Home to cutting-edge shopping centers, hip cafes and a thriving independent art scene, the district of Shibuya is hailed as one of Tokyo’s trendiest neighborhoods. Start exploring the top things to do in Shibuya at Shibuya Crossing, the chaotic intersection that is said to be the busiest in the world. Afterward, tour an art gallery to view the works of local and regional artists, or simply head to one of the area’s sophisticated shopping complexes to indulge in a little retail therapy.
1. Shop ’til you drop at SHIBUYA MARK CITY
With dozens of shops selling everything from clothing to electronics housewares, Shibuya Mark City is a veritable shopper’s paradise. The shopping center also serves as a transportation hub, with connections to several major train lines – including the JR, Keio, Tokyo Metro and Tokyu lines. Shibuya Mark City houses the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu and is conveniently connected to Shibuya Station. Shops are open from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. daily, but these hours may vary depending on the business.
Popular shops at Shibuya Mark City
- Birkenstock
- Zoff
- Regal Shoes
- FamilyMart
- aquagirl
- Sabon
2. Take a virtual voyage into outer space at COSMO PLANETARIUM SHIBUYA
Looking for a cheap activity that the whole family will enjoy? Head to Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya to immerse yourself in the beauty and wonder of the night sky for just 600 Yen per adult and 300 Yen per child. The planetarium features a 55-foot domed screen and 120 reclinable seats – some of which can be rotated 90 degrees. Shows run multiple times daily and include programs that are geared specifically toward children. Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya is located within a 5-minute walking distance of Shibuya Station (West exit). Hours of operation are from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday to Friday and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Past shows at Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya
- The Space Elevator
- Memories of the Sky
- Stories of the Zodiac Signs
- Starry Music
- The Adventure to Mars with Hachiko
Planetarium facilities
- Accessible elevator
- Baby changing facilities
- Wheelchair ramp
- Accessible restrooms
3. Discover works by local artists at THE SHOTO MUSEUM OF ART
The Shoto Museum of Art showcases an impressive collection of works by Shibuya artists. The museum features two rotating exhibits, and in addition to an exhibition space, the facility houses a library room and a hall for art classes. The Shoto Museum of Art is situated within a 5-minute walking distance of Shinsen Station (Inokashira Line). The museum is open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays.
4. Shop for one-of-a-kind housewares at TOKYU HANDS SHIBUYA
Tokyu Hands Shibuya is a multi-floor department store stocking everything from craft supplies to stationery to housewares. This is a great place to pick up unique souvenirs and gifts, as many of the products are one-offs. While the store is mostly focused on housewares and lifestyle products, Tokyu Hands Shibuya also runs regular handicraft workshops. Set aside an afternoon to peruse the shelves and discover innovative items you didn’t even know you needed. Tokyu Hands Shibuya is located within a 7-minute walking distance from Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit). The store is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
5. Take in a live performance at the CERULEAN TOWER NOH THEATRE
The Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre hosts a diverse range of professional and non-professional live performances, including traditional arts like ballet, Japanese dance, Noh, Kyogen and Rakugo storytelling. The facility was established in 2001 at the old Tokyu Corporation headquarters site with the vision to “redevelop Shibuya into the center of culture.” The Cerulean Tower Noh Theatre is located within a 5-minute walking distance of Shibuya Station. The building is open to the public daily from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on days without performances. Reservations for shows are not required, but it’s a good idea to check the schedule before heading to the facility, as performance times may change at the last minute.
6. Immerse yourself in art and culture at BUNKAMURA
Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon & Orchard Hall are a multi-purpose philharmonic hall and entertainment complex that houses a cultural space, a museum, a concert hall, two movie theaters and a museum, as well as a cafe, several restaurants and art-related shops. Here, visitors can take in live orchestra performances, view works by local and international artists, and watch films created by acclaimed Asian and European directors. Bunkamura Theatre Cocoon is located within a 5-minute walking distance from Shibuya Station (Exit 3a).
7. Explore modern Japanese art at YAMATANE MUSEUM OF ART
Yamatane Museum of Art contains approximately 1,800 modern works by Japanese artists Gyokudo Kawai, Shoen Uemura and Taikan Yokoyama. Also housed within the museum is a private collection of paintings by Taneji Yamazaki, the founder of SMBC Friend Securities Co. Ltd. In addition to a permanent exhibition, the museum showcases seasonal rotating exhibitions. After touring the collections, be sure to stop by the Museum Shop. Described as a “museum within the museum,” the store offers a variety of unique gifts and art-themed souvenirs. Yamatane Museum of Art is situated within a 2-minute walking distance from Shibuya Station (East Exit). Hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday.
