The Complete Guide to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in 2025! Thorough explanation of 9 spectacular spots, gourmet food, and rainy day plans!

Shibuya Scramble Crossing" attracts people from all over the world as a representative scenery of Tokyo.
The sight of several hundred people, sometimes as many as 3,000 at a time, coming and going at once is truly symbolic of the energy of the "big city" of Tokyo.
It has also been the setting for many films, including "Lost in Translation" and the "Wild Speed" series, and is a must-see for many visitors to Japan.

However, it is a waste to just cross the intersection!
This article provides comprehensive information on how to enjoy the attractions of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the fullest, from viewing spots to dining and cautions.
Reading this will make sightseeing in Shibuya many times more enjoyable.

What is Shibuya Scramble Crossing? Organised chaos" fascinates the world

The main attraction of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing is its overwhelming liveliness and "frenzied yet organized chaos.
Whenever the traffic light turns green, people walk out in unison from all directions, as if in a giant performance.
This dynamic sight is known as "the busiest intersection in the world" and is a photo-op for many tourists.

The area surrounding the intersection is always filled with new energy, with the area being home to youth culture centers such as SHIBUYA109, large commercial facilities where the latest trends are gathered, and restaurants.
At night, the city takes on an even more glamorous and magical atmosphere with its colorful neon lights.
This place is not just a transportation hub, but a cultural landmark where you can truly experience Tokyo, where Japanese pop culture and the energy of its people are concentrated.

9 Spectacular Viewing and Photographing Spots at the Scramble Crossing

Not only crossing the intersection, but also viewing it from above will give you a better sense of its dynamic nature.
Here are some recommended free and paid observation spots for different purposes.

Free] A great spot for a casual stopover.

Shibuya Mark City Liaison Passageway: A classic free viewing spot

This connecting passageway between Shibuya Station and the shopping center "Shibuya Mark City" is one of the most famous spots where you can overlook the intersection for free.
Through the glass windows, visitors can observe up close how up to 3,000 people fill the intersection at each traffic light change.
It is crowded during commuting hours, but if you aim for off-peak hours, you can enjoy the view at a leisurely pace.

Shibuya Hikarie 11th Floor "Sky Lobby": Hole with a view of the intersection and Mt.

Although it is a short distance from the intersection, this is a great spot to enjoy a panoramic view of the Shibuya area and the intersection for free.
The spacious windows allow for photographs to be taken in a composition that shows SHIBUYA109 at the back of the intersection.
Fuji on a clear day, especially in the evening.

Shibuya Fukuras Rooftop Garden "SHIBU NIWA": A new landmark with a sense of openness

The rooftop of the Shibuya Fuklas commercial complex, which opened in 2019, is another highly recommended spot that is free of charge.
The open space overlooks the Scramble Crossing from a good angle, and the view can be enjoyed during the day as well as at night.
However, please note that it may be closed on windy days or in bad weather.

【Purchase】Special viewing and photography spots for a special experience.

MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 Rooftop Observation Deck "MAG's PARK

Special seat directly above the intersection If you want to take a powerful photo from directly above the intersection, this is the best place to do so.
There is an admission fee (currently 600 yen), but it is less crowded and provides an unobstructed view of the intersection.
For an additional fee, it is possible to take a commemorative photo of yourself and the intersection from a camera mounted even higher up.

SHIBUYA SKY (Rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square): Best panoramic view of Tokyo

At 230 meters above ground, it is the highest outdoor observation space in Shibuya.
The 360-degree panoramic view offers a panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape, including Tokyo Tower and, on clear days, Mt.
It is a little too high to see the scramble crossing directly below, but it offers the spectacular experience of finding the intersection in the vastness of the Tokyo landscape.
It is recommended to reserve tickets (1,800 yen) online in advance.

Starbucks Coffee SHIBUYA TSUTAYA

Human observation with coffee in hand This is a world-famous place where you can enjoy human observation with a cup of coffee in hand.
The counter seats by the window on the second floor are special seats overlooking the intersection.
It is always crowded, but well worth the wait to browse the books and CDs in the store until a seat becomes available.

CÉ LA VI TOKYO (Shibuya Fukuras): Adult space to enjoy night view and music

Located on the 17th and 18th floors of Shibuya Fuklas, this is the perfect spot to view the neon-lit intersection at night.
You can enjoy the beautiful night view from the outdoor terrace and bar area with a drink in hand. It is also available during the day for brunch and afternoon tea.

