Shibuya Crossing, the Most Famous Crossing in the World!

Depending on how you look at it, Shibuya Crossing could be considered an infrastructure disaster or an urban planning miracle. With hundreds of thousands of passersby a day in opposite directions, it’s absolutely incredible that serious collisions are not filling local headlines day after day. Instead, this controlled chaos has come to symbolize the dynamism of Japan’s largest metropolis where millions of people commute efficiently. 

Often compared to NY’s Times Square or London’s Piccadilly Circus, few images are so instantly recognizable by anyone in the world who hasn’t spent decades isolated from mass media. Who would’ve thought that, innovative as it is, a mere pedestrian crossing would go on to become one of Tokyo’s hottest tourist attractions? But it’s easy to see why it’s consistently in the top must-see for everyone visiting Tokyo.

*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.

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What is Shibuya Crossing?

Shibuya Crossing, also known as Shibuya Scramble (渋谷スクランブル交差点), is the world’s busiest, and most famous intersection, located right outside Shibuya Station in Tokyo. It’s particularly known for its “scramble crossing”, with five pedestrian crossings that, at peak times, generate a sea of people with every traffic light change. The system is meant to prioritize safety amid a ridiculously high number of pedestrians, which is why car traffic is halted from all directions.

Imagine this: average estimates calculate around 1,000 pedestrians every time there is a green light (with even up to 3,000 individuals recorded at a given time), about 260,000 or 390,000 people a day (weekdays and weekends, respectively) and 1.5 million pedestrians a week. 

If you don’t find these numbers mind-boggling enough, take into account these figures were calculated between 2012 and 2014, well before the current tourist boom so it’s safe to assume actual current numbers are even more impressive!

A brief history of Shibuya Crossing

The history of this iconic intersection is a reflection of Shibuya’s evolution as a bustling and commercial district. The crossing’s origins can be traced back to the Taisho era (1912–1926) when Shibuya Station was a terminal for the Tamagawa Electric Railway. 

During the Showa era (1926-1989), the area developed quite rapidly, and the station became a significant hub as the number of railway lines began to multiply. The subsequent gradual increase in pedestrian traffic, as the importance of the area was growing, led to the need for a more efficient crossing system.

In 1973, the scramble crossing was introduced, allowing pedestrians to cross in all directions at once, which was a novel concept at the time. This system was designed to alleviate congestion and improve safety, quickly becoming a symbol of Tokyo’s modernity and efficiency.

What to Do at Shibuya Crossing

Well, technically we’re talking about a pedestrian crossing, so the most obvious thing you can do here is just to use it as intended, that is, to cross it, when the traffic light turns green right? But as one of Tokyo’s most iconic attractions, there’s plenty more you can do! 

Just bear in mind that enjoying the space does not include obstructing the way for others so please be mindful of everyone else around here!

Seek the Best Vantage Spots Around the Crossing

You didn’t come all this way just to cross and leave it at that right? Depending on your commitment level, curiosity or free time, seeking out all the places where you can snap a pic of this iconic pedestrian crossing is an excellent excuse to explore the immediate surroundings. The most famous and obvious is the Starbucks just across the station right in front of the crossing, but some of the surrounding places also have some nice views!

Best of all, you don’t have to pay for a few of them! For instance, the nearby Hikarie tower has a nice view from the 11th floor that’s freely accessible. There’s also the passageway from the JR station to the Shibuya Mark City which is also completely free and has an interesting point of view. You’ll find many more and maybe some hidden jewels if you take your time snooping around.

If you need some more suggestions, check this article: 6 Best Shibuya Crossing Photo Spots

Explore the underground shops and restaurants at Shibuchika

The entrances around Shibuya Crossing that lead underground are not just there to access the subway, there’s a whole underground mall with shops and restaurants right below the famous pedestrian crossing! Did you know Shibuchika (しぶちか)  is also one of the oldest underground shopping malls built in Japan? It was originally opened in 1957 (and renovated entirely in 2021) as part of one of the many development projects that had taken place around the area, and it was one of the early reasons so much pedestrian traffic was present on this spot!

