What to do in Shibuya? Recommended Ways to Spend Time from Morning to Night
Shibuya is the epicenter of Japanese youth culture. It's a representative area of Tokyo, known for its scramble crossing where up to 3,000 people cross at once, and the statue of Hachiko. Shibuya is the center of trends and fashion, lined with stylish cafes and boutiques. For me, who was born in Tokyo, Shibuya has been my go-to place for shopping since I was young.
Shibuya is home to numerous art museums and live music venues, showcasing its artistic and musical side. The streets are filled with trendy youngsters and artists, exuding an energetic atmosphere.
Of course, there's also a wide variety of dining options. In addition to cafes and restaurants, izakayas and bars come alive at night. Shibuya, which continues to evolve, offers new discoveries with every visit.
However, it's challenging for first-time foreign visitors to find truly local-favorite establishments among all the options. In fact, when I moved to Shibuya in 2024, it took me several visits to discover these hidden gems. This is why tours guided by locals have been gaining popularity.
Magical Trip, which ranked #1 among all tours on TripAdvisor in 2024, offers numerous tours around Shibuya with local guides. For those interested in tourist spots and Tokyo culture, the "Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour" is highly recommended. You'll explore Harajuku, the birthplace of Kawaii culture, with guides who know the area inside and out.
If you're interested in Tokyo's food culture, join the "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" or the "Tokyo Night Foodie Tour in Shinjuku" in the neighboring district. You can enjoy exceptional Japanese cuisine at locally-beloved sushi restaurants, yakiniku places, and izakayas.
Shibuya in the Morning
Shibuya is known as the "city that never sleeps," coming to life at night. Izakayas and bars open all at once, and the area bustles with young people visiting nightclubs and live music venues.
On the other hand, Shibuya in the morning shows a different face from the night. While JR Shibuya Station is crowded with people heading to work or transferring trains in the morning, the streets are relatively quiet and calm as many commercial facilities open between 10 and 11 AM. Some izakayas offer lunch service, but full-scale operations usually start in the evening.
In contrast to the liveliness of the night, morning in Shibuya is peaceful, allowing for a relaxed time. I will introduce some recommended ways to spend a quiet morning in Shibuya.
Eating Breakfast (Japanese Cuisine)
Shinpachi Shokudo
Source: Official website
"Shinpachi Shokudo" is popular as a place to enjoy a healthy meal in the morning. Here, you can savor grilled fish or meat dishes cooked over charcoal. The set meal includes a main dish, side dishes, miso soup, and rice, providing a nutritionally balanced meal from the morning. The price of around 1,000 yen for such a complete meal is a pleasant surprise.
Especially, I recommend the grilled fish set meal with a wide variety of fish to choose from. Not only salmon, which is popular overseas, but also Japanese staples like horse mackerel, Pacific saury, and yellowtail are available. Open from 7 AM, it's also perfect for a breather after a night out.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Sato Estate Building Main Building, 3-18-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6712-6369
・Hours: 07:00 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.shinpachi-shokudo.com/
MUSUBITEI
Source: Official X
"MUSUBITEI," an onigiri shop that just opened on August 31, 2023, is also recommended. It offers a rich variety of flavors that are hard to find overseas, such as blue shiso takana, chirimen zanshō, and shiso seed hijiki.
The onigiri, gently wrapped in brand-name rice, are very reasonably priced from 200 to 300 yen each. For a hearty breakfast, you can choose two onigiri of your liking and add two pieces of karaage and two pieces of tamagoyaki for an additional 330 yen! There's also an eat-in space, so you can enjoy your meal leisurely inside the store.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Dai-3 Yagi Building, 3-7-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-5464-2211
・Hours: Weekdays: 07:00 - 21:00 Weekends and Holidays: 07:00 - 18:00
*Closes when sold out
・Official website: https://www.musubitei.jp/
Relaxing at a Cafe
WHITE GLASS COFFEE
Source: Tabelog
I recommend for those who want to spend a quiet and relaxing time, "WHITE GLASS COFFEE". Despite being close to Shibuya Station, the interior has a calm atmosphere where you can spend a relaxed time. The interior, decorated with plants, is bright and feels like an oasis in the city.
It's also nice that they offer healthy menu options. The selectable breakfast menu comes with one drink and is priced between 1,000 and 1,300 yen.
