9 Best Things to Do in Shibuya: Travel Guide + Extra Tips

Shibuya is loud, fast, and a little overwhelming in the best possible way. This is where Tokyo feels constantly in motion, from the famous crossing to the backstreets filled with cafés, bars, and small shops that pull you in without trying. It’s the picture of what the big cities in Japan feel like.

We visited Shibuya twice — once in the morning and again in the late afternoon — and it honestly felt like two different places.

In the morning, it was surprisingly calm. We grabbed coffee, watched the city slowly wake up, and wandered side streets where locals were heading to work and shops were just opening.

Later in the day, the energy completely shifted. The crowds rolled in, the crossing turned into organized chaos, and the whole area felt louder, brighter, and more electric.

What we loved most was mixing both sides of Shibuya. We watched the scramble from above, explored quieter streets just a few minutes away from the main intersection, did some casual shopping. It was one of our favorite things to do in Tokyo.

In this guide, we’re sharing the things to do in Shibuya that we genuinely think are worth your time, based on how we experienced it ourselves — what stood out, what surprised us, and how to enjoy the area without feeling overwhelmed.

Top Things to do at Shibuya

1. Experience the Shibuya Scramble Crossing

We’ll be honest — at first, we had mixed feelings about the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. On paper, it’s just a crosswalk, and that alone doesn’t exactly scream “must-do.” What makes it special isn’t the crossing itself, but the sheer scale of it. Around 2.5 million people use it every day, which is what turns something ordinary into something slightly wild.

What really caught our attention is the way it works. When the lights turn green, pedestrians can cross in every direction at once, including diagonally. That’s where the chaos comes in — hundreds of people moving toward each other from all sides, somehow never colliding.

It looks messy from the outside, but once you’re in it, everything just flows.

The first time we visited in the morning, it was noticeably calmer. It was easy to move, no pushing, and you could actually look around and take it in.

When we came back in the afternoon, the whole atmosphere had shifted. It was packed, screens were flashing everywhere, people were stopping to take photos and videos, and the energy was on a completely different level. Busy, yes — but never stressful.

2. Watch the Crossing from Above (Our Favorite Viewpoints)

After crossing Shibuya Scramble, we wanted to see it from above — mostly out of curiosity. From street level it’s loud and busy, but looking down gives you a much clearer sense of just how many people move through this intersection every few minutes.

The place we went to was Starbucks Shibuya Crossing. It’s busy, but for the price of a coffee it’s an easy option. We didn’t stay long, but watching the lights change and the crossing fill and empty again and again made the scale of it more obvious.

Another well-known viewpoint — which you can already spot while standing at the crossing — is MAG’s Park Crossing View. It’s an open-air viewpoint on the 8th floor, and while it’s paid, the ticket includes a drink. We didn’t go up ourselves, but it’s often recommended for the higher angle and open view, especially later in the day.

If you’re after something even more special, head up to Shibuya Sky.

3. Take in the Views from Shibuya Sky Observation Deck

We didn’t make it up to Shibuya Sky ourselves, but it’s easily the most talked-about viewpoint in Shibuya — and for good reason. The observation deck sits on top of Shibuya Scramble Square and offers 360-degree views over the city, including a direct look down toward the scramble crossing below.

What sets Shibuya Sky apart from other viewpoints is the open-air rooftop, which is why it’s especially popular around sunset and after dark. From what we’ve seen and researched, it’s one of the best places in Tokyo to understand just how dense and vast the city really is.

A few practical things worth knowing: loose items aren’t allowed on the rooftop (lockers are provided), and tickets often sell out days in advance — especially for sunset slots. If this is high on your list, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

4. Visit the Hachiko Statue, Shibuya’s Most Famous Meeting Spot

The Hachiko Statue is one of those places you’ll probably pass without planning to — and that’s exactly how it happened for us. It’s right outside Shibuya Station, constantly surrounded by people.

We stopped by out of curiosity . The statue itself is small, and there’s usually a short line of people waiting to take photos, so expectations matter here. That said, knowing the story behind Hachiko makes the stop feel more meaningful, even if it’s brief.

If you’re already in the area, it’s an easy stop, but it’s not something we’d go out of our way for.

There’s a small memorial ceremony is held each year on the anniversary of Hachiko’s death, which shows how deeply the story is still rooted in local culture.

5. Look Up: Shibuya’s Giant 3D Billboards

We were genuinely excited to see Shibuya’s 3D billboards, and in the end, they turned out to be a fun little detail while walking around the area. Right now, there are two main 3D billboards we know of in Shibuya: the Akita Inu dog and a panda.

