Shibuya
You know you're in Japan when...
- Halloween 2019: Public drinking is now illegal in Shibuya on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1. Read more on GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/shibuya-to-ban-public-drinking-for-halloween-2019/
The traffic lights at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing change every two minutes to maintain the enormous flow of people and vehicles.
It’s pop-culture credentials don’t just cease there, Shibuya is the pulsating core of some of Japan’s most internationally renowned districts. Teenagers, couples and families can be spotted picnicking in the shade of nearby Yoyogi Park. Students decked out in the latest fashion trend file out of adjacent Harajuku. The older (and richer) make a quick getaway to the posh malls of Omotesando Avenue and healing calm of Meiji-jingu.
Shibuya is just a short walk from Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.
Park yourself outside the Hachiko Exit (named after the famously loyal Shiba-Inu that always met his owner at the station after work) on a Friday or Saturday night and you’re sure to witness the sheer power of Japan’s vibrant youth culture.
Partying in Shibuya
It used to be that Shibuya was the place to party on Halloween in Tokyo. Just grab a couple of cans from a nearby convenience store and revel in crowds of over 1 million people getting absolutely hammered in the street. Yes, in the street.
Seems like Jason has made some new friends.
Sadly, all good things come to an end—street drinking in Shibuya during Halloween has been banned since someone flipped over a truck and numerous fights broke out amidst the chaos in 2018. This is literally why we can’t have nice things.
If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.
If hitting the club scene sounds like your jam though, the most youthful of Tokyo’s wards certainly has a nightlife to write home (or just y’know, a Twitter status) about. The giant disco ball in the center of Womb’s main dance floor coupled with the huge, multi-floored VISION are only two reasons why you could end up having your best night out evaaaa in Shibuya. If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.
The Hachiko meeting point is the busiest in the city but somehow people always manage to find each other. Look out for the dog statue opposite the green tourist information bus.
Shibuya’s laid back side
As vigorous as Shibuya can be, there is an array of more laid-back food, sports and art culture well suited for any age or persuasion. Baseball and rugby enthusiasts will be overjoyed by the offerings from the Meiji Jingu and Chichibuomiya Rugby Stadiums.
Cultural hotspots such as the Bunkamura (a museum with outstanding art exhibitions), the New National Theatre Tokyo (or NNTT) or Konno Hachimangu Shrine (once home to the illustrious Shibuya family) will broaden the scope of your itinerary.
Grab a coffee at the Hachiko Starbucks overlooking Scramble Crossing.
Likewise, foodies will be able to gorge themselves on some of the most varied and delicious cuisine in Japan. For vegans, Nagi Shokudo combines seriously delicious food with fantastic magazines and reading material in English or Japanese.
For film freaks, make a pilgrimage to Gonpachi, the restaurant from Kill Bill. As the base of the hip and trendy, there are also coffee shops galore including the famous Starbucks whose second floor looks out over the world’s busiest crossing.
One thing’s for sure: you could stay in Shibuya for your entire stay and never, ever get bored.
Looking for places to drink around Shibuya and beyond? Check our list of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo!
Topics: Iconic, nightlife, popular, shibuya, tokyo, tokyo neighborhoods, Yamanote Line
