JAPAN » TOKIO » SHIBUYA AND YOYOGI PARK

Shibuya and Yoyogi Park are among the most recognizable places in Tokyo, together creating a unique contrast between the urban hustle and tranquil greenery. This part of Tokyo shows just how diverse life in the metropolis can be: from modern skyscrapers and neon lights to peaceful park paths filled with trees and blooming cherry blossoms.

Shibuya is famous for its lively streets, the iconic pedestrian crossing, and numerous shopping centers, clubs, and cafés. All of this attracts both locals and tourists from around the world. Just a few minutes’ walk from the center of Shibuya lies Yoyogi Park, a vast green space perfect for connecting with nature, while also hosting cultural and music events.

In this article, we’ll take you on a journey through Shibuya and Yoyogi Park, exploring the most important attractions, hidden gems, and practical tips to make your visit unforgettable.

LOCATION OF THE SHIBUYA DISTRICT

Shibuya is one of the liveliest and best-connected areas in the entire capital of Japan. It is located in the southwestern part of central Tokyo and borders districts such as Shinjuku, Minato, Meguro, and Setagaya. It serves as a natural transport hub and a point connecting diverse parts of the city.

SHIBUYA DISTRICT – THE CITY CENTER

SHIBUYA STATION

Shibuya is an important hub for public transportation. Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo’s largest transit centers, serving dozens of train lines, subway routes, and buses. This makes it easy for both locals and tourists to reach other parts of the city, including Harajuku, Yoyogi Park, Roppongi, and Shinjuku.

SHIBUYA CROSSING

Shibuya Crossing is one of the most recognizable places not only in Tokyo but in the entire world, and it has become a true icon of the city. Here, hundreds—and sometimes even thousands—of people cross the intersection from all directions at the same time, creating a spectacular sight. Many of them pause in the middle to take photos, occasionally striking unusual poses. Unfortunately, due to the influx of tourists, the area has lost a bit of its original authenticity. Nearby, there are also observation points that offer the best views of the chaos and energy of the crossing. One such spot is the terrace at Shibuya Scramble Square, which provides a full view of the pedestrian traffic and the lively streets of the district.

HACHIKŌ STATUE

The Hachikō Statue is located right by Shibuya Station, near the famous Shibuya Crossing. Hachikō was an Akita dog who waited for his owner at the station every day for many years. He continued to wait even after his owner’s death, becoming a symbol of loyalty and devotion. The statue was unveiled in 1934 and has since become a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists.

STREETS OF SHIBUYA

The streets of Shibuya capture the essence of modern Tokyo. They are full of neon lights, massive LED screens, heavy pedestrian traffic, and constant energy. Narrow alleys intertwine with wide avenues, and places like Center Gai, Meiji-dori, and the areas around Shibuya Station are never empty.

After dark, Shibuya’s streets take on an even more cinematic atmosphere, often reminiscent of the iconic Tokyo Drift. Low-slung, modified cars, the roar of engines, and sleek sports car silhouettes evoke the spirit of illegal street racing and Japanese car culture. Although actual street racing is strictly prohibited in Japan, the passion for sports cars and drift aesthetics remains highly visible.

SHIBUYA – YOYOGI PARK

Shibuya is also home to numerous green attractions, the most important of which is Yoyogi Park. It is one of the largest and most beloved green spaces in Tokyo, providing a perfect contrast to the urban hustle and bustle.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION: YOYOGI PARK, MEIJI SHRINE, AND GARDENS

Yoyogi Park: Open 24 hours a day, year-round, with no closing days. Admission is free. Certain areas, like the Bird Sanctuary or the dog park, have specific hours (e.g., 9:00 AM–5:00 PM or 7:00 AM–8:00 PM), so it’s worth checking local information before your visit.
Meiji Jingū Shrine: The shrine grounds are open from dawn to dusk, with hours varying depending on the season. The shrine is open every day. Admission to the shrine complex is free.
Meiji Jingu Inner Garden: Admission ¥500. Opening hours: March–October: 9:00 AM–4:30 PM, November–February: 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Meiji Jingu Museum: Admission ¥1,000, ¥900 for students. Open 10:00 AM–4:30 PM, usually closed on Thursdays.
Access: The easiest way is via Harajuku or Meiji-jingumae stations. It’s just a few minutes’ walk from the stations to the entrances of the shrine and park.
Photography: Allowed in public areas, but prohibited in prayer spaces.

MAIN AVENUE

The main avenue leading to Meiji Jingū Shrine is more than just a walking path. It is also a symbolic entrance into the world of Shintō and Japanese spirituality. At the very beginning, visitors are greeted by the monumental Meiji Jingu Ichino Torii, one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. Torii gates mark the boundary between the secular and the sacred, making their passage a deeply symbolic experience.

CONSECRATED SAKE BARRELS

Walking along the main avenue, your attention is also drawn to the famous Consecrated Sake Barrels—rows of traditional sake barrels donated to the shrine by breweries from all over Japan. They are displayed along the path and play an important role in Shintō ceremonies. Sake is considered the drink of the gods and a symbol of purification. On the opposite side of the avenue, you can also find barrels of wine, donated by foreign producers.

MEIJI SHRINE

Meiji Shrine, known as Meiji Jingū, is one of the most important and symbolic places of worship in Tokyo. Dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken, it honors a period of major transformation in Japan, when the country opened up to the world and embarked on the path to modernity. The shrine is surrounded by a vast forest, creating a