Top 20 Things to Do in Shibuya
By RAI Abhinav | June 24, 2022
Shibuya has been famous as Japan’s fashion capital for some time now, but it's so much more than just an urban shopping hub. Want to act like the main character of a movie at the Shibuya Crossing? Looking for the world's second-best melon bread ice cream? Planning the wildest night of your life? From flashy neon lights to traditional Japanese shrines, there are endless things to do in Shibuya!
If you find yourself in Tokyo, be sure to read this article till the end to plan out your perfect trip to Shibuya.
This article is part of our extensive series on living in Japan and online Japanese lessons.
When is the best time for me to visit Shibuya?
The best time to visit would be in spring around May. While we can promise that you’ll have something to do no matter when you come to Shibuya, you’ll get the best out of your buck in spring. During this time, the climate is quite favorable with moderate temperature and slight rainfall. This is also the busiest period for tourists, which means that flights and accommodation will be on the more expensive side. So, we recommend you make necessary reservations as early as possible. This might allow you to save some bucks.
Visiting Shibuya from September through November might not be the best as it can get really cold. With frequent rainfalls and snow, it can become quite annoying to get around, but that means flights and accommodation are cheaper.
Don’t get caught unprepared and read our Ultimate Guide to Seasons in Japan before planning your trip to Japan!
How can I get to Shibuya?
Okay, so now you’ve decided to give this neon-themed district a visit. But you don’t know how to get there? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
If you’re planning to travel by air, the airports nearest to Shibuya are:
- Haneda Airport
- Narita Airport
- Ibaraki Airport
- Fukushima Airport
If you’re already in Tokyo, you can also reach Shibuya by train from:
- Tokyo Station
- Asakusa Station
- Ueno Station
- Ginza Station
- Shinjuku Station.
Shibuya Station is connected through the JR Yamanote Line, Tokyu Den-en-Toshi Line, the Tokyu Toyoko Line, the Keio Inokashira Line, Tokyo Metro's Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin lines. It’s also within walking distance from Harajuku.
Top 5 Things to Do in Shibuya During the Day
1. Shop like you’ve never done before
If you’re planning to visit, put shopping on the top of your things to do in Shibuya. Being the fashion capital of Japan, you’ll quickly realize that Shibuya is arguably one of the best places to shop in Japan. Offering trendy fashion wears to vintage pieces of clothing, this is a gem of a spot for everyone. From youngsters who want to stay on top of the latest trends to people looking to thrift, Shibuya welcomes anyone.
And it’s not just about fashion! You can find a lot of cool and sometimes even weird stuff. Anime merchandises, music stores, electronics, souvenirs, etc. are just some of the things that you can buy here. While you can visit big luxury brands and chain stores, you can also choose to try out independent brands and stores. Some of the major places to shop are Takeshita Street, Shibuya MODI, Shibuya Parco, Shibuya 109, Shibuya Hikarie, etc.
This could also be a night-time activity because the shopping malls light up and create some really Instagrammable mood.
Want fashion tips that don't hurt your wallet? Read our Ultimate Guide to Fashion in Japan and mark down the sale periods!
2. Wander around Harajuku
Harajuku is where the underground fashion scene is in Shibuya. Wander around this neighborhood to truly experience Tokyo’s fashion sub-culture. The streets are full of people rocking out dark gothic costumes to bright colorful cosplays. If you ask them nicely, they might even let you take pictures of them. Remember to be polite and thank them. A phrase that you can use to ask for permission before taking their pictures is:
すみません、写真撮っても大丈夫ですか？
- Kana: すみません、しゃしんとってもだいじょうぶですか？
- Romaji: Sumimasenn, syashinn totte mo daijyoubu desu ka?
- Meaning: Excuse me, would it be okay if I take a picture?
You could also immerse yourself into the fashion scene by dressing the Harajuku way. Be bold and own any dress or costume.
Takeshita Street, Omotesando, and Cat Street are some of the popular areas here. We recommend that you compliment your walk through this busy neighborhood with some sweet and creamy crepes from Takeshita Street - it’s their specialty! Also, don’t forget to check out some really impressive world-famous architectural structures in the Omotesando area. The Audi Forum and the Prada Building are just two of the many. And, if you happen to visit in late August, be sure to catch The Harajuku Super Yosakoi - a super energetic dance festival!
