The crossing is rumoured to be the busiest intersection in the world. Hundreds sometimes thousands of people come to this crossing to make their way across the city. Tokyo is the most populous city in the world and this scene makes that enormity come to life in front of you. But there is so much more to Shibuya than just the crossing. So come with us now on a guide of all the best things to see and do while you’re visiting Shibuya, the busiest crossing in the world!

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Shibuya Crossing in Film
4. Where to Observe the Shibuya Crossing
5. Starbucks Shibuya
6. Shibuya Mark City Crossing
7. L'Occitane Cafe
8. Magnet Park
9. Hachiko Statue and Mural
10. Shibuya 109
11. Shibuya Gyoza
12. Can*do
13. Tokyu Hands
14. Basement Food Hall
15. Center Gai
16. Nonbei Yokocho
17. Koen Dori
18. Rainbow Karaoke

History

Shibuya Crossing has been a busy intersection for over 100 years. With Shibuya Station’s construction in 1885, an influx of people began to commute into the city via this station. Back then, there was only a train line that ran into the station, but now Shibuya station serves more than eight different metro lines. In 2019, the Shibuya Scramble Square, a mixed-use skyscraper, was completed. Becoming the tallest building in Shibuya and was named after the famous scramble.

Access

Shibuya crossing is very easy to find. Just head over to Shibuya station and walk out via the Hachiko exit.

Shibuya Crossing in Film

The crossing has become an essential location in pop culture. It has been featured in movies like “Lost in Translation,” “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift,” and “Resident Evil: Afterlife and Retribution.”

Facing the crossing are three giant television screens. These flash all day long and these screens are some of the highest-priced billboards in Tokyo. Due to the fact that simply so many people come through here daily to lay their eyes on the screens. If you’re interested in seeing what is popular in the world of advertising in Japan, this is a great place to come. 

Where to Observe the Shibuya Crossing

Starbucks Shibuya

One of the best free views of Shibuya Crossing is at the Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya right on the corner. This location had an elevated level with floor-to-ceiling windows and a viewing counter to sit at. This is people-watching at its best. In recent years the secret has got out, and you sometimes have to queue for over 2 hours to get a seat at the window. But luckily, you’re still in a Starbucks, so grab a fancy drink to enjoy while you wait. Even if you don’t buy a drink, you can still come up here and enjoy the view.

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Shibuya Mark City Crossing

Located between JR Shibuya Station and the complex building named Shibuya Mark City is a long, glass-covered crosswalk. This crosswalk is situated slightly above street level but provides an almost entirely unobstructed view of the crossing. Avoid coming here for photos during rush hour since the passageway is used for pedestrians getting on and off the underground. But during off-peak hours this crosswalk is pretty peaceful and a great place to plant yourself.

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L’Occitane Cafe

If you’re looking for a location more above street level to get a better look at the crossing, then head over to L’Occitane Cafe. While it might seem weird to dine inside a cosmetic shop, this elegant store has a beautiful cafe on the second floor. Here you can drink tea and cocktails flavoured with the same herbs and fruit they use in their products. The restaurant is located along a large window facing out onto the crossing. From here, you can watch the scramble from the comfort of this adorable cafe.

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Magnet Park

To get a bird’s eye view of the crossing, you’ll need to head over to Magnet Park. Magnet Park is located on the top floor of the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building. This location does require an admission fee. It costs 300 yen to access the roof and is open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Although it’s not free, 300 yen is pretty minimal, and the view of not just the scramble but also the entirety of Tokyo itself is stunning! Well worth the 300 yen.

TIP: Don’t visit at rush hour

Many people think the only time to really get the best photos of this crossing is during rush hour. But this time of day only means you’ll be crushed by the crowds of people who cross here. For commuters, this isn’t a show but a legitimate means of getting to and from work. Try to avoid getting in their way. No matter what time of day you come here it’s always busy so you’ll always get a great picture.

For me, one of the best times of day to come to the crossing is at night. When the sun set, the glowing neon lights surrounding the square create such a more powerful image. People are dressed up for a night on the town, and music blares from nearby Izakayas. The atmosphere is unmatched.

