There are so many things to do in Shibuya that you could easily spend 1-2 weeks just in this neighborhood. It’s one of my favorite areas in Tokyo, and there’s something for everyone here in Shibuya, no matter your age or budget.
In this guide, I will share my favorite things to do in Shibuya as well as some free activities and what you can do in Shibuya when it rains.
Walk across the famous Shibuya Crossing
Let’s start with one of the most classic things to do in Shibuya. Walking across the largest pedestrian crossing in the world is certainly a memorable experience.
For the ultimate experience of Shibuya Crossing, go here in the rush hour either in the morning or in the evening.
If you want the best view and take pictures of Shibuya Crossing, I would recommend a window seat at Starbucks. Or getting the bird’s eye view from above at the viewing platform at the top of Mags Park, which has free entrance.
Get your game on in a Taito station
While Akihabara certainly has more Taito Stations and arcades, you can still find some here as well. There’s a big Taito Station around the corner from Shibuya Station where you can play Mario Kart and all kinds of arcade games and claw cranes.
Experience the Gyaru Culture
The Gyaru culture started in Shibuya as opposition against Japanese beauty standards, and if you want to learn more about this particular lifestyle and fashion, you could visit the Ganguro Cafe.
Here, you can meet real Gyaru girls and even get your own makeup and become a Gyaru for a day. Visiting the Ganguro Cafe and experience the Gyaru culture is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Shibuya!
Go Shopping in Shibuya
Shibuya is famous for its trendy shopping, and in addition to international brands, you’ll find shopping centers with local designers and stores that are only available in this neighborhood.
If you’re somewhat of a shopaholic, I bet you’ll feel like in heaven here.
In addition to clothing and fashion, Shibuya also has large department stores with all kinds of products, including electronics.
Photo: Osugi / Shutterstock.com
Eat at Genki Sushi
Uobei Sushi in Shibuya is my favorite place to eat Sushi in Japan, and there are many reasons for it. First, 2 pieces of delicious sushi cost as little as 108 yen, including tax.
Second, you order from a computer screen, and the sushi is prepared right away and sent out on an automatic conveyor belt. And third, as a foreigner, it will be the best sushi you’ve ever eaten without having to break your bank.
Uobei Sushi is part of the Genki sushi chain which can be found all over Tokyo and some other Japanese cities.
Visit a Manga Cafe
Some of the most popular Manga Cafes in Shibuya are GeraGera Manga Cafe, Manboo! Manga Cafe, Takarajima24 and Comica. These are open 24/7 and they’re a mix of Manga/internet cafes where you can read comics, play games or even stay overnight.
Explore the nightlife
Shibuya is famous a youth-area in Tokyo, and with it comes shopping, fun activities, and of course a vibrant nightlife. Some of the most popular nightclubs in Tokyo can be found in Shibuya and nearby Roppongi Hills.
The nightlife isn’t all about clubbing though, and there are plenty of Izakayas (local Japanese bars) where people hang out and socialize.
If you want to go to a nightclub in Shibuya, I would recommend Womb, Atom Tokyo, and Sound Museum Vision.
Visa det här inlägget på Instagram
Go for a real-life Mario Kart drive
If you’re a fan of Nintendo and Super Mario, more specifically Mario Kart, you should definitely take the opportunity and go for a real-life Mario Kart drive.
You’ll be driving around the streets of Tokyo, especially in Shibuya and you can even dress up as your favorite character. This is most popular among foreigners, but it’s certainly one of the fun things to do in Shibuya!
Photo: Jon Chica / Shutterstock.com
Enjoy local food and drinks in Nonbei Yokocho
Nonbei Yokocho is Shibuya’s equivalent to Yokocho Omoide in Shinjuku. It’s also known as Drunkard’s alley and is a historic alley filled with local bars and restaurants.
It’s a great place to get Japanese food and Japanese Beer as well as to get a glimpse of how Tokyo looked like during World War II. Another alley worth checking out is Niku Yokocho, which is also known as the “meat alley”.
Check out a Love hotel
The Love Hotel Hill street is one of the most concentrated areas of love hotels in Tokyo, and it’s located in the Shibuya neighborhood. Love hotels are designed for Japanese couples who want some privacy.
Most of the population live at home until they start their own family, and Japanese walls are usually paper-thin.
With that said, Love hotels have also become famous among tourists because of their unique design, features and let’s say “special” services. The rooms are usually spacious and full of quirky details.