3. Get lost inside Shibuya Station
Shibuya Station is one of the busiest and most crowded stations in Japan. Operated by four railway companies, JR East, Tokyu Electric Railway, Keio Electric Railway, and Tokyo Metro, it’s big enough to easily get lost. Luckily there are lots and lots of restaurants, souvenir shops, and many other things that you can try out. It can be a fun idea to find a map and navigate the station while checking out different stores.
Also, don’t miss the "Myth of Tomorrow", a large mural on the walkway connecting the JR Yamanote and Keio Inokashira lines. It was painted by an abstract Japanese artist, Taro Okamoto, and brought back to Japan in 2008 after having mysteriously disappeared for decades from Mexico.
Among many things, Japan is also famous for its overcrowded trains. You might have already come across some of these videos on the internet. Transferring around 3 million passengers every day, Shibuya station has its fair share of contribution to this. If you’re looking to actually experience something similar, this is the perfect place to try.
4. Experience the best hospitality at a maid cafe
Maid cafes are not just popular among the Japanese people but also among foreign tourists and rightly so. Among things that you cannot experience anywhere else in the world, maid cafes in Shibuya are definitely one of them. Here you are not just any guest, you’re a “master” or “princess”. As soon as you enter a maid cafe, you’ll be greeted by waitresses in maid costumes.
Maid cafes are not just about the food and drinks, it’s about the experience. When you’re there, you can watch waitresses perform live performances, enchant your food with a magic spell, and also have casual conversations with them. The price is usually higher than other restaurants and cafes but the experience makes it worth it. Some places also have menus in multiple languages including English. Maidreamin is arguably the most popular maid cafe in Shibuya.
5. Explore VR at Tyffonium Shibuya
Tyffonium Shibuya is a “magic-reality theater” that combines virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to go beyond and create mixed reality (MR). You can enjoy 5 different attractions here:
- Corridor - A walk-through horror attraction inside an abandoned building
- Fluctus - Their second attraction lets you explore a mystical parallel universe while sailing on a ghost ship.
- Tarot VR - You can also experience a virtual tarot card reading with Tarot VR at Tyffonium Shibuya.
- Kaiju Haven - This one lets you fight monsters in a realistic 360-degree space.
- Island Mirrorge VR - With this one, you can ride a minecart through a gold mine and explore the historical heritages.
If you’re tired of the attractions, you can also visit the magical Tyffonium Cafe at Tyffonium Shibuya.
Top 6 Things to Do in Shibuya at Night
1. Feel like a movie character at Shibuya Crossing
You probably know of this place from movies and anime. Shibuya crossing or the scramble is famous for being one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, and it might be the only place to go when it’s super crowded to make the most of it. As soon as the light turns green, you’ll be overwhelmed by thousands of people coming at you from every direction. It almost feels like a coordinated walk with everyone in unison. You can either immerse yourself among these people by actually crossing or you can enjoy a view from above. In any way, we recommend you go here at night to really enjoy the aesthetic vibes that you see in the movies. The best time would be from 18:00 to 21:00. So, if you wanna feel like a movie character, be sure to put it on your things to do in Shibuya list.
Some of the best places to enjoy a bird-eye view of the scramble are Shibuya Sky, Shibuya station, Starbucks Shibuya, Shibuya 109, and L’Occitane Café. Also, pictures of the scramble are a great way to update your Instagram feed!
If you couldn’t catch the crowd, you can watch the live stream of the scramble on webcamtaxi.
2. Eye up Tokyo from Shibuya Sky
Located on top of the 229 meters tall Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya sky is the highest observatory in Shibuya. It is the best place to take in the majestic 360° view of not only Shibuya but the whole of Tokyo. On top of the deck, you will be able to enjoy views of Shibuya crossing, Tokyo Sky Tree, Mt. Fuji, and so much more.
Shibuya Sky is divided into 3 zones: Sky Gate (14F to 45F), Sky Gallery (an indoor observation corridor on the 46F), and Sky Stage (rooftop). In the Sky Stage, there are hammocks and geo compasses. It also has the best spot to take pictures at the edge of the observation deck.
