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Places of interest #8 in Toshima

Shibuya Crossing

4.5 · 21,241 reviews
High-energy, chaotic, and neon-lit
Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
Interesting facts
1

The intersection utilizes a 'scramble' traffic signal system that pauses all vehicular traffic for approximately 45 to 60 seconds.

2

The iconic Hachiko statue, memorializing a dog known for waiting for his deceased owner, is located at the intersection's edge.

3

Large-scale digital advertisements at the crossing often feature high-definition content targeting the thousands of commuters passing through hourly.

4

The area is a frequent filming location for international motion pictures due to its dense urban atmosphere.

5

Shibuya Crossing is often cited as the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world.

Overview

Shibuya Crossing is a major scramble intersection located in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, famous for its capacity to handle up to 3,000 pedestrians simultaneously during a single light cycle. The crossing functions as the primary artery connecting the high-traffic commercial area of Shibuya to the nearby railway terminal. All vehicle traffic is halted in every direction simultaneously to allow for this multi-directional pedestrian movement. The intersection is surrounded by large, multi-story digital billboards and television screens that define the aesthetic of the neighborhood. It serves as a central hub for Tokyo's youth culture and fashion industries. The space is maintained by the local municipal government and is permanently open to the public as a public thoroughfare.

Photo spot

The elevated walkway connecting Shibuya Station to the Mark City complex or the windows of nearby Starbucks branches.

Insider tips

Walk with the flow of the crowd to avoid bumping into others during peak movement.

Stay on the sidewalk until the pedestrian signals turn green to ensure safety from turning vehicles.

Visit the second-floor windows of nearby coffee shops for a clear vantage point of the scramble.

What to avoid

Do not attempt to film or photograph from the center of the street after the traffic signals turn green, as this creates dangerous bottlenecks.

Etiquette

Stay within designated crosswalk lines; do not linger in the middle of the street once the light changes.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Friday or Saturday evening; the illuminated billboards and dense crowds provide the most iconic aesthetic.
Address
Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan
35.659, 139.701
Get directions
Details
Intersection TypePedestrian Scramble
DistrictShibuya, Tokyo

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Friday or Saturday evening; the illuminated billboards and dense crowds provide the most iconic aesthetic..

The elevated walkway connecting Shibuya Station to the Mark City complex or the windows of nearby Starbucks branches.

Close by you'll find Shibuya Sky, Hachiko Statue, Yoyogi Park.