Shibuya: From the Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Scramble Crossing to Center Gai and Sunset Views at SHIBUYA SKY

Start your walk from the Hachiko Statue in front of Shibuya Station, cross the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and enter Shibuya Center Gai. After taking a break at the rooftop park of MIYASHITA PARK along Meiji-dori Avenue, head to Shibuya Scramble Square on the east side of the station. In the evening, go up to the rooftop of SHIBUYA SKY and look down over the crossing you walked during the day and the town bathed in sunset.

History and Local Charm

The Hachiko Statue was first erected in the plaza in front of Shibuya Station in 1934. It depicts the Akita dog Hachi, who continued to wait every day at Shibuya Station for his deceased master, Dr. Ueno Hidesaburo, and is now known as "Japan's premier meeting place."

The intersection in front of the station became a scramble crossing in 1973. From the late 1960s onward, department stores opened one after another, and Shibuya PARCO also opened in 1973. Beyond the crossing in Shibuya Center Gai, young people began to stand out in 1961, and a merchants' association formed that same year began initiatives for neighborhood revitalization. Shibuya grew into a hub for youth culture.

The town continues to change even today. Miyashita Park, established in 1966 as Tokyo's first rooftop park, was reborn as MIYASHITA PARK in 2020. In 2019, the East Tower of Shibuya Scramble Square, which connects directly to the station, opened. Located on its 14th, 45th, 46th floors, and rooftop is the SHIBUYA SKY observation facility. The rooftop is the highest point in Shibuya.

Highlights

• ​Hachiko Statue​​: The current statue is the second generation, rebuilt in 1948. The original statue was melted down after being turned over in 1944 under the Metal Collection Order. The second statue was remade by Takeshi, the son of sculptor Ando Teru, who created the original.
• ​Shibuya Scramble Crossing​​: Its official name is "Shibuya Ekimae Crossing." It is known for the sight of over a thousand people crossing the street at once. There is only one diagonal crosswalk extending from Hachiko Square.
• ​Shibuya Center Gai​​: A shopping district spread across the Udagawacho area, home to more than 800 shops. The main street leading from the entrance pole was named "Basketball Street" in 2011.
• ​MIYASHITA PARK​​: A facility measuring approximately 330 meters in total length that combines a park, parking lot, commercial facilities, and a hotel into one building. In the center of the rooftop park stands a 6-meter-diameter compass bench featuring Faithful Dog Hachiko gazing up at the sky.
• ​SHIBUYA SKY​​: An observation facility located on the 14th, 45th, 46th floors, and rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. The rooftop stands 229 meters above ground, offering views of Shinjuku's skyscrapers to the north, Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree to the east, and Tokyo Bay to the south.

Recommended Route and Duration

The estimated time required is about 4 hours. Because the walking distance is short, it is best to calculate backward from the time you plan to ascend SHIBUYA SKY. Admission tickets to SHIBUYA SKY are date- and time-specified tickets. The "magic hour," when the sunset sky is beautiful, often sells out, and if adult tickets are sold out online, they cannot be purchased at the counter, so it is recommended to prepare in advance.

First, visit the Hachiko Statue in front of Shibuya Station. After viewing the statue, proceed about 50 meters north to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and cross the diagonal crosswalk from Hachiko Square. When taking photos or videos while crossing, stay mindful of the flow of pedestrians to ensure you finish crossing while the light is green. Across the intersection lies the entrance to Shibuya Center Gai. In Center Gai, local rules prohibit smoking while walking and sitting down on the streets.

After walking through Center Gai, head about 290 meters northeast to MIYASHITA PARK. In the rooftop park, look for the Hachiko gazing at the sky. Just like the Hachiko in front of the station, it faces east, but standing at 60 cm tall, it is slightly smaller than the 85-centimeter-tall one at the station. There is also "Shibuya Yokocho" with its retro atmosphere.

Finally, head about 410 meters south to Shibuya Scramble Square on the east side of the station. Check in on the 14th floor and take the elevator up to the 45th floor. Before stepping onto the rooftop, baggage must be stored in lockers. At the northwest corner, "SKY EDGE" features lower glass walls, allowing you to look down upon the scramble crossing you crossed earlier. In bad weather or other conditions, the rooftop may close without notice. In such cases, enjoy the view from the indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor.

Experience Summary

Meet at the Hachiko Statue, join the sea of people crossing the intersection, and stroll through Center Gai and the rooftop park. Finally, look down upon the very same intersection from the rooftop 229 meters above ground. Watch the scene shift from sunset to a nightscape of neon signs and car headlights. Experience Shibuya through both the pedestrian flow beneath your feet and the view of the town from the sky.