Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the busiest pedestrian road crossing in the world. It is worth checking out simply see and take in the incredible sight of that many people crossing the street at once, to walk across it to experience it firsthand, and for the incredible photos you can take (particularly at sunset) of thousands of Japanese business men crossing the street at once in their business suits.
There are two places along the crossing to get a fantastic view: Mag’s Park Rooftop Bar and Shibuya Sky. Mag’s Park Rooftop Bar is located on the northeast corner of the crossing above a store named Magnet by Shibuya. Enter Magnet and take the elevator to the rooftop bar. Shibuya Sky is an observation deck whose elevator can be reached from the Shibuya Train Station. There is limited space and reservations for the elevator up are a must.
Ramen Tour
If you are obsessed with ramen and want to eat as much of the delicious treat as you can this is the perfect tour for you. Along with a small group a fun and engaging tour guide will bring you to three incredible ramen restaurants where you’ll sample two ramen’s at each place. Great price, amazing ramen, good people…you couldn’t ask for a better tour.
Nonbei Yokocho (Drunkards Alley)
Nonbei Yokocho is a wonderful, small blast from Tokyo’s past where you can walk along and stop in the small shack-like bars that line this tiny alley. Don’t be intimidated by the old world feel or the tiny, intimate shacks that seem like a hidden adventure that would require an invitation. These bars are largely welcoming and a great place to stop for a drink. There’s a fabulously cool bar along the alley named Piano Bar. You’ll notice it be its insane red decor. Make sure to go sit upstairs and have a drink.
Harajuku
Harajuku is a buzzing fashion-forward district of Shibuya, renowned for its colorful street art, quirky vintage clothing stores and cosplay shops. For funky shops and crazy fashion check out the main thoroughfare, Takeshita Street. And, for more tradition, upscales boutiques check out Omotesando Avenue.
While in Harajuku, you have to check out the café, Reissue, where you can enjoy the most photogenic 3D latte art. And, if you’re looking for a place to get a bite to eat, check out the British Indian Cafe 1930. Additional recommendations for places to eat in Harajuku are the conveyor belt sushi experience, Kaitensushi Ginza Onodera, the dumpling snackery, Harajuku Gyoza Lou, sushi roll extraordinaire, Gonpachi Nori-Temaki Harajuku, Michelin-starred soba restaurant, Tamawarai, rustic tasting menu hot spot, Eatrip, or simply indulge in some of Harajuku’s best street food.
Hachiko Square
Hachiko Square is the famous square just outside of Shibuya Station. Known for its statue of Hachiko, Japan’s favorite dog, Hachiko Square is not somewhere that you need to plan a special trip for, it’s just something that is relatively famous and worth seeing as you leave Shibuya Station. It is also the meeting place for the ramen tour discussed above. This unofficial Japanese landmark features a statue of a faithful Akita dog, named Hachiko. The story of Hachiko starts in 1920 when professor Eizaburo Ueno adopted Hachiko in the Akita prefecture. The two were apparently inseparable, and everyday when professor Ueno would take the train to Tokyo University Hachiko would see him off. And, everyday Hachiko would return at 3pm and wait patiently for his master to get off the train. Unfortunately the professor died in 1925 while working at the university and never returned for a final goodbye with his pet. The faithful Hachiko, though, continued to return to the train station every day at 3pm until his own death nearly 10 years later. As an homage to man’s best friend and to honor the love we receive from our furry friends as well as the extraordinary love Hachiko showed for his owner, the Hachiko statue was erected shortly after the dogs death.
Meiji Jingu Shrine
The Meiji Jingu Shrine is dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort, Empress Shoken. Located just next to Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line’s, this wooded area as many nice walking paths, the gorgeous shrine after which it is named and a wall of traditional sake barrels that make an excellent photo opportunity. Meiji Shrine is free to enter at any time. Treasure House and the Inner Garden are both open from 9am to 4:30pm and the entry price is 500yen for each.
Nintendo Tokyo
Nothing quite says Japan like Nintendo, and their flagship store in Tokyo is a sight to see as well as a perfect destination to buy some gifts for friends back at home. In addition to Tokyo, there are also stores in Osaka and Kyoto.
Pokemon Center Shibuya
A five minute walk from Shibuya Station, is another of Japan’s iconic video game shops. If you’re a big fan of Pokemon, make sure to stop in and check out some of their displays and merchandise.
Mandarake
If you’re looking to shop till you drop for Japanese comics, toys, video games, action figures, dolls, cards and cosplay items, Mandarake is a one stop ship for all your needs
Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya
Open from 10am till 8pm the Cosmo Planetarium Shibuya is Tokyo’s premier planetarium. Book tickets in advance HERE to make sure you get a seat.
Love Hotel Hill
Japan is known for its wide array of accommodation options, from traditional ryokan, space age capsule hotels, and, of course the ever popular “love hotel.” A love hotel is a short stay accommodation, typically paid for by the hour, that aim to provide guests privacy for sexual relations. The greatest concentration of love hotels in Tokyo is in the Shibuya district at a place called Love Hotel Hill, also known as Dogenzaka. Some of the hotels cater to upscale clientele, some to quirky and outrageous themes like rooms entirely decorated in zebra-print or ninja themed rooms, other’s are simple and functional and that is all. If you are interested in trying a love hotel, head to Love Hotel Hill behind the Shibuya 109 building and wonder the streets choosing your preferred accommodation. There are two choices at most places, “Rest” which means that you typically receive access to the room for one to four hours and “Stay” which means you can stay overnight. Some rooms go for as cheap as $40 a night, although prices surge on Friday and Saturday nights. Some rooms even have jacuzzis, massage chairs or even karaoke machines. Be aware that some hotels do not allow same sex couples or couples where both members are foreigners.
The SG Club for Cocktails
The SG Club has made the list for worlds 50 greatest bars on multiple occasions as well as best bar in Japan in 2020 and 2021. Expect world class cocktails and great ambience. The SG Club, is inspired by the first official journey made by the Japanese to the United States in 1860, and is divided into two floors known as Sip and Guzzle. Located on the ground floor is Guzzle which boasts an upbeat and warm atmosphere full of approachable cocktails designed for drinkers that want to binge a bit at a typical bar. Down the stairs, you’ll find Sip. This cellar speakeasy is reminiscent of an old New York gang club if the gang running the club was a group of criminal samurai. Here you’ll find the finest cocktails in Japan, designed to be sipped and enjoyed over a long period of time. If you decide you need some cigars following all these cocktails, you can head to the second floor, where you’ll find a membership cigar and cocktail lounge that blends Cuban and Japanese influences. Bartenders will even pair your cocktail with the perfect cigar.
Music and a Drink at Grandfather’s
Another one of Japan’s best bars, Grandfather’s opened over 40 years ago, based on the owners love of vinyl records. Nothing much has changed at Grandfather’s in those 40 years except the playlist which still features a bunch of classic rock, but also includes some modern artists as well.