Do Some People Watching

With thousands and thousands of passersby every minute, the popularity of this spot is also a people magnet attracting all sorts of quirky individuals. Few places in the world are guaranteed to provide so much entertainment, so all you need to do is find a spot somewhere around the area, for example near the station exit, grab some popcorn (optional) et voilà! On any given day, you will find at least some of the following, and then some more: 

Aspiring influencers doing their thing (some of them harmless, some of them frankly annoying); people with signs of “FREE HUGS”; political or social activists doing some demonstrations depending on the state of local or world affairs; camera crews from TV interviewing people from all walks of life, awe-struck tourists dealing with the crowds, people with striking outfits treating the crossing like a catwalk; some eager young fellas trying to score from passing girls (with varying degrees of success or failure), and a long, long etc.

Watch Yourself from a Live Stream Webcam

There are several publicly available live stream webcams scattered across several spots in Tokyo so obviously a few of them are located around Shibuya Crossing! Head to Youtube, search for one of the live webcams so you can watch yourself or your friends from a 3rd person point while crossing!

A Film Set Replica

Did you know there is a whole life-sized replica of Shibuya Crossing? Even including the nearby station entrances and all! ASHIKAGA SCRAMBLE CITY STUDIO is a unique film location set in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, that meticulously recreates and captures the essence of Tokyo’s famous scramble intersection. 

It was originally built in 2019 as a collaborative effort between several studios that needed a life size film set for their respective productions. It was supposed to be demolished once filming was done but thankfully, Ashikaga City realized there was a lot of potential for this kind of place and since 2020 it continues to operate as an on-demand film set.

Spanning an impressive 6,585 square meters, the studio provides creators or filmmakers with an authentic backdrop for shooting scenes that would be challenging to film in the actual location. As such, this replica is not accessible for casual visitors, but if you can afford the daily fee, you can have the entire Shibuya Crossing for yourself for one day!

For more details, check the company’s official website: https://ashikag-scramble.com/

Getting to Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is right outside of Shibuya Station, one of the busiest stations in Japan, which is reachable via multiple train lines:

• JR Lines: Yamanote Line, Saikyo Line, and Shonan-Shinjuku Line.
• Tokyo Metro: Ginza Line, Hanzomon Line, and Fukutoshin Line.
• Tokyu Lines: Toyoko Line and Den-en-toshi Line.
• Keio Inokashira Line.

If you arrive via JR Lines or Tokyo Metro, look for the Hachiko Exit for the closest access.

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Tourist Attractions Near Shibuya Crossing

Hachiko Statue

The Hachiko Memorial Statue (忠犬ハチ公像) is a touching symbol of fidelity, commemorating the legendary Akita dog known for his unwavering loyalty. Erected in 1934 and re-established in 1948 outside Shibuya Station, it marks the spot where Hachiko patiently awaited his owner’s return, long after his passing. This bronze sculpture not only captures the heart of a story that has resonated worldwide but also serves as a cherished rendezvous point. 

Shibuya Tsutaya

Shibuya Tsutaya is a cultural icon at the heart of Shibuya, offering a vast selection of books, music, and films. Renovated in 2024, it now serves as a multi-level hub for international intellectual property, featuring pop-up stores and events that celebrate global entertainment and fashion. It’s a modern crossroads of creativity and leisure, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a world of cultural experiences.

More info: Shibuya Tsutaya: A New Era for an Iconic Landmark

Miyashita Park

Miyashita Park, reopened in 2020, is a revitalized urban oasis blending shopping, sports, and leisure. The rooftop Sky View Park offers a green retreat, while the Rayard Miyashita Park shopping complex houses diverse stores and eateries. Shibuya Yokocho, located on the first floor, showcases a collection of Japanese snacks, making it a vibrant destination for locals and tourists alike.

More info: Miyashita Park: Shibuya’s Urban Oasis

Shibuya Center Gai

Shibuya Center Gai (渋谷センター街) pulsates as Tokyo’s epicenter of youth culture. This bustling pedestrian street brims with fashion boutiques, music shops, and eateries. By day, it’s a shopping haven; by night, it transforms into a lively playground for party-goers and music enthusiasts. It’s a microcosm of Shibuya’s dynamic spirit, offering an authentic slice of the city’s vibrant street life

More info: Shibuya Center Gai: Best Things to Do

Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky (渋谷スカイ) is currently Tokyo’s tallest observation deck, atop Shibuya Scramble Square, at 229 meters. From this open-air observation deck you can enjoy 360-degree panoramic views of the city, and gaze upon iconic landmarks like Mt. Fuji (on clear days) and Tokyo Tower, all while standing right above the world-famous crossing. 

<<Click HERE to Book your SHIBUYA SKY Ticket Now!>>

More info: the New Observatory on Top of Shibuya Scramble Square

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