Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Experience the world's busiest intersection, a mesmerizing dance of humanity at the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See the crossing light up
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Best Time
See the crossing light up

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the world's busiest intersection, a mesmerizing dance of humanity at the heart of Tokyo's vibrant Shibuya district.
"It's a must-see spectacle of organized chaos, a true symbol of Tokyo's pulsating energy."
🎯 Best View: Mag's Park
Skip the Starbucks queues! Mag's Park rooftop offers great Shibuya Scramble Crossing views. Go after 11 AM.
🚶♀️ Walk Cat Street
Stroll down Cat Street from Shibuya towards Harajuku for unique shops and a more relaxed vibe.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Scramble
Shibuya Station
Witness the organized chaos as thousands cross from all directions when the lights turn green. A true Tokyo spectacle!

Hachiko Statue
Outside Shibuya Station (Hachiko Exit)
Pay respects to the loyal dog Hachiko, a beloved meeting point and symbol of devotion.

Mag's Park Rooftop
Magnet by Shibuya 109
Get a fantastic, less crowded view of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from this accessible rooftop.

Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Scramble Square
Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Tokyo, including the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, from this modern observation deck.
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Scramble
Best Viewing Spots
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best View: Mag's Park
Skip the Starbucks queues! Mag's Park rooftop offers great Shibuya Scramble Crossing views. Go after 11 AM.
🚶♀️ Walk Cat Street
Stroll down Cat Street from Shibuya towards Harajuku for unique shops and a more relaxed vibe.
💳 Get a Suica/Pasmo Card
Essential for transport and payments. Easily top up and use for trains, buses, and shopping.
📸 Respect the Crossing
Do NOT stop in the middle of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing to take photos. Be mindful of others.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best View: Mag's Park
Skip the Starbucks queues! Mag's Park rooftop offers great Shibuya Scramble Crossing views. Go after 11 AM.
🚶♀️ Walk Cat Street
Stroll down Cat Street from Shibuya towards Harajuku for unique shops and a more relaxed vibe.
💳 Get a Suica/Pasmo Card
Essential for transport and payments. Easily top up and use for trains, buses, and shopping.
📸 Respect the Crossing
Do NOT stop in the middle of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing to take photos. Be mindful of others.
⬆️ Elevated Views are Key
For the best Shibuya Scramble Crossing experience, view it from above. Mag's Park or Shibuya Sky are top choices.
📍 Hachiko Statue Meetup
The famous Hachiko statue is a classic meeting spot and photo op right outside Shibuya Station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is an electrifying, must-see Tokyo icon, celebrated for its sheer scale and organized chaos. Visitors rave about the unique energy and the thrill of experiencing it firsthand, especially from elevated viewpoints. However, some find the crowds overwhelming and advise caution when navigating the intersection.
"Stopped by the scramble at night. It’s exactly what you would expect. Lots of lights and jam packed with people. You can feel the excitement in the air! It’s definitely worth a stop if you are looking for some iconic photos and fun."
Hungry Robb
"Shibuya Scramble Crossing is a must-see in Tokyo. It's a fascinating, chaotic spectacle of people crossing from all directions. The sheer scale and coordinated movement are mesmerizing. It's the perfect spot to feel the city's pulse and get a great photo."
P
"Overall, it's a pretty cool place to experience. It's not as big as it looks online, but there are plenty of people to keep the area busy. Plenty to see and good. It is a great area to spend the day exploring if you're looking for something to do."
Travis Yeary
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is directly outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. You can't miss it! For access to Shibuya Scramble Square from ground level, you'll be walking under the station, not entering it directly.
Yes, Shibuya Station is a major hub served by multiple train lines, including JR, Keio, Odakyu, and Tokyo Metro lines. It's very easy to reach from most parts of Tokyo.
From Narita Airport (NRT), take the Narita Express to Shibuya Station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, the Limousine Bus is a convenient option.
The Japan Rail Pass is valid on JR lines, including the JR Yamanote Line which stops at Shibuya Station. However, it's not valid on private railway lines or subways.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from Shinjuku Station directly to Shibuya Station. The ride is short, about 7 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing itself is a public street and is free to experience. Viewing platforms like Shibuya Sky require tickets.
