Shibuya Crossing 2019

The Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan, even featuring featured in several Hollywood blockbusters like Fast and Furious and Resident Evil, to name a few. At this scramble crossing, you will see people from all walks of life, crossing in all directions at one of the world’s busiest intersections.

In this special guide to the Shibuya Crossing, we will feature some of the best moments of the busy crossroad  – and also see the Shibuya Crossing live  – as we walk you through some interesting facts about the famous intersection (pun fully intended).

We will also share with you some of the most popular haunts around Shibuya, including the best place to enjoy an authentic and delicious Shibuya toast, and other recommended places to shop and stay. With this all-you-need-to-know essential guide, your visit to the Shibuya crossing will definitely be a complete and unforgettable one!

Shibuya Crossing  –  Where and how to get there?

The popular Shibuya Crossing is located directly in front of Hachiko Exit (Exit No. 8) of the Shibuya JR station. 

Shibuya Station

The Shibuya JR station has a total of four main exits: Hachiko Exit, Miyamasuzaka Exit, West Exit, and East Exit. 

The large Shibuya Station is serviced by four of Tokyo’s major railway companies: JR East, Keio Electric Railway, Tokyu Electric Railway and Tokyo Metro. Amongst the various railway lines serviced by JR East, the Yamanote Line is probably the most popular option for visitors looking to get to Shibuya station from within the general Tokyo area. 

You can also get to Shibuya Station from Narita Airport via the JR Narita Express (NEX) or the Yamanote Line after making a transfer from the Keisei Skyliner.

This is a pocket map of the Shibuya Crossing outlining the different exits at the JR Shibuya Station as well as the key landmarks around the Shibuya Crossing. Some of these important landmarks include the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu (West of the JR Shibuya Station), the Hachiko Dog Statue, the Tokyu Rei Hotel (North of the JR Shibuya Station) and Hikarie (East of the JR Shibuya Station). 

You can access and download the complete Shibuya Crossing map and other maps of neighbouring districts here.

Shibuya Crossing  –  Best views for your IG pictures?

The best time to visit the crossing really depends on what you are looking to do at Shibuya Crossing.

If you are looking to avoid the jostling crowd and traffic, then visiting the Shibuya Crossing during the day might be a good idea (between the morning and evening rush hours). This would probably also be the best time to snap some pictures of Hachiko without having to deal with too many “photo-bombers”. 

However, if you are looking to experience Shibuya Crossing at its peak, then the evening might be a better time to visit Shibuya Crossing (after 6pm). This is when the crowd is the largest and when the neon lights on billboards around Shibuya Crossing are all lit, illuminating a different and bolder side of Shibuya. 

The second floor of the Shibuya Crossing Starbucks in the Tsutaya building offers a great top-down view of the busy intersection. If you are lucky, you might find some available window seats at Tsutaya Starbucks, which will give you some of the best views and pictures of the busy Shibuya Crossing. From there, you can people-watch and experience the bustle of the Shibuya Crossing while sipping on a fresh cup of coffee.

Watch a video of the Shibuya Crossing – live!  

This is a video of the Shibuya Crossing live. 

Video credit: Carl Rosa 

Shibuya Crossing  – What to do and where to stay?

Visit the Legendary Shibuya Dog at Hachiko Square 

With a global reputation as Japan’s most loyal dog, Hachiko has a memorial statue erected in his honour at Shibuya station, having waited over nine years at that exact station for his deceased owner to return. Shed a tear or two as you gaze upon the commemoration of love between one dog and his master, and remember the meaning of Man’s Best Friend.

Address: 1 Chome-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Go shopping at Shibuya 109 

More commonly-referred to as “marukyu” by the locals, Shibuya 109 is an iconic shopping mall just steps away from the main Shibuya Crossing scramble. With over 120 different shops offering some of the most trendy shoes, clothes, costumes, cosmetics and accessories products, Shibuya 109 is a fashion paradise especially if you are looking for some of the quirkiest and unique fashion trends for your wardrobe!