You can book tickets from their English website. The prices are as follows:
- Adults above 18 years old: 1,800 yen
- Middle school students and high school students: 1,400 yen
- Elementary school students: 900 yen
- Children (3-5 years old): 500 yen
It’s open until 23:00, so we recommend that you visit at night to enjoy Tokyo and all its greatness. You can also enjoy a beautiful light show called “Crossing Light” after sunset. All this adds up to make it one of the popular things to do in Shibuya.
If you wanna save some bucks, then you can go to the rooftop park on the 10th floor of Shibuya Parco to enjoy a free view of Tokyo.
3. Go up the Love hotel hill (Dogenzaka)
Love hotels are famous all over Japan but here in Shibuya, you’ll find an entire hill dedicated to flashy and quirky love hotels in the Dogenzaka area. Love hotels are places for people to go in and have a bit of private fun. So naturally, they are active at night. These are usually more expensive than normal hotels and you can either “rest” or “stay” here. “Rest” is basically renting by the hour and “stay” means staying overnight.
Also, prices vary depending on the day of the week, with higher prices on weekends. The prices for “rest” and “stay” can start from as low as 3,000 yen and 6,000 yen respectively and go upwards from there.
What’s so special about the love hotel hill is the number of options it offers. There is a wide range of themes from ninja hotels to French rooms to luxurious ones. So, try exploring all the options when you’re here.
If you’re in Japan, here are 10 Fascinating Love Hotels in Japan and Why You Should Visit One.
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4. Enjoy a drink at Nonbei Yokocho
Nonbei Yokocho literally translates to “drunkards’ alley” and it’s exactly that. This is a very Japanese backstreet full of izakayas (Japanese bars). If you have time, this is a great spot to stroll around and have a drink while enjoying the traditional Japanese mood. You can also try starting a conversation with the locals or the bartender. Some izakayas have bartenders that can speak English.
If you’re worried about ordering food in Japanese restaurants, read our Ultimate Guide to Ordering Food in Japanese.
At night, this is one of the best places to capture the Japanese aesthetic and feeling. The alley gets illuminated with bright lanterns from the bars. So, bring out your phones or cameras and take the perfect shot to post it on your grid!
5. Spice up your closet at Shibuya 109
This is a shopping mall that gets a heading of its own, and we have reasons. Shibuya 109 is arguably the most popular shopping complex in Tokyo, especially among young women. So much so that its nickname, Marukyu, has become a buzzword for fashion. It offers cheap trendy fashion items from popular brands, cosmetics, and also clothes from underground artists. “MAGNET by Shibuya 109” is a close-by shopping complex dedicated to men’s fashion.
To really take in the bright neon billboards around the complex, we recommend you visit this building in the evening or nighttime.
Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Tokyo at Night to look for other things to do in Shibuya at night.
6. Stay at a capsule hotel
We know Shibuya can be expensive, so why not stay at a cheap capsule hotel? It can get pretty late at night while you’re out in Shibuya, so you might as well stay the night at a capsule hotel and experience the famous Japanese accommodation.
You might have guessed it by now, but you’ll be able to sleep in a bed-sized capsule pod in these hotels. There are many different kinds of capsule hotels: male-only, female-only, couples, mixed, premium, etc. The available amenities depend on the type of hotel, but almost all offer a place to shower and come equipped with power outlets, TV, and air conditioning.
Looking for a hotel in Shibuya?
Check out the Best Capsule Hotels in Shibuya for a cheap stay in the area
Top 5 Things to Do in Shibuya for Families
1. Walk through Yoyogi Park
Maybe you’re traveling with your family and need to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city. Then, a peaceful stroll through the Yoyogi park is just the thing for you and your family. Located just a 3-minute walk away from Harajuku station, this is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. Here, you can stroll through the famous golden ginkgo trees, enjoy a picnic on a bright sunny day, get lost in your thoughts while watching the water fountain, and go on a healthy jog. Locals, soccer players, cosplayers, cyclists, etc. visit this park often, especially on weekend afternoons.
Yoyogi Park also hosts events several times a year, at least before Covid. Events such as food festivals, music shows, cultural festivals, etc. are frequent occurrences. Tokyo Rainbow Pride, Tokyo Family Weekend, Spain Festival, and Tokyo Jazz Festival are some real events that have been held. March or April might be the best time to visit because you can catch some of the best cherry blossom views and several spring events.
