Shibuya is one of the most visited area in Tokyo. Most of the people will visit the famous Shibuya crossing but what else are there to visit?
History of Shibuya
Shibuya was not a big city until after the war. It began developing when private lines (Tokyu Toyoko line and Keio Inokashira line) were established. From mid 1950’s, higher buildings were built. There is Seibu department now but there used to be Marui (now Modi) and Tokyu Departments (Honten, the main store and Toyokoten adjuascent to JR Shibuya Station) Today, Shibuya is extremely popular with young people and there are shops popular with them. Fashion building 109 is the most popular building for young girls. You can see the latest fashion trend for teenagers and early 20s in the entire building.
Redeveloped by Tokyu, now there are new buildings surrounding Shibuya Stations and completely changing the landscape.
Spots popular to visit
Shibuya crossing Landmark of Tokyo. On busy time, about 2000 people cross this in 1 signal!
Hachi the most famous dog in Japan. The statue of the dog Hachi
Center-gai has changed its official name to “Basket ball Street” in 2011 but Center-gai is still a popular name. It is a street in central Shibuya with shops and fastfood restaurants and MEGA DONKI.
Miyashita Park used to be a ordinary park but now made into a shopping mall from 1-4 th floor and the park was raised on top of it.
PARCO Originally a fashion building that was popular with young people built in 1970s. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2019. The shop showcases young culture trend of Japan. From latest fashion to art, manga and game characters such as pokemon and Nintendo, you can see them all. B1F has a food hall called “CHAOS KITCHEN” with variety of small resuataurants.
MODI used to be a department store popular with younger generation called “Marui” but changed to more young people oriented building. Now there are Tokyo Anime Center (for special exhibitions) book/CD shop and cafes.
Shibuya and Music
Music is important part of Shibuya. In 1990’s there was a genre called “Shibuya-kei” music. Famous artsits at the time include: Flipper’s Guitar, Pizzicart Five, Cornelius and Fantastic Plastic Machine. Now there is a music concert held in Shibuya in October.
Tower Record Shibuya opened in 1981. This is another landmark of Shibuya.
Record shops there is an area where there are second hand record shops. Now, it has the best collections of records availabe in the world and many people visit the area. Record shop maps in Shibuya
Shibuya Music Scramble is a music festival held in Shibuya. In 2024, 19th Shibuya Music Scramble is held on October 19-20. There will be concerts and various events.
Where to eat?
Chaos Kitchen in B1F of PARCO has various restaurants available and it’s fun just to visit.
There are good hamburger shops such as Samurai Burger (Wagyu hamburger), Toriki Burger (affordable chicken burger shop)
There are also many ramen shops including Ichiran, and many others.
A bit touristy, but there is Shibuya Yokocho where you can enjoy casual dining from different areas of Japan. There are also new restaurants in Miyashita Park, and newly developed areas.
Newly Developed Area
New buildings surrounding Shibuya station that has been developed after 2020.
Shibuya Hikarie opened April 2012
Shibuya Cast opened April 2017
Shibuya Bridge opened Sep 2018
Shibuya Stream opened Sep 2018
Shibuya Solasta opened March 2019
Shibuya Fukuras opened Nov 2019
Shibuya Scramble Square opened Nov. 2019 (Shibuya Sky)
Shibuya Sakura Stage opened Nov 2023
There are still more under construction and Shibuya landscape continue to change.
Places where you can feel old Shibuya
For cherry blossoms, Sakurazaka (literally translated Cherry Slope) south of Shibuya station is nice. Sakura festival is held during the cherry blossom season.
Konno Shrine is an old Shinto Shrine not far from Shibuya Station.
Maruyama cho has some old buildings left. Some are used as restaurants.
Model courses for Shibuya
Course A
Energetic Shibuya
JR Shibuya station → Shibuya Crossing → Center gai → Game center → Spain zaka → PARCO → Miyashita Park → JR Shibuya
Course B
Exploring old and new 1
JR Shibuya station → Shibuya Sky → Shibuya Scramble Square → Mark City→ Maruyama cho→ Keio Line Shinsen Station or walk back to Shibuya Station
Exploring old and new 2
JR Shibuya station→ Shibuya Stream→Konno Shrine → Sakura Stage → Sakurazaka → JR Shibuya Station
Course C
Shopping spree in Shibuya
JR Shibuya station → 109 → UNIQLO → MEGA DONKI→Hands → Record Shops →KAMO/Sports shop → Tower Records → Miyashita Park → JR Shibuya
You may include shoes shops/clothing shop in center gai as well
Course D
Shibuya to Omotesando
JR Shibuya Station → Miyashita Park → Meiji dori street → Tokyu Plaza “Harakado” → Tokyu Plaza “Omokado” → to Harajuku Station/Meiji Shrine or Omotesando Street
Comments