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The iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing is just the beginning. This Tokyo neighborhood is a vibrant hub of pop culture, futuristic architecture, and endless entertainment. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned Tokyo traveler, there's always something new to discover in Shibuya.

OVERVIEW

See the Newest Shibuya - Sakura Stage, Ruru Cafe, Parco
Don’t Miss The Classics - Hachiko Statue, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Sky
Shop ‘Til You Drop - 109, Loft, MEGA Don Quijote, Tower Records
Unforgettable Dining and Entertainment - Shibuya 3D Billboard, Karaoke Kan, Mark City, Photoshoot, Kumachan Onsen

See the Newest Shibuya

1. Sakura Stage - Shibuya’s Newest Architectural Gem

Get a glimpse of the future at Shibuya's newest architectural gem, Sakura Stage. Opened in July 2024, this complex is more than just a shopping center—it's a celebration of futuristic design centered around the theme of the cherry blossom.

You'll find a mix of shops, restaurants, and public spaces designed to evoke the delicate beauty of sakura. Don't miss the mesmerizing escalators that lead up to the office towers; they feel less like a commute and more like an amusement park ride.

2. Ruru Cafe - Enjoy Floating Drinks and Lava Rock Cheesecake

While you’re at Sakura Stage, be sure to stop by Ruru Cafe on the second floor. This isn't your average coffee shop. Its clever design features special water tables that create the illusion that your drinks and desserts are floating on the water's surface.

As you sip your drink or enjoy a delicious dessert, it looks as though your order is suspended right on the water's surface. It's a fun, eye-catching concept that makes for a perfect photo opportunity.

3. Parco - Your Pop Culture Paradise

For pop culture enthusiasts, Parco is a must-visit. This isn't just a department store; it's a paradise for fans of anime, video games, and all things geek. The newly renovated sixth floor is a collector's dream, home to a trifecta of fan-favorite shops: the Pokémon Center, JUMP SHOP, Capcom Store TOKYO, SEGA STORE TOKYO, and Japan's first official Nintendo TOKYO store. You'll find exclusive merchandise all in one place.

After you've shopped 'til you dropped, head to the basement for a truly unique meal. At the Japanese hamburg restaurant Kiwamiya, you'll be served a high-quality Japanese black beef hamburg on a teppan grill. The best part? You get to cook it yourself, creating an incredibly delicious and interactive dining experience.

Don't Miss The Classics

Of course, a trip to Shibuya wouldn't be complete without seeing its most famous landmarks.

4. Hachiko Statue

This small statue near the scramble crossing honors Japan's most loyal dog. At first glance the Hachiko Statue may not appear particularly impressive until you hear the story behind Hachiko. We grew up in Japan, where taking photos with the statue was rare, unlike the bustling lines that form now for a snapshot with Hachiko, which continue throughout the day.

People Gathering in front of Hachiko Statue

5. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

When we were teenagers shopping around in Shibuya, we never really appreciated how cool this crosswalk was. It’s known as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, and seeing it in action is a breathtaking experience. To fully appreciate this iconic crosswalk, you can catch different vantage point views from various spots like the hotel we stayed at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, Shibuya Sky, the newly renovated Starbucks and inside Shibuya Station (look for signs leading to Mark City).

Birds eye view of Shibuya Crossing — View of Shibuya Crossing from our Hotel

6. Shibuya Sky

For a truly epic view of the city, purchase a ticket online for Shibuya Sky. This 360-degree open-air observation deck on the 49th floor offers an incredible bird's-eye view of the scramble crossing and the rest of Tokyo.

There is a large clear glass for your own protection, but luckily this glass doesn’t obstruct any views or ruin your photos. After enjoying the views outdoors, head indoors to the Sky Gallery, which is like a mini art museum. You can also enjoy some light snacks and drinks at the Paradise Lounge or buy some gifts at the Sky Gallery Souvenir Shop.

Shop 'Til You Drop'

Shibuya is a shopper's paradise, offering everything from high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs.

7. 109

109 is a bright and colorful ten-story mall with over a hundred stores geared toward trendy teens and young adults. It's a fun place to browse and see the latest youth fashion. This was another hotspot we frequented as young adults. Though we’ve kind of outgrown the current fashion stores, 109 still exudes a vibrant energy, making it a fun place to visit and observe the latest fashion trends embraced by the youth in Japan.

Entrance to 109 Shibuya — Shibuya 109 Entrance

Lolita clothing store inside 109 — Lolita Clothing Store inside 109

8. Loft

Loft is a lifestyle department store that is packed with over 80,000 unique items across seven floors. You can find just about anything here from stationery, cosmetics, kitchenware, interior decor, toys, etc. We always make sure to set aside plenty of time to leisurely browse through all the floors during our visits because you never know what interesting treasures you might come across.

adorable corgi notepad — Adorable corgi notepad

Makeup aisle at Loft Shibuya — makeup shopping at Loft Shibuya

9. MEGA Don Quijote

This discount store is an experience in itself. Don Quijote can be quite overwhelming as each floor is jam-packed with merchandise, offering everything from anime goods to snacks to luggage. The Shibuya store is open 24/7, so you can shop whenever the mood strikes.

If this is your first time to Japan, definitely leave room in your suitcase to bring back Don Quijote souvenirs. Better yet, you can actually buy a new suitcase at Don Quijote and fill it full of gifts and goods.

10. Tower Records

Visitors to Tower Records Shibuya are greeted with a nine-floor music paradise, each level offering a unique theme such as New Releases, Tower Records Cafe, J-Pop, Anime, K-Pop, Tower Vinyl, Hip Hop, Classical, and more. To Americans, Tower Records is seen as a dying brand struggling to stay relevant, but the reality in Japan is quite the opposite.

If you’re a fan of Japanese anime like Bleach or Chainsaw Man, you'll find a unique selection of treasures at Tower Records. From rare CDs and vinyl records to captivating books and niche magazines, this place caters to anime enthusiasts looking for exclusive collectibles to add to their collection.

Listening to music at tower records — Listening to the newest releases

Unforgettable Dining and Entertainment

11. Shibuya 3D Billboard

The billboards scattered throughout the city are a sight to behold, with their captivating designs and animations that bring the streets to life. For a special treat, time your visit to Shibuya Crossing when the playful 3D Akita billboard lights up, showcasing its whimsical display that only plays once every hour. Amidst the various versions of billboards, the Akita one stands out as a favorite.

12. Karaoke Kan

Going to karaoke is very nostalgic to us as it was something we did on a weekly basis as teenagers. Karaoke Kan in Shibuya is a must-visit, especially for movie buffs. You can request rooms 601 or 602, which were the actual rooms used in the movie Lost in Translation.

Karaoke Kan Entrance in Shibuya — Karaoke Kan Shibuya Entrance

McDonalds in Shibuya at night — View from our Karaoke Room

13. Shibuya Mark City

Shibuya Mark City, directly accessible from Shibuya Station, is a fantastic place to find an array of restaurants, shops, and cafes all in one easy-to-navigate location.

We highly recommend indulging in the award-winning French pastries from Jean Francois or grabbing sushi at Umegaoka Sushi No Midori which boasts delicious seasonal ingredients with reasonable prices. You'll find plenty of delicious options, making it a great place to refuel and recharge.

Mark City Shibuya Station — Mark City Inside Shibuya station

14. Photoshoot with Akira

If you haven’t explored Airbnb Experiences yet, you're in for a treat! It’s an excellent platform for securing budget-friendly travel photo shoots. After carefully considering reviews and photographers' portfolios, we opted to collaborate with Akira, who exceeded our expectations.

His exceptional skills in guiding and photographing his subjects helped us feel at ease in front of the camera. He edited the captured images and emailed them to us within just five days.

Night time at Shibuya Crossing — Shibuya Crossing

15. Kumachan Onsen

Kumachan Onsen combines the Japanese words for bear and hot springs. For a meal that's as cute as it is delicious, try this shabu shabu restaurant. The "hot pot" broth is in the shape of a teddy bear, which slowly melts into a flavorful broth. It's a whimsical and memorable dining experience.

Kumachan onsedn beef shabu shabu set — Kumachan Onsen Shabu Shabu Beef Set

Feeding a stuffed animal bear — Crystal feeding Kumachan

THERE’S MORE TO SHIBUYA!

If you feel more comfortable having a friendly guide with you or want to fully immerse yourself in everything that Shibuya truly has to offer, here are some exciting tours that could be a lot of fun!

Shibuya Highlights Walking Tour & Secret Backstreets: Discover Shibuya with a local guide. See the busiest crossing, hidden spots, and great views not found in guidebooks.

Shibuya Local Bar & Izakaya Crawl: Finding good izakayas can be hard. This tour takes you to 3 local favorite bars and izakayas, perfect for beginners.

Shibuya Go Karting Tour with Costume: A popular choice! Drive a go-kart through Shibuya wearing a fun costume and feel like a local character.