If you ever find yourself in Tokyo, chances are that Shibuya is on your bucket list for places to visit. Located right in the heart of the city, it’s an iconic ward that rightfully deserves its fame. When in Shibuya, Japan, it’s hard to run out of things to do in a location this rich in history, culture, entertainment, and food.
The ward is located in the southwestern part of Tokyo near Shinjuku and is easily accessible by public transportation. The famous Shibuya Crossing is located in the heart of the ward and is the busiest intersection in the world.
Many might be familiar with the area surrounding the JR Shibuya Station– but the sizeable ward actually includes other famous locations such as the fashion district of Harajuku, Omote-sando, and Yoyogi Park. Other famous landmarks in Shibuya include the Hachiko statue, the Shibuya 109 shopping center, and Takeshita Street in Harajuku.
Want to explore some of those famous landmarks?
Eat your fill of delicious street food while exploring the bustling Takeshita Street in this food tour.
After taking in a view of the famous Shibuya Crossing, you’ll hop on the ‘Hachiko Bus’ and head to Harajuku to try their expansive selection of street food like rainbow cotton candy, deep-fried cheese sticks and crepes while discovering some of Harajuku’s famous landmarks along the way.
If you’re wondering about what to do in Shibuya, read on to check out our top 20 things to do in the area.
1. People-watch at the Starbucks in Shibuya Crossing
Located on the second floor of the Tsutaya building that sits facing Shibuya Crossing, this Starbucks location is perfect if you want an unparalleled view of the iconic intersection. They have a seating area with floor-to-ceiling windows that allows visitors to enjoy a drink while seeing the thousands of people make their way across the street.
2. Say hello to Hachiko
A symbol of loyalty and meetings, the statue of the dog Hachiko stands at the infamous Shibuya Crossing. The story of Hachiko is very sweet: the loyal Akita dog would wait to meet his owner, Hidesaburo Ueno, at Shibuya Station every day. Even after his owner passed away, Hachiko continued to wait for his return for over nine years, until his death in 1935.
While Hachiko's grave is next to his beloved owner in Aoyama cemetery, a statue of the loyal pup sits outside of Shibuya station. Now, it's a popular meeting spot in the hustle and bustle of the world's busiest intersection.
3. Join a Shibuya food tour
It’s hard to choose from the seemingly never-ending list of delicious eateries that Shibuya has to offer — why not join a tour and not have to worry about weighing your options?
Discover Shibuya’s delicious food culture with an expert guide
Join your English-speaking guide on this whirlwind tour of Shibuya’s bustling streets, with stops at four different venues to get a taste of the local food.
Grill succulent wagyu beef while enjoying a platter of karaage (Japanese fried chicken) at a local izakaya. Head back out onto the neon-lit streets to try battered balls of octopus called takoyaki and even stop by a wagashi shop for a taste of traditional Japanese sweets. Hungry yet?
We have several other food tours in Shibuya to choose from, one for every type of traveler!
Not that you need a food guide to eat well in Shibuya, but having somebody who knows where the best spots are helps make the most of your time in Tokyo's trendiest district.
4. Hang out at Miyashita Park
Newly redesigned in 2020, Miyashita Park is a shopping complex that sits in front of Shibuya Station. The south block is an indoor shopping mall, whereas the north block is an outdoor shopping area– housing many designer stores such as the world’s first flagship men’s Louis Vuitton store, a rooftop hotel, a music bar, and an art gallery.
On the open-air rooftop, visitors can enjoy relaxing on the sizable lawn, hang out at the beach volleyball court, or even spend time at the skatepark. The Shibuya Yokocho Alley, located on the first floor, consists of a diverse array of 19 eateries, from restaurants that serve Korean cuisine to ones that offer regional Kansai food. The best part is that Yokocho Alley is open until 5 am or 11 pm on Sundays. The complex – including the spacious rooftop – is entirely free to enter.
5. Explore lesser-known art collections
While the large museums in Tokyo often get attention, smaller collections deserve some praise too. PARCO Museum Tokyo is a small museum that sits inside the PARCO fashion mall near Shibuya Station and has temporary exhibits of contemporary works across various mediums.
If you’re looking for older artworks, the Ota Memorial Museum of Art has a rotating display of Ota Seizo V’s collection of over 12,000 ukiyo-e works. But if you want to check out the art scene outside of Tokyo, the d47 Museum is a small museum that showcases design pieces from all 47 prefectures of Japan.
6. Visit the Nintendo and Pokemon stores at Shibuya PARCO
Shibuya PARCO is a shopping mall in the heart of the area and houses many unique stores, including the first official Nintendo store in Japan. This shop is lined with larger-than-life figures from their game collection that you can take pictures with. They offer a diverse array of products ranging from game consoles to game merchandise that is specific to Japan– it's the perfect spot for Nintendo fans alike.
The same floor also hosts a Pokemon Center, Capcom store, and other game-related shops.
Want to explore another side of Japan’s video game culture?