We caught the Akita Inu animation near Shibuya Station, and the best spot to see it is from around the Hachiko Statue. The dog appears to pop out of the screen on every whole hour, but the animation only lasts a few seconds — which was a bit disappointing. We were expecting something a bit longer.

There are also a few more 3D billboards scattered around the city with similar effects, so chances are you’ll spot another one somewhere else in Tokyo.

6. Drive Through Shibuya on a Go-Kart (If You’re Feeling Brave)

This is one of those experiences we kept seeing around Shibuya — and honestly, it looks exactly as chaotic as it sounds. Watching go-karts roll past the crossing, drivers waving while surrounded by buses, taxis, and neon signs, made it clear why this ends up on so many people’s Tokyo bucket lists.

The idea is simple: you drive a street-legal go-kart through Shibuya and nearby areas, following a guide on a fixed route. It’s loud, very visible, and definitely not subtle — which is kind of the point. This is one of the most memorable ways to explore Tokyo.

If this sounds like your thing, this Shibuya Street Go-Kart experience is a solid option to look into. You’ll need a valid international driving permit.

7. Go Shopping in Shibuya’s Fashion-Packed Streets

Shopping in Shibuya is best done without a plan. That’s how we experienced it — just walking, turning into side streets, popping into stores that caught our eye. The main streets are busy and loud, but it only takes a few minutes to end up somewhere completely different.

We liked that Shibuya mixes big, well-known stores with smaller shops that feel more local and experimental. Streetwear is everywhere, and even if you’re not shopping seriously, it’s interesting to see how bold and playful fashion feels here compared to other parts of Tokyo.

8. Play Retro and Modern Arcades in Shibuya

Arcades are everywhere in Shibuya, and it’s hard not to step into at least one — even if just out of curiosity. We tried our luck a few times here, mostly on claw machines, and walked away without any wins. Not entirely surprising, but still fun to try.

What we liked is the atmosphere. Bright lights, constant sounds, people seriously focused on their games, others just killing time. Even if you don’t plan to play much, it’s interesting to watch how into it everyone is.

For the record, our luck was much better in Osaka, where we actually left with a few plush toys.

9. End the Night in Nonbei Yokocho’s Tiny Alley Bars

If you’re looking to slow things down after a busy day in Shibuya, Nonbei Yokocho is where we recommend going. It’s just a few minutes from the crossing, but once we stepped into the narrow alley, it felt like we’d left modern Shibuya behind.

We didn’t come with a plan — we walked in, looked around, and picked a bar that had space. The places are tiny, sometimes just a counter and a few stools, which means you’re sitting close to everyone else. We ended up chatting, listening in on conversations, and just letting the night slow down a bit.

It felt relaxed and very unpolished in a good way.

We liked that nothing here felt rushed. We had a drink, watched the alley fill and empty, and enjoyed how different the atmosphere was compared to the main streets nearby. For us, Nonbei Yokocho was the perfect way to end the day.

Where to eat and drink

A few places that stood out or are easy, reliable picks in Shibuya:

• Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka – Fun, fast conveyor-belt sushi that works well if you don’t want a long sit-down meal.
• Ichiran Shibuya – A classic for a reason. Great if you just want solid ramen.
• Uogashi Nihon-Ichi Shibuya Dogenzaka – A standing sushi bar, where we had some of the best sushi in Japan!

Best time to visit

Shibuya changes a lot depending on time of day, so when you go matters just as much as the season. We visited twice in one day, and the difference was noticeable. 

In the morning it was calmer and easier to walk around. Shops were just opening, the crossing was manageable, and it felt like a good time to explore without constantly stopping for crowds. If you want photos or a more relaxed first impression, this is when we’d go.

By late afternoon and evening, Shibuya shifts completely. The crowds roll in, the screens light up, and the area feels louder and more electric. It’s busier, more energetic and for us a little bit overwhelming. This is the best time if you want to experience Shibuya in its full glory.

Season-wise, spring and autumn are ideal for walking around comfortably. Summer is doable but hot and humid, while winter is quieter and actually quite pleasant if you don’t mind cooler evenings.

Final Thoughts

Shibuya is one of those places that’s hard to judge from photos alone. It’s busy, loud, and a bit chaotic. Shibuya gives you a strong first impression of Tokyo.

We liked Shibuya most when we didn’t rush it. Crossing the intersection, watching it from above, wandering side streets, trying our luck in arcades, and ending the night in a tiny bar — those small moments added up.