Starting with Shibuya

SNA Travel (Tokyo) — For those visiting Tokyo for the first time, Shibuya is arguably the best place to start, and it is certainly one of the most iconic.

Shibuya is typically pictured in Japanese minds as a thriving metropolis for young people. And where a large number of young people congregate, new cultures emerge.

But Shibuya Station can be confusing due to its abundance of platforms and train lines. Before arriving at Shibuya Station via rail, you should determine which line you are on, and try to figure out how to emerge on the correct side of the station.

After leaving the station, finding a starting point for your exploration is a good idea. The Hachiko statue is an excellent place to begin. Indeed, it is probably the most famous meeting place in Japan. Both Japanese and foreigners often gather and meet here before venturing into the concrete canyons of big city.

The story of Hachiko makes this place significant. Hachiko, a small dog, waited in the spot for years for his beloved owner who had died while at work. The loyalty demonstrated by Hachiko touched Japanese hearts, and today loyal souls are expected to wait patiently for their friends and family to join them.

Travelers too can use the Hachiko statue as a meeting place in case they are separated.

Shibuya Crossing, right next to Hachiko, is a popular tourist destination since it is the best-known junction in Tokyo. It will be familiar to many people because it appears in most Hollywood movies set in Tokyo.

Shibuya Crossing is incredible, with up to 3,000 people crossing at the same time during peak hours. It is the busiest intersection in the world and is nicknamed the “scramble” for its chaotic layout. You will feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of people crossing the street at once, zigzagging across one others’ paths. It is also common to see people recording and taking photos as they cross, keeping the memories once they return home.

Experiencing the crossing from the ground is one thing, but you can also get impressive birds-eye views. The nearest place to see this view is from the Starbucks at Tsutaya, located across the road from the Hachiko meeting place.

But if you want a much more elevated views of the crossing, as well as of the city skyline, go to Shibuya Sky. It will cost you ¥2000 (about US$15 at the time of this writing). The observation deck sits at the 47th floor of the building. From this height, you will see how truly massive Tokyo is. As long as the weather is clear, you will see Tokyo Tower, Skytree, and, on a good day, Mt. Fuji.

If the price is too steep and you’re traveling on a budget, Shibuya Hikarie is a good alternative. Going to its higher floors can also give you a good view through the windows.

If you are into fashion, Shibuya has you covered. One of the most popular places is Shibuya 109. The building was made to be a “fashion community,” according to Minoru Takeyama, its architect. The small retail stores all focused on women’s fashion in its early years, but now there is also a good selection of men’s clothing as well.

Aside from 109, the Shibuya’s streets are lined with fashion brands you will find worldwide, as well as more local offerings.

One store that is a must-go for the first-time visitor is the Mega Don Quijote thrift store. It has virtually anything you can think of. Donki, as it is affectionately called, is sure to have a cheap alternative for anything you may have left at home, if you can find it within the packed maze of aisles. The best part is that it is open 24 hours—and offers some tax-free goods to travelers.

If you want to relax and rest your legs before continuing your exploration, you may have trouble in crowded Shibuya, other than stopping at a coffee shop or restaurant. But one free option is the recently renovated Miyashita Park. This park has a fantastic plant canopy that covers most of its roof. People can come here to have picnics, or you can even relax in the sand, sitting on a beach chair and watching people play volleyball. Extreme sports are not left out, as a roller skate park is also located on the rooftop.

Shibuya is a major venue for Tokyo nightlife.

This area is full of tiny bars, nightclubs, and live music venues. The city’s trains all shut down shortly after midnight, but plenty of people will stay up all night in the Shibuya district before stumbling, exhausted and often drunk, to the first early morning trains.

Of course, for those with money to burn, taxis are an option at any hour.