Shibuya

What we love…

• Sure it makes you feel like you're ancient if you happen to be over 30, but it's one of the liveliest neighbourhoods in the city and not to be missed.
• Shibuya is THE hood to shop the newest fads in youth fashion as well as party the night away at some of Tokyo's hottest clubs.
• The kids that hang in Shibuya are known to dress to impress, and you'll often see groups of popular subcultures congregated in front of their favorite shop or restaurant dressed to the nines. It's also not unheard of to see scenesters partying until the early hours of the morning, lit by the hundreds of neon lights and billboards.
• You'll also catch young street performers singing and dancing and from time to time even popular bands practicing—so over all this can be one of the noisiest spots in the city.
• This is a major shopping destination with a mix of Japanese and European brands like the popular 109 and 109 Men which are huge shopping complexes specifically targeted at young fashion-forward youth. You'll also find Bershka, Forever21, ABC Mart, and the ultra huge lifestyle store Loft.
• This neighbourhood also has its share of department stores like Seibu, and Tokyu department store. Don't miss Tokyu Hands the massive craft and hobby shop level after level of DIY fun.

GETTING THERE

• Get off at Shibuya station and take the Hachikō exit named after the famous dog sculpture outside the station. The statue serves as a local meeting spot and will lead you to the busiest part of the city, it's literally situated in front of the largest crossing in Shibuya. Take note of the ‘scramble’ crossing which is when both directions of the intersection show red lights for drivers and pedestrians can cross in any direction.