8. Pay your respects to HACHIKO
Shibuya is home to the Hachiko Statue, a memorial honouring the Akita Inu dog who famously waited for his master to return from work for 10 years following the master’s sudden death. The statue was erected in front of Shibuya Station in 1934 and has since become a popular meeting point for locals and tourists, who come to pay their respects to Hachiko and take photos with the ever-loyal pooch.
9. Support the independent art scene while sipping coffee at UPLINK
UPLINK Shibuya was established in 1987 as a film distribution and production company. Today, the facility operates as a cultural space comprising three movie theaters, a gallery, a cafe, a bookstore and a restaurant. Here, visitors can take in independent and underground movies, documentaries and experimental video productions. UPLINK Shibuya also hosts regular workshops, live performances and talks. The facility is located within a 10-minute walking distance of Shibuya Station‘s Hachiko Exit. Screening times vary, so be sure to check the company’s website for the most up-to-date schedule.
10. Lend your voice to an anime character at NHK STUDIO PARK
If you’ve ever wanted to be a news anchor, weather forecaster, camera operator or voice actor, here’s your chance. For just 200 Yen, NHK Studio Park offers visitors the chance to become a cast member for a day. Read the news, try your hand at filming, or become a voice actor for a popular anime. The studio park also offers interactive activities, such as quizzes and discussion panels, as well as a gallery of props that have been used in NHK programs. NHK Studio Park is situated within a 15-minute walking distance of Shibuya Station. Hours of operation are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily.
NHK Studio Park facilities
- Studio Cafe
- Studio Shop
- NHK Creative Library
- 3D theater
- Accessible restrooms
- Wheelchair ramp
- Accessible elevator
- Nursing room
11. View porcelain artworks at TOGURI MUSEUM OF ART
Located within a 10-minute walking distance of Shinsen Station, the Toguri Museum of Art showcases thousands of Chinese, Korean and Hinzen porcelain artworks from the collection of founder Tohru Toguri. The museum also hosts seasonal themed exhibitions. Past exhibitions have included Kinrande: Imari Ware that Captivated the World; Nabeshima and Ko-Kurani: Lineage of Design; and Flower and Plant designs in Imari Ware. Don’t forget to check out the museum shop, where you’ll find books published by Tohru Toguri as well as a wide assortment of decorative dishes, Imari porcelain wares and other art-themed products. Toguri Museum of Art is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday.
In collection at Toguri Museum of Art
- Shoki Imari Ware (early 17th century)
- Ko-Kutani Style (mid 17th century)
- Kakiemon Style (late 17th century)
- Kinrande Style (late 17th century to early 18th century)
- Nabeshima ware
- Tang Dynasty
- Song Dynasty
- Yuan Dynasty
- Ming Dynasty
- Qing Dynasty
- Koryo Dynasty
- Yi Dynasty
12. Surf the web while snacking on all-you-can-eat ice cream at GRAN CYBER CAFE B@GUS
When you’re ready to take a break from sightseeing, head to Gran Cyber Cafe B@gus to relax and surf the Internet. The cafe offers an all-you-can-eat ice cream bar, free-flowing soft drinks, printers, fax machines and charging stations. There are also ladies-only seating options, shower rooms and massage chairs. Gran Cyber Cafe B@gus is located within a 3-minute walking distance of Shibuya Station‘s Hachiko Exit. The cafe is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Gran Cyber Cafe B@gus amenities
- DVD rentals
- Game rentals
- Projection rooms
- Video game consoles
- Futons
13. Stop and take a breather at NABESHIMA SHOTO PARK
Shibuya Kuritsu Nabeshimashoto Park was once the site of a tea plantation for the Nabeshima clan. The land was purchased by the daimyo Kishinev Tokugawa in 1876 and converted to a park. Today, the park features playground equipment, picnic areas, dozens of cherry trees and an artificial pond that is home to gobi, turtles and stone moroko fish. Shibuya Kuritsu Nabeshimashoto Park is located within a 10-minute walk of Shinsen Station.
