Things To Do
in Shibuya
Shibuya is a neon-drenched hub of fashion, dining, and nightlife at Tokyo’s southwest edge. The scramble crossing and Hachiko statue are iconic symbols of urban Japan, while the surrounding streets teem with boutiques, cafes, and izakayas. It blends ultramodern architecture with pockets of calm, from tranquil shrine precincts to leafy parks just a short walk away.
Excellent transit connections make Shibuya a lively base for exploring Tokyo’s diverse neighborhoods and culture.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, a bustling intersection filled with shoppers and commuters. Grab a coffee from a nearby café and take in the energetic atmosphere. Spend time observing the intricate dance of pedestrians as the traffic lights change.
Head to the nearby Hachiko Statue, a tribute to Japan's favorite loyal dog, and snap a few pictures. Explore the vibrant shops at Shibuya 109, a retail paradise filled with trendy fashion boutiques. Enjoy lunch at a local ramen shop and savor authentic Japanese noodles.
As night falls, take a stroll through the lively streets, where neon lights illuminate the area. Dine at a traditional izakaya to experience local cuisine and sake. Wrap up your evening with karaoke at a nearby club, immersing yourself in Japan's renowned nightlife.
Begin your day with a peaceful walk through the vast forest leading to the Meiji Shrine, a serene oasis amidst the bustling city. Participate in a Shinto ritual by washing your hands at the purification fountain. Explore the shrine grounds, taking in the beauty of traditional Japanese architecture.
Visit the adjacent Yoyogi Park for a relaxing picnic surrounded by nature. Enjoy local snacks while people-watching, as the park often features musicians and artists showcasing their talents. Experience the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps join in on a group activity.
Head back to Shibuya for dinner and try out a sushi train restaurant for a fun and interactive dining experience. After your meal, take in the stunning views from the Shibuya Sky observation deck. End the night with a casual stroll through the lively backstreets of Shibuya, soaking in the local nightlife.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍣Lunch/dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant | $30-60 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $3-6 |
| 🚆Transit day pass | $6-12 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $120-250 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant street life and endless dining options
- Excellent transit access and walkable neighborhoods
- Can be crowded and noisy, especially near Shibuya Crossing
- Prices can be high in popular areas and during peak times
- "Konnichiwa" - Hello / Good afternoon
- "Sumimasen" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Onegaishimasu" - Please / I would like
- "Arigatou gozaimasu" - Thank you very much
- "Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Shibuya
Visit one of these nice places.
A world-famous intersection where streams of neon reflections create dynamic, kinetic imagery from elevated vantage points.
Iconic meeting point with bustling streets; great for people-watching and urban composition.
Panoramic city views that showcase the district’s neon grid and surrounding skyline.
Quirky shopping lanes with eclectic façades, perfect for colorful street photography and candid fashion shots.
A serene, wooded approach to a traditional shrine, offering a calm contrast to the surrounding urban energy.
A showcase of contemporary architecture and stylish storefronts—great for geometric and minimal shots.
Food in Shibuya
Shibuya Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh nigiri and sashimi at local counters and sushi bars; look for quality in the Shibuya area with vibrant seafood selections.
Must-Try!
Ramen is ubiquitous here—try yuzu-shio at Afuri Shibuya or a classic tonkotsu at an Ichiran or local ramen shop.
Skewered grilled chicken at izakayas and yakitori bars along backstreets near Nonbei Yokocho; great with drinks and good conversation.
A Tokyo specialty similar to okonomiyaki, cooked on a griddle at collaborative izakaya spaces around Shibuya; dip and savor with friends.
Green-tea themed sweets, parfaits, and wagashi at cafés and specialty shops, perfect for a daytime treat or dessert after a meal.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Opulent selections at Tokyu, Shibuya Mark City, and Shibuya Hikarie, with ready-to-eat bento, fresh seafood, and sweets.
Crepes, taiyaki, takoyaki, and other quick bites from street stands and small shops near the scramble crossing.
Seasonal pop-ups and curated food stalls offering regional specialties and chef collaborations within the area’s department stores.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Stand in lines patiently; avoid loud conversations in trains; keep voices low in public spaces and on public transit.
Service charges are typically included; tipping is not expected.
Shoes are removed in some traditional spaces; follow posted signs and be respectful around sacred areas.
Safety
Tipping in Shibuya
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Japan and is typically not expected in most services; in rare cases a tip may be politely declined. A sincere thank you (arigatou gozaimasu) is appreciated.
Cash is widely accepted, and major credit cards are increasingly common in urban areas. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) work for transit and many shops, with mobile payment options (Apple Pay, Google Pay) popular in larger stores and cafes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cherry blossoms punctuate the city with pink highlights; comfortable temperatures and lively outdoor scenes.
Hot and humid; frequent rain showers; carry a light jacket or umbrella and enjoy late-evening strolls when the heat eases.
Pleasant temperatures and colorful foliage; ideal for outdoor photography and long walks.
Cool to cold, with occasional dry sunny days; festive lights and fewer crowds offer a different kind of city vibe.
Shibuya at Night
Hiking in Shibuya
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular day hike about an hour from central Tokyo, offering scenic trails, temple grounds, and forested paths with varying difficulty.
Outdoor trails in the Okutama area provide longer-day hikes with river valleys and mountain scenery within a short train ride.
Airports
How to reach Shibuya by plane.
Approximately 20-40 minutes by express train or limousine bus to central Tokyo; convenient for domestic and many international flights.
Longer commute by train or bus (usually 60-90 minutes or more, depending on connections); major hub for international travel.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Fashion-forward residents and students drive pop culture and nightlife in Shibuya.
A steady stream of visitors from around the world contributes to the area’s lively atmosphere.
Evenings and weekends reveal a mix of dining and after-work socializing in the area.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Tokyo hosts professional baseball with games in nearby districts; Meiji Jingu Stadium is a notable venue accessible from Shibuya.
Local and international matches occur in Tokyo-area venues; city fans frequently support teams during the season.
Parks like Yoyogi and Shinjuku Gyoen offer popular running routes and outdoor workout spaces.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Shibuya.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many ramen and donburi spots offer veggie options or tofu-based dishes; look for vegetarian menus or request carefully prepared dishes, and be prepared for dashi (fish-based stock) in some soups.