The Shibuya district is one of the liveliest districts in Tokyo, Japan. It is known for its fashion stores, restaurants, bars and nightlife, as well as its famous Shibuya Crossroads, where thousands of people cross the street every day. In this article, we will explore in detail the various attractions and activities that Shibuya has to offer.
History of Shibuya
Shibuya began as a small rural village called Shibuya-juku, which was located on the Tōkaidō Road, one of the five main roads in Japan. In the early 20th century, the neighborhood began to develop rapidly, with the arrival of the Yamanote train line and the construction of many stores and restaurants. During World War II, Shibuya suffered extensive damage, but it was quickly rebuilt after the war and became an important cultural and commercial center.
Shopping
Shibuya is one of the most popular places in Tokyo for shopping. The area is known for its fashion stores, which offer a wide variety of fashionable clothes and accessories. Among the most popular stores is Shibuya 109, a large shopping mall with over 100 women’s fashion stores. There are also many Japanese and international brand stores in Shibuya’s shopping street, called Center Gai.
Restaurants and bars
Shibuya is also known for its lively nightlife. There are many restaurants and bars in the area, offering a wide variety of cuisine, from traditional Japanese to international dishes. Shibuya is also known for its izakayas, bars that serve Japanese food with alcoholic drinks. There are also karaoke bars, where customers can sing their favorite songs.
Shibuya Crossroads
Shibuya Crossroads is perhaps the most famous attraction in Shibuya. It is often portrayed in the media as a symbol of urban life in Tokyo. Thousands of people pass through the intersection at every traffic light change, creating an impressive human tide. The best places to look at the intersection are the upper floors of Starbucks or Tsutaya, two cafes that offer a great view of the street.
Other attractions
In addition to the intersection, Shibuya has other interesting attractions. Nearby is the Meiji Shrine, a large Shinto shrine surrounded by a beautiful park. The Shibuya Art Museum is also an interesting place to visit for contemporary art lovers. There are also many cinemas in the area, offering Japanese and international films.
Shibuya is a vibrant and lively part of Tokyo that offers a wide variety of activities for visitors. Whether you’re looking to shop, eat at fine restaurants, or enjoy the city life of Tokyo, Shibuya has something for everyone. The Shibuya Crossroads is a must-see for tourists, but there are also other interesting attractions in the area, including the Meiji Shrine and the Shibuya Museum of Art.
Shibuya is also easily accessible from other parts of Tokyo. Shibuya Station is one of the largest stations in Tokyo, with train and subway lines connecting it to many other parts of the city. It is therefore easy to get around the city from Shibuya.
Addresses in Shibuya
There are so many interesting places in Shibuya that it can be hard to choose where to go. Here are some of the best places in Shibuya:
- Shibuya 109: Located just outside Shibuya Station, Shibuya 109 is a large fashion mall for women. There are over 100 stores in this building, all offering the latest Japanese fashion trends.
- Center Gai: This popular shopping street in Shibuya is an ideal place for shopping and walking. There are many clothing, shoe and accessories stores, as well as cafes and restaurants.
- Tsutaya: This book and record shop is one of the largest in Shibuya. It offers a wide variety of books, magazines, records and films, as well as a café and a reading area.
- Harajuku Gyoza Lou: This small restaurant offers delicious and affordable gyozas (Japanese ravioli). There is often a queue, but it is worth it for the taste of their gyozas.
- Koen-dori: This tree-lined street is an ideal place to walk and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Shibuya. There are many cafes and restaurants along this street.
- Sushi no Midori: This sushi restaurant is famous for its quality and affordability. There is often a long line to enter, but the service is quick and the fresh fish is worth it.
- Nonbei Yokocho: This small area is a network of narrow streets with many small bars and restaurants. It is an ideal place to explore the nightlife of Shibuya and discover hidden places.
- Hikarie: This large shopping centre offers a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cinemas. There are often interesting events and exhibitions held in this mall.
These are just some of the best addresses in Shibuya, but there are many other great places to explore in this bustling Tokyo neighborhood.
