Shibuya is a popular shopping district and entertainment center in Tokyo. It is home to the eccentric fashions of Harajuku, department stores and boutiques, post-modern buildings, and many different museums. Known for its busy streets, flashing lights, and neon advertisements, Shibuya is a definite sight to see.
Next to the Shibuya train station is the statue of Hachikō, a legendary dog that waited for his late master, every day in front of the station, for twelve years. The surrounding area is known as Hachikō Square, and is the most popular area for locals to meet.
Nearby is the Center Gai, a little street packed with stores, boutiques, department stores, restaurants, and arcades. Close to the Center Gai are a series of strange and fun museums, including the Bunkamura-dori, Tobacco and Salt Museum, and the Tokyo Electric Power Company Electric Energy Museum. There are many clubs and performance spaces in the area as well.
In the southwestern section of Shibuya is Harajuku, known for the wild and strange fashions of local teens, the shopping streets of Ometasando and Takeshita-dori, the infamous Meiji-Shrine, and the home of the beautiful cherry blossom trees in Yoyogi park. This area is the most popular destination in Shibuya.
Don't forget to take a walk across the popular intersection outside of Shibuya Station. Nicknamed the "Shibuya scramble," watch as all the lights turn red at the same time, and hundreds of pedestrians surge into the intersection from all sides!
Shibuya is a ward located in the south-western part of Tokyo. It is very busy during the week, when commuters are getting to and from work. It is recommend to go to Shibuya on the weekend, when it is easier to ride transportation and see locals in a more relaxed atmosphere.