L'Occitane Cafe Shibuya: Elegant tea time

A café overlooking the intersection allows you to watch the hustle and bustle below while enjoying herbal teas and traditional French sweets.
Produced by Pierre Hermé, the shop offers exquisite sweets such as millefeuille and macaroons.

Strategy! How to have fun at and around the intersection

Indoor spots in Shibuya that are not affected by the weather.

Shibuya offers a wide range of indoor facilities that can be enjoyed even on rainy days.

Shopping facilities

There are many large commercial facilities such as Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Scramble Square, and Shibuya PARCO, where the latest fashions, gourmet foods, and culture can be found, either directly connected to the station or within walking distance.
Shibuya PARCO, in particular, has a number of game-related floors, including an official Nintendo store and a Pokémon Center.

amusement

Entertainment facilities abound, including the TOHO Cinemas Shibuya movie theater, Yoshimoto Eternal Hall where you can see live performances by young Yoshimoto comedians, and Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya, where you can enjoy the beautiful starry sky.

Cultural and Activity Experiences

There are also unique places for physical exercise, such as Novolock Shibuya, a bouldering gym that even beginners can enjoy, and Scuba Pro Shop Shibuya, where you can experience scuba diving in the heart of the city.

Enjoy Shibuya Gourmet! Popular Inbound Restaurants

Shibuya is home to a wide variety of restaurants, but here we will introduce some Japanese restaurants that are particularly popular among inbound tourists.

If you want to taste Japanese food, this is the place!

Beef Katsu Motomura Shibuya

The restaurant is proudly ranked No. 1 in popularity by foreign tourists.
The hands-on style of cooking, in which customers can personally stone-roast the beef cutlet fried to medium rare to their desired doneness, has gained tremendous popularity.

Moheji Shibuya Scramble Square

A new brand of Moheji, a famous monja restaurant in Tsukishima, offers a new type of monjayaki with French elements.
Monjayaki is one of the most popular Japanese foods among foreigners.

Standing Sushi Fish Gashi Japan No.1

A chain of standing sushi restaurants where you can enjoy authentic sushi at affordable prices.
The live performance of the artisans making the sushi right in front of you is also an attractive feature, and it is a great place to stop by casually.

Enjoy a meal and a drink in a modern atmosphere

Nonbei Yokocho (name of a restaurant chain)

A short walk from the scramble crossing is a drinking alley with a series of small Japanese bars.
Recommended for those who want to experience the atmosphere of a retro, traditional Japanese drinking establishment lit by red lanterns.

CHAOS KITCHEN, B1F, Shibuya PARCO

It is a restaurant district with a modern atmosphere and a collection of Japanese restaurants and bars of various genres.
Some restaurants are vegan-friendly and cater to diverse dietary needs.

No worries even if it's your first time! Access from Shibuya Station and important things to know

Best way to get there from Shibuya station

Shibuya Station is a huge terminal station with nine train lines and complicated exits.
The easiest way to get to the Scramble Crossing is to look for the statue of Chuken Hachiko (loyal dog Hachi).
As you exit the "Hachiko ticket gate" of JR Shibuya Station, you will see the Hachiko statue and the scramble crossing spread out before you.

Points to note only in places where many people come and go

In Shibuya, where many people gather, some precautions should be taken.
In particular, the Center Street and Dogenzaka areas around Shibuya Station are considered areas that require attention.

Beware of pickpockets and looters

Since pickpocketing and theft by litter are more likely to occur in crowded places, please be careful to keep track of your valuables.
It is safer to hold the bag in front of you.

Touts and trouble

Trouble due to drinking and illegal touting has been reported in the downtown area at night.
Do not respond to persistent approaches from strangers and decline them flatly.

Photography Manners

When taking pictures of intersections, be careful not to get so carried away that you block the passage of people around you.
In particular, standing still in the middle of an intersection is very dangerous.
Enjoy shooting from a safe location.

Shibuya Scramble Crossing for an unforgettable Tokyo experience!

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is more than just a place where people come and go. It is a living landmark** where the diversity, energy, and culture of Tokyo are concentrated.
View its grandeur from the observation deck, cross it with the actual waves of people, and experience the latest culture and cuisine in the surrounding area. Please use this article as a guide to find your own special "Tokyo experience" at the Shibuya Scramble Crossing.