2. Pay a visit to Meiji Jingu Shrine
Adjacent to the Yoyogi Park is the relaxing Meiji Jingu Shrine dedicated to the first emperor of modern Japan, Emperor Meiji, and his wife Empress Shoken. It covers a large forested area with more than 100,000 trees donated from all over the country that provide a calming escape from the central city. This is one of Japan’s most important shrines and is famous as the most-visited shrine for hatsumode. Hatsumode is a Japanese tradition of visiting a shrine during the New Year’s to pray for happiness and good health in the year ahead. If you wanna join in on the tradition, the first 3 days of New Year’s is the best time to visit. But, if you wanna enjoy a tranquil visit, your best bet is to come during off-peak seasons.
Apart from the beautiful main shrine, there are a bunch of things that you can see here. You can take pictures of the famous sake and wine barrels, browse through the historic Meiji Jingu Museum, wish for a healthy love life at the iconic couple camphor trees, or you might catch a Japanese wedding ceremony. All these things make visiting this shrine a must among things to do in Shibuya.
If you want to learn more about Japanese shrines, don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Shrines in Tokyo.
3. Join fans at Jingu Stadium
Meiji Jingu Stadium has engraved itself on Japan’s sports history by being the oldest baseball stadium in Tokyo. Built in 1926, Jingu stadium is home to Tokyo Yakult Swallows and will mesmerize you with a pro-game of Japan’s most popular sport - baseball. Screaming your lungs out with the local fans and enjoying a professional baseball match is bound to be a great experience and memory for the entire family. You’ll also be able to witness triumphant chants, umbrella-waving tradition from fans, and amazing food here. Also, you can watch bright fireworks along with the match if you visit around August. They also have a nursing room available, so if you have kids along, rest assured.
One of the best things about this stadium is how cheap the tickets are compared to the west. The cheapest reserved seat for an adult is 1,600 yen and 800 yen for children, and the most expensive reserved seat is 5,900 yen. You can check the match schedule and prices, and book a ticket from their English website.
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4. Experience the Japanese tea ceremony
Want to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture? What better way than to experience a Japanese tea ceremony. The intricate and careful process of preparing tea is Japan’s cultural trademark. It’s more than just delicious and healthy tea - it’s a tradition that has been passed down for centuries. And, you can experience this in tea rooms in Shibuya.
One popular place that holds tea ceremonies is Waraku-An. Here, you can request language support for English, Korean, and Chinese and enjoy a very comfortable tea ceremony. Another popular tea house is Happo-en, where you can learn tea ceremony etiquette in a peaceful garden.
Dive deeper into the Japanese tea ceremony by reading our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Tea.
5. Cuteness overload at animal cafes
If you’re into cute things, then going to an animal cafe might be the ultimate experience for you. Animal cafes let you play with some really cute animals and are a big thing in Japan. They also have rules in place to ensure the safety of both the guests and the animals. There are many different kinds of animal cafes, especially in Shibuya.
If you want to cuddle some furry friends, you can visit cat cafes, dog cafes, rabbit cafes, and goat cafes. If you want to play with some feathery beauties, you can visit owl cafes, and if you’re feeling a bit adventurous, you can visit snake cafes and other reptile cafes.
If you have children traveling with you, this just might be one of the best things to do in Shibuya.
Top 4 Free Things to Do in Shibuya
1. Take a photo with Hachiko
Most tourists put taking a picture with Hachiko at the top of their things to do in Shibuya list. If you don’t know his story, professor Hidesaburo Ueno adopted Hachiko, a Japanese Akita dog, from a farm and brought him to Tokyo. Whenever Ueno went to work, Hachiko would wait for him at Shibuya station. One day, however, Ueno passed away at work, but Hachiko continued to wait for his return at Shibuya station for the next nine years. This story is still a tear-jerker today, and Hachiko has been a symbol of loyalty around the world.
To commemorate Hachiko and his faithfulness, a bronze statue was erected outside Shibuya station. You can meet your friends here as the statue has become the most popular meeting spot in Shibuya. So, don’t forget to pay Hachiko a visit and take some pictures when you’re in Shibuya. If you come here in April, you can watch the annual memorial service that takes place on April 8th too.