So you’re here, now what? I’ve seen some people schedule an hour at Shibuya Crossing and truthfully that’s just not necessary. Seeing the crossing is so fun and iconic but there is plenty more to do around Shibuya.

Below is my guide on what to do around Shibuya Crossing once you’ve gotten that perfect picture!

Hachiko Statue and Mural

An adorable statue of a dog sits right outside Shibuya Station. This statue is dedicated to a real-life dog named Hachiko. Hachiko would come and sit outside the station every day, waiting for his owner when they would return from work. Even after his master passed away Hachiko would come and wait. Akita dogs (native to Japan) are known for their steadfast love and dedication but none more so than Hachiko. The statue has gained a considerable cult following over the years. Today, tourists line up to get a picture with the famed copper dog.

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But in my opinion, the brightly coloured mural, also dedicated to Akika dogs is much more exciting. This is located just opposite the statue. The entire piece is more from large tiles and ceramics and features these dogs playing across the tile rainbow. This wall makes for a fantastic photo backdrop. While the Hachiko statue is iconic, the crowds make it less than comfortable while this mural is much more of a hidden gem.

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Shibuya 109

Shibuya 109 is the central fixture above the scramble. It is a large multi-level department store whose lights glow brightly, inviting you in. Shibuya 109 is often referred to as the “center of youth“. It is thought to be the epicentre of trendy fashion. When it was built in 1979, the mall aimed to target career women. It was originally designed to appeal to middle-aged women who knew that their fashion sense was and wasn’t just looking for the next big trend. Over the years the clientele got younger and younger. Shibuya 109 became one of the best places to highlight new Japanese brands and designers.

But warned, Shibuya 109 is not for the faint-hearted. The music is blaring from the minute you walk in the doors. The lights and lack of windows make it impossible to tell what the time is. This is a trick used in casinos in Vegas. The employees shout “irrashaimase” (meaning welcome) at any passers-by and enthusiastically beckon you to come inside.

Unlike department stores in North America which are just one big store selling different brands, Shibuya 109 is more like a mall with hundreds of different individual stores. Since this is such prime real estate, only successful brands survive. So you know these the best of the best of Tokyo designers. The owners of the mall make a point to bring in young entrepreneurs and upstart companies. Small brands, which go on to become famous worldwide, often got their start in this very place.

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Punyus

Unless you have a similar body size to most Japanese women, you might find it hard to find clothes in your size. If you’re thin and petite, you’ll be in heaven. But for those of us who are tall or curvy, there are not many options. Luckily there is PUNYUS! Punyus is one of the coolest Japanese brands. Their clothes are bright and cheery and they are super inclusive sizing as the brand was started by a plus-size designer. Each item costs around 5,000 yen ($50 US) but they are such unique pieces that you’ll really feel like you’ve bought a piece of Japanese fashion. Something that you could never get at home!

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Shibuya Gyoza

Genki Sushi is a name you’ll often hear when looking for food in Shibuya. But I found it to be a little samey and slightly disappointing. The line is usually really long, and I think it’s over-hyped. Instead, walk down the street a little bit to find Shibuya Gyoza. This restaurant specializes in that crispy, thin-skinned gyoza that is super addictive. Six pieces will only cost you 290 yen, so it’s easy to keep ordering more and more.

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Can*do

While the Daiso across the street gets much more attention, Can*do is one of my favourite 100 yen shops. Daiso is HUGE. Although I love it, you really need a substantial amount of time to do it justice. Whereas Can*do on the other hand is much smaller and therefore only has the very best stuff! I found that pretty much anything on your list of things to bring home from Japan you’ll find here! Great for souvenirs as well as everyday items and some cool inventions you’ll only find in Japan!

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Tokyu Hands

Tokyu Hands is another vast department store, but it features handicrafts, stationary, houseware and more. When I went to Shibuya 109, my husband was very bored since it caters almost exclusively to women. But here at Tokyo Hands, there is something for everyone! Plus, this place is great to see those weird and wonderful Japanese gadgets to bring home and entertain your friends.

