yokocho Archives | Tokyo Cheapo

Shibuya is Tokyo’s youth mecca, never short of shopping complexes, bars, art, music and -- luckily for us -- things to do. We've got all the highlights covered -- where to score the best views and souvenirs, how to beat (or join!) the crowds, and recommendations for digging into Shibuya's famous nightlife and music scene. Note: You don’t need a lot of money to explore Shibuya; a lot of things to see and do are on the streets. 1. People watch at Shibuya Crossing 2. Say "hi" to the iconic Hachikō statue 3. Spend the day with art at a gallery 4. Reach new heights at Shibuya Sky (and other tall buildings) 5. Hunt for music 6. Shop ‘til you drop 7. Fill up on cheap sushi and other culinary delights 8. Climb a wall at Miyashita Park 9. Have a beer down a boozy back alley 10. Dance the night away at a club 11. Explore Love Hotel Hill 12. Relax at one of Shibuya's secret sentos 13. Indulge in a beauty treatment 14. Step onto Shibuya Sakura Stage 15. Sip your way through Shibuya's best coffee shops 16. Treat yourself to gelato and late-night desserts 17. Get a different perspective from an open-top bus 18. Head over to Daikanyama Honorable mentions Pro tip: Make new friends and experience the local nightlife on a bar-hopping tour of Shibuya. Or if you want to try some uber-cool Japanese whiskey bars, try a . 1. People watch at Shibuya Crossing We can’t talk about Shibuya without mentioning the mega-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, so let’s start this list off with a bang of neon colors. Every few minutes at this massive, noisy intersection, traffic lights turn red and swarms of pedestrians battle to cross the road. This is the iconic shot you see in the movies and social-media posts about Tokyo. When you’re not gawping at all the folks weaving and dodging, you can watch the giant Times Square-style digital billboards playing ads and the latest J-pop sensations’ music videos. Don’t feel like battling the crowds? Enjoy a bird's-eye view of the crossing from the famous Starbucks inside Shibuya Tsutaya. If you’d prefer other options, you can go to Mag’s Park Rooftop ( incl. one drink), another restaurant or café around the intersection, or one of the skyscrapers in the area. See our how to photograph Shibuya Crossing guide for more tips. 2. Say "hi" to the iconic Hachikō statue It’s practically required that you snap a pic of loyal dog Hachikō at least once when you visit Shibuya, or perhaps offer him a Puppuccino. Follow the paw prints at Shibuya Station and you'll find Hachikō, Shibuya Station's mascot. Hachikō is the dog that waited faithfully at the station every day for his guardian, a professor, to come home from work. After the professor died, Hachikō continued to wait in the same spot every day until his own death. Today, the statue is probably the most popular meeting spot in Japan (good luck finding your date in a sea of people trying to do the same). If you can't get enough of Hachikō, pop into Hachiful, a souvenir shop located inside Shibuya Scramble Square dedicated to -- you guessed it -- the loyal dog. Here, you can find plushies and sweets shaped like the lovable Akita. Don’t forget to keep an eye out for the 3D Akita Inu billboard near Shibuya Crossing, too. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a less crowded yet still well known meeting spot, consider the plaza in front of Shibuya 109. 3. Spend the day with art at a gallery Want to see contemporary art without paying steep entry fees? Check out one of the free art spots around Shibuya Station. On the north side, Diesel Art Gallery charges nothing to see exhibits of talented domestic and international artists. By Shibuya River, Inari Bridge Square has many outdoor exhibitions to see as you walk on by. Meanwhile, the eighth floor of shopping complex Shibuya Hikarie (appropriately called 8/) has several gallery and event spaces for contemporary Japanese art. Also visit Gallery X by Parco to see interesting works by fun pop artists; the entry fee depends on the exhibition but is usually . Pro tip: On the less shiny side streets of Shibuya, you can find plenty of unusual and creative stickers plastered on lampposts, as well as graffiti-decorated walls. While some might call this vandalism, we think it's a pretty cool scene. There is also the official street art initiative, the Shibuya Arrow Project, which includes artworks such as Arrow Tree and Break Through Your Heart. 4. Reach new heights at Shibuya Sky (and other buildings) In recent years, many skyscrapers have risen up in Shibuya. So high that they have created unmissable, 360-degree views of Tokyo. At the tippy-top of the list is Shibuya Sky, which is on the 47th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square. It has great views of Shibuya Crossing and Mt. Fuji. This experience costs ; , but we genuinely think it's worth it. There are also some cheaper views closer to earth. Shibu Niwa rooftop terrace on the 17th floor of Tokyu Plaza has an amazing night view of Shibuya. It's free to access between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.; you'll need to have dinner or drinks to stay longer than that, though. And to get a snap of the famous intersection, you’ll have to ask a staff member for special access. Shibuya Parco (free) boasts a beautiful open rooftop and the 11th-floor Sky Lobby in Shibuya Hikarie also has no charge, but the panorama is a little far from the action. 