2. Learn the rich history of Yebisu Beer
If you are a beer lover, then this is just the spot for you. The first Yebisu Beer was produced in 1890 and has become a favorite among beer lovers in Japan. The Museum of Yebisu Beer will take you back in time and let you enjoy the rich history of producing Yebisu Beer. Here, you’ll be able to watch vintage video clips of beer-making, look at old advertisements, and learn how Yebisu Beer has developed over the years.
One of the best things about this place is its free tours. You can join in on a 20-minute free tour around the facility every Monday. It’s open from 11:00 to 19:00 and no reservation is required.
3. Embrace the beauty of Tokyo Camii & Turkish Culture Centre
This is the largest mosque in Japan and certainly among the most beautiful places in Tokyo. It has been serving as a serene place of worship for Muslims for quite some time now. Once you’re here, you’ll be able to bask in the elegance of Turkish architecture that will sweep you off your feet. It had suffered heavy damage in 1986, and around 100 craftsmen from Turkey visited Japan to design the interior and re-build this beautiful mosque in 1998.
They are open to visitors and also offer guided tours. If there are 5 or more people in your group, you’ll need to apply early. Paying a visit here is a good way to learn about Islamic teachings and the rich history of the mosque.
4. Shoot a TikTok video at Miyashita Park
Have you seen people dancing in front of their phones lately? Yeah, they are probably making a TikTok video. TikTok has already taken the internet by storm with its popular short video format. And if you’re one of the TikTokers, you’re in luck - a free TikTok studio has just popped up in Shibuya.
If you’ve ever felt tired searching for a quiet place to make the best TikTok, look no further! TikTok Community Base is a studio aimed to bring together TikTokers and build connections. It is located on the first floor of Miyashita Park and operates from 11:00 to 21:00. So, this is the perfect place to meet up with fellow content creators and build up your network. But, hurry! The studio is only open until December 31, 2022.
Top 6 Places to Eat in Shibuya
For many tourists, trying Japanese delicacies is one of the main things to do in Shibuya. We’ve carefully selected 6 places that we think offer some of the best food in Tokyo.
1. D47 Shokudo
A great place to enjoy regional food while enjoying a view of Shibuya Station. This eatery located on the 8th floor of the Shibuya Hikarie complex offers a wide variety of food from 47 different prefectures in Japan. It features a new menu from a different prefecture every month. You’ll be able to eat set menus cooked from the freshest seasonal ingredients from all over Japan here. These set meals include meat, vegetables, fish, pickles, soup, and rice.
If you find it difficult to order food in Japanese, this place is a good option because they provide an English menu as well. Being able to try food from all over Japan makes this a must among things to do in Shibuya.
2. Han no Daidokoro
If you travel to Japan, don’t miss out on Wagyu and Yakiniku (Japanese-styled BBQ). A 2-minute walk from Shibuya Station, Han no Daidokoro serves the finest Yamagata beef and Kobe beef complemented with Korean side dishes. You’ll be able to order every kind of meat cut as they are well-known for purchasing a whole-Yamagata-beef to give their guests all the choices of meat cuts.
According to Tripadvisor, it was the most popular restaurant in Japan among foreigners in 2018. That says a lot about how good this place is! As a bonus, they also provide an English menu and some of the staff speak English too.
3. World's second-best melon pan ice cream
Do you love sweet crusty bread? Do you love ice cream? How about we put them together? Melon pan is a sweet Japanese bun that looks like a melon, and melon pan ice cream is a new take on Japan’s beloved sweet. The hot and cold combination of freshly baked bread and freezing ice cream might seem weird at first, but you’ll fall in love as soon as it hits your mouth.
We wouldn’t be able to tell you who makes the best melon pan ice cream in the world but oddly enough, we can tell you who makes the second-best in the world. It’s a store located 8 minutes walk away from Shibuya Station. The person who started this store decided to become the second-best because they believe their mentor is the best melon pan maker in the world.
4. Pepper PARLOR
It’s no secret that Japan develops technological wonders, and this cafe is one of them. Located in Tokyu Plaza Shibuya, Pepper PARLOR offers a never-before-seen unique experience. In this futuristic cafe, you’ll be served and welcomed by both humans and robots. As soon as you enter, you’ll be greeted by Peppers. These robots are extremely smart and do much more than just take your orders. You can interact and play fun games with them as well.