You pay for the rooms as you go with rates per how many hours you’re staying there.
It’s definitely a unique aspect of the Japanese culture, and you don’t have to actually stay there. You could rent a room for a few hours, and just see what it’s all about, it will surely be something you’ve never experienced before!
Stay in a Capsule hotel
For those of you who want to do some quirky things in Shibuya, but would prefer avoiding love hotels, you could stay in a capsule hotel which there are plenty of in the Shibuya district.
Photo: Mr. JK/Shutterstock
Visit the Meiji Jingu Shrine
The Meiji Jingu Shrine is located in Shibuya city but is more easily reached from Harajuku and Takeshita Street. I listed it here since it’s one of the most famous attractions in Shibuya and one of the best-known shrines in Tokyo.
Get some Kawaii nails at Es Nail Shibuya
ES Nail in Shibuya is famous for their nails and beauty treatments, so if you want to pamper yourself, it’s a nice place to go with friendly and professional staff.
Below is a photo of Christine’s nails which are Japanese inspired with cherry blossom and shrines. What’s even cooler is that the two nails with shrines are actually inspired from my Instagram photos!
Visit the Mega Donki shop – Don Quijote
If you can’t find what you’re looking for at Don Quijote in Japan, it basically doesn’t exist. The Mega “Donki” shop in Shibuya is one of their main stores, and it has several floors.
Don Quijote sells all kinds of stuff, such as candy, beverages, makeup, Halloween costumes, foods, souvenirs, electronics, and much more. It’s a really fun store to visit and it’s relatively cheap as well.
Check out Tower Records
If you’re into music, I’m sure you’ve heard about Tower Records. The one in Shibuya is nine stories high and is listed as one of the biggest music retail outlets in the world.
Photo: joe_kittidate / Shutterstock.com
Visit a Pachinko Parlor
Pachinko is one of the unique parts of Japanese culture that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. It’s basically a form of gambling mixed with an arcade game which is famous for its noise and flashing lights and colors.
It’s safe to say that you haven’t experienced Japanese culture fully until you’ve walked into a Pachinko Parlor. And as you might’ve guessed, there are plenty of Pachinko parlors in Shibuya!
Photo: Kobby Dagan / Shutterstock.com
Watch a performance at the Noh Theater
If you’re looking for more cultural things to do in Shibuya, I can recommend a visit to the Cerulean Tower Noh Theater, It’s a theater where you can see traditional Japanese performing arts.
Visitors can buy tickets to shows, and during the days between 2:30PM to 5:30PM it’s usually possible to walk around freely and have a look.
Stroll around Center Gai
The Center Gai is basically the center of Shibuya, and here you’ll find an abundance of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes, etc. This is the best place to go in Shibuya to experience the atmosphere and get a feel for the vibrant area.
Photo: Matej Kastelic / Shutterstock.com
5 Free Things to do in Shibuya
If you’re visiting Shibuya on a budget and want to do some free things, here are a few activities that are 100% free.
- Check out some art galleries
- Stroll around Yoyogi Park
- See a mix of modern and old at Konno Hachimangu Shrine
- Sample free food at Shibuya’s Odakyu department store
- Say hello to the Hachiko Statue
Photo: beibaoke / Shutterstock.com
Things to do in Shibuya when it rains
Much of the rain falls in June/July as well as during Typhoon season in September. However, most downpours are quite intense and won’t last for long, so you’re likely not getting your day ruined by it.
With that said, most of the best activities in Shibuya can be enjoyed when it rains as well, such as shopping, eating, and partying.
What to do in Shibuya with kids
While I don’t have any kids myself, these are some of the kid’s friendly activities in Shibuya in addition to the already mentioned one that each parent deems appropriate.
Go playing some games at a Taito Station is another fun thing to do in Shibuya with kids.
- Visit the Disney store
- Rainbow Karaoke
- Shibuya Playground 4 kids
- Visit a cat cafe
Famous tourist attractions in Shibuya, Tokyo
In addition to all the fun things to do in Shibuya, there are also several iconic landmarks and famous tourist attractions.
- The Hachiko Memorial Statue
- Meiji Jingu Shrine
- Shibuya Crossing
- Yoyogi Hachimangu Shrine
- Shibuya 109 (trendy fashion complex)
- Togo Shrine
- Nonbei Yokocho (alley with food and bars)
- Niku Yokocho (meat alley)
Want more tips on things to do in Shibuya? Leave a comment below!