5. Hunt for music Tokyo’s music scene is explosive, and much of that spark is found in Shibuya. There's an underground scene here that sees alternative bands playing backstreet shows. Crate diggers can also find plenty of records (new and old ) -- be sure to check out our top recommendations. You could also give Tower Records a visit. The store is still going strong in Japan, and offers a line-up of free mini-live shows almost every day of the week. These could be acoustic strumming, classical piano concertos, or full-on stage shows with strobe lights in the basement. Want to see it all? Then is for you. You'll visit everything Shibuya is famous for, plus a whole lot of hidden gems while you're at it. 6. Shop ‘til you drop When in Shibuya, do as the locals do and shop, shop, shop. Shibuya is home to several flagship stores, including the Nintendo Store. Despite always being busy, the Mega Don Quijote (which, by the way, is excellent for souvenirs) is just too hard to resist. Also good for souvenir-hunting are the emporiums of miscellanea Tokyu Hands and Loft. They sell all kinds of stationery, fun kitchen gadgets, and beauty supplies. The most famous shopping destination in all of Shibuya is Shibuya 109. For decades, Tokyo teens (and their suburban counterparts) have flocked to this beacon of trendy, fast fashion. For higher-end and designer fashion, head to one of the department stores like Shibuya Parco, Shibuya Scramble Square, Tokyu Plaza, or Hikarie. These are part of Shibuya's redevelopment and have neat design and architecture. Shibuya Modi’s overgrown entrance and the local Disney Store are also unique sights. 7. Go for sushi -- or something else Shibuya has become a destination for delicious, and (important to us) reasonably priced sushi. If you are looking for a true in-and-out Japanese experience, then try Standing Sushi Uogashi Nihonichi. Tired legs and prefer to sit? There are some excellent kaiten-zushi -- sushi counters where plates of sushi come round on conveyor belts -- here, too. Katsu Midori is quite literally considered one of the best in the city, though there is usually a queue. Tenkazushi, in Dōgenzaka, meanwhile, is known to be a fantastic bargain. If sushi isn’t your thing, there are a handful of other affordable lunch spots around Shibuya, including Indian curries and gyoza, with sets often priced under . There are a few fancy Italian and French restaurants in the area too, as well as casual burger joints like 418 Kamiyama to choose from. Pro tip: For anyone struggling to decide what to eat, consider joining a ramen-tasting tour. There's no doubt that ramen is one of the most popular Japanese foods, but with so many different kinds out there it can be hard to choose what to try. If you , you won't have to. You can try mini bowls of six different kinds of ramen while exploring Tokyo with an expert, local guide. 8. Climb a wall at Miyashita Park Miyashita Park is much more than just a shopping complex. On its roof, you'll find a bouldering wall, a skate park, and a sand court (used for sports such as beach volleyball and soccer). There's also plenty of space to hang out (and many do) late into the evening. Catch seasonal events, such as winter illuminations, or a party or two in event space Or. At the base of the building, you'll also find a sprawling yokocho, more on that below. 9. Have a beer down a boozy back alley When sunset hits and lanterns start flickering on, it's time to head to Shibuya's signature retro drinking strip: Nonbei Yokochō. This yokochō -- the word for side streets filled with tiny bars and restaurants -- has been around for more than 70 years, and its vintage Shōwa-era style is a big part of the appeal. Incidentally, "nonbei" means "drinker" in Japanese, which gives you an idea as to the clientele and atmosphere. A lot of people compare Nonbei to Golden Gai in Shinjuku, but we'll let you be the judge. Like Golden Gai, there are some cheap-ish places to eat and drink here and some not-so-cheap places (though it can be a little hard to tell from the outside). Miyashita Park also has a yokochō. Spilling out onto the street, these restaurants aren't considered the best of Shibuya's food scene, but they are a chill spot to have a drink in the open-air and take in the ambience of Shibuya. Add to the list Shibuya Parco's basement floor, which is filled with interesting izakaya (including vegan and even insect options). Alternative: Shibuya cocktail bars If you desire a more sophisticated setting, head to one of Shibuya's many swanky cocktail bars. For