I especially recommend the "Avocado Toast," where creamy avocado perfectly matches the slightly salted bread, satisfying both your heart and stomach.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Visionary Arts, 23-18 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6416-4550
・Hours: 08:00 - 20:00
・Official website: https://whiteglasscoffee.com/
Pan to Espresso to Machiawase
Source: Tabelog
"Pan to Espresso to Machiawase" is a shop that catches the eye with its pop displays and interior. The interior, designed around the concept of eggs, is like an art piece, making you feel happy just by being there.
The breakfast menu is very reasonable, with drinks included for 500 to 700 yen. I recommend the "Iron Plate Cheese Omelette," with its fluffy eggs and melting cheese that's simply delicious and addictive. Located right near Shibuya Station inside MIYASHITA PARK, it's convenient for meeting friends or taking a break from shopping.
<Information>
・Address: 2F MIYASHITA PARK South, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6805-0830
・Hours: 08:00 - 21:00
・Official website: https://www.jisoku1jikan.jp/projects/#machiawase
Enjoying the Nature
MIYASHITA PARK
Source:Official website
MIYASHITA PARK is a commercial facility that houses "Pan to Espresso to Machiawase" and is also popular as a rest spot. The rooftop of the facility, which houses cafes and boutiques, is developed as an urban park with a spacious lawn spread out. Being here makes you forget that you're in the center of Tokyo, allowing you to fully enjoy an open atmosphere.
Its also equipped with sports facilities such as bouldering and a skateboard park. If you actively move your body from the morning and then lie down on the grass to gaze at the blue sky, I’m sure the day will be wonderful.
<Information>
・Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6712-5630
・Hours: 08:00 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/
If you are interested in MIYASHITA PARK, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Yoyogi Park
Source: Official website
Yoyogi Park is a large park within walking distance from Shibuya Station. The vast grounds are covered with lush greenery, loved by locals as a precious place to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
In the morning, Yoyogi Park is bustling with people enjoying walks, runs, and yoga, each spending a peaceful time at their own pace. On weekends, flea markets and events are also held.
It's an ideal place for those who want to spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also many tourist spots around the park, such as Meiji Shrine and Harajuku's Takeshita Street, making it recommended for a break during sightseeing.
<Information>
・Address: Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-3469-6081
・Hours: 24 hours
・Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/index.html
If you are interested in Yoyogi Park , check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Meiji Jingu Shrine
Source: TripAdvisor
Adjacent to Yoyogi Park is "Meiji Jingu Shrine," said to be the most visited shrine in Japan. While it's a world-famous tourist attraction, if you visit early in the morning, there are few visitors and a quiet atmosphere prevails. Enjoy a stroll to the main shrine, passing through Japan's largest wooden torii gate and feeling the fresh breeze.
There are also cafes and restaurants open from the morning within the shrine grounds. Drinking morning coffee in a sunlight-dappled interior while listening to birdsong is the ultimate luxury. Also, near the shrine is Omotesando, lined with stylish shops, which is recommended for a stroll after visiting the shrine.
<Information>
・Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-3379-5511
・Hours: From sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
・Official website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
If you are interested in Meiji Shrine, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Eri
Strolling Around Shibuya
Shibuya truly comes to life afternoon. The Scramble Crossing and Center Street, which are usually so crowded that it's difficult to walk, have a relatively calm atmosphere in the morning hours. It's recommended to leisurely stroll around Shibuya town enjoying this quietness. You'll be able to experience a completely different side of Shibuya, the city that never sleeps.
Also, this time when there are fewer people is a chance to take photos of Shibuya's cityscape. Try wandering around the city and finding your favorite photo spots.
Shibuya in Daytime
Must-visit Spots
Scramble Crossing
When it comes to Shibuya's symbol, it's the "Scramble Crossing." Located in front of Shibuya Station, this intersection has 10 lanes of traffic intersecting and 5 pedestrian crossings. Over 3,000 people cross during a single green light, and on busy days, the number of people passing through in a day exceeds 500,000.
Even late at night or early in the morning, there is never a break in foot traffic, and it's said to be the world's busiest intersection. In recent years, due to the popularity of overseas travel guides and the spread of social media, many tourists from abroad come to Shibuya to see this intersection.
