How to Visit Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Last Updated on 22nd August 2024 by Sophie Nadeau

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Famous worldwide, this iconic crossing is known to be the busiest in Tokyo and in the world. During its busiest times, Shibuya Crossing has an estimated 1,000 – 2,500 people scrambling their way across this intersection every two minutes, from every which way direction. Here’s your guide on how to visit Shibuya Scramble Crossing as well as the best things to do nearby!

A history of Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing, 渋谷スクランブル交差点, was inaugurated in 1973 and is located just outside of Shibuya Station. However, the crossing only took the form we know today when in 1932 the Tokyu Toyoko Line opened and made Shibuya a key stop between Yokohama (a neighbouring port city) and Tokyo’s central business district.

Today, Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic sights in Tokyo. Nicknamed aptly for the fact that people scramble, crisscrossing in every direction, during its busiest times there are as many as 3,000 people crossing at a time, making it the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.

Despite the foot traffic, pedestrians masterfully manage to avoid running into one another, and it’s rarely a congestion problem for motorised vehicles passing through due to the well-designed traffic light system.

A true spectacle, the crossing has been featured in countless films and magazines and is also a hotspot for street photographers who are keen to capture the fascinating faces of commuters who cross this seemingly, quite stressful at times, intersection. 

Tokyo-based architect professor, Shane Flynn once said Shibuya Crossing is “a great example of what Tokyo does best when it’s not trying”.

When is the best time to visit?

Truth be told, it’s actually best if you take the time to go twice during your time in Tokyo; once during the daytime and another at night! This way, you’ll be able to see the true contrast between daytime, when it’s still fairly busy but nothing to write home about, and night, when everything is bathed in an intense neon glow.

Where’s the best view of Shibuya Crossing?

While you have to experience the ‘scramble’ for yourself at least once during your time in Tokyo, being in the midst of the fray isn’t really the best view of the crossing as you’ll be too busy trying to not bump into other people that you won’t be able to appreciate just how busy and chaotic the crossing is.

In order to do this, you’ll want to view the crossing from above. Here are some of the best viewpoints of Shibuya Crossing:

• Shibuya Sky – If you’ve spent any time on social media researching Tokyo, then no doubt you’ll have come across the iconic Shibuya Sky. This outdoor viewing platform provides 360 degree views onto the Japanese capital, as well as onto the crossing itself. Just be sure to book your tickets in advance as they sell out fast!
• Starbucks Coffee – Shibuya Tsutaya 2F – It may seem strange to recommend an American coffee chain, but the truth is that the windows from this particular branch offer one of the best views of the crossing from above. While you’re there, try one of the more unique coffee creations that has been crafted to specifically cater to the Japanese market!
• L’Occitane Café – Overlooking the chaos from the safety of the yellow-lit glow of the café, here you can purchase L’Occitane products and enjoy a light lunch or cup of tea.
• Shibuya Hikarie – A skyscraper and shopping retail complex that stands 183 meters tall. 
• MAGNET by Shibuya 109 – A shopping mall with trendy shops, painted murals and restaurants to dine in. You can view the iconic crossing from the rooftop terrace.
• Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Make sure you book a room with a view of Shibuya Crossing for the ultimate people-watching experience. Check rates and availability here.

Things to see and do at Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Sky

If you’re looking for an unforgettable and unique view of the Shibuya Crossing (and the rest of Tokyo for that matter), then you need to look no further than Shibuya Sky. A mesmerising viewing platform that stands at a staggering 229 meters tall, boasting of 360-degree breathtaking views over the city. Read how our guide on how to visit Shibuya Sky here.

Learn about the story of Hachiko

While in the area, be sure to visit the cast bronze statue of Hachikō, a story that will steal your heart! Hachikō (ハチ公) (which translates to English as ‘faithful dog’) was a white Japanese Akita dog, known for his unwavering loyalty and devotion to his owner. Awaiting his owner’s return for over nine long years, Hachikō has since become a national hero of Japan.

The statue is located nearby to Shibuya Station, next to Shibuya Crossing. Read more about Hachikō’s story here.

Go on a go-kart tour of Tokyo

A unique, albeit, slightly more scary way to experience Shibuya Scramble Crossing is by embarking on an adrenaline-fuelled adventure and taking to the streets like Super Mario!

Street go-karting is a popular tourist activity in Tokyo and is completely possible to partake in so long as you are over 18 years old and have and have an international driving permit (presented with your home driving licence and passport).

All tours are guided, so have no fear about being left behind the wheel in one of the busiest cities in the world… but, be sure to book in advance as they can fill up pretty quickly.

Head to Harajuku

While in the Shibuya district, head to Harajuku, 原宿, just a short walk away this buzzing pocket of the city is famed for all of its shopping and dining opportunities, colourful street art and is the birthplace of ‘kawaii‘  (“cute”) culture– a unique fashion trend of pastel-hued colours which emphasise, childlike innocence and simplicity. Some of the best things to look out for while in the area include:

Marion Crêpes – Boasting as Japan’s longest-running crêpe shop that started in 1976, this crêperie pioneered the Japanese-style crepe, also called the “Harajuku Crepe”- using a blend of both flour and tapioca flour in the special batter. One of the most popular fillings to get is sliced strawberries with generous dollops of whipped cream.

Takeshita Street – This is one of the trendiest and quirkiest fashion streets in the city, it’s also a spot that Lady Gaga the iconic fashion queen herself frequents! A sensory overload of kawaii cute, edgy grunge and goth fashion, blended with the sweet scent of candy-floss and crêpes that fill the air. Even if buying clothes isn’t on the agenda, a walk down this street offers a truly unique experience of Tokyo’s fashion culture and trends.

Omotesando Street – For a visit (or window shop) around more of the high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Prada and Dior, this street is filled with luxury!

Meiji-jingu Shrine – Also in the nearby vicinity, this shrine is free to wander around and visit and is home to a beautiful and tranquil garden where you can stroll around and soak up the art and culture of the site.

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