Experience Japan’s Pop Culture in Shibuya and Nearby Places

Get a taste of Japanese pop culture in Shibuya

With its bustling atmosphere and charming nightlife, Shibuya is the place for those who want a glimpse of Japan’s pop culture identity.

Visit Pokémon Center Shibuya with your family

During the day, travelers will find plenty to see and do in Shibuya. Pokémon Center Shibuya is a must-visit for those who love thePokémon franchise. You’ll find offers for a wide variety of original goods. They also feature various merchandise and life-sized Pokémons.

Address: 6th Floor, Shibuya PARCO, 15-1 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-8377

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

How to get to Pokémon Center Shibuya: From Narita International Airport, take the JR Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. Switch to the Yamanote Line and ride to Shibuya Station. Walk about 10minutes to the Shibuya PARCO.

See live performances in Shibuya

At night, Shibuya’s music scene comes alive. Shibuya is a must-see place for the curious and the musically inclined. Several live music performance venues host acts across many genres every night, such as Shibuya Gee-ge. LED billboards showcase the latest music releases and cultural events.

Address: 3-10-4 Shibuya Scramble Square, Udagawa-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0042

Opening hours: 6:30 PM until the show's end

How to get to Shibuya Gee-ge: From Narita International Airport, take the JR Narita Express to Tokyo Station. Switch to the Yamanote Line and ride until Shibuya Station. Walk a few minutes to get to Shibuya Gee-ge.

Embrace your youth in Harajuku

Harajuku, a vibrant neighborhood in Shibuya, is famous for its eclectic street fashion and youth culture. Enter Takeshita Street, and you’ll be in something akin to a runway for various styles. The area is also known for quirky food offerings, such as the iconic Harajuku crepes. You can also find various shops selling everything from vintage clothing to unique accessories.

You can also find Kiddy Land, a multi-story toy store, in Harajuku. It’s a great place for families and fans to shop for unique toys, character goods, and cool collectibles.

Address: 6-1-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0001

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

How to get to Kiddy Land: Take the JR Narita Express train from Narita International Airport to Tokyo Station. Switch to the JR Yamanote Line and ride until Harajuku Station. Walk about 5 minutes to get to Kiddy Land.

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Shibuya’s urban playground

One of the best and most iconic ways to experience Shibuya is to see it from a different perspective.

Experience the charm of SHIBUYA SKY

SHIBUYA SKY observation deck stands 229 meters above the city's sprawling concrete jungle. It's a 360-degree observatory atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building. SHIBUYA SKY is the highest outdoor observatory in Japan and the place for breathtaking sunset views and stunning cityscapes. The views at night are no less spectacular than the views during the day. SHIBUYA SKY tickets are available for booking up to four weeks in advance.

SHIBUYA SKY has three zones travelers can explore. SKY GATE is the transition space from the 14th to the 45th floor. SKY STAGE is the rooftop observation space, and SKY GALLERY is an indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor. You can also visit the souvenir shop and cafe and capture a memory of your experience through the photo service.

Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-6145

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

How to get to SHIBUYA SKY: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport. Get down at Tokyo Station and switch to the JR Yamanote Line. Ride until Shibuya Station and walk about 3 minutes to get to SHIBUYA SKY.

Uncover the street culture of Shibuya

Shibuya’s street culture is no less charming than its bird’s eye view. While home to the iconic Shibuya Crossing, this district has a lot more to offer. Charming side streets, popular city attractions, and various experiences make up Japan’s entertainment and unique pop culture scenes.

Get a breath of fresh air on the rooftop of MIYASHITA PARK

Located in the heart of Shibuya is MIYASHITA PARK. Its diverse attractions and activities make it a favorite among locals and tourists. First established in 1953, MIYASHITA PARK was redesigned in 1966 to become Tokyo's first rooftop park.

Today, MIYASHITA PARK is a multidimensional establishment featuring outdoor recreation, shopping, dining, and cultural experiences all in one area. It combines urban living with green space and is a great place to relax and unwind amid the city’s hustle. MIYASHITA PARK at night lights up the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. 

Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0001

Opening hours: May vary per store

How to get to MIYASHITA PARK: From Narita International Airport, take the JR Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. Then, transfer to the JR Yamanote Line and ride to Shibuya Station. MIYASHITA PARK is just a short 2-minute walk from the station.

Dive deep into Shibuya’s unique street culture through its restaurants and shops

Shibuya’s street culture is like no other. Wander from one street to another and see vibrant fashion, trendy cafes, and unique shops showcasing Japan’s pop culture.

Yokochos and halal food

Shibuya is a vibrant mix of retro charm and modern tastes. While exploring, you might stumble upon a yokocho (alleyway) - like the atmospheric Nonbei Yokocho, nicknamed “Drunkard’s Alley.” These charming, narrow lanes are home to tiny bars and eateries, some dating back to the 1950s, offering a glimpse into Tokyo's past.

But Shibuya is also incredibly diverse when it comes to food. Beyond traditional Japanese cuisine, you'll find a delicious range of global options. Adventurous eaters should be sure to explore the area's halal restaurants and discover their new favorite spot!

Malay Asian Cuisine

Malay Asian Cuisine offers a variety of Malaysian and other Asian dishes in a casual setting. You can enjoy dishes like Satay, Curry, Laksa, Chicken rice, and Roti canai.

Address: 2-9-9, 2F Sanwa-Aoyama Building, Shibuya, Shibuya-Ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0002

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 2:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM

How to get to Malay Asian Cuisine: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport. Get down at Tokyo Station and switch to the JR Yamanote Line. Get off at Shibuya Station and walk along Miyamasuzaka Street for about seven minutes until you reach Sanwa-Aoyama Building.

CARVAAN TOKYO

Located on the twelfth floor of Shibuya Scramble Square with a view of Tokyo’s skyscrapers, CARVAAN TOKYO offers Arab and Mediterranean cuisine as well as wine made from ancient varieties of Georgian and Greek grapes, fine wine from Lebanon, and craft beer and craft gin delivered directly from CARVAAN Brewery & Distillery.

Address: 2-24-12, 12F Scramble Square, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM

How to get to CARVAAN TOKYO: Take the Narita Express train from Narita Airport. Get down at Tokyo Station and switch to the JR Yamanote Line. Ride until Shibuya Station and walk about 3 minutes to get to Scramble Square.

The latest fashion trends

For shopping enthusiasts, the ten-story fashion mecca Shibuya 109 is something you shouldn’t miss. It's renowned for its influence on youth fashion and culture. Situated directly across the famous Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya 109 is easily accessible and a central part of the Shibuya district. Its distinct cylindrical shape and large illuminated sign make it difficult to miss. Once you enter the doors, you'll find multiple floors with over a hundred shops catering to diverse fashion styles.

Address: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 150-0043

Opening hours: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM

How to get to Shibuya 109: Take the JR Narita Express from Narita International Airport and ride to Tokyo Station. Get on the JR Yamanote Line and ride until Shibuya Station. Shibuya 109 is a few minutes' walk from there.

Attend an authentic Japanese tea ceremony

South of Shibuya is Komaba, where you can immerse yourself in an authentic Japanese tea ceremony. Komaba Warakuan offers a serene experience that’s a sharp contrast to the bustling energy of modern Tokyo. At Komaba Warakuan, you can witness the Kobori Enshu school of tea ceremony, a style developed for the warrior class. This teahouse serves as a tranquil escape for those who are looking for a little bit of quiet. It is designed to reflect traditional Japanese aesthetics, featuring tatami mat flooring and a peaceful atmosphere. Guests will learn about the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility as the tea master guides them through each step of meticulous preparation before enjoying the tea.

Address: 1-26-11 Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 153-0041

Opening hours: 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM

How to get to Komaba Warakuan: Take the JR Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. Switch to the JR Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station. From there, take a short taxi ride to the teahouse.

Enjoy the contrast between the urban cityscape and natural scenery

Tokyo is home to both urban jungle and spectacular nature scenes. Amid the towering skyscrapers, you’ll find pockets of nature scenes where you can stop for a while and take a breath of fresh air.

Climb Tokyo Tower and marvel at the spectacular views

Tokyo Tower - a famous landmark in the heart of Tokyo and the symbol of Japan’s post-war rebirth. Tokyo Tower features a Main Deck, standing 150 meters tall, and large glass windows that offer a unique perspective of the city below. You'll also find a café and a gift shop.

For an extra fee, you can check out the 250 meters high Top Deck, which features views that are just as breathtaking but with fewer crowds.

In the fall, the views are particularly stunning, especially when you look into the colorful landscape of nearby areas like Shiba Park and Zojoji Temple. It provides a beautiful mesh of urban cityscapes and spectacular nature views. Tokyo Tower’s iconic views against a backdrop of autumn foliage create a striking visual that captures the essence of the season in a scene unique to Tokyo.

Tokyo Tower is also home to RED° TOKYO TOWER, Japan’s largest digital amusement park. For those who love the excitement of high-tech adventure, this is your gigantic playground where you can explore various attractions. You’ll find robot battles where you can wear robotic suits, Japan’s first 360° rotating VR ride, AR dodgeball, and about 20 other digital sports attractions that involve physical activity. It’s the perfect place for people of all ages to get together for some fun, exciting activities.

Address: 4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 105-0011

Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM (may vary per day)

How to get to Tokyo Tower: Take the JR Narita Express from Narita International Airport. At Tokyo Station, switch to the JR Yamanote Line and ride it to Hamamatsucho Station. From there, walk about 15 minutes.

See the scenic and historic views at Shiba Park

Near Tokyo is Shiba Park, one of the oldest parks in Japan. Established in 1873, it provides an interesting contrast to Tokyo Tower’s more modern structure. Shiba Park is home to large camphor, ginkgo, and zelkova trees. It is beautiful in the spring, during the cherry blossom season, and in the fall, when the surrounding scenery comes alive with vibrant gold and red leaves. It also has several attractions and activities to check out.

Momiji-dani - the manmade Autumn Leaf Valley

Momiji-dani, or the Autumn Leaf Valley, is a picturesque spot within Shiba Park. It is an artificial ravine restored in 1984 and renowned for its stunning display of autumn foliage. In the fall, the beautifully landscaped area showcases the vibrant colors of Japanese maple trees as their leaves turn into a spectacular array of reds, oranges, and yellows. One of the standout features of Momiji-dani is a massive Japanese zelkova tree that stands about 20 meters tall. You’ll also find a small waterfall that complements the natural surroundings, providing a soothing sound and enhancing the tranquil atmosphere.

Shiba Maruyama - an ancient keyhole-shaped burial mound

Shiba Maruyama, another key attraction in Shiba Park, is an ancient key-shaped burial mound. It is the largest in Tokyo, measuring approximately 106 meters long. It is estimated to have been constructed in the 5th century, but when Japanese archaeologists investigated the site in 1898, the main burial facility and its contents were already lost. Even so, visitors can still enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and reflect on Japan’s ancient past.

Shiba Tosho-gu Shrine - with its giant ginkgo tree

Shiba Tosho-gu Shrine is located within the grounds of Shiba Park. It was built in 1617 to commemorate Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. One of the largest ginkgo trees in Tokyo stands by the shrine, believed to have been planted by Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third shogun, in 1641. The tree is a designated Natural Monument and symbolizes the shrine’s connection to nature. Inside the shrine, you can see intricate Edo-style wood carvings of plants and animals and a life-sized effigy of Tokugawa Ieyasu.

Address: 4-10-17 Shibakoen, Minato-ku, Tokyo Prefecture 105-0011

How to get to Shiba Park: Take the JR Narita Express Station from Narita International Airport. At Tokyo Station, switch to the JR Yamanote Line and ride it until Hamamatsucho Station. You can walk about 15 minutes or take a short taxi ride to the park.