10 Enjoyable Issues to Do in Shibuya
It was a simple choice for us to remain within the coronary heart of Shibuya for our first journey to Tokyo – it’s proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion, and there’s a lot to see, do, and eat!
Shibuya is Tokyo’s most vibrant and energetic neighbourhood, and there are many enjoyable issues to do on this thrilling space.
From the world-famous scramble crossing to countless purchasing, there’s all the time one thing thrilling taking place right here.
We stayed at all day place, a contemporary resort situated proper across the nook from Shibuya Crossing, and we completely beloved being in the course of the whole lot!
We did need to sacrifice house for the sake of location, however it was completely price it, particularly for our first journey to Japan.
Whether or not it’s your first time in Tokyo otherwise you’ve visited earlier than, Shibuya is a type of locations you’ll be able to maintain coming again to and nonetheless uncover one thing new.
Listed here are enjoyable issues to do in Shibuya that completely deserve a spot in your Tokyo itinerary!
Remember to additionally comply with me on Instagram and TikTok – I share much more content material on these platforms that don’t make it to the weblog!
Enjoyable issues to do in Shibuya
Cross the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
In fact, you’ll be able to’t come to Shibuya with out experiencing the busiest pedestrian crossing on the planet!
Watching tons of of individuals crossing from each course directly is such a surreal, only-in-Tokyo second.
And strolling proper by the bustling crowd is simply as wild of an expertise!
It was actually humorous to witness coming from Toronto, as folks listed here are all the time in a rush to get the place they’re going, however that’s elevated occasions a thousand in Tokyo.
You too can head as much as the Starbucks by Shibuya Crossing to get views from above, although it might be tough to get a window seat.
We by chance went to Starbucks for 7 AM, with out realizing not many individuals could be crossing at the moment.
Take into account that you do need to buy meals or drink with the intention to sit right here, however it’s an amazing alternative to strive Japan-exclusive Starbucks choices!
Go-kart by the streets of Shibuya
Yep, you’ll be able to really faux such as you’re in Mario Kart and drive a go-kart by the bustling streets of Tokyo.
It could be slightly intimidating in the event you’re not a assured driver, however the tour is fully guided and the information makes certain everyone seems to be protected and following always!
We booked our go-karting tour with Road Kart, and completely beloved our expertise.
They even take loads of photographs for you, which is very nice, however you additionally get loads of time at crimson lights to take selfies.
They even supply costumes so you will get dressed up as your favorite characters – we dressed up as Pikachu and Charizard from Pokémon!
It’s such a singular and thrilling technique to discover Shibuya, and I’d extremely advocate doing it in the event you love journey.
Simply make sure that to convey your worldwide driver’s allow, which you will get from CAA in the event you’re in Canada!
Sadly, this additionally means children can not do the tour, as you do want to have the ability to drive.
Get pleasure from sundown views from Shibuya Sky
For probably the most stunning panoramic views of Tokyo, head as much as Shibuya Sky, a more recent attraction to town.
The 360° open-air statement deck offers you beautiful views of town skyline from 229m above Shibuya, and in the event you go round sundown, it’s pure magic.
The out of doors escalator is the primary purpose why Shibuya Sky is so widespread – it’s tremendous Instagrammable!
And in the event you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to even see Mount Fuji on a transparent day.
We did handle to e book our reservation round sundown time, however sadly it was an overcast day, so we didn’t get to expertise an precise sundown!
We nonetheless had a really pretty time taking in all of the attractive views and snapping loads of photographs.
The great factor about your ticket is which you can keep so long as you want, so in the event you don’t handle to get a sundown slot, you’ll be able to come a bit earlier within the afternoon and simply keep for a bit longer!
Tickets open up 2 weeks upfront at midnight Japan time, with admission beginning at ¥2700pp.
You’ll additionally want an ¥100 coin to hire a locker, as no baggage are allowed!
Snap photographs on the Nintendo Tokyo and Pokémon Heart
Should you’re a gamer or simply love searching for cute merch, don’t miss these flagship shops inside Shibuya PARCO, a mall within the coronary heart of Shibuya.
You’ll discover unique gadgets, interactive shows, and naturally, tons of enjoyable photograph ops.
It’s actually a paradise for Nintendo and Pokémon followers alike, and my gamer husband was stuffed with nostalgic pleasure!
Style 7 ranges of matcha gelato at Nanaya Aoyama
Pop into this sweets store that’s been in operation since 1907, the place you’ll be able to strive 7 totally different ranges of matcha from lightest to strongest.
Stage 1 is the sweetest, and a very good choice in the event you’re simply dabbling in matcha for the primary time.
Stage 7 is made with the best grade of matcha and extra for skilled matcha lovers!
To be trustworthy, I used to be apprehensive degree 7 could be too bitter for me, however it had each the right quantity of bitterness and sweetness, and was very gratifying.
They actually have a chocolate field that includes 7 ranges of matcha, good for bringing again residence with you out of your travels!
Store your manner by Shibuya
Purchasing in Shibuya is so good, and we wished we’d devoted extra time for this throughout our journey.
Discover retailers alongside the streets and inside the shops – you’ll by no means be bored wandering and looking by all of the totally different shops.
Right here’s a fast checklist of a few of our fave shops in Shibuya:
- cas:tempo – gives a few of the coolest cellphone circumstances we’ve ever seen
- B Facet Label – actually cool artwork stickers, pins, and extra
- MEGA Don Quijote (AKA Donki) – Japanese low cost retailer chain, and the most important Don Quijote on the planet
Shibuya 109 is an absolute should for my girlie-pops who love cute and stylish clothes – it’s eight storeys utterly full of Japanese clothes and accent shops!
Wander round Harajuku
In fact, you’ve additionally gotta wander by the long-lasting Harajuku neighbourhood.
This buzzing space is understood for its youthful vogue, vibrant dessert retailers, and animal cafés, most notably alongside Takeshita Road.
This was one in every of our areas of Tokyo, and we really loved purchasing in all of the boutiques round right here much more than in the primary Shibuya space!
Among the retailers I actually appreciated have been BEAMS Harajuku (my favorite out of all of the BEAMS areas we visited) and the Sanrio retailer.
My husband actually appreciated HUMAN MADE and FR2 for males’s clothes!
Should you get an opportunity, you’ve gotta cease into I’m Donut? for his or her viral donuts – the road was too lengthy once we went, however all my pals who’ve been have stated that it’s definitely worth the hype!
Stroll by Yoyogi Park
Only a brief stroll from Harajuku, Yoyogi Park is the right spot to take a break from town buzz.
This serene park is one in every of Tokyo’s largest inexperienced areas, recognized for its tree-lined paths and peaceable ambiance.
We visited in the course of the late spring/early summer time, and we noticed loads of stunning blooms within the rose backyard.
Should you’re visiting throughout early spring, you’ll be able to even see the park stuffed with cherry blossoms!
Meiji Jingu is a gorgeous shrine situated proper beside the park, and also you’ll undoubtedly wish to take your time exploring it.
The shrine was in-built 1920 to commemorate Japan’s first fashionable emperor and his consort, Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken.
The grounds and structure are completely beautiful!
We sadly didn’t price range sufficient time to wander by Yoyogi Park and Meiji Jingu, and I’d advocate spending at the least an hour right here!
Go to an animal café
Japan is stuffed with animal cafés, and whereas it is rather enjoyable and cute to play with animals, not all of them are run ethically.
Should you plan on visiting any animal cafés, I’d advocate wanting into them to verify they take excellent care of their animals.
The easiest way to do that could be to take a look at their Google opinions!
We visited mipig cafe in Harajuku and performed with the cutest and cuddliest micro pigs – admission is ¥3300 per individual for 25 minutes.
We additionally deliberate to go to the cat cafe Mocha in Shibuya, however we didn’t get an opportunity to whereas we have been in Tokyo!
Cease by the Hachiko Statue
You could have heard the story of Hachiko earlier than: a loyal canine who waited for his proprietor outdoors the station each single day, even after his passing.
Whereas it’s only a fast cease, it’s one in every of Tokyo’s most heartwarming spots to go to.
You will discover the well-known Hachiko Statue proper outdoors of Shibuya Station – which, enjoyable reality, is likely one of the busiest railway stations within the world!
I’d additionally advocate watching Hachikō Monogatari earlier than your go to, which is a Japanese movie impressed by Hachiko’s story.
We haven’t seen that movie but, however we have now seen the Chinese language remake, Hachiko, the place we each sobbed our hearts out.
Enjoyable issues to do in Shibuya:
- Cross the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
- Go-kart by the streets of Shibuya
- Get pleasure from sundown views from Shibuya Sky
- Snap photographs on the Nintendo Tokyo and Pokémon Heart
- Style 7 ranges of matcha gelato at Nanaya Aoyama
- Store your manner by Shibuya
- Wander round Harajuku
- Stroll by Yoyogi Park
- Go to an animal café
- Cease by the Hachiko Statue
Whether or not you’re zipping by the streets of Tokyo on a go-kart or watching the twinkling metropolis lights from Shibuya Sky, you’ll discover one thing unforgettable round each nook of Shibuya.
It’s bustling, it’s vibrant, and it’s one in every of my favorite areas to discover in Tokyo.
Have you ever achieved any of those actions in Shibuya? What are another enjoyable issues to do within the iconic Shibuya neighbourhood? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram!
Remember to sustain with me on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Fb, and Pinterest in the event you aren’t already!
Be happy to subscribe to my weekly e-newsletter to get my weblog posts delivered straight to your inbox.
Like this put up? Pin it for later!