Address: 2 Chome-29-1 Dogenzaka, 渋谷区 Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Enjoy the famous Shibuya Honey Toast 

This thick honey brick-toast dessert swept many countries by storm a few years ago, and is still a popular dessert today. Adorned with a variety of fresh fruits and berries, and topped with some whipped cream, honey and chocolate sauce, this sinful and decadent dessert is also perfect for sharing.

Just a three-minutes walk away from the JR Shibuya station, PASELA Resort Shibuya is a popular franchise frequently visited by those who are looking for some of the best Shibuya Honey Toast in Japan. It is also believed that the first Shibuya Honey Toast appeared in this very PASELA Resort Shibuya outlet.

More so than its karaoke rooms, bars and parties, PASELA Resort Shibuya is famous for its Shibuya Honey Toast offerings, with over ten different types of toasts for you to choose from, including its popular Shibuya-limited Hachiko Dog Honey Toast. 

There is really no better place to get some of the most original and authentic Shibuya Honey Toast than in Shibuya itself, especially if you are visiting Tokyo!

Address: 1-22-9 Jinnan, Jinnan, Shibuya 150-0041, Tokyo Prefecture

Meet at the hidden Moyai statue

You would have probably heard of the famous Hachiko statue at Shibuya Crossing, but have you ever heard of the Moyai statue?

Located on the southwest side of Shibuya station, the Moyai statue is a grey statue of a huge head surrounded by a bed of bright small flowers. Bearing an uncanny resemblance to the Easter Island Moai statue, the Moyai statue was donated to Shibuya by the people of Niijima in 1980.

This hidden spot in the Shibuya Crossing should definitely be on your list of sights to visit – also a great meeting point that is less crowded than the Hachiko statue. 

Address: 1 Chome-1-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Stay at the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu

The Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu is located right in the heart of Shibuya! In fact, this four-star high-rise hotel is just a three-minute walk away from the JR Shibuya station. 

The hotel promises a modern and elegant living experience during your stay there, with over 400 rooms available for booking and reservation. 

The central location of the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu makes it a great vantage point of the many attractions and landmarks around Shibuya, including the Meiji Shrine, Omotesando and Yoyogi Park. It is therefore also a perfect place to live in when you are visiting Tokyo because of the ease of accessibility to many of the main attractions (apart from those listed above), such as the Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku and Tokyo Tower. 

Address: 1-12-2 Dougenzaka, Tokyo, 150-0043, Japan 

Go gallivanting around Shibuya Center-Gai

Dive into Shibuya Center-Gai, a bustling hub with plenty of shops and eateries for you to explore to your heart’s content, as well as an abundance of street photography opportunities. The energy here is palpable in this vibrant part of the Shibuya district – introverts, you’ve been warned!

Address: 12-3 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Get lucky at a Pachinko parlor (RAKUEN Shibuya Dogenzaka)

A popular after school activity for Japanese high school-goers, a Pachinko is a common mechanical game in Japan. Despite its name, most of these ‘Pachinko Parlors’ feature a variety of games, including the likes of old-school slot machines. Try your hand at some of the games and see how you fare!

Address: 2 Chome-6-16 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Take go-karting to a whole new level at Street Kart Shibuya

This one’s for all the kids out there who spent their childhood playing endless sessions of Mario Kart– if you were ever one of those kids, then we’ve found the perfect activity for you. Put the pedal to the metal at Street Kart Shibuya! While in no way related to Nintendo or Mario Kart at all, Street Kart Shibuya promises fun while reinventing the art of the go-kart (Costumes rented separately).

Address: 15-3 Maruyama-Cho Shibuya Ward Tokyo, Japan

Take a leisurely stroll around Yoyogi Park

Calling all nature lovers! If the hustle and bustle of the city with all its traffic and noise is too much for you, take a break and chill out at Yoyogi Park. Have a light stroll around the park, and soothe your senses as you stop to smell the flowers.

Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan

Revel in wonder at the Meiji Shrine

What would a trip to Japan be without visiting one of their Shinto Shrines? In Japan, a shrine is typically used to house sacred objects; it is not, contrary to popular belief, a place of worship. They are also incredibly important as parts of Japanese culture, and to miss out on visiting one would be a serious loss.

Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-8557, Japan

Get drunk on culture at the Museum of Yebisu Beer

The Yebisu Beer Museum showcases the many years of history behind this popular beverage. Visitors even get to taste two cups of Yebisu beer at the end of the museum tour! While we in no way advocate alcoholism, we can’t promise you won’t leave the Museum of Yebisu Beer intoxicated – with knowledge.

Address: Japan, 〒150-8522 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Ebisu, 4 Chome−20−1 恵比寿ガーデンプレイス

Satisfy your sushi cravings at Sushi No Midori

A trip to Japan would not be complete without pigging out over some mouthwatering servings of sushi! Stop by Sushi No Midori for lunch and get your fill of the freshest fish, without burning a hole in your pockets!

Address: Japan, 〒107-6302 Tokyo, Shibuya City, Dogenzaka, 1 Chome−12−3 マークシティイースト4F

Find literally everything at Don Quijote Shibuya

Don Quijote is the biggest discount store in Japan. Known to locals as MEGA DONKI, the Don Quijote outlet in Shibuya is known for being one of the biggest outlets in Japan; with up to seven floors worth of stores, open 24 hours a day! You could literally find anything here, from clothes to electronic gadgets to souvenirs and other miscellaneous Japanese paraphernalia– Don’t miss out!

Address: 28-6 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 154-0042, Japan

Check out Japan’s first-ever Tokyu Hands

Adding to the list of Japan’s major department stores, Tokyu Hands, however, offers something new with its emphasis on DIY, crafts, and lifestyle-oriented products. What’s especially cool about the Shibuya outlet is that it’s the first of 49 stores in Japan, having opened in 1976. Even if you’re not looking to buy anything, drop by to visit the first ever Tokyu Hands in Japan! Who knows, you might find something that suits your fancy here.

Address: 12-1８Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan

Look for love (and more) at Love Hotel Hill

While the concept of a “love hotel” might raise more than a few eyebrows, the reality is that these places are more than just a getaway for those looking for a daytime romp. Also called fashion hotels or leisure hotels, these spaces offer unique and quirky ways of accommodation, with themed bedrooms for more adventurous occupants. Located on Dogenzaka slope, these are popular hotels of choice for married couples looking to get away from their live-in in-laws for a bit, or couples travelling around Shibuya by themselves *wink* !

Address: 2 Chome-5-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan

Stumble down Nonbei Yochoko (Drunk Alley)

It’s a Friday Night, the weekend beckons ahead, and all you want to do is to get drunk on some good quality alcohol. Or it could be any other day of the week, and you need a good drink. 

Enter Nonbei Yochoko– the definitive place to go for all your moderate alcoholic predispositions (if you couldn’t already tell by its English nickname “drunk alley”). Located on a small alley veering off a short walk away from the busy Shibuya Crossing, Nonbei Yochoko houses some seriously miniature bars, but with some seriously potent drinks. Take a shot (or two), if you’re game!

Address: 1 Chome-25 Shibuya, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan

Party the night away at Womb – Shibuya Nightclub

After a good round of drinks, your energy is high and you’re raring to go – come on down to Womb, a notable nightclub located in the Shibuya district, famous for having four floors worth of dancing and booze. What could anyone else ask for right? Entrance fees may be a little pricey, but it’s totally worth the night of your life– Go big or go home!

Address: 2-16 Maruyamacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0044, Japan

Give yourself a pat on the back if you are still reading because the list of things to do around Shibuya Crossing is just non-exhaustive! Delicious food, elegant architecture, unique cultural history, and plenty of activities during the day and night, await you at one of the busiest districts in Tokyo. 

With so much to see and do around Shibuya Crossing, there is no reason why your next trip to Tokyo shouldn’t include a trip down to this iconic landmark in Japan! Afternall, can you even say that you have been to Japan if you haven’t been to the Shibuya Crossing?