The best spots and landmarks for meetup in Tokyo’s busiest districts: Shibuya, Shinjuku, Tokyo Station and more
Big City Tokyo’s center districts are always mega busy and crowded. When you try to meet with your friends at/around the stations, it’s almost impossible to find them because many of stations in Tokyo are like a maze with loads of exits and gates, and even worse, the torrent of people passing by can blind you. But did you know most of stations have famous and easy-to-spot meeting points?? I’m going to introduce meeting points/landmarks at 10 major touristic districts in Tokyo so you won’t be lost anymore!
1. Shibuya: Hachiko and Moyai Statues
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo, Shibuya station has an iconic dog statue called “Hachiko” on its Hachiko exit, which has been beloved for many decades. Around Hachiko Statue is very crowded as a lot of people meet up there and also it’s a popular landmark of the neighbourhood. I’d also recommend to meet up around Moyai Statue, which is less known but pretty remarkable. The Moyai Statue is located on the west exit of the station, which is better choice if you want to avoid crowds.
Map
Hachiko: https://goo.gl/K9Lbwk
Moyai: https://goo.gl/3daQkA
2. Harajuku: Jingu Bashi Bridge
Although the district itself is one of the most touristic areas, Harajuku station is pretty small and humble comparing to other major stations in Tokyo. If you are heading to the famous shrine “Meiji Jingu”, the best place to meet up is “Jingu Bashi Bridge ” which is the bridge across the railways to the other side of the station connecting to the main entrance of the shrine.
3. Shinjuku: Studio ALTA
Shinjuku Station can be a nightmare for first time visitors. Apparently the station has been once listed on Guinness world record as the busiest train station in the world (used by average of 3.4 millions people in a day). The most recommended and easiest place to spot is Studio Alta which is located in front of the east exit of the station.
4. Ikebukuro: Owl Statue
Ikebukuro Station is the second busiest station in Tokyo after Shinjuku, which has 2.5 millions passengers a day. The adorable owl statue is located on the east gate of the station. The owl stands inside the train station so it’s very convenient when it rains.
5. Shimbashi: SL (Steam Locomotive)
Known as Salaryman’s Paradise, the SL Square is located in front of Shimbashi Station. After 5 pm during the week, the square is fully crowded with office workers who finish their jobs and ready to drink before going home. The square have an actual big Locomotive statue in center which has been a popular meeting spot in Shimbashi area.
6. Roppongi: The Spider
The famous integrated property developments “Roppongi Hills” has very artistic symbol called ”Maman” which is a bronze spider statue designed by French artist Louise Bourgeois. The statue is located right in front of Mori Tower and the exit from Roppongi metro station.
7. Ueno: The Wings
Even not many Japanese people know, but Ueno station has many art works inside the building and is sometimes called the “Museum Station” . The best known meeting point is the Status of Wings which is placed in the central exit of Ueno station. If you have time, explore inside the station for more artworks!
8. Ginza: Lion Statue
The bronze statue of lion is located right in front of the famous department “Mitsukoshi” which is directly connected with Ginza metro station. The fearless lion has been lying by the entrance of the building since 1914 in the centre of Tokyo’s shopping district.
9.Akihabara: Oasis@akiba
The world’s leading district of electrics & Otaku culture, Akihabara a.k.a. AKIBA’s meeting point is Oasis@akiba which is located right next to Akihabara station central exit (in front of famous electric products store Yodobashi Camera). As well as it’s an accessible meeting point, it’s an useful complex with information centre, smoking space, vending machine and paid bathroom.
10. Tokyo Station: the Silver Bell
The biggest maze in the city. Tokyo station is the hub of Tokyo’s railways and serves numbers of bullet trains to many other destinations in Japan. This 102 year-old building is also known as one of the most beautiful stations with its nostalgic red brick interior. However, the station is notorious for making everyone lost. If you try to meet someone in Tokyo station, it’s almost impossible. The best known meeting point of the station is “the Silver Bell” located in B1 Yaesu Central Underground (Yaesu Chuo Chika) exit.
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"The world is my oyster" A globetrotter 🌎 and hammock lover 🌞 who loves taking adventures to fuel wanderlust. Born and raised in Japan, I have spend almost a decade living and exploring countries across the world. Based on my travel experience, I'd love to share my knowledge and tips for travelling with my readers. I hope my stories help you plan your trip and have a great time in Japan 🌈