Shibuya Center Gai: Best Things to Do

Shibuya Center Gai is an iconic street in Shibuya and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. There are countless activities to enjoy at Center Gai, from shopping for clothing and cosmetics to savoring delicious ramen and sushi. If you’re wondering how to make the most of your limited travel time in Shibuya, here are the 10 best things to do in Center Gai.

And if you need a general overview of the Shibuya area, make sure to check our All-in-One Guide to Shibuya.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

---

What is Shibuya Center Gai? (aka “Basketball Street”)

Shibuya Center Gai is a bustling pedestrian street in Tokyo’s Shibuya district, renowned as a hub for youth culture, fashion, and entertainment. Lined with an array of shops, eateries, and nightlife venues, it serves as a focal point for trends and social gatherings. In 2011, the street was officially renamed “Basketball Street,” a move aimed at improving its image and reflecting its proximity to the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, a notable venue for basketball events. Despite the official change, many still refer to it by its original name, Shibuya Center Gai.

Best Times to Visit Shibuya Center Gai

Shibuya Center Gai (渋谷センター街) buzzes with energy around the clock, but the vibe shifts as the day unfolds. Morning hours, when the streets are less crowded, allow for a relaxed stroll and the chance to admire the local storefronts without the typical rush. Come late afternoon, the area transforms as office workers and shoppers join in, setting a vibrant scene that peaks during early evenings.

Weekends bring an extra dose of liveliness, with neon signs and dynamic street performances amplifying the atmosphere well into the night. Each period offers its own unique charm, so choosing a time that suits your style can turn your visit into a memorable urban adventure.

Best Things to Do in Shibuya Center Gai

1. Photographing at Shibuya Crossing

One of the most famous tourist sites in Shibuya and Tokyo is Shibuya Crossing, which is located at the entrance of Center Gai. Shibuya Crossing is perfect to take an amazing photo of Tokyo, where thousands of people pass at once. It is also well-known for scenes on international films such as Lost in Translation and Resident Evil: Afterlife.

2. Enjoying sushi at belt-conveyor sushi restaurants

Shibuya Center Gai is famous for its variety of food options, from popular Japanese food to Spanish and French dishes. Of course, there are a great deal of restaurants of the most popular Japanese food sushi in the Center Gai street. It is highly recommended to experience quality sushi at conveyor belt sushi restaurants at an affordable price from 130 yen. Most sushi restaurants in Shibuya are really friendly to international visitors.

3. Experiencing the most popular ramen

Ramen is one of the most popular Japanese dishes you should try in Shibuya Center Gai. Shibuya is often referred to as the mecca of ramen in Tokyo, featuring numerous highly-rated ramen restaurants. If you’re unsure about which ramen to choose, Ichiran Ramen comes highly recommended; it’s the most visited by foreign tourists in Shibuya. Although Ichiran Ramen Shibuya is always bustling and typically requires about an hour of waiting in line, there is a hidden branch located in Center Gai. Be sure to visit this less-known location!

4. Drinking at Izakaya with meat

Niku Yokocho (肉横丁), located at the center of Center Gai, is an amazing place to drink and eat all kinds of meat at a Japanese-style pub, Izakaya. There are 28 Izakaya restaurants in the building, serving various meats, from beef and pork to chicken and horse in many ways such as Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ style), Yakitori (chicken skewers), fried, and even raw meat.

For first-timers, this is the recommended food and drink tour with a local guide! If you want to visit the izakaya that Japanese people really recommend, join us for this izakaya hopping tour at Shibuya Center Gai 🙂

5. Shopping at Uniqlo

For those who love shopping, Center Gai is the place you must drop by in Shibuya. Uniqlo, one of the most famous Japanese clothing brands, is located at the edge of the Center Gai street, which is not very easy to find. However, this branch of Uniqlo is relatively less crowded. If you want to enjoy shopping for quality clothes cheaply, Uniqlo is the first option.

Besides Uniqlo, there are other fast-fashion stores such as GU and Zara in the shopping paradise Center Gai. The fast fashion stores there offer various affordable products including limited items you can get only in Japan. They sometimes have a seasonal sale and sell their items at an amazing price!

6. Buying medicines and cosmetics at drug stores

Shopping at drug stores in Tokyo, especially Shibuya, is getting more trendy among foreign tourists. Japanese drug stores offer a variety of medicines and high-quality cosmetics products including skincare and make-up items at a bargain price. Some drug stores with a good deal are located near the entrance of Center Gai.

7. Finding the coolest sneakers

For cool kicks, you can easily find you favorite sneakers in Center Gai. Large chain sneaker stores like ABC Mart are well-stocked with famous brands such as Nike, Reebok, New Balance and so on at an affordable price. Official brand stores including the Adidas official store Shibuya provides you the coolest sneakers and Japan-limited items.

8. Exploring Otaku geeky culture

If you are interested in Japanese Otaku culture, you can get the chance to get geeky items including Japanese manga and anime products in Center Gai. The Shibuya’s neighborhood Akihabara is famous for home to Japanese pop culture, however, Shibuya Center Gai has some popular shops such as Mandarake and Animate. It will become the one and only experience to just seeing the geeky items related to anime and manga there.

9. Enjoying shopping at Loft

Not enough to shop only fashion items? Loft is a variety shop selling unique commodities, stationery, cosmetics, accessaries and so on, which has got more and more popular among foreign people lately. You can see countless interesting items on the seven floors, and you cannot find some of the products except at Loft Shibuya. Loft is a perfect place to buy nice souvenirs for your family, friends and yourself.

10. Completing your shopping list at MEGA DONKI

Shibuya MEGA DONKI is a branch of Don Quijote in Shibuya, which is one of the most popular stores in Japan. At Shibuya MEGA DONKI, you can buy everything: cosmetics, food souvenirs, electronic products, luxury brands items, etc. Additionally, it offers those various items at a bargain price, and open for 24 hours everyday! Shibuya MEGA DONKI is located behind the Center Gai Street.

How to Get to Shibuya Center Gai

Accessing Shibuya Center Gai is simple thanks to Tokyo’s efficient transit system.

By Train

Most visitors opt to ride the JR Yamanote Line, disembarking at Shibuya Station. Once you exit, clear signage directs you toward the bustling Center Gai.

By Subway

Alternatively, you can take the Tokyo Metro, with both the Ginza and Hanzomon Lines offering routes to nearby stations.

View InformationHide

Information

Official Website	http://center-gai.jp/

---

If you plan to travel in Shibuya, visit the Shibuya’s icon Center Gai for every attractions. For more info about Shibuya, you might also like these articles below!