There are many things to do in Shibuya, including the Shibuya Crossing at the centre and endless food, drink and shopping options. Shibuya is a popular entertainment destination. It is home to Tokyo’s young and fashionable, as well as workers from nearby offices and tourists eager to see the neon lights and bustling streets of Tokyo. We had so much fun exploring the streets and entertainment that we put together our guide of the best 13 things to do in Shibuya.
1 | Shibuya Crossing
Visitors flock to Shibuya to see Shibuya Crossing. This iconic intersection in Tokyo has a maze for pedestrian crossings. Shibuya Crossing attracts a lot of people at peak times.
It’s an incredible experience to zigzag across the intersection with thousands other pedestrians.
Shibuya Crossing from above
It is an unforgettable experience to watch the crowds and there are several places where you can get a great view of Shibuya crossing.
Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya Starbucks is not your average Starbucks. This is the perfect spot to get a bird’s eye view of Shibuya Crossing. You can grab an iced-coffee and snack on the ground floor, then make your way to the first floor window seat for the best view of the crossing.
The 3rd-floor cafe at the L’Occitane flagship store offers stunning views from the west side. The cafe has a host who assigns seating. This creates a relaxed atmosphere. The flavoured iced coffees are delicious.
Maid Cafe
Maid Cafes are an odd, quirky, and crazy Japanese tradition that was inspired by anime and manga. The Maidreamin Maid Cafe is a must-see in Shibuya. Expect cuteness overload from the maids who, dressed in frilly maid costumes and attempting to please the princesses and masters (that’s you!) Have a great time. They dance, sing and create quirky characters with their food and beverages. You’re likely to leave as confused as you were when you arrived.
Hachiko
Hachiko, the dog’s story is one of our favorite travel stories. Hachiko, the ever loyal dog, would return to his owner every day at Shibuya station on his way home from work. Hachiko waited at the station for his owner for nine years, even though his owner Ueno died while working. Outside the Shibuya train station, a statue was dedicated to Hachiko, the faithful and loyal.
A nearby wall mural depicting an extended family Akita dog family is also available in the memory of Hachiko.
5 | Genki sushi
Genki Sushi, a popular sushi restaurant in Shibuya, is known for its affordable prices and sushi train delivery. Genki uses a multilingual tablet to place orders. The food is then delivered directly to your table via conveyor belt. You don’t have to order drinks; everything happens automatically. It’s a great novelty, and it’s a great place to visit.
6 | Nonbei Yokocho, Drunkards’ Alley
Nonbei Yokocho, a quiet lane with small bars that runs under the tracks of trains near Shibuya Crossing, is similar to Shinjuku’s Piss Alley. Drunkards’ alley is a popular hangout for Japanese salary men. The atmosphere is dark and moody, with lanterns lighting the alley and yakitori smoking filling the air. This is a wonderful place to spend an evening in Tokyo, far from the bustle of Shibuya’s neon lights.
7 | Love Hotel Hill
On a hill called Love Hotel Hill in Shibuya, you will find a collection of Tokyo’s most famous love hotels. These love hotels allow you to stay for an overnight or just a few hours. They are designed for couples who desire privacy and love. Usually, the rates of the rooms, as well as room photos and availability, are displayed in the lobby. The reception desks may have curtains to prevent customers from seeing the agent.
Recently, love hotels have become a popular option for cheap accommodation.
Yoyogi Park
The bustling Yoyogi Park, located between Harajuku or Shibuya is a popular hangout for tourists and locals alike. Yoyogi, Tokyo’s largest park, is a great place to take a walk after Shibuya or Harajuku. Meiji Shrine
The Meiji shrine, one of Tokyo’s most iconic shrines, is dedicated to Emperor Meiji. He was the first emperor in modern Japan. It is an amazing experience to be able to walk from Harajuku and Shibuya to Meiji Shrine. There are two large torii gates that lead to Meiji Shrine, which has over 100,000 trees. The shrine’s most prominent feature is the large display of sake barrels that line the path. This gift to the gods is a great sight.
The Shrine’s Inner Garden, which features 150 species of irises, is spectacular in June. The Treasure House houses portraits and kimonos from previous Japanese Emperors, as well as personal items of Emperor and Empress.
You can also wander the rest of the shrine complex to make offerings or write your prayers and hopes on an ema.
9 | Harajuku
Harajuku, located between Shinjuku Shibuya and Shibuya is one of the best places in Tokyo. It is a vibrant part of Tokyo and the heart of Japan’s teenage culture. There are many unique and quirky things you can do in Harajuku.
Harajuku, which includes robot restaurants, rainbow food, and Samurai Museums is a great accompaniment to a Shibuya day!
10 | Shibuya Station
Shibuya Station is home to eight subway and train lines. However, in the chaos of moving through the station, be sure to look up. Taro Okamato, a Japanese artist, created a huge mural called the “Myth of Tomorrow”. It shows an atomic bomb explosion, a reference to the Second World War bombings in Hiroshima (and Nagasaki)
From its indoor walkway, which runs between the Yamanote Line Tamagawa exit & the Keio Inokashira Line entry, the station offers great views of Shibuya Crossing.
Shopping in Shibuya
Shibuya is a shopping paradise. It has huge UNIQLO and Zara stores.
Tokyo Hands is a personal favorite of ours. They have a large selection of quirky and cute items that you will want to browse for hours. The stationary floors were a favorite spot for us.
Shibuya Modi is home to Shibuya 109, Shibuya Modi has Shibuya Modi, and both offer a wide range of shops.
Can-Do and Daiso are Japanese discount stores that stock a wide range of fun products at a reasonable price. Both have branches in Shibuya.
Tourist Information Centre
The Tourist Information Centre in Shibuya is located in an old train car that was used on the Tokyu Tokyo Line from March 1970 to March 1970. It is located near Shibuya Station, beside the Hachiko Statue.
13 | Shibuya Nightlife
Shibuya, a lively neighborhood in Tokyo’s nightlife district, is always buzzing. Shibuya is popular among both locals as well as tourists. You can find a wide range of entertainment options at night, from quaint izakaya (or Japanese taverns) to cheap restaurants, busy nightclubs, and modern cocktail bars.
