A tour of the Japanese capital’s most famous neighborhood, including Shibuya Tower and the international intersection
Tokyo, the cosmopolitan city that embraces tradition and modernity, is currently the top destination for many Spanish travelers. In fact, according to Jetcost.es, which conducted a study to understand the vacation prospects of Spaniards last summer, Tokyo ranked fourth among the most popular long-haul destinations.
When you think of Tokyo, one of the first images that comes to mind is the Shibuya Crossing, one of the most iconic attractions of the Japanese capital. But it’s important to know that Shibuya is a neighborhood and, as such, has countless activities.
In fact, new buildings are rising, while crossings are expanding to connect these towers and make it more accessible for pedestrians. But its charm doesn’t end there; Shibuya has a special magic due to its mix of contrasts, cultures and the countless things to do that never get bored.
Things to do in Shibuya, the heart of Tokyo
Different ways to get around the city
Shibuya Fukuras Bus Station is a key tourist attraction in this neighborhood. In addition to serving as a stopover point for buses to Haneda and Narita airports, the first floor also houses the tourist information center, where visitors can find information on exciting things to do and leave their luggage.
From this point, Shibuya can be explored either by taking a colorful and pleasant open rooftop bus to see the must-see places in Shibuya, or by bike, for example.
At the forefront of the latest and most avant-garde fashion spots
The Shibuya district has been constantly re-opening with skyscrapers, most of them commercial complexes like Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Stream, Shibuya Scramble Square, The park and shopping mall Rayard Miyashita Park and Shibuya AXSH.
Worth mentioning is the Shibuya Sakura Stage for its large-scale two-building complex that includes the 179-meter-high Shibuya Tower, 39 floors, and a total of 15,200 square meters of retail space. This space features 37 shops and restaurants, many of them world-renowned in Japanese pop culture, but also includes offices and apartments, and even a hospital and an international school. The entrance gates of JR, Tokyo’s main railway line, are directly connected to this building, making it extremely easy for visitors to reach this location.
Shibuya Hyakkendana
Halfway to Dogenzaka, there is a red gate reminiscent of shrine entrances that leads to this shopping street, Shibuya Hyakkendana. It was built after the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, when more than 100 shops were established to form this shopping center. The name «Hyaku» comes from this fact, as it means «hundred,» and this year it celebrates its centenary. Here you can find a wide variety of unique restaurants and, at the same time, retro-style shops blended with Shibuya’s contemporary avant-garde culture.
A neighborhood centered around music
Shibuya is packed with specialty musical instrument shops and recording studios, hosting an astonishing variety of music, from classical to pop. In fact, Shibuya-kei is a 1990s musical genre that blended Japanese and Western styles, both new and old, and for this reason, Shibuya is recognized as the heart of Japanese music.
Amid this cultural context, record cafes are a trend among young people in Shibuya. At «Recoco Shibuya,» each table has its own record player, and visitors can listen to their favorite music from over 300 albums while enjoying delicious dishes.
Photos: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau
