The rhythmic pulse of Tokyo beats strongest at the Shibuya Crossing, where crowds move in every direction en masse. Stand amidst the organized chaos to witness one of the world's busiest pedestrian crossings, a definitive moment of urban energy.
Iconic Landmarks and Urban Perspectives
- Shibuya Crossing: Experience the scale of the city as people cross in every direction at once. For a unique vantage point, the second floor of the Starbucks provides a great spot to capture photos of the crossing.
- Hachikō: Located in a plaza outside the station, this diminutive statue of a dog is a symbol of loyalty and serves as one of the most popular meeting points in the area. Spend some time near Hachikō Square for excellent people-watching.
- Shibuya Scramble Square: Visit this site to take in panoramic views of the city from its rooftop.
- Moyai statues: Located on the south side of the station, these two figures made from volcanic pumice are a unique spin on Easter Island's moai and served as the inspiration for the 🗿 emoji.
Art, Culture, and Entertainment
- Bunkamura: This complex features an art museum alongside theaters for film and stage plays. The basement floor hosts an art and design bookstore and a branch of Paris' famous Les Deux Magots café.
- Tokyo Anime Center: Located on the 2F of Shibuya MODI, this center offers information, demonstrations, and events centered around animation and gaming. On certain days, you can even experience a post-recording in the recording studio.
- Myth of Tomorrow: View this large mural by Tarō Okamoto at the entrance of the Inokashira line. The piece commemorates the Hiroshima atomic bombing through a dramatic depiction of human figures and flames.
Shopping and Neighborhood Exploration
- Center Gai: Walk down this narrow street leading away from the station to the left of the giant video screen. Known as the birthplace of many youth fashion trends, it is packed with clothing stores, music stores, and video game arcades.
- Hikarie: Located on the east side of Shibuya Station, this massive building opened in 2012 and houses a variety of restaurants, galleries, and theaters.
- Shibuya Parco and Shibuya 109: These prominent commercial centers contributed to the area's growth as a hub for youth culture starting in the 1970s.
To experience the full breadth of the ward, venture into neighboring districts like Harajuku or Ebisu. Begin your journey at Shibuya Station to immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this major commercial center.