japanese fashion world and attracts visitors from all over the world. With its bold and innovative trends, Shibuya 109 is the ideal place to find unique and fashionable clothes that express the urban lifestyle of Shibuya.

109 - Flickr - Matt Watts

Matt Watts, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
Shops: 10:00-21:00
Restaurants: 11:00-23:00
No closing days

Hands

Hands is a Japanese department store located in Shibuya, Tokyo. It offers a variety of products for home, office, beauty, fashion and hobbies. With a cosy and target-oriented atmosphere, Hands is a great place to find unique and personal gifts. There are many interesting departments, such as paper and stationery, technology, cooking and childcare. Hands offers shoppers a wide selection of creative and innovative products and a fun and original shopping experience.

Until 2020 it was called Tokyu Hands

TOKYU HANDS Shibuya

DeepSkyBlue, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
9:00-21:00
No closing days

Seibu

Seibu is a renowned department store located in Shibuya, Tokyo. With its several shop floors, Seibu offers a wide selection of products, including clothing, cosmetics, accessories, home and groceries. This shopping centre stands out for its high quality and attention to detail. With its luxury departments and international fashion brands, Seibu is a shopping paradise for those seeking high-end products and the latest trends. It is a landmark for shoppers in Shibuya.

Seibu Shibuya Store

ITA-ATU, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
Shops: 10:00-21:00 (Sundays and public holidays until 20:00)
Restaurants: 10:00-21:00
No closing days

Loft

Loft is a popular lifestyle shop located in Shibuya, Tokyo. This department store offers a wide range of products for home, beauty, fashion and creativity. Loft is known for its unique selection of innovative and trendy items, from stationery and kitchenware to arts and crafts and fashion accessories. With its eclectic and eye-catching layout, Loft creates a surprising and inspiring atmosphere for design and creativity enthusiasts. It is a great place to find unique and original items that express Shibuya’s personality and lifestyle.

Shibuya-Loft

Rs1421, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
10:00-21:00
No closing days

Marui

Marui is a renowned shopping centre located in Shibuya, Tokyo. Founded in 1931, this department store chain is an icon in the Japanese shopping world. Marui offers a wide selection of trendy products, including clothing, cosmetics, accessories and household items. Its elegant and sophisticated design attracts residents and tourists alike. With its many branded shops, Marui offers a high-quality shopping experience, offering products from the latest fashions and promoting an urban and stylish lifestyle. Marui is a must-visit for shopping enthusiasts in Shibuya.

Marui-City-Shibuya-01

Rs1421, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Practical information

Show location on Google Maps
Official website 
11:00-21:00 (Sundays and public holidays until 20:30)
No closing days