The World’s Most Famous Crossing: Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the most popular spots for foreign visitors when they come to Tokyo. It is often shown in guidebooks as a symbol of Tokyo’s busy and energetic city life. On this page, we will explain how to get to Shibuya Scramble Crossing, where to view it from above, and the best spots for taking pictures.
Why Is Shibuya Scramble Crossing Famous?
Up to 500,000 people use this crossing in one day! During one green light, 1,000 to 3,000 people cross at the same time. The crossing has 10 traffic lanes and 5 crosswalks, with the longest crosswalk being 36 meters.
It’s amazing, isn’t it? If you’re from a small town, it’s hard to imagine 500,000 people crossing one intersection. But even for Japanese people from outside Tokyo, the size and scale of Shibuya Scramble Crossing are unbelievable.
For foreign tourists, this crossing is a famous spot, but for the people who live and work nearby, it’s just a normal place they walk through every day. That said, the sight of 1,000 to 3,000 people calmly and orderly crossing together feels very much like Tokyo.
The buildings around the crossing are covered with large video screens showing advertisements and music. This creates a very futuristic, modern Asian city vibe. The best time to see this is at night when the lights make the crossing look even more exciting. Fun fact: renting one of these billboards costs 12 million yen per week, but the ads are very effective since many people look up while waiting at the lights.
Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Movies
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is often used in movies and shows as a symbol of Tokyo or Japan. It became famous worldwide after the 2003 film Lost in Translation by Sofia Coppola.
Here are some examples of films that featured the crossing:
- Lost in Translation (2003, dir. Sofia Coppola)
- Babel (2006, dir. Alejandro González Iñárritu)
- The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006, dir. Justin Lin)
- Resident Evil: Afterlife (2010, dir. Paul W.S. Anderson)
- Silent Tokyo (2020, dir. Takafumi Hatano)
- The Creator (2023, dir. Gareth Edwards)
Events at Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya is a famous area for young people in Tokyo. Events like Halloween and New Year’s Eve attract big crowds of people in their 20s. During important sports games, like the World Cup, people often gather at Shibuya Scramble Crossing spontaneously.
However, Shibuya Scramble Crossing is not a pedestrian-only area—it is an important traffic spot. For this reason, these gatherings are not officially allowed. In recent years, the city of Tokyo has asked people not to gather here.
Where to View and Take Photos of Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Here are some recommended places to view or photograph the crossing from above:
- MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 (Rooftop Lounge)
- View the crossing from the rooftop.
- Admission: ¥1,800 (includes 1 drink)
- Photo Service: Dynamic selfies for ¥1,500 (150 seconds)
- Hours: 10:00–22:00
- Address: 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo
- URL: https://magnetbyshibuya109.jp/en/shop/shibuya-mag8/
- SHIBUYA SKY (Shibuya Scramble Square)
- An observation deck on the 46th and 47th floors.
- Admission: Adults ¥2,000, Students ¥1,600, Children ¥1,000
- Hours: 10:00–22:30
- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Tokyo
- URL: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com.e.apy.hp.transer.com/sky/
- SHIBU NIWA (Shibuya Fukuras Rooftop Garden)
- A free rooftop space on the 17th floor.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 11:00–23:00
- Address: 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo
- URL: https://tokyu-plaza.com.e.auj.hp.transer.com/shibuya/
- Shibuya Hikarie
- A free viewing area called “Sky Lobby” on the 11th floor.
- Admission: Free
- Hours: 7:00–24:00
- Address: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Tokyo
- SHIBUYA TSUTAYA SHARE LOUNGE
- A quiet space on the 3rd and 4th floors of SHIBUYA TSUTAYA.
- Hours: 8:00–23:00
- Address: 21-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo
How to Get to Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Getting to Shibuya Crossing from the Keio Inokashira Line
When you arrive at Shibuya Station on the Keio Inokashira Line, exit through the “Chuo Exit Gate” (Central Exit). After exiting, head to the left and take the downward escalator to street level. From there, walk about one minute to the left, and you’ll find yourself at the iconic Shibuya Crossing.
The History of Shibuya Scramble Crossing
After World War II, the site of Shibuya Scramble Crossing was once home to an illegal black market. During Japan’s post-war period of rapid economic growth, the area underwent redevelopment, eventually becoming what is now the largest pedestrian scramble crossing in the world.
Nearby, you’ll also find the famous Hachiko Statue, located in front of Shibuya Station. This statue, well-known as a popular meeting spot for Japanese people, honors a loyal dog named Hachiko. In the 1920s, Hachiko would visit Shibuya Station daily to greet his owner upon their return home. Even after his owner’s passing, Hachiko continued coming to the station every day for about 10 years, waiting for his owner to return. In 1934, the statue was erected, and it has since become a symbol of loyalty and a silent witness to Shibuya’s transformations over the decades.
Exploring the Area on Foot
Shibuya Crossing is just one stop away from other popular places like Meiji Jingu Shrine and Harajuku, famous for its “Kawaii” shops and street food. The good news is that these spots are close enough to walk to from Shibuya. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of stores, restaurants, and cafes to enjoy.
Take your time to stroll through the vibrant streets and soak in the lively atmosphere!