As for the food, you can order gourmet waffles from around the world such as foie gras mousse, French praline waffles, caramelized bananas, Italian Caprese waffles, etc. If there are just too many options to choose from, you can let Pepper choose a waffle for you according to your mood. One more cool thing about Pepper is that it can understand English, Japanese, and Chinese.
5. Sushi no Midori
How can we talk about food in Japan and not mention Sushi. Good Sushi can be quite expensive but not at Sushi no Midori! If you want to eat top-quality Sushi without dropping big bucks, then try Sushi no Midori. Here, experienced Sushi chefs prepare your favorite Sushi with the freshest materials just for you.
There are several locations across Tokyo, but the Shibuya store is especially popular, and rightly so. It has become a favorite among Japanese people and foreigners alike. It’s so popular that waiting in line to eat is normal, so we don’t recommend this place if you’re in a hurry.
6. Ichiran
Ramen has become a popular dish all over the world, and why wouldn’t it? With its rich broth, soft noodles, and fragrant aroma, it’s a great option to fill your appetite any day. And, Ichiran has become the go-to place for ramen lovers ever since it started in Fukuoka. Since then, it has grown to become a global chain with stores not just in Japan but also across Asia and the U.S.
What makes this place unique is the seating arrangement - you’ll be able to enjoy a mouth-watering bowl of ramen in partitioned seats that keeps you away from other customers. So, slurp away your ramen without worrying about how you look! It also separates you from the staff, and you won’t have to interact with them. Instead, you can order through a sheet of paper available in English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. This sheet of paper is one of the reasons why this chain has become a sensation overseas as well. You’ll find that this sheet of paper lets you customize your ramen in any way. It allows you to customize toppings, level of spiciness, preferred content of fat, and thickness of the noodles to create the best Tonkotsu ramen for your taste.
Also, if you go with your friends, Ichiran does allow you to remove the partitions. So, this can be on your things to do in Shibuya list no matter who you’re traveling with.
You can learn the 15 Staples of Japanese Cooking to brush up on Japanese food before making your trip.
Top 8 Tips to Plan a Stress-Free Trip to Shibuya
1. Learn basic Japanese phrases
It’s always a good idea to practice some basic phrases of the language spoken in the place you’re about to visit. The majority of Japan doesn’t speak English, and memorizing some useful phrases will help you a lot with navigation. Here’s a list of must-learn Japanese phrases before visiting Shibuya.
|
English |
Romaji |
Japanese |
|
Hello |
Konnichiwa |
こんにちは |
|
Good morning |
Ohayou gozaimasu |
おはようございます |
|
Thank you very much |
Arigatou gozaimasu |
ありがとうございます |
|
Excuse me |
Sumimasen |
すみません |
|
Do you speak English? |
Eigo hanasemasu ka? |
英語話せますか？ |
|
Sorry, I don’t understand Japanese |
Sumimasen, nihonngo ga wakarimasenn |
すみません、日本語がわかりません |
|
Yes/ No |
Hai/ Iie |
はい/ いいえ |
|
How much is this? |
Kore wa ikura desuka? |
これはいくらですか？ |
|
This one, please |
Kore o kudasai |
これをください |
|
What is this? |
Kore wa nann desuka? |
これは何ですか？ |
|
I’d like the bill, please |
Okaikei wo onegaishimasu |
お会計をお願いします |
|
Where is the …. ? |
…. ha doko desuka? |
….はどこですか？ |
|
Please help me! |
Tasukete kudasai! |
助けてください! |
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Useful Japanese Phrases to learn moreJapanese phrases!
2. Book ahead of time!
You might have guessed it by now, but Shibuya is a major travel destination for visitors from both in and out of the country. So, whether it’s to ensure you get a seat at the Yakiniku table or avoid waiting in line for major attractions, or get the best hotel room, be sure to make a reservation as early as possible. Sometimes you just might get a discount for booking early as well.
3. Ask for help at the information center
There are information centers available at train stations in Shibuya, and the staff there are super friendly. If you get lost, need directions, or have any questions, feel free to ask the staff at the information center and they’ll gladly help you out.
4. Have internet available with you
While a lot of places do offer free Wi-Fi, it’s best that you arrange internet for yourself. Getting a sim card might be a hassle for a short trip, so we recommend that you rent a pocket Wi-Fi. It will help you with checking directions on Google Maps and translating quick phrases. You can book a pocket Wi-Fi and either pick it up at the airport or have it delivered to your hotel.
To learn more about how to rent a pocket Wi-Fi and their prices, check out this article by Tokyo Cheapo.
5. Familiarize yourself with Japanese transportation
Housing some of the busiest stations in the world, transportation in Japan can be quite overwhelming. This is especially true in Shibuya, and we recommend that you learn how transportation works in Japan before you come. This Complete Guide to Shibuya Station by Live Japan is particularly good to familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of Shibuya Station.
6. Carry good old cash
Although Japan has introduced some of the most advanced technology to the world, some establishments still don’t accept credit cards and debit cards. To save up time searching for an ATM, carry enough cash with you all the time. If you need cash; however, you can use the ATMs in most convenience stores.
7. Make an itinerary
The best way to avoid stress? Planning! If you create an itinerary before visiting, you’ll know exactly where to go and what to do. Also, a lot of places in Shibuya are very close to each other, so an itinerary will help you save time by visiting places close to each other.
8. If you miss the last train
So you had too much fun and missed the last train. Don’t worry! Shibuya doesn’t sleep. If you need to spend the night, you can go to manga cafes or karaoke bars that operate 24 hours.
Top 5 Souvenir Shops in Shibuya
So you had too much fun and missed the last train. Don’t worry! Shibuya doesn’t sleep. If you need to spend the night, you can go to manga cafes or karaoke bars that operate 24 hours.
1. Kiddy Land
From Hello Kitty goods to Marvel figurines, Kiddy Land is a one-stop store for character goods in Harajuku. You’ll not only be able to play with popular Japanese merchandise from Ghibli and Doraemon but also American characters from Disney and Star Wars. This is a perfect place not just for kids but also for adults, and you can spend hours trying to find your favorite character.
| Address | 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Open: | Mon-Fri: 11:00 - 21:00 Sat, Sun & holidays: 10:30 - 21:00 |
2. Shibuya Mega Donki
Don Quijote stores in Japan are a paradise for souvenir shopping, and the Mega Donki in Shibuya is the biggest one in all of Japan. Here, you’ll get all kinds of sweet snacks, beauty products, electronics, daily necessities, and many more things. It is also foreigners friendly with store signs and announcements made in English, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Chinese. What’s more, there is a Tax-free counter on the 3rd floor for you.
Also, this store is open 24 hours, so you can leave souvenir shopping for the last minute as well.
| Address | 28-6 Udagawa-cho Shibuya-ku Tokyo |
| Open | 24 hours |
3. Shibuya Sky souvenir shop
This souvenir shop located on the 46th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square sells a wide variety of confectioneries. It welcomes both domestic and international tourists and helps them experience the beauty of Shibuya. Shibuya Snow Globe, Shibuya Towel, and Shibuya Sky Chocolate Crunch Can are the recommended products from the store itself.
| Address | 2-24-12 Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, Shibuya Scramble Square, 46F |
| Open | 10:00 - 22:30 |
4. Tokyu Hands
Have something very specific that you want to buy? It’s probably available in Tokyu Hands, Shibuya. Really, it’s actually hard to find something that this place doesn’t sell. Stationery, travel gears, bathroom sets, homewares, and foreign goods are just some of the products that this multistory shop sells.
| Address | 12-18 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Open | 10:00 - 21:00 |
5. Wa-Zakka Maruara Watanabe
Wa-Zakka Maruara Watanabe is a traditional Japanese art store that makes for a great place to buy affordable Japanese souvenirs. Whether it’s keychains, Kimono, or Japanese traditional footwear, this place has got it all.
| Address | 16-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Open | Mon-Fri: 11:00 - 19:00 Sat, Sun & holidays: 13:00 - 19:00 |
Want to learn more about the Japanese culture of Omiyage?
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Japanese Omiyage
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it to the end of this article, you’ve all the information you’ll need to make the best out of your trip to Shibuya. Of course, covering all the places in a single trip is mighty difficult. We recommend that you make a priority list for yourself and take time to really enjoy all the things to do in Shibuya.
After exploring the busy capital of Japan, you should try walking through the city of Zen, Kyoto, to truly experience Japan’s rich culture and tradition. Read our Top 18 Things to Do in Kyoto and plan your perfect trip today!