If you are interested in photo spots in Shibuya, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Eri
Hachiko Statue
Another symbol of Shibuya is the "Loyal Dog Hachiko Statue." Hachiko was an Akita dog born about 100 years ago in 1923. At 50 days old, he was adopted by Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno, a professor at Tokyo Imperial University, and made it his daily routine to accompany the professor to and from Shibuya Station.
However, the professor died suddenly after only 1 year and 4 months. Despite this, Hachiko continued to wait for the professor's return at Shibuya Station for over 10 years. Known for his loyalty to his owner, he was called the "loyal dog," and even after his death, his bronze statue continues to be loved as a meeting place for people.
Access: 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Eri
Shibuya Sky
Source: Official Website
This is an observation deck located on the upper floors of "Shibuya Scramble Square," directly connected to JR Shibuya Station.
The view from the rooftop observation deck at 229 meters above ground is magnificent. From this open space, you can see not only the city of Tokyo but also as far as Mount Fuji.
From the 46th floor, you can not only enjoy the view but also experience an extraordinary digital space utilizing technology. There are also cafes and shops, so you can spend a whole day leisurely. The regularly held art and music events are a must-see.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 10:00-22:30
・Closed: None
・Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-4221-0229
・URL: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/about/
Eri
If you're interested in fashion and kawaii culture, explore Harajuku with a local guide!
This is a 3-hour tour where you can fully immerse yourself in Harajuku, the holy ground of pop culture. For $72.53 (approximately ¥10,800), you can enjoy the latest fashion trends around Takeshita Street with commentary from a local guide.
The tour includes tasting Harajuku's famous street foods like crepes and pancakes, as well as a cooking experience of okonomiyaki or monjayaki. Photos taken at guide-recommended photo spots will be sent via email later.
You can also visit hidden popular spots in Ura-Harajuku, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the tour. While there are no age restrictions, please note that the tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Details here: Harajuku Kawaii Fashion & Pop-culture Tour
Recommended Spots for Game and Anime Fans
Nintendo TOKYO
Source: Official Website
This is the official Nintendo goods shop located on the 6th floor of Shibuya Parco, a fashion building popular among young people. It's packed with Nintendo character goods that can only be purchased here, including Super Mario, Animal Crossing, Splatoon, The Legend of Zelda, and more. This shop is hugely popular with both children and adults, and I can't help but drop by whenever I go to Shibuya!
The shop is decorated with characters, and game music plays in the background, making you feel like you're in the world of a game! As it's a popular store, numbered tickets may be distributed on weekends and holidays due to crowding. It's recommended to visit with plenty of time to spare.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 10:00-21:00
・Closed: None
・Address: Shibuya Parco 6F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 0570-021-086
・URL: https://www.nintendo.com/jp/officialstore/index.html
If you are interested in Shibuya PARCO, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Pokemon Center Shibuya
Source: Official Website
This is the official shop for Pokemon goods. The large Mewtwo and Pikachu objects at the entrance are sure to raise your excitement!
The cool and stylish interior, which gives a sense of the future, is full of character goods that can only be bought here. As a Pokemon fan, I want to spend all day in this space. It's a very nice space even for those who don't know Pokemon, so I recommend it to everyone. The Nintendo shop is next door, so it's convenient to visit both together.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 10:00-21:00
・Closed: None
・Address: Shibuya Parco 6F, 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-5422-3522
・URL: https://www.pokemon.co.jp/shop/pokecen/shibuya/
If you are interested in shopping in Shibuya, check the article below! I summarized fashion buildings I recommend and how I felt each Shops.
Eri
One Piece Mugiwara Store
Source: Official Website
This is the official One Piece shop located on the 6th floor. It handles over 10,000 types of goods, making it one of the largest in Japan! You can shop surrounded by character objects. It's an irresistible store for fans.
MAGNET by SHIBUYA109, where the One Piece Mugiwara Store is located, is full of shops dealing with youth culture and apparel. There are also other stores where you can experience anime and subculture. If you're an anime fan, be sure to stop by.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 10:00-21:00
・Closed: None
・Address: MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 6F, 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-6416-9222
・URL: https://www.mugiwara-store.com/store
Recommended Spots for Music Lovers
TOWER RECORDS
Source: Official Website
This is the main store of Tower Records, a representative music store in Japan. The entire building from the 1st to 9th floor is Tower Records! They handle over 800,000 items including records and video works such as Blu-rays.
