Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Thursday, November 21, 2019 Updated

Tokyo Fashion & Entertainment Center

Shibuya is one of the twenty-three city wards of Tokyo, but often refers to just the popular shopping and entertainment area found around Shibuya Station. In this regard, Shibuya is one of Tokyo's most colorful and busy districts, packed with shopping, dining, and nightclubs serving swarms of visitors that come to the district every day.

Shibuya is a center for youth fashion and culture, and its streets are the birthplace to many of Japan's fashion and entertainment trends. Over a dozen major department store branches can be found around the area, catering to all types of shoppers. Most of the area's large department and fashion stores belong to either Tokyu or Seibu, two competing corporations.

A prominent landmark of Shibuya is the large intersection in front of the station's Hachiko Exit (near the famous Hachiko Statue) known as the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The intersection is heavily decorated by neon advertisements and giant video screens and gets flooded by pedestrians each time the crossing light turns green, making it a popular photo and movie filming spot. In fact, the crossing is so popular it is often featured in various Japanese Dramas or anime works. The hit video game Persona 5 features Shibuya, as do popular anime hit's like Tokyo Ghoul, The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls, and Blood C to name a few.

Given the amount of popularity, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is even considered as the world’s busiest intersection. The cross walk attracts thousands of tourists wanting to witness this busy intersection in action. This popular crossing way was even featured in the Netflix Original Fuller House Japan Episode Special as well as a subject to numerous travel bloggers and photographers. Many tourists make their way to the coffee shop located across the station to relax and watch the busy intersection fill up with as many as 2,500 pedestrians during at every light change, or even 45,000 pedestrians every half an hour during peak times.

The World of Shibuya

No vacation in Japan is complete without navigating the crowded streets of Shibuya for shopping and people watching. Japan Deluxe Tours is pleased to offer the Shibuya Crossing on our fully guided Tokyo Tour packages. However, if you'd like to do a little shopping and aren't sure where to go, here are a few recommendations for your shopping needs

Anime Shopping Spots

Located in the PARCO building, here are a few shops perfect for Anime and Video Game otakus traveling in Tokyo.

Pokemon Center - Another addition to Japan's Pokemon Centers, Shibuya's adorable Graffiti Pikachu leads the pack with the rest of the Pokemon Pals.
JUMP Shop - A staple shop for any anime or manga fan, JUMP is responsible for publishing popular works like Naruto/Boruto, One Piece, Dragon Ball, the Basketball that Kuroko Plays, My Hero Academia, One-Punch Man, and more!
The Capcom Store - Dedicated to Megaman (or Rockman as he is known by the Japanese locals), Ryu & Ken from Street Fighter, & the rest of the plucky Capcom characters from Marvel VS Capcom
The Nintendo Store - Store offering Merchandise based on Mario & Luigi, Link from the Legend of Zelda series, Kirby, Donkey Kong, and the rest of Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. line up of fighters.

Quilts, Traditional Crafts, & Shopping Destinations

Interested in Quilting and Traditional Japanese Crafts?

Tokyu Hands - Popular DIY Craft Store
D47 Design Travel Store - Souvenir Shop offering Various Japanese Goods & Wares
SHIBUYA 109 - Unique Fashion Destination Showcasing a Variety of Brands & Goods

Experience the busiest intersection in Japan for yourself and see what it is like to be part of the hustle and bustle of Tokyo during any of our fully-guided Cherry Blossom tours, Anime Tours, or Highlights Japan vacation packages. Talk to your travel agent about Japan Deluxe Tours or call us to speak with one of our Japan specialists ready to help plan your next vacation.