Features of Shibuya
Shibuya is currently in the midst of a massive redevelopment project that is said to take place only once every 100 years. Even if a resident of Tokyo, when one visits for the first time in several months, the scenery has changed.
The more familiar people are with the former Shibuya, the more bewildered they are and the more likely they are to get lost.
Shibuya was known as a town for young people, and until around the 2000s, high school girls were the main players in the town. Today, there are still many young people, but the age range and atmosphere have changed, partly due to the increase in office buildings following the redevelopment of the area.
Nevertheless, the scramble crossing and Center Street are still symbolic places where young people gather during events. Halloween and Japan’s national soccer team games are well known.
Shibuya Station
Many trains run into Shibuya Station, and the JR Hachiko ticket gate faces a plaza with a statue of the dog familiar from “Loyal Dog Hachiko”. The scramble crossing is also just a short walk away.
The Tokyu Toyoko Line, Denentoshi Line, and Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line and Fukutoshin Line trains are located underground.
To the west is Shibuya Station on the Keio Inokashira Line. It is located a little far from the station, so you should allow enough time when transferring from other lines.
The Tokyo Metro Ginza Line has a platform on the third floor of a building called Hikarie. Note that this is a different location from other lines on the same Tokyo Metro line.
There is a direct NEX line to Narita Airport. There are limousine buses to both Haneda and Narita Airports. To get to Haneda Airport, you need to change trains at Shinagawa Station.
Must-visit in Shibuya
SHIBUYA SKY
The observatory is located on the 46th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, directly connected to Shibuya Station.
The observatory is designed to provide a panoramic view of Tokyo as well as to enjoy the scenery, offering a different experience from other observatories.
Reservations can be made online for specific dates and times. The observatory is most popular around sunset, and tickets are sometimes sold out on weekends. Weekday mornings are relatively quiet. The building also has commercial facilities where visitors can enjoy shopping and dining.
MIYASHITA PARK
Opened in 2020, this place combines a park, commercial facilities, and a hotel. It is a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station and close to Harajuku. The park also has a skateboarding and bouldering facility. The restaurant district, “Shibuya Yokocho”, offers local cuisine from all over Japan, as well as performances and events on certain days. As is typical of an urban park, the park is lit up at night, creating a romantic atmosphere that is different from that of the daytime.
SHIBUYA PARCO
It is said that the opening of Shibuya PARCO was the catalyst for the influx of young people to Shibuya in the 1970s. While being a commercial building, it is also equipped with theaters and galleries.
It is synonymous with Shibuya culture. The Pokémon Center Shibuya and Nintendo TOKYO are located on the 6th floor of PARCO.
Detail for Pokémon Center Shibuya, from here.
Comparison of 4 Tokyo Pokémon Centers!
Shibuya, a town of “slopes”
Shibuya is a town on the bottom of a valley at the confluence of two rivers. (The “Ya” in “Shibuya” stands for valley in Kanji.)
Incidentally, the river has been reclaimed and there is no natural water flow. The big slopes, such as Dogenzaka and Miyamasuzaka, have names. Walking around Shibuya, you will notice that the city has many ups and downs.
Shibuya for me
When I was a high school student (a long time ago), going to Shibuya was a status.
Even if I had nothing to do, going to Shibuya was meaningful. I needed to buy clothes at the stores in “Shibuya’s” 109, and there was value in walking along the center.
The old enthusiasm that used to be there, when everyone was chasing after the latest trends, is gone in Shibuya today. Times are changing, and the town will change accordingly.