Best View of Shibuya Crossing
You have watched it in endless movies, from Lost in Translation, The Fast and the Furious, and even Resident Evil, but you haven’t truly seen it until you witness the best view of Shibuya Crossing, live and from above!
The iconic Shibuya Crossing is not only a staple in any Tokyo itinerary, but the image that comes to our head every time we think of this uniquely bustling city. There are several vantage points from which to observe what is the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world. In this travel guide, we will take you to all of them to ensure you get the best view of Shibuya Crossing when you visit Tokyo, Japan.
Shibuya Crossing
One might argue that the best view of the Shibuya Crossing is from the ground level, right in the middle of it all! Feel like a race car on foot (mind-blowing analogy, we know😂), bursting with anticipation while waiting for the light to turn green, and witnessing the wall of people behind you increase by the second. Boom! It's go time! You are officially one of around 3000 people that cross Shibuya every 2 minutes during peak hours. This is the ultimate feeling of sheer energy and organized chaos.
Shibuya Crossing is called a “scramble” crossing, as unlike most crossings, pedestrians can cross in all directions simultaneously when traffic lights turn green.
Call it magic, but people are able to cross from one side to another without constantly bumping into each other, even with hundreds of people stopping unannounced midway for a selfie in one of the most famous landmarks and photo spots in Tokyo. You will probably be one of them, but hurry up, as soon as the lights turn red, you better be out of the crossing.
Near Shibuya Crossing you will find the must-visit Hachiko Statue. It commemorates a dog that waited for his deceased owner at this spot every day for nearly 10 years – a symbol of loyalty and devotion. There is a beautiful movie about it, but unless you want to cry your heart out during your vacation, watch it when you go back home.
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Shibuya Crossing from Above: Best Viewpoints
The Shibuya Crossing view from above is one of a kind. Bright lights, huge screens, colorful advertisements and thousands of people walking in synchrony as soon as red turns green. In other words, this is the perfect setting for a real-life game of Where’s Waldo.
To get the best view of Shibuya Crossing from above, here are some amazing viewpoints for you:
Shibuya Sky
Located on the 46th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck offers panoramic views of the Shibuya Crossing and the surrounding cityscape, as well as interactive exhibits, a rooftop cafe, and bar.
Please note that the rooftop area might close if weather conditions are not ideal. Bear in mind there will be no refund or discount in such cases. While planning ahead may come with some inconveniences, such as weather unpredictability, it is a must when considering purchasing Shibuya Sky tickets*. These are not only cheaper online but also tend to sell out, sometimes, weeks in advance.
Shibuya Sky has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Want the full package! A 360º Tokyo experience among the clouds.
Shibuya Sky opening hours: 10am to 10.30pm (last admission is at 9.20pm).
Shibuya Sky ticket price: From 2200¥ (€14).
Magnet by Shibuya 109
On the rooftop of the shopping mall Magnet by Shibuya 109 (which is 7 stories high), there is a space called Mag’s Park that offers a fantastic view of Shibuya Crossing. Mag’s Park is not a fancy rooftop bar by any means. While there is a seating area, to fully enjoy the Shibuya Crossing view, you will need to stand up and approach the plexiglass protection. You can also have your photo taken from a cool angle, with the iconic crossing in the background, by a camera set high on the building (for 1000¥).
Mag’s Park has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Want to enjoy it from a great height at a decent price. This location is not as famous as Shibuya Sky and while not as high, you can take great photos and see the details of the pedestrian and traffic activities.
Mag’s Park opening hours: 10am to 10pm.
Mag’s Park ticket price: From 1500¥ (€8.80) with a drink included. You can buy the ticket on the spot.
Tsutaya Starbucks
The Starbucks located in the Q Front Building Tsutaya in Shibuya offers a second-floor seating area with large windows overlooking the Shibuya Crossing. It might not be the highest you can go, but hey, you can grab your coffee of choice, and enjoy watching the crowds from above, on a nice seat by the window.
Tsutaya Starbucks has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Want to enjoy the view from a casual and cozy environment, without making an event out of it. An iconic view in exchange for something you would buy either way? Well, don’t mind if I do!
Tsutaya Starbucks opening hours: Currently Closed.
Tsutaya Starbucks cost: Whatever your coffee of choice costs.
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Shunsai’s Restaurant
Feeling like you have earned a bit of pampering? On the 25th floor of the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, you will find the elegant Shunsai’s, a refined kaiseki restaurant offering multi-course meals. In order to enjoy the view of the Shibuya Crossing, you will need to sit at a window table, so plan ahead and make a reservation.
Shunsai’s Restaurant has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Are looking for the best of both worlds – getting a memorable dinner experience with mesmerizing city views.
Shunsai’s Restaurant opening hours: Open for lunch and dinner, with a split schedule.
Shunsai’s Restaurant meal cost: Lunch is more affordable, with set menus starting around €25 per person, while dinner prices are + €70 per person. Killer view included!
Shibuya Mark City Walkway
Hidden in plain sight, you will find one of the best places from where to see Shibuya Crossing for free: the Shibuya Station Bridge to Mark City complex. Easily spotted right after the Hachiko statue, this walkway is used by hundreds of Japanese locals daily but often goes unnoticed by tourists (which is great news to you!). Although not situated at a high vantage point, the Shibuya Crossing view from here is comparable to that from Starbucks. However, here you can linger around for as long as you want without having to spend a cent.
Shibuya Mark City Walkway has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Are looking for the best views possible without any cost.
Shibuya Mark City Walkway opening hours: 24/7.
Shibuya Mark City Walkway cost: Nothing, Nada, Rien! It is entirely free.
Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby
A high partial view is better than no view at all, right? On the 11th floor of the Hikarie building, there is a free observation deck with views of the Shibuya Crossing. Are they great views? Nah! But are they free? Yes! So if you are on a tight budget but really want to have a peek at the crossing from above, give it a go. You have literally nothing to lose.
Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby has the best view of Shibuya Crossing for those who: Are on a tight budget but REALLY want to see the crossing from above (even if only part of it).
Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby opening hours: 11 am to 9 pm.
Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby cost: Totally free!
Remember to check the opening hours and any entry requirements for these locations before your visit, as they may change.
Best Time to Visit Shibuya Crossing
You can visit this iconic scramble crossing at any time of day or night. However, in our opinion, the best time to experience Shibuya Crossing is during the evening rush (between 5 and 8:30 pm on weekdays), when the bustling organized chaos, as we envision it, comes to life.
If you choose to visit on the weekend or during public holidays, anticipate the highest volume of people between 3 and 7pm. Although the peak might not be as pronounced, a more constant flow is maintained throughout those hours.
Best Places to Stay in Shibuya
Shibuya Crossing is located right next to the Shibuya train station, making it extremely easy to reach from anywhere in the city. But, if you are looking for a central location packed with action, Shibuya is the place for you. This neighborhood offers plenty of accommodation options to choose from, and here are some of our favorites:
Now, if Japan has been a dream trip for a long time, and having a Shibuya Crossing hotel view is on your bucket list, consider checking Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu*. When making a reservation, ensure that your room has a view, as it is not the case for all of them.
Planning Time
If you are ready to start planning your next trip, here you have all the usefull links you need to make it happen! By using them you are supporting our work as we might get a small fee from it. But hey! You pay the same (or might even get a discount), so is a win-win situation!
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