Pokemon and Nintendo may get a lot of recognition outside of Japan, but there are lots of other games unique to Japan that can be tried at one of the country's many arcades. On this Shibuya tour, you’ll first have dinner, making a variety of foods like okonomiyaki and takoyaki.
Then head to an arcade with your guide to try your hand at snagging one of the prizes in the claw machines or getting in the groove with one of the many rhythm games on offer!
7. Slurp your way through a ramen tour
Shibuya houses some of the best restaurant gems serving quintessential Japanese soul food: ramen! No trip to Japan is complete without enjoying a bowl of ramen. To read more about the different kinds of ramen in Japan, reference our Ultimate Ramen Guide.
Discover your next favorite bowl of ramen on this tour!
Whether you’re a ramen pro or just looking to try some new flavors, this ramen tour has you covered.
Your guide will take you to three ramen shops in the Shibuya area to taste six different mini bowls of ramen. Along the way, you’ll learn about everything from the origins of ramen to some wacky flavors you may have missed. Be sure to come hungry.
8. Practice retail therapy at SHIBUYA109
Located near JR Shibuya Station, SHIBUYA109 is a ten-story department store that has become a mecca for young fashion enthusiasts. Locals will often call it “ichimarukyuu” (the Japanese pronunciation of each number) and it’s become a cultural icon in Tokyo.
The building has a diverse lineup of shops that specialize in various different J-fashion subgenres, including gyaru and lolita fashion.
9. Expand your palate at depachikas
“Depachika” is a portmanteau of the word “depato” (short for “department store” and “chika” (basement in Japanese). It’s quite literally an underground food scene– food markets with shops that sell specialty and regional foods are located in department store basements. In the video below, byFood host Shizuka explores one of Shibuya's many depachikas.
The markets include delis and food stands that sell specialty food that make for perfect gifts. The Takashimaya Shibuya location arguably offers one of the best depachikas in the city. Shoppers can choose from a substantial array of unique and delicious foods, and even enjoy them in their rooftop gardens.
Check out a depachika on this food and karaoke tour in Shibuya!
Explore one of Shibuya’s depachika with a local guide while trying various foods along the way in the food halls that dot the department store basements.
The night isn’t over when your stomach is full. Head over to a private karaoke room to belt out your favorite songs (all-you-can-drink included). It’ll be a night out to remember!
10. Pay a visit to the Konno Hachimangu Shrine
Only a four-minute walk away from Shibuya Station, this Shinto shrine is a historic oasis nestled among the hustle and bustle of the area. It plays an integral role in Shibuya's history, being initially founded in 1092 by the Shibuya clan — long before it became the ward it is today.
Visitors will see the original structures that have sat on the shrine grounds since the 17th century. The property also includes a ritual stage and a small exhibit with free admission.
11. Try the street food
If there’s one thing that’s a must-do activity in Shibuya– it’s to try out the diverse street food. Shibuya is a haven for these shops, with center-gai (the “center” of the ward that’s a hub for youths) and hidden yokocho (alleyways in Japanese) amidst skyscrapers.
While there’s a lot to choose from, the highly dense ward has a lot to offer in the nooks and crannies that can be easily overlooked.
Explore Shibuya’s bustling street food scene with ease!
With so many different places to choose from, exploring Shibuya’s yokochos can be a little overwhelming. That’s why we recommend joining a tour like this Street Food Hunt in Shibuya to see a side of the city that many visitors miss.
Your English-speaking guide will take you to five different authentic spots to try delicious wagyu beef skewers, sushi, curry bread and much more. Gain a deeper appreciation of traditional Japanese foods as you fill your belly.
12. Savor izakaya food with a vegan twist
Izakaya (Japanese pubs) food is a must-try and completely possible for those who maintain a vegan diet. Izakaya Masaka is located inside Shibuya PARCO, an izakaya serving an all-vegan menu. Goers can enjoy classic dishes such as gyoza, soy meat karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and even Chinese-fusion food.
For more vegan food options, check out our Tokyo Vegan Guide.
Savor four delicious bowls of vegan ramen on this special Shibuya tour!
While most ramen incorporates meat, whether in the broth or as a topping, this tour gives you the opportunity to try four different vegan ramen, including two Hokkaido-style ramen and two fusion ramen.
You can choose a vegan or non-vegan broth, making this tour a great choice for anyone looking to try some new bowls of ramen.
13. Go bar-hopping in Shibuya
Shibuya is one of the best locations in the city for nightlife, and this includes bars! There are an overwhelming amount of establishments to explore, from high-end cocktail bars with gorgeous views to hole-in-the-wall basement haunts.
It's difficult to choose with so many options, so the best way to save time, and experience the bar scene, is to join a tour!
Discover Shibuya’s nightlife with this bar-hopping tour!
Visit several unique bars off the beaten path and get free entry into one of Shibuya’s nightclubs on this bar-hopping tour!
Enjoy a free shot at each bar while connecting with locals and other travelers. Your guide can provide recommendations if you don’t want your night to end when the tour finishes.