On the 9th-floor event space, there are often autograph sessions and mini-live performances coinciding with CD releases, giving you a chance to meet artists in person. There's also a cafe on the 2nd floor that offers collaborative food with artists, allowing you to deeply experience Japanese subculture.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 11:00-22:00
・Closed: Irregular
・Address: 1-22-14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-3496-3661
・URL: https://towershibuya.jp/access
HMV record shop
Source: Official X
Along with Tower Records, HMV is another famous CD shop in Japan. This particular store operated by HMV deals in records, cassette tapes, and old second-hand CDs.
Currently, there's a retro boom among young people in Japan, with many saying "the sound source emanating from records is emotional and good." It's very popular. You can see many young people in the store. As a large store, it has one of the largest selections in Japan. In addition to J-pop, they also have a good selection of Western music records, and some people even come from overseas to look for records.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 11:00-21:00
・Closed: None
・Address: Noa Shibuya 1F/2F, 36-2 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-5784-1390
・Official X:https://x.com/HmvBooksShibuya/status/1790910285856821676/photo/1
Face Records
Source: Official Website
In the 1990s, there were many record shops in Shibuya. Face Records is one of the long-established stores that set up shop in this area in 1996. Since its founding, it has been buying and selling records, passing them on to the next owner.
They handle a wide range of records from classic albums to rare treasures, so you might experience the miracle of finding a record in Shibuya that you've been looking for for a long time!
Japanese versions of records are characterized by having promotional "obi" strips attached to the jacket, so there's also the fun of comparing them with versions from other countries.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 11:00-20:00
・Closed: Irregular
・Address: 10-2 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-3462-5696
・URL: https://www.facerecords.com/shop/index.php
Recommended Spots for Shopping
Shibuya 109
It's not an exaggeration to say that Shibuya 109 is synonymous with Shibuya's fashion buildings. It handles popular apparel brands among young people. The building, which has a strong presence even in Shibuya, is affectionately called "Maru-kyuu."
In the early 2000s when I was a teenager, it was the “gyaru” boom, and Shibuya 109 was a leading presence in the Shibuya high school girl & gyaru boom, and was an object of admiration for me too. Although fashion changes with the times, at Shibuya 109, you can always experience fashion that's ahead of its time.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 10:00-21:00
・Address: 2-29-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・URL: https://www.shibuya109.jp/
If you are interested in Shibuya 109, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
sena kanda
Shibuya Hikarie
This is a complex facility directly connected to Shibuya Station, equipped with restaurants, shops, halls, and galleries. You might be captivated by the unique exterior of the building that looks like assembled blocks.
It has stores that can be enjoyed by all age groups, not just young people, and there's a food section in the basement. In Japan, this is called "depachika gourmet," where you can enjoy slightly luxurious takeout food like bento boxes.
It's convenient because it's directly connected to the station, and the upper floors are offices, so many people drop by after work.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 11:00-21:00
・Address: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・URL: https://www.hikarie.jp/
Shibuya Cat Street
Source: TripAdvisor
This is a fashion street that stretches about 1 kilometer across Shibuya and Harajuku. While Center Street has many large stores like department stores, this area has many individual stores on the street level.
Mainly, there are stylish second-hand clothing stores and shops of brands dealing with unique fashion, and you can see many people enjoying unique fashion. You might see scenes of people taking snapshot photos.
There are also many restaurants and street food shops, making it a popular area among young people.
If you are interested in Shibuya Cat Street, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Eri
After Sightseeing, Enjoy Nightlife in Shibuya & Shinjuku!
Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
This 3-hour bar hopping tour lets you experience Shibuya's nightlife to the fullest. For $106.51, the tour includes 4+ drinks and 3-4 food items.
Explore hidden dining districts like Niku Yokocho with a local guide and enjoy premium Japanese meat dishes including wagyu, Kobe beef, and beef sushi.
Open to participants aged 15 and above, though alcohol is restricted to those 20 and older. The small-group format allows you to fully experience the local atmosphere, and English-speaking guides ensure a comfortable experience.
Meeting point is in front of TSUTAYA, a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station's Hachiko Exit. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours before the tour.
Details here: Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo
Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
This popular Shinjuku bar hopping tour has been experienced by over 20,000 people. For $105.56, this 3.5-hour tour includes 4+ drinks and 3 food items.
Ranked #1 in TripAdvisor's Japan experience category for 2024, the tour takes you to three hidden local izakayas. Enjoy local favorites like yakitori, gyoza, and fried tofu while experiencing different faces of Shinjuku, including Omoide Yokocho and Kabukicho.
Open to those 15 and older, with English-speaking guides available. Meeting point is next to UNIQLO Shinjuku West Exit Store, 7-8 minutes walk from Shinjuku Station West Exit. Cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.
Details here: Tokyo Bar Hopping Night Tour in Shinjuku
Bar Hopping at Izakayas and Bars
Meat Yokocho (Chitose Kaikan)
Source: Official Website
If you want to eat meat in Shibuya, head to Meat Yokocho! Located in the center of Shibuya, Meat Yokocho allows you to enjoy meat and alcohol with a festival-like atmosphere of street stalls.
With over 30 stores to choose from, including steak, meat sushi, sukiyaki, and yakitori specialty shops, it's a casual space where you can even have food delivered from different stores.
The distance between customers is close, and with delicious alcohol and meat, conversation is sure to heat up! It's a yokocho where you can enjoy Japanese drinking culture in a lively atmosphere.
<Information>
・Address: Chitose Kaikan 2F/3F, 13-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・URL: https://nikuyokocho.jp/
If you are interested in Shibuya's meat alleyway, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Yasuhiro
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho
Source: Official Website
While Shibuya is lined with large, modern buildings, there's a retro yokocho in front of the station that feels like you've traveled back to the Showa era. While redevelopment is progressing and old buildings are being lost in Shibuya, this yokocho hasn't changed from the old days.
The oldest shop, "Nada," has been operating here since 1950. With 38 old and new izakayas lined up, it's bustling daily with tourists and after-work customers. The close emotional distance between shop owners and other customers is also a yokocho style. Please enjoy the old-fashioned, warm-hearted Japan.
<Information>
・Address: 1-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・URL: http://www.nonbei.tokyo/
If you are interested in Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Yasuhiro
Going to Dance Clubs
TK NIGHT CLUB
Source: TripAdvisor
This is one of the largest nightclubs in Tokyo. Lively performances are held every day in a luxurious space.
There are discounted rates, and those 25 and under can enjoy it at reasonable prices, which is also a characteristic of TK NIGHT CLUB, attracting many young customers.
With a beautiful interior and high-quality sound system, it receives high praise from customers. The food is also excellent, so you don't have to worry if you get hungry. It's a club where you can enjoy yourself satisfactorily all night long. While it's popular among foreigners, you need a photo ID for entry, so don't forget your passport.
<Information>
・Operating hours: 22:00-4:30
・Closed: Irregular
・Address: B1F, 13-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-5456-2400
・URL: https://tk-nightclub.com/
If you are interested in "Night Clubs" to enjoy Shibuya's nightlife, check the article below! I summarized in more details and how I felt there.
Yasuhiro
HARLEM
Source: TripAdvisor
When it comes to the clubhouse in Tokyo, everyone unanimously says HARLEM - that's how famous it is. Since its establishment in 1997, it has been boosting Japanese hip-hop. With 160,000 customers visiting annually from both Japan and abroad, HARLEM has become a holy ground for Japanese clubs.
With its long history, there are many long-time customers. There's also a bar counter, so you can enjoy drinks when you're tired of dancing. Famous DJs and artists hold events almost daily, continuing to liven up the streets of Shibuya even today.
< Information>
・Operating hours: 22:00-5:00
・Closed: Sundays
・Address: 2F/3F, 2-4 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone number: 03-3461-8806
・URL: http://www.harlem.co.jp/club/about.html
While Shibuya is known for its youth culture such as fashion and music, morning in Shibuya shows a different face from usual. In contrast to the lively nights, morning in Shibuya is enveloped in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
It's recommended to visit during this time before the people increase and the town becomes fully bustling. It will provide you with a fresh experience different from noon or night. Enjoy your time as you like, whether it's having a healthy breakfast at a restaurant, relaxing surrounded by nature in a park or shrine, or capturing the quiet Shibuya cityscape in photos.