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Basement Food Hall

Before leaving Tokyu Hands, be sure you make a trip to the basement. Down here you’ll find the entire floor is dedicated to a variety of food stalls. This is one of the largest food halls in the city. You can find everything from tonkatsu, sushi, grilled chicken, tofu products, pickles, deli salads, and all kinds of bento boxes. There is also international cuisine like Indian curries, Vietnamese pho, Chinese dumplings and dozens of Chinese-style main dishes. Honestly, anything you’re craving, you’ll find down here! And at prices so low you can afford to try a few different items!

Center Gai

Center Gai is one of the most popular areas for young people to come at night to party. There are dozens of clubs and restaurants to keep people entertained at all hours of the day. To me, Center Gai is most iconic for those tall, neon signages that hang off the sides of buildings. These are essentially advertisements for all the exciting things found along the street. The streets are always bustling with lively people. Even if you’re not a drinker or partier, the atmosphere along this street is something everyone should experience.

Nonbei Yokocho

Nonbei Yokocho or “Drunkard’s Alley” is located a short 10 minute walk away from the Shibuya crossing. While Golden Gai in Shinjuku has suffered from the over-popularization of its cute miniatures bars, this little alley has the same charm without the swell of people. Although let’s see how long that lasts. Chairs spill out onto the street, and the bars almost seem to be built one on top of the other. Each of them is decorated with brightly coloured signs and paper lanterns to attract in clientele.

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Koen Dori

Up from Shibuya Gyoza, you’ll find Koen Dori. Koen Dori means “park street.” The reason for the street’s name is the large, lush trees planted on either side of the road, making the densely urban area seem a little more luxurious. The street is lined with upscale department stores and expensive fashion boutiques. 

Rainbow Karaoke

To finish your tour of Shibuya, head over to my very favourite karaoke place: Rainbow Karaoke. Walking into this place, you might be thinking, “oh wow, this place looks so fancy. I bet it will be super expensive…” But we found that it is really only slightly more expensive than karaoke locations. And none of these are even half as lovely as Rainbow Karaoke and didn’t have the number of amenities offered.

Each of the karaoke suites are designed to look like a fictionalized New York City. They all have their own unique touches and decorations. If you opt for the all-you-can-drink menu, there are so many options! The soda bar is massive and there is even a soft-serve ice cream included in your admission price. This really puts it over the top into amazingness! You can order extra food in your room if you are extra hungry. The song selection is amazing and all the tech inside the room is top-notch!

I hope you enjoyed this tour of Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding area. Come for the Crossing but stay for all the other wonderful things Shibuya has to offer! Let me know in the comment what your favourite part of Shibuya is or your fave place to watch the crossing.

Happy Travels, Adventurers!

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Shinjuku is the Japan that many people envision when first thinking about visiting. It’s modern, bright, and absolutely bustling! It was the primary location used in film Lost in Translation (which, for some people, is their only vision of Japan). Coming here right off the plane is one of the best ways to fully immerse yourself in the epicentre of Tokyo culture and cuisine!

Table Of Contents

1. History
2. Access
3. Where to Stay
4. What to Eat
5. What to Do
6. Guided Tour of Shinjuku

History

Shinjuku was originally several different towns that, throughout the years, eventually joined to make up the area we now refer to as “Shinjuku.” Each of these districts does, however, still retain some part of their original distinctions despite now being lumped into one title.

Access

It is easy to access Shinjuku since so many metro lines stop here. Finding your way out is another matter. Shinjuku Station has over 200 exits, and if you come out of a random exit, finding your way around to where you were headed might take 20 minutes if you end up on the wrong side! Even locals get turned around here. But don’t let this scare you. Try to find some signage for your destination, and follow those instructions. The signs in the station are in both English and Japanese, so as long as you follow the directions, you’ll get out with no problem.

Where to Stay

There are hundreds of hotels in Shinjuku, and from high-end to low-budget, there is truly something for everyone. Location is everything in Tokyo, and being in Shinjuku means you have the best access to various rail lines, which will take you anywhere in Tokyo and beyond! But be warned that Shinjuku isn’t quaint, quiet, or laid-back. It’s always crammed full of people and seems to never sleep. Shinjuku is divided into east and west neighbourhoods; if you’re looking to avoid the much talked about ‘red light district,’ stick to the west end. 

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku

Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is one of the best budget options. It’s a business hotel, but don’t let that deter you. Business hotels are always super clean, close to transport and much quieter than other “party” hotels. Spring for the Two Twin beds option since Japanese beds are pretty small, and the “double” will barely fit one person, let alone two. 

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a great moderate option that many of my friends have loved. The rooms all have a little couch which is great for putting your suitcases on since space is always minimal in Japanese hotels.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand

If you’re looking for something more upscale, try the Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo Premier Grand. This hotel is a wonderful blend of modern interior design and traditional Japanese touches, making it a superbly beautiful hotel.

What to Eat

Along the streets are also some of the best eateries that Tokyo offers. The sushi conveyor belt restaurant, Shionzushi, is one of the most popular, and if you can wait in line, you’re sure to have a great experience once you get inside. Ichiran Ramen is one of the most popular Ramen shops in Tokyo, and they have a great location here in Shinjuku where you can sample some incredible noodles. If you feel like something fried, you must check out Katsukura. Katsukura is located on the 14th floor of the Takashimaya Times Square shopping complex and serves up deep-fried pork cutlets served alongside rice and shredded cabbage – to help cut the fat.

What to Do

Nishi-Shinjuku

As you exit the train station, through an almost constant stream of people, you enter Nishi-Shinjuku. You’re immediately struck with the height of the skyscrapers surrounding you and the almost blindly bright lights of the neon signs which adorn the facades. If you’re looking for a great view of Tokyo, some of the tallest buildings have observation decks open to the public, offering incredible views free of charge. Take that Tokyo Tower! Surrounding the station, you’ll also find huge department stores, suburban malls and electronic shops. If you’re looking for pretty much anything, this is the place to come to shop!

LUMINE 1 & 2

Shinjuku is one of the best places to do some shopping. Unlike some areas like Shibuya, which is mostly geared towards women, Shinjuku has something for everyone. Fashion and electronics galore! Lumine 1 and 2 are my favourite shopping towers for the younger generation. The top floors of each of these complexes have incredible food courts with dozens of different restaurants.

Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck

This stunning piece of Japanese architecture features an impressive two-tower structure. The top of the north and south towers offer free-to-access observation decks . From here you can get an obscured view of Tokyo! Tokyo Sky Tree and Tokyo Tower both charge admission to get up to the top. But from the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building Observation Deck, you get not only the view for free but also a great view of these iconic landmarks.

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Kabukicho

To the northeast is Kabukicho, the wild, red-light district. Down these alleyways, you’ll see large light-up signs advertising women and men of all varieties, casinos and rowdy bars. The name comes from the word “Kabuki,” a classical Japanese dance-drama that was once performed in theatres across Japan.
Once the most popular form of entertainment, Kabuki has been replaced with nightclubs, love hotels and red-light establishments. Some of these places are notorious for charging huge entry fees, spiking drink prices and targeting tourists, so proceed with care.

Shinjuku Gyoen

If you feel like taking a break from the hustle and bustle, big lights and neon signs, head down to the Shinjuku Gyoen. This enormous oasis is located only 10 minutes away from the station. Since it was initially built as the Imperial Garden for the Shogun, the landscaping is stunning. During Cherry Blossom season, this is one of the most popular spots to sit and enjoy thousands of those pretty pink petals.

Omoide Yokocho

For a slightly more PG type of fun, explore Omoide Yokocho (Memory Lane). The network of side streets to the northwest of Shinjuku station is dotted with tiny restaurants serving ramen, yakitori and kushiyaki. Cheap, quick eats that pair perfectly with a cold glass of beer.

The later it gets in the evening, the more exciting this place gets. It can get a little intense for some people (me included), although I never felt unsafe. But if you’re a bit shy and don’t like hanging out in HUGE crowds of intense people, this might not be your cup of tea. But if you’re up for some fun, wander these streets, and you’re bound to walk right into one of the craziest nights of your life.

