Shibuya Center Gai

In short

Shibuya Center Gai is a shopping street that spreads across the Udagawacho area, with its entrance at the scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station. With over 800 shops, it serves as a center of youth culture where young people gather all day long seeking the latest fashion and music.

• ​A Neighborhood Keeping a River's Name​​: A river called the Udagawa River once flowed through this land, and its name remains in the town's name today.
• ​Basketball Street​​: The main street extending from the entrance was named "Basketball Street" in 2011.
• ​Summer Tanabata Decorations​​: During the Tanabata Festival, the main pole at the entrance and the streetlights are adorned with decorations made from real washi paper and bamboo.

History and Highlights

Shibuya Center Gai is a shopping street that spreads across the Udagawacho area of Shibuya Ward, starting from the scramble crossing in front of Shibuya Station. The shopping district contains more than 800 shops. Known as a center of youth culture, it draws large crowds of young people all day long who are looking for the latest fashion and music.

As the name of the town suggests, a river called the Udagawa River once flowed through this area. The Udagawa River merged into the Shibuya River, and this district suffered from flooding whenever heavy rains hit. In the second decade of the Showa period (1935–1944), restaurants and cafes began to appear, and the area started bustling as an entertainment quarter. Around 1955 (Showa 30), land readjustment began across the area in front of the station. The district came to be called "Udagawa Yurakugai" and was praised alongside Shinjuku's downtown district.

In 1961 (Showa 36), the presence of young people in the district grew noticeably, and restaurants increased in place of bars and cabarets. In that year, the "Shibuya Center Shotenkai" (merchants association) was formed, and it began working to improve the neighborhood. In 1973 (Showa 48), arches were built, streetlights were installed, and the streets were paved with tiles. Since November 2003 (Heisei 15), 365-day cleaning by specialized staff and night patrols have been maintained.

Viewing and Experience Points

• ​The Main Street from the Entrance​​: A main pole of the shopping district stands at the entrance. The main street extending from here was named "Basketball Street" in 2011.
• ​Unique Shops Deeper Inside​​: The main street is lined with fast-fashion shops and chain restaurants. As you proceed toward Dogenzaka, you will find unique shops and restaurants. It is also an area that many people pass through on their way to places like Shibuya PARCO and Shibuya Loft.
• ​Summer Tanabata Decorations​​: Every summer, the "Shibuya Center Gai Tanabata Festival" is held. Just like the authentic Sendai Tanabata Festival, decorations made of genuine washi paper and bamboo are affixed to the entrance main pole and the streetlights. The kusudama (decorative paper balls) and streamers are handcrafted one by one by artisans.

Strolling Tips

It is about 90 meters northwest of the Hachiko Statue in front of Shibuya Station. The entrance to Center Gai is just across the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The number of people heading to Center Gai from the station increases between 15:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, and around 16:00 on weekends and holidays. Center Gai has local street rules that prohibit things such as smoking while walking and sitting on the street. SHIBUYA109 is located about 140 meters to the west, and Shibuya PARCO is about 270 meters to the northwest.