Explore other Tokyo bar-hopping tours, too, like this hidden bar and izakaya-hopping tour with Soma (seen in the video above)!
14. Sip on coffee made by a robot at Henn na Cafe
You might be familiar with the internet sensation Henn na Hotels, a hotel chain that's run by robots and located all across Japan. This cafe is operated by the same company, with the same concept– your cafe order is brought to you by robots instead of humans. The barista robots do everything, from grinding the coffee beans to handing the cup to you.
For more coffee options, check out our recommendations on Unique Cafes in Shibuya.
15. Explore high fashion at Archive Store
Hidden in a basement in Shibuya, the Archive Store is a gem for fashion junkies. This store sells archival pieces from international and Japanese fashion brands, including Junya Watanabe and Commes des Garcons. Their collection is changed seasonally but never fails to boast an extensive collection of iconic fashion pieces and rare finds.
16. Izakaya-hop down Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkard's Alley)
Nonbei Yokocho, or Drunkard's Alley, is a street endlessly lined with small izakayas and eateries tucked away in the middle of Shibuya. The stores encapsulate the true izakaya atmosphere with an intimate yet lively environment that perfectly pairs with drinks.
Visitors can catch an authentic glimpse of the Tokyo drinking culture, as it's a staple location for locals.
17. Feast on an inexpensive Michelin award-winning meal
Enjoying Michelin-starred food doesn’t mean it can’t be wallet-friendly. Pork Vindaloo Taberu Fukudaitoryo is a curry restaurant that has received a Bib Gourmand Michelin award for its spectacular–as you guessed it– pork vindaloo. This is the only meal on their menu, but the ¥1,000 price tag and award-deserving curry make for a spectacular culinary experience.
18. Enjoy the nightlife
There’s a good reason why the nightlife in Shibuya is so famous. If you’re ever wondering about what to do in Shibuya at night, the plentiful nighttime scene has your back.
While the ward during the daytime is fun in itself, a new side awakens as the sun sets. Its nightclubs often garner attention– but did you know that Shibuya nightlife has its own history dating back decades?
Explore the long-standing establishments that make up the heart of Shibuya!
Experience a different side of Shibuya’s nightlife vibes in this retro Shibuya food tour. Visit restaurants and bars with decades of history as you eat and drink your way through the back streets of Shibuya.
You’ll try local dishes and stop by a ramen shop that has been open for over 60 years!
19. Scale new heights at Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky is a 360-degree observation desk that sits on top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building. Standing about 230 meters tall, visitors can get an unobstructed view of the city.
The deck is divided into an indoor and outdoor area: the indoor section is equipped with a restaurant and lounge area, and the latter includes a lawn area as well as comfortable seating. The scramble cross-intersection can be seen during the daytime and the dazzling Tokyo cityscape during nighttime.
But keep in mind that tickets are needed for entry, which can be bought either at the venue or online.
20. Groove to music at record shops
Tower Records is an iconic record shop equipped with a bookstore as well as a cafe, situated in the heart of Shibuya. Customers can browse through an extensive collection of records and even listen to them before buying.
If you’re into indie record shops, BIG LOVE Records in Jingumae is excellent. A large and diverse collection of vinyls, tapes, and CDs are sold in this shop – and another section is dedicated to their craft beer and coffee bar.
Honorable Mention: All-day breakfast at Flipper’s Shibuya
Whether you want a hearty breakfast to start your day exploring Shibuya or you're craving some of Japan’s famous fluffy pancakes before enjoying Tokyo's nightlife, Flipper’s Shibuya is a great spot.
Their souffle-style pancakes have a melt-in-your-mouth eggy flavor and the signature jiggle that Japanese pancakes are known for. You can try them with standard toppings or order some of their seasonal offerings. They also have standard breakfast platters if you want something more savory.
As it’s a popular spot, be sure to set aside at least 30 minutes to wait before being seated.
Curious about other fluffy pancake spots in Tokyo? Check out our list of 5 Cafes with the Fluffiest Pancakes in Tokyo.
The unique atmosphere and rich culture of the ward make visiting Shibuya, Tokyo, an unforgettable one-of-a-kind experience. It's one of the top well-known wards among the 23 wards of Tokyo – but this is for a good reason. Whether you're a foodie, nightlife lover, fashionista or simply curious about Japanese culture, you won't be disappointed by a visit to Shibuya.
Shibuya FAQs
What is Shibuya best known for?
Shibuya’s most well-known landmark is Shibuya Crossing, the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. But that’s certainly not all it has to offer. It’s also known for its vibrant nightlife scene, youth fashion and a plethora of shopping options.
Is Shibuya traveler-friendly?
Yes! Many restaurants and shops have English support so you can explore Shibuya with peace of mind.
Are places open late in Shibuya?
Many department stores and other shopping spots close by 10 pm, but bars and izakaya are open late into the night and even into the next morning. Some close at 3 am or even later.