Godzilla

You might notice as you walk that above the skyscrapers is a life-size replica of Godzilla hanging out. His head peers down over the buildings, red eyes piercing and teeth ready to chomp. This monster is a giant advertisement for Toho’s newest cinema. **Toho** is a film production company famous for the movie Godzilla. 

Constructed around Godzilla is the Hotel Gracery Shinjuku, where you can rent a room with a view of the monster’s head. There’s nothing quite like it.

Isetan Department Store

Isetan Department Store is one of the largest and most popular department stores in Shinjuk. With a wide range of products and luxury brands, this is a great place to come to buy some of the best Japanese products. To draw in more customers, the department store often features art installations and exhibitions to help draw in more customers. Creating an almost art gallery like experience inside.

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Hanazono Shrine

Hanazono Shrine is a beautiful traditional Japanese shrine located in the heart of Shinjuku. It’s nice to see this little touch of traditional Japanese architecture and culture hidden amongst the huge skyscrapers and glowing neon signs.

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Guided Tour of Shinjuku

One of the most fun ways to explore the nightlife in Shinjuku is by bar hopping. But if you feel like with all those options in such a busy part of the city, you might get overwhelmed; then I recommend taking a guided tour with Magical Trip. Join them to find out more about Shinjuku.

You’ll also join them on a pub crawl with a local guide to find hidden local bars and enjoy the authentic Japanese Izakaya bars food and drinks like Yakitori (skewered chicken), Japanese seafood, Sake etc. What you will enjoy on this tour is the food/drinks and the conversation with your guide and the other companies. Your guide will be friendly as well as knowledgeable, so you will feel welcome and be able to learn something about Japan and its culture. Also, this tour is a small-sized group tour, which makes it much easier to get to know the other companies and make friends with them. Enjoy the best night out in Tokyo!

The post The Ultimate Guide to Shinjuku, Tokyo’s Jaw-Dropping Neon City first appeared on The Creative Adventurer.

Amid Tokyo’s neon district, these six tiny alleys house architectural snapshots of Japan’s postwar nightlife.
These ramshackle bars haven’t changed in years despite modern developments popping up all around them. It is almost shocking to see them still standing. What buildings that weren’t destroyed in the great earthquake of 1923 fell victim to the torrent of air raids during WWII. Pretty much anything else leftover was revamped during the 1960s when Japan went through their economic boom, and the entire city was modernized in concrete.

The dimly lit alleys can be a bit intimidating to foreigners, but Tokyo has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, so you don’t need to be scared. The only thing to be wary of is being ripped off, but more on that later.

Each bar only holds about ten people who sit huddled around a well-worn, narrow bar. Each of these establishments has its own theme, its own unique decor and its own way of operating. Some pride themselves in serving cheap drinks at low prices to anyone who will come in. Others charge outlandish entry fees to keep their patrons of the highest quality (or rip off inebriated tourists). Some play all-night karaoke to very giddy would-be songstresses. Others are relatively wary of foreigners and try to keep their crowds to locals only – and won’t be shy to say so.

Most of the bars will charge a cover charge, almost like an entry fee, to experience this little piece of history. If you don’t know which bars might be friendly to travellers, always look for ones with English menus or signs – that’s usually a good sign.

Shōchū is the drink of choice with the locals and will endear you to even the most prickly crowd – if you’re looking to make friends. Be sure to “cheer” your fellow bar dwellers with a cheerful “Kanpai!” before downing your beverage. This is an excellent way to show appreciation for their language and their country.

Spend some time inside “Champion” for some lively karaoke. Give “Albatross” a try and enjoy their chic rooftop terrace. “Totobar Shinjuku” is for any sake enthusiasts, and “Bar Araku” is a great place to meet and greet other foreigners since the bar is owned by an ex-pat Aussie!

So if you’re interested in a fun night of drinking or just want a little nightcap to finish off your evening, Golden Gai is a great place to make memories and meet new people.

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