those looking to meet new people, there are several "foreigner-friendly" bars, such as LOST -- a quirky spot founded by well-known Japan-based YouTubers Chris Broad (Abroad in Japan) and Sharla (Sharla in Japan). Hidden behind a giant gachapon, it's definitely one of the more unique bars in the area. Both Shibuya and Ebisu, which is technically part of Shibuya City, are both filled with a variety of hidden bars waiting to be discovered. For stunning cocktails perfect for your Instagram feed, check out Trunk Hotel for its beautifully crafted classic cocktails, or visit The Whales of August, where you can enjoy creative movie-themed cocktails. Should you want something cheap and cheerful, Bar Moonwalk Shibuya Center Gai and the rather convenient FamilyMart Shibuya Meiji Dori (Liquor Museum Bar) are great options. 10. Dance the night away The two top club spots in Tokyo are Roppongi and -- you guessed it -- Shibuya. Once the shops pack up, hordes of young people flock to the Dōgenzaka area to release their inhibitions and let loose. There are plenty of pre-club all-you-can-drink deals to be had in the surrounding vicinity, so you can be well-lubricated (and save on those pricey drinks) before going inside. Some clubs offer discounted admission if you arrive by, say 11 p.m. We recommend Harlem for hip-hop and R&B lovers; if EDM is more your thing, check out Womb or Club Camelot. You may also enjoy a night of karaoke at one of Shibuya’s endless establishments, like this one from Lost in Translation. 11. Explore Love Hotel Hill If you’re interested in wacky architecture or just some titillation, take a walk around the famed Love Hotel Hill in Shibuya's Dōgenzaka area. Comparison shop; dodge the guys trying to attract customers looking for cheap sex, peep shows, and "soap lands" (aka sexy massage parlors); and marvel at the cool, retro coffee shops and bars that are stuck in between. One thing though: if you’re actually looking to partake of a room, give our guide to love hotels a read first. Not all are made equal. 12. Relax at one of Shibuya's public bathhouses Despite not being the first place you might think of for soaking in a sento (public bathhouse), Shibuya is actually home to a few. It's the perfect way to relax after wandering around the busy streets for a few hours. Two notable ones are Kairyo-Yu and Sakae-Yu, with Kairyo-Yu being openly tattoo-friendly. Both have an admission fee of for adults, with a slightly lower price for children. To add to this, both of these Shibuya sento offer a variety of baths to choose from, including cold water baths and carbonated spring baths -- each said to benefit your skin and body. For an extra cost, you can also enjoy sitting in the sauna. Struggling to find other tattoo-friendly onsen? Check out the Best Tattoo-Friendly Onsen Near Tokyo. 13. Indulge in a bit of beauty therapy If soaking in a sento wasn't enough, pamper yourself with some beauty treatments. From spas to nail salons, there are lots of places to go and get glammed up. For those seeking a serene escape, Goku Spa is the perfect sanctuary. The spa offers an array of body treatments and rejuvenating massages. In addition to its ice room -- designed to revitalize both spirit and skin -- Goku Spa utilizes the Homura Relaxation Technique, helping us frazzled folks achieve a deep state of relaxation. Tokyo is known for its innovative and trendy nail art, with Shibuya boasting a variety of chic salons that showcase the latest styles and techniques. Many of these salons, such as TRU NAIL Shibuya, have English-speaking staff and a range of courses, from simple gel to intricate design. 14. Check out Shibuya Sakura Stage Shibuya Sakura Stage is divided into two sections -- the "Shibuya Side" and the "Stage Side" -- each offering nice little areas to explore and have a rest. Some places to check out include the gaming café 404: Not Found, the Sakuragaoka Beer Hall, and the Tsutaya bookstore and share lounge. In addition, there are several trendy restaurants, shops, and bars throughout the complex, so you could easily spend an hour or two wandering around. Each month, various events and performances take place at the complex, so keep an eye out for them. During sakura season, you can enjoy the Shibuya Sakura Stage Cherry Blossom Festival, where the main street is illuminated with gorgeous pink lights. There are usually live performances as well. 15. Sip your way through the coolest coffee hangouts While the center of Shibuya boasts a variety of coffee shops, venturing into the nearby neighborhoods of Tomigaya and Kamiyamacho reveals streets lined with even cooler, independent cafés. Some of the recommended ones are Coffee Supreme, Fuglen Coffee, and Port Tomigaya, but it’s worth walking down the streets yourself to see what you can discover. For non-coffee drinkers, check out Kantan na-Yume, a contemporary wagashi café which serves high-quality matcha in a Zen setting. 16. Treat yourself to gelato and late-night desserts As the epicenter of all things trendy, it's no surprise that Shibuya is brimming with delightful dessert spots. From early-morning pancakes to late-night parfaits, Shibuya offers a wide variety of cafes serving any dessert your heart desires. Some of the area’s most popular spots, which always seem to have a line, include White Glass Coffee, Kith Treats, and Au Temps Jadis. On a hot summer’s day, you might prefer to grab gelato instead. Shibuya has several options, with Gelato Bravo being one of the most notable and authentic. You can also enjoy plant-based soft serve for just at the nearby IKEA. Pro tip: Many dessert places are super packed on weekends, especially around lunchtime. If there’s one you have your eye on, we recommend making a reservation in advance if possible. 17. Soak up the sights of Shibuya on an open-top bus Should you want to give your legs a rest but still see the sights of Shibuya, jumping on the hop-on, hop-off bus is a great option. The Sky Hop-on Hop-off Open-top Bus, which starts at Tokyo Station, has three different routes -- with the Green Route going through Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the surrounding areas of Omotesando and Yoyogi. The advantage of the hop-on, hop-off bus is that you can get off whenever you choose. If you decide to stay on, you might miss some of the hustle and bustle of the streets, but you can still learn about the area through the multi-language audio guide on the bus. Plus, riding around on this bus allows you to visit some of Tokyo's most iconic spots, like Tokyo Tower and Shinjuku, all in one day. If you prefer a Shibuya-centric bus tour, then consider taking Shibuya Street Ride. Similar to the Sky Hop-on Hop-off Open-top bus, there are a few different routes to choose from -- with the recommended one being the Shibuya Discovery Route. As the name suggests, this course takes you around Shibuya and through the neighboring areas of Harajuku, National Stadium, Jingu Gaien, Omotesando and Dogenzaka. 18. Head over to Daikanyama Daikanyama is Shibuya's stylish sister. You can easily get there by taking the Tōyoko Line over one stop, enjoying a 6-minute bus ride from Shibuya Station, or walking, which takes just over 10 minutes from the station. The area is best known for its high-end boutiques, chic cafés, and ridiculously cool art galleries. Adjacent to Daikanyama Station, you'll find the charming Miffy Café Tokyo and Forestgate, a green commercial space designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma. Be sure to wander over to Daikanyama T-Site, a fashionable square featuring a bakery, brunch spot, dog park, and, most notably, Tokyo's flagship Tsutaya store, which includes a Starbucks. Just a heads-up: once you step into the bookstore, you might find yourself captivated, spending a while browsing the display of magazines and art books. Honourable mentions Here are a few other ideas for things to do in Shibuya. Dress up as your favorite superhero and zoom around in a go-kart Go-karting around Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist activities (and one of the least popular with the locals!). It makes for a fun and memorable group activity -- dress up and have your photo taken cruising across Shibuya crossing, driving around Harajuku and beyond. Whilst there's several go-karting providers across the city, this covers a route through Shibuya. NB: You need an international driving permit, or driving license suitable for Japan. Make memories on a bar-hopping tour Get the real Shibuya nightlife experience by following a local guide's expertise. Hop on a tour and find underground bars and izakaya you'd never have found yourself. We've reviewed a Shibuya bar-hopping and izakaya experience to give you an insight on what to expect -- spoilers: lots and lots of alcohol. If you're not done yet, why not combine your Shibuya explorations with our DIY walking tour from Shibuya to Harajuku? It's nearby, so you might be interested in our Things to do in Harajuku guide, too. Learn about different cultures Shibuya is a diverse city that celebrates other cultures through its wide range of restaurants and events. Yoyogi Park, one of Tokyo’s largest parks, hosts a large number of cultural festivals each month. For instance, there's the Brazil Festival, Philippine Festival, and the Thai Expo, among others. Located one stop away from Yoyogi Park on the Chiyoda Line is the Tokyo Camii & Diyanet Turkish Culture Center. Primarily a place of worship, this center also hosts a variety of religious events, lectures, workshops, and even a Halal Market, all contributing to a strong sense of community. People of other faiths and non-believers are welcome to visit and can take guided tours of the mosque in Japanese. Even if you don’t go inside, it’s worth taking a moment to admire the stunning architecture from outside. While we do our best to ensure it's correct, information is subject to change. This post was first published in 2014. Last updated in November 2024, by Jane Pipkin.