Best view of Shibuya Crossing: The most epic spot in Tokyo

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is like the beating heart of Tokyo‘s crazy-fast and energetic pulse, and trust me, you’ve gotta see it to believe it! I am going to cover the best view of Shibuya Crossing! Imagine this: 3000 people crossing the world’s busiest crossing, coming together in a human tidal wave at every green light. Pure (organised) chaos! It’s the busiest crosswalk in the world and a snapshot of Tokyo life in real-time.

So, pop over to the ‘Scramble,’ grab a coffee, and watch this incredible show from above. It’s the kind of epic people-watching that turns a simple crossing into a bucket-list adventure and you need to make sure you observe from the best view of Shibuya Crossing. Totally unmissable and a must if you’re visiting Japan! Have a look at my other Japan travel guides here for an epic 10 day Japan itinerary including travel tips on Kyoto, the bowing deer of Nara and Mount Fuji!

Best activities & tours in Tokyo

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Have a look at my other Japanese travel guides here for an epic 10 day Japan itinerary!

Shibuya Crossing

Alright, let’s talk Tokyo! If you’ve got your itinerary planned in this whirlwind of a city, make sure you’re including the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. No matter what you do, it’s going to be epic. Shibuya MUST be on the list and make sure you secure yourself a spot at the best view of Shibuya Crossing. It’s the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world and it’s super unique. My favourite thing (even more than crossing as a pedestrian!) is to people watch. Watching it on a time lapse is also fantastical. It is highly recommended you stop by here.

And the people! The people-watching was prime. I saw a salaryman in a suit that cost more than my plane ticket, a group of giggly teens in funky Harajuku outfits, a couple of tourists with their necks craned so far back I thought they’d tip over. I snapped pictures from the best view of Shibuya Crossing, lots of them, because how could you not? This was Tokyo in motion, the very pulse of the city, and I was there, sipping on the most bizarre sweet potato drinks in Starbucks which is arguably the best view of Shibuya Crossing.

Hours passed without a concern with this epic view. The frappe was long gone, but I was still there, glued to my seat watching the best view of Shibuya Crossing chatting away to Mike. The crossing never got old; it was a constant stream of life, an ever-changing snapshot of the city. And as the day shifted to dusk, the crossing lit up, neon signs flickering on, the crowd morphing into a nighttime crew, and the whole place took on a different kind of magic.

So, if you’re hitting up Tokyo, even just for a quick three-day jaunt, do yourself a favour and check out the Starbucks over Shibuya Crossing. Go for the sweet potato frappe (it’s a vibe), but stay for the view. It’s people-watching gold, it’s photography heaven, it’s Tokyo in a nutshell. And it’s an experience that’s as Tokyo as it gets—slightly odd, totally mesmerising, and absolutely unforgettable.

Tokyo Go Karting

Dont miss the famous Mario Karts and go karts that are all over Tokyo! This is arguably the best view of Shibuya Crossing complete with fantasy games come to life! It’s a tonne of fun and great for groups!

Dont miss in the area…

• Harajuku – a short walk away, this is absolutely stunning!
• Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho restaurant
• Shibuya Parco Shopping Centre
• Shibuya Hikarie Shopping Centre

The best view of Shibuya Crossing

Here it is, the best view of Shibuya Crossing, And not just any spot in Shibuya, but the crème de la crème of people-watching spots: the Starbucks overlooking the world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

So, there I was, fresh off the Yamanote line at Shibuya station, ready for chaos. You know, the one they say is the busiest crossing in the world? And the first thing I do of course, is to cross the road once (twice, or three times), then after I’m satisfied that I’ve had fun crossing this weird and wonderful place, I beeline it to Starbucks for the best view of Shibuya Crossing. But not for just any old coffee! I went for the sweet potato frappe. Sounds weird? It was. But when in Tokyo, you’ve got to dive mouth-first into the quirky culinary scene.

Now, this frappe was a whole experience in itself—a wild ride of sweet and savoury, a creamy concoction that had me questioning my life choices and then patting myself on the back for being so adventurous, all in one sip. But the real treat was the view, of course it is the best view of Shibuya Crossing. I snagged a seat on the second floor, right by the window, and let me tell you, it was like front-row tickets to the best show in town. You might need to wait a little bit for the window seats but trust me, it’s worth it. Normally one becomes available every 5 minutes or so.

From up there, you’ve got the perfect vantage point to watch the organised chaos unfold, it really is the cheapest and the best view of Shibuya Crossing. It’s a sea of people, a tidal wave of commuters, tourists, and Tokyoites, all weaving together in this beautiful mess of humanity. And every couple of minutes, it’s action time—the lights change, and bam, it’s a free-for-all, a mad dash of thousands of feet, all scurrying across in a race against the clock. But there’s a method to the madness.

From above, with my sweet potato frappe in hand (which, by the way, was not hugely growing on me), it was like watching a live art installation. The colours, the movement, the city’s energy—it was all there, and I was soaking it up.

There are plenty of other photo spots here too and on a clear day, it’s akin to a bird’s eye view:

1. MAGNET by Shibuya 109: Head to the MAGNET by Shibuya 109 building and make your way to the observation deck. It’s got a clear view and one of the best view of Shibuya Crossing and makes for some killer photo ops.
2. Shibuya Sky: This is where to see Shibuya crossing from above: a more panoramic experience, another best view of Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya Sky at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building is the place. It’s a bit pricier, but the view is unmatched—you’ll see the crossing and the city’s skyline.
3. Shibuya Hikarie: Head to the 11th floor of the Shibuya Hikarie building, where you’ll find not only a fantastic vantage point to see the crossing but also a variety of dining options. The best view of Shibuya Crossing whilst dining! The floor-to-ceiling windows offer a comfortable spot to watch the bustling activity below.
4. L’Occitane Café: The café inside the L’Occitane store offers a French twist to your viewing experience. Enjoy some treats while you take in the sight and a great vantage point.
5. Hotel rooms: Some hotels around Shibuya offer rooms with a view of the crossing. It’s worth asking for a room with a crossing view when booking.
6. Crossing View: This is a lesser-known spot inside the Shibuya Mark City, offering a quieter and more relaxed viewing angle, another best view of Shibuya Crossing.

Hotels in Tokyo

Why not try some of the famous ryokans. A ryokan is type of traditional Japanese inn that typically features tatami-matted rooms, communal or private baths (onsens) and traditional Japanese dining.

Ryokan Asakusa Shigetsu – An incredible Ryokan with excellent reviews

Ryokan Sansuiso – in the south of Tokyo near Shibuya and Harajuku

How to get to the best view of Shibuya Crossing?

Getting to Shibuya Crossing is pretty straightforward, whether you’re already in Tokyo or coming from elsewhere. Here’s a simple guide:

If you’re in Tokyo:

Tokyo Metro Ginza Line (the orange line)Keio Inokashira Line (for trips from Kichijoji or Shimokitazawa)Tokyu Toyoko Line (for trips from Yokohama)Tokyu Den-En-Toshi Line (for trips from Chuo-Rinkan)By Train: The easiest way to get to Shibuya Crossing is by train. Shibuya Station is a major hub that’s served by several lines:

1. Once you arrive at Shibuya Station, look for the Hachiko exit; it will lead you right to the crossing.

2. Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line (the brown line)

3. Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line (the purple line)JR Yamanote Line (the green line, which loops around central Tokyo)

4. By Bus: There are also buses that go to Shibuya Station, which can be a good option if you’re coming from an area not well-served by trains.

Once you’re done with the best view of Shibuya Crossing, have a look at my other Japan travel guides here for an epic 10 day Japan itinerary!

Shibuya Crossing Maps

It’s located in Shibuya, at Shibuya station! Save the location to your google maps so you can come back to it later. Officially called Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

What is the best time of day to visit?

The best time to see Shibuya crossing is any time! The middle of the day is when you’re likely to find a lot of people crossing, and it makes for the best time to people watch and make sure you head to one of the recommended spots for the best view of Shibuya Crossing.

Once you’re done with the best view of Shibuya Crossing, have a look at my other Japan travel guides here for an epic 10 day Japan itinerary!

Best time of year to visit?

We visited in September and, although it was technically autumn, it was extremely hot, reaching highs of 36 degrees Celsius during the day.

The best time of year to visit is usually spring or late autumn, but winter is said to be good too, as all the pagoda gets covered with a sprinkling of snow. Cherry blossom season is extremely popular and this area tends to bloom around mid April.

Autumn is extremely beautiful with the auburn reds and depending on the year, this can be in late October or early November. Once you’re done with the best view of Shibuya Crossing, have a look at my other Japan travel guides here for an epic 10 day Japan itinerary!

Mount Fuji Luxury Glamping experience

Consider popping out of town to Mount Fuji? We did an incredible Mount Fuji Glamping experience which I cannot recommend highly enough. We stayed 1 night in a bubble tent and we got to wake up to incredible views at sunrise. We also spent 1 night in their villa.

Everything is super thought out at Glamping Villa Hanz Kawaguchiko; they pre prepare all your food for you so you still have an authentic glamping experience but it is super luxury! They provide personal fires and BBQs for you and prep all your food, veggies, steaks and potatoes for you. It is, quite frankly, an incredible experience glamping at the base of Mount Fuji.

Mount Fuji Onsen Glamping

Onsens are essentially public baths or spas which are a traditional part of Japanese life, but make sure that you are aware of onsen etiquette, such as not wearing swimwear and adhering to specific rules in shared baths. Glamping Villa Hanz Kawaguchiko has 2 onsens; a private outdoor onsen, and a shared indoor onsen.

Onsens are hot springs in Japan where you can relax in warm, mineral-filled water. They usually look natural, like outdoor baths with rock springs. Men and women use separate areas in the onsen. You must go into the onsen without any clothes on – completely naked. If you have tattoos, you might not be allowed in because tattoos are often linked to gangs in Japan, and onsens are peaceful community places. Onsens are a big part of Japanese life. They help people stay clean, feel good, and relax with friends.

Onsens have many types of baths, from very boiling hot to freezing cold, which are good for your health. Each onsen’s water is different and can help heal you. You should wash yourself well before getting into the onsen to be clean and polite. Onsens can be inside or outside, and the outside ones often have great views, like gardens and rocks.

They might also have saunas, places to rest, massages, and even traditional Japanese food. You can find onsens all over Japan, especially in places like Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu. Going to an onsen is usually not expensive – it costs about 1 to 5 pounds or 1.20 to 6 dollars, which is a good deal compared to fancy spas in places like London.n

Have a look at my other travel guides for Japan here for an epic Japan itinerary in 10 days!

Japan Weather

This incredible temple looks different and unusual throughout different times of the year, autumn is meant to be beautiful and in the snow the statues and buildings have an even more whimsical look!

Tokyo Weather in January:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 2-7°C (36-45°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 12
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 10 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 7:00 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:00 PM

Tokyo Weather in February:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 3-8°C (37-46°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 12
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:45 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:15 PM

Tokyo Weather in March:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 7-13°C (45-55°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 12
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:30 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:45 PM

Tokyo Weather in April:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 12-19°C (54-66°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 11
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM

Tokyo Weather in May:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 17-24°C (63-75°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 13
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 6:30 PM

Tokyo Weather in June:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 21-29°C (70-84°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 15
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 5:00 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM

Tokyo Weather in July:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 24-32°C (75-90°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 17
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 14 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 5:15 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 7:00 PM

Tokyo Weather in August:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 26-34°C (79-93°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 14
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 13 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 5:30 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 6:45 PM

Tokyo Weather in September:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 22-30°C (72-86°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 14
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 12 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 5:45 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 6:15 PM

Tokyo Weather in October:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 15-23°C (59-73°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 8
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 11 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:00 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:30 PM

Tokyo Weather in November:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 9-16°C (48-61°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 9
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 10 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:15 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:00 PM

Tokyo Weather in December:

• Average Temperature (Celsius): 3-9°C (37-48°F)
• Number of Rainy Days: 10
• Daylight Hours: Approximately 9 hours
• Sunrise Time: Around 6:45 AM
• Sunset Time: Around 5:00 PM

There are a lot of tours, from sumo wrestling, tea ceremonies, Geisha performances and more.

Travel resources for your trip that are actually really handy!

Once you’re done with the best view of Shibuya Crossing, have a look at my other Japan travel guides here or have a look at

10 day Japan itinerary

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple

The Bridge of Dreams

Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

That’s it! I hope you have an amazing time in Japan, and spend time gazing from the best view of Shibuya Crossing. Japan is truly an incredible country and I honestly can’t wait to go back. I will of course, be back with more guides.

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