The crossing is a public street and is open 24/7. However, the surrounding shops and observation decks have their own operating hours.
Yes, Shibuya Sky is an observation deck and requires a ticket for entry. It's recommended to book tickets in advance, especially for sunset times.
Tickets for Shibuya Sky can be purchased online through their official website or at the ticket counter on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. Booking online is often cheaper and guarantees entry.
Yes, Mag's Park rooftop on the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building offers free views. Some cafes, like the Starbucks in Tsutaya, also provide views, though they can be crowded.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Mag's Park rooftop at Magnet by Shibuya 109 offers excellent, accessible views. Shibuya Sky provides a more expansive, panoramic vista of the crossing and the city.
The Starbucks on the second floor of the Tsutaya building used to be a popular spot, but it's often very crowded. While you can get a view, Mag's Park or Shibuya Sky are generally better options now.
Sunset and evening are popular times to photograph the Shibuya Scramble Crossing as the city lights come alive. Weekday evenings offer a vibrant atmosphere.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale. Consider a tripod for low-light shots. Most importantly, be patient and wait for the perfect moment when the lights change.
It is strongly advised against stopping or taking photos in the middle of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. It's dangerous and inconsiderate to pedestrians.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
Shibuya 109 is famous for its trendy fashion. Don Quijote is a massive discount store open late. Explore the backstreets for unique boutiques and vintage shops.
You won't find many street food carts directly at the crossing. Instead, explore the numerous restaurants and food stalls within the surrounding shopping complexes and streets.
Miyashita Park offers a food street with many restaurants and outdoor seating. Shibuya Hikarie also has diverse dining options. Explore the backstreets for hidden gems.
Shibuya 109 is a landmark department store renowned for its cutting-edge youth fashion, particularly for women.
While not directly at the crossing, Tokyo Camii mosque in Shibuya offers a halal supermarket. You can also find halal-certified restaurants in Tokyo, though they may require some searching.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🛍️ Shoppers & Foodies
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Shibuya Scramble
To truly appreciate the spectacle, consider viewing it from above. While the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building was once a popular vantage point, it's often packed. Mag's Park rooftop on the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building provides a fantastic, accessible, and often less crowded alternative. For an even more breathtaking panorama, the Shibuya Sky observation deck atop Shibuya Scramble Square offers unparalleled 360-degree views of the crossing and the sprawling metropolis.
When crossing yourself, remember to be mindful of others. As Reddit users point out, stopping in the middle of the scramble for photos is dangerous and inconsiderate. Embrace the flow, take it all in, and enjoy this iconic Tokyo experience.
Beyond the Crossing: Exploring Shibuya
For a more relaxed exploration, wander down Cat Street, a charming lane connecting Shibuya to Harajuku, lined with independent boutiques and cafes. If you're looking for diverse dining options, Miyashita Park boasts a vibrant food street with plenty of choices and outdoor seating, making it a great spot to refuel after sightseeing.
For those seeking spiritual solace, Tokyo Camii, Japan's largest mosque, is located in Shibuya and offers a peaceful retreat, complete with a halal supermarket. Whether you're interested in shopping, dining, or simply soaking in the local atmosphere, Shibuya has much more to offer than just its famous intersection.
Getting Around Shibuya with Ease
Shibuya Station itself is a complex hub, and understanding its layout is key. As Reddit users have noted, the ground-level access to Shibuya Scramble Square involves walking under the station, not directly into it. This can be confusing at first, but once you understand the underpass system, it becomes clear.
For longer distances, the JR Yamanote Line is a convenient loop line that connects Shibuya to other major Tokyo districts like Shinjuku and Tokyo Station. If you're planning extensive travel within Tokyo, consider purchasing a Suica or Pasmo card upon arrival to streamline your journeys and payments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit