If there is one place in Tokyo that is filmed, photographed and drawn in the media, films and other manga, it is the unmissable Shibuya intersection, or "Shibuya Crossing" for those in the know.
Some fun facts
2500 people cross the intersection at each green light, i.e. 500,000 pedestrians per day. There are 10 traffic lanes; vehicle traffic is stopped for 45 seconds to allow pedestrians to cross safely. It's best to wait for the green light before crossing…
In , The surveillance cameras in the square recorded 9 seconds during the night when absolutely no one crossed the square – a record!
The popularity of the area and the fact that it is flooded with advertising (3 giant screens are fixed on the facades and numerous advertising billboards dominate the intersection) mean that Shibuya is frequently compared to New York's Times Square.
Let's now discover where to observe the activity at the intersection!
The best observation points
Shibuya Station
On the upper floors
Near the station, besides the shopping malls, you can find places to enjoy the view of the intersection. The Shibuya Station Bridge, which connects the station to a shopping center, is one of them. The advantage? It's free. The disadvantage? It's a noisy thoroughfare.
Tsutaya Starbucks Café
This is the perfect spot to enjoy the view in peace and quiet! On the second floor of Tsutaya (the Japanese equivalent of Fnac), you can relax, sip your drink, or even study your Japanese while observing the entire intersection right in front of you. Be warned: this spot is VERY popular. Avoid peak hours, or you won't be able to get a seat!
Magnet by Shibuya 109
Just a short walk from Tsutuya, you'll find Magnet by Shibuya 109 (not to be confused with the 109 shopping center, which is also located nearby!). In addition to shops and restaurants, there's an observation deck offering a panoramic view of the intersection. Access to the observation deck costs a small fee, while a fisheye photo will set you back 1000 yen (approximately €8).
Shibuya Sky
Last year, Shibuya inaugurated the breathtaking Scramble. This 230-meter skyscraper offers (among other things) one of the best panoramic viewing experiences in Japan. The observatory, Shibuya Sky, promises a spectacular open-air view. More information in this article: https://www.espacelanguetokyo.fr/5-tours-pour-en-prendre-plein-les-yeux/ and a firsthand account "as if you were there" here: https://vivreatokyo.com/tokyo-shibuya-sky-vue.html
