Shibuya Crossing

What this place is

Shibuya Scramble Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点, Shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten), commonly known as Shibuya Crossing, is a scramble crossing in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan. It is located near Shibuya Station in Shibuya, a major commercial and entertainment district in Tokyo. It has been described as the world's busiest pedestrian crossing, with as many as 3,000 people crossing during a single green light cycle. Inaugurated in 1973, the intersection is a popular tourist destination and a widely recognized symbol of the city of Tokyo through its frequent appearances in television, film, and other media.

Shibuya Crossing (渋谷スクランブル交差点) is one of the standout places to visit in Tokyo. Give yourself unhurried time for photos, seasonal views, and nearby food stops. IC cards such as Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA cover most trains and city buses.

Background text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA)

Why it is worth the trip

Streetscape that shows how the city actually works, not just its monuments.

Architecture, signage and lighting that change character completely between day and night.

Restaurants, bars and shops packed into walkable blocks around the transport hub.

What you can do here

Do one loop in daylight and one after dark — they feel like different places.

Find the elevated walkway, bridge or rooftop that gives the classic view of the area.

Eat where the queues of local office workers are, especially at lunchtime.

Duck into the side streets one block off the main road for the quieter, older shops.

Photos