The Shibuya district is Tokyo’s most colourful neighbourhood and you will definitely know it from its insanely busy pedestrian crossing, which you just have to cross while you’re here. Shibuya is also known for shopping, dining and its many nightclubs, so it might come as no surprise that this are is quite touristy.
Wondering what to do in Shibuya? Perhaps this short guide can help you out.
Looking to go bar hopping in Tokyo? Then check out Magical Trip for the best guided food tours in Shinjuku, Shibuya and Asakusa!
WHAT TO DO IN SHIBUYA, TOKYO?
1. Around Shibuya Station
Before you make your way over to the famous Shibuya crossing, make a quick stop at Hachiko. The statue of this dog is a popular meeting place for people living in Tokyo.
Hachiko (remember the Richard Gere Movie?) was a typical Japanese “Akita” dog born on a farm near the city of Ōdate in the Akita Prefecture of Japan. He was so loyal to his owner, that even after him passing away, he would return to the spot he always waited on him for the next 9 years. Every day!
Nowadays, Hachiko is still popular and each year on April 8, he is honoured with a ceremony of remembrance at Shibuya Tokyo station. If you’re there around that date, perhaps fun to join in!
After greeting Hachiko, on to the famous crossing…. to… eh…. cross it!
If you want a great view on the craziness? Go to Starbucks, first floor! (It can be busy, grab a matcha latte!)
ready? set… go!
2. NKH Studio Park
During my first visit to Japan in 2006, I explore the NKH Studio park in Shibuya Japan. This interactive museum is all about the behind-the-scenes of the Japanese Radio and Television. There are studio’s where people are still working today, but a whole section is open for you to explore.
Most of the text then was just in Japanese (not sure how that is now), but it was still one of those fun little things to do in Shibuya where you get to know a bit more about Japanese culture.
The kimono’s below were used in this Japanese costume drama
Not a clue who this is, but definitely cute!
I know this angry fella, it’s DOMOKUN!
While I couldn’t read the teleprompter (all Kanji), I did look very professional, right?
Yep, not a clue either. But fun :)
3. Relax in Yoyogi Tokyo Park
If you’re looking for a great place to relax, Yoyogi Park Tokyo is where it’s happening. Make sure to get there on Sundays, when lots of people are chilling in the park, and you can spot the famous Rockabillies in front of the park entrance. Quite funny to see them dance around.
A real escape from the busy, crazy city!
4. Keep on Relaxing Meiji Jingu (Meiji Shrine)
Another great place to relax is at the Meiji Jingu Shrine, just a couple minutes walk from Yoyogi Park (and Harajuku JR Line train station). We already wrote a whole photo post about this place, so I suggest you go check it out and find out why Meiji Jingu is so magical.
5. Shibuya Shopping Experience
Relaxed enough? Then you’ll probably enjoy the other biggest attraction in the Shibuya district: Shopping!! Some major shopping areas are: Center Gai (the large intersection in front of the station’s Hachiko Exit, great to see at night as well!), Shibuya Station itself (many, many floors of shops and restaurants, this thing is a maze!) and Koen Dori (“Park Street”, popular shopping street leading from the Marui department store to Yoyogi Park).
As you can see, you’ve got plenty of choice, but here are some highlights:
Shibuya 109
Most of the shopping in Tokyo starts at Shibuya 109. This fashion building offers a wide selection of the hottest brands and trends, all Japanese style, of course! Shibuya 109 has become Tokyo’s fashion hotspot for young Japanese women, although there is also a seperate shopping building for the men. Just in case :)
Loft
Loft has the most beautiful household goods and stationary ever. Remember that post with 40 things Nick wouldn’t let me buy in Tokyo? Well, most of it (especially all the kitchen goods) is found right here! Heaven!
Tokyo Hands Shibuya
At Tokyo hands, you’ll find everything you need to get crafty in and around the house, as well as anything else to do with lifestyle products. Any with anything, we mean: a-ny-thing. From stationery to grandma slippers and from bike locks to talking robots, this is the largest household goods store in Tokyo.
HMV Record Shop
This HMV Store in Tokyo Shibuya opened in 1990 as the first HMV store in Japan. Definitely the place to go for music lovers from all around the world. The store is so big, they even have their own event stage with regular performances of popular artists.
Disney Store
The Disney Store in Shibuya is one of 6 Disney stores in Tokyo, but while they all sell pretty much the same things, this one has definitely the best facade. Always fun for a quick visit!
Shibuya Hikarie
The Shibuya Hikarie is a skyscraper and retail complex completed in 2012. While it doesn’t have the status as the 109 building yet, it’s definitely a prime retail and office destination, so we can recommend to check it out!
6. Where to Eat in Shibuya?
Being a busy and touristy part of Tokyo, there are plenty of options for you to eat in the Shibuya district. We had a good experience at Kashiwa in the Shibuya Hikarie building that you can see right above. Click to read our review: Teppanyaki at Kashiwa, Shibuya Hikarie in Tokyo
7. Bonus Tip: Daikanyama Tokyo
If you’re looking for luxury boutiques and upscale pastry shops, then Daikanyama town in Shibuya is something for you. It has a small central shopping center and several restaurants, as well as a relaxed atmosphere.
The town has three major streets starting from Daikanyama Station: Hachiman-dori (towards Shibuya), Kyu Yamate-dori (towards Komaba) and Komazawa-dori street (towards Ebisu). While I haven’t been to this part of town myself, I did visit Ebisu in 2006 (see below) and I love how these small towns in the city have their own character, so I can recommend checking some of them out!
Ebisu Neighbourhood in Tokyo
Planning a Trip to Japan? Here are some great resources:
- Skyscanner
– Find the best flights to Japan
- Booking.com – Find the best hotels in Japan
- World Nomads – Find the best travel insurance
- Get Your Guide – The most popular tours & activities around Japan
- ViaHero – Get help planning a trip to Japan from a local
- Magical Trip – Discover Tokyo, Osaka & Kyoto at night with a local tour guide
- G Adventures
– Group travel to Japan
Shop Locations and Websites:
Shibuya 109
2 Chome-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Tokyo Hands Shibuya
12-18 Udagawacho, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Loft
21-1 Udagawacho, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
HMV
36-2 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Disney Store Shibuya
20-15 Udagawacho, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Shibuya Hikarie
2 Chome-21-1 Tokyo Shibuya 渋谷区 150-8510, Japan
NHK Studio Park
2 Chome-2-1 Jinnan, 渋谷区 Tokyo 150-8001, Japan
Download their brochure as a PDF
The Brochure Rack: Map and Shibuya Guide Tokyo, Japan
Download this Shibuya Guide to find a practical Shibuya map and tips on what to see in Shibuya, Harajuku and Omotesando in Tokyo. These neighbourhoods are known as the fashion centers of the city, as well as a major nightlife area. Especially Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most colourful and busy districts, famous for its crossing where hundreds of people cross at the same time.
View large files of page 1 – page 2
Download the entire brochure in PDF format
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We hope you liked this neighbourhood guide! What would you want to see or do in Shibuya, we’d love to hear it!
