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Whether it’s your initial visit to Japan or one of the many returns you've made, Shibuya never fails to offer an abundance of fascinating sights and activities to explore. It's been quite some time since our last visit, and once again, we found ourselves captivated by the endless attractions this city has to offer.

For those embarking on their inaugural journey to this vibrant destination and seeking a more structured experience, we've curated a thoughtful list to steer your exploration in the right direction.

1. Hachiko

Hachiko is a Akita statue dog that is located at the Hachiko exit at Shibuya station. The statue honors the most loyal dog in Japan and is also a popular meeting spot.

At first glance the small Hachiko Statue near Shibuya Scramble Crossing may not appear particularly impressive until you hear the story behind Hachiko. It’s only upon hearing the story of the actual dog that you can really appreciate its significance.

We grew up in Japan, where taking photos with the statue was rare, unlike the bustling lines that form now for a snapshot with Hachiko, which continue throughout the day.

2. Shibuya 3D Billboard

The lights of Tokyo are truly mesmerizing, each one adding to the vibrant night scene of this bustling city. The billboards scattered throughout the city are a sight to behold, with their captivating designs and animations that bring the streets to life.

For a special treat, time your visit to be at Shibuya Crossing when the playful 3D Akita billboard lights up, showcasing its whimsical display that only plays once every hour. Amidst the various versions of billboards, the Akita one stands out as a favorite.

3. Shibuya Scramble Crossing

When we were teenagers shopping around in Shibuya, we never really appreciated how cool this crosswalk was. This intersection is recognized as the busiest pedestrian intersection globally, bustling with activity throughout the day. It's incredible to witness the constant flow of people, remaining almost unchanged even late at night or early in the morning.

To fully appreciate the charm of this iconic crosswalk, you can catch different vantage point views from various spots like the hotel we stayed at Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, Shibuya Sky, and inside Shibuya Station (look for signs leading to Mark City).

4. 109

109 is a bright and colorful eight story mall with over one hundred stores. It’s mainly geared towards women in their teens to early twenties. This was another hotspot we frequented as young adults. When we recently stopped by, we were delighted to explore an accessory store filled with an assortment of jewelry and hair accessories.

We both purchased a selection of hair accessories, including headbands and bracelet hairbands (we can’t find similar ones in the US), all available at affordable prices that were too good to pass up. Though we’ve kind of outgrown the current fashion stores, 109 still exudes a vibrant energy, making it a fun place to visit and observe the latest fashion trends embraced by the youth in Japan.

5. Loft

Loft is a lifestyle department store with seven floors and around 80,000 unique items. You can find just about anything here from stationery, cosmetics, kitchenware, interior decor, toys, etc.

We always make sure to set aside plenty of time to leisurely browse through all the floors during our visits because you never know what interesting treasures you might come across.

On our most recent visit to the store, we spent the majority of our time in the cosmetics and stationary sections. The variety of products was impressive, ultimately enticing us to buy unique items such as an eye shadow palette shaped like a cat paw and charming sticky note pads in assorted animal designs.

6. Shibuya Sky

We saw a ton of Instagram reels of the views from Shibuya Sky and finally decided to reserve tickets to experience it ourselves. It’s definitely touristy so purchasing a ticketed time slot is a must. The sunset time slot we wanted was sold out weeks in advance so our next best option was a nigh time slot.

The views on the 49th floor with a 360-degree open-air observation deck was incredible. It’s the highest bird’s eye view point of the Shibuya crossing. One of the popular spots is the escalator facing the views which you can ride as many times as you like. There is a large clear glass for your own protection, but luckily this glass doesn’t obstruct any views or ruin your photos.

Another photo spot is a glass corner called the Sky Edge. There is a photographer here that will take your photo, which you can choose to purchase. Afterwards, you are free to take your own photos however you only get thirty seconds. And they actually had a stop watch timing us, so make sure you have your camera ready.

After enjoying the views outdoors, we headed indoors to the Sky Gallery, which was like a mini art museum. You can also enjoy some light snacks and drinks at their Paradise Lounge or buy some gifts at the Sky Gallery Souvenir shop.

7. Karaoke Kan

Going to Karaoke is very nostalgic to us as it was something we did on a weekly basis as teenagers. The dimly lit rooms filled with music and laughter provided the perfect escape from our schoolwork and teenage worries.

Back then, the Karaoke machines were already considered quite advanced compared to those in other countries. However, in recent times, the technology has progressed even further, offering an enhanced karaoke experience.

We highly suggest making a room reservation for a minimum of two hours to allow ample time to acquaint yourself with the song selection device. As you start belting out your favorite tunes, you'll find that one hour simply flies by!

If you’re seeking to relive the iconic karaoke scene from "Lost in Translation," a visit to Karaoke Kan would be ideal. To replicate the exact ambiance of the movie, you can request rooms 601 or 602, providing a nostalgic trip down cinematic memory lane.

8. Photoshoot with Akira (Airbnb Experience)

If you haven’t explored Airbnb Experiences yet, you're in for a treat! It’s an excellent platform for securing budget-friendly travel photo shoots. Our adventures have led us to book numerous shoot sessions across the globe, including vibrant cities like London, Amsterdam, New Orleans, and Barcelona.

Despite frequently visiting Japan, it was our first time arranging a nighttime photoshoot. After carefully considering reviews and photographers' portfolios, we opted to collaborate with Akira, who exceeded our expectations. We started our photoshoot journey in Shinjuku, exploring vibrant streets and capturing memorable moments at every turn.

Then we made our way to the iconic Shibuya area, where, thanks to Akira’s expertise in photography, he skillfully captured stunning photos of us together against the backdrop of the bustling Shibuya Crossing.

His exceptional skills in guiding and photographing his subjects helped us feel at ease in front of the camera. He edited the captured images and emailed them to us within just five days. We were overjoyed and elated with the final results.

9. Shibuya Mark City

Accessible via inside Shibuya station, Mark City is a fantastic place to find an array of restaurants, shops, and cafes all conveniently located in one spot. The entire area also provides access to free (high-speed) WiFi for two hours, making it a great spot to take a break and catch up online. During our visit, we couldn't resist indulging in award-winning French pastries from Jean Francois and also enjoyed a cup of coffee and dessert at the cozy excelsior cafe.

If you want to enjoy views of Shibuya crossing, one great spot to do so is at Mark City’s walkway. This walkway serves as a passage linking Shibuya Station to the Shibuya Mark City building. The entire walkway is enclosed by walls made of glass, providing visitors with a unique vantage point to observe Shibuya crossing from above.

10. Tower Records Flagship Store

Visitors to Tower Records Shibuya are greeted with a nine-floor music paradise, each level offering a unique theme such as New Releases, Tower Records Cafe, J-Pop, Anime, K-Pop, Tower Vinyl, Hip Hop, Classical, and more.

To Americans, Tower Records is seen as a dying brand struggling to stay relevant, but the reality in Japan is quite the opposite. This iconic music store is actually owned by a Japanese company and boasts an impressive collection of approximately 100,000 vinyl records.

Surprisingly, despite Japan's reputation for being at the forefront of technology, it remains one of the largest CD retailers globally. This renowned establishment has cemented its status as a go-to spot for music enthusiasts seeking rare finds and out-of-production gems.

If you’re a fan of Japanese anime like Bleach or Chainsaw Man, you'll find a unique selection of treasures at Tower Records. From rare CDs and vinyl records to captivating books and niche magazines, this place caters to anime enthusiasts looking for exclusive collectibles to add to their collection.

11. MEGA Don Quijote

Don Quijote can be quite overwhelming as each floor is jam packed with merchandise. It’s known as the biggest discount store in Japan and you can find items like anime goods to colored contact lenses.

You'll be amazed by the array of random items you can discover within its walls, making it a perfect spot for a shopping spree whenever you please, considering that the Shibuya store operates 24/7.

If this is your first time to Japan definitely leave room in your suitcase to bring back Don Quijote souvenirs. Better yet, you can actually buy a new suitcase at Don Quijote and fill it full of gifts and goods.

12. Kuma Chan Onsen

Kumachan Onsen combines the Japanese words for bear and hot springs. The restaurant's bear-themed decor adds a whimsical touch to the traditional shabu shabu dining experience, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a fun and memorable meal in Japan.

Basically, the teddy bear-shaped collagen jelly sitting calmly in the hot pot resembles a bear sitting in a bath at a hot springs. We had such a fun time watching our cute kumachan-shaped broth slowly melt into a flavorful, bubbling broth, creating a satisfying and heartwarming meal experience.

We only scratched the surface during our time in Shibuya, barely skimming the countless activities and attractions this vibrant neighborhood has to offer travelers. We're confident that your time in Shibuya will be nothing short of wonderful, no matter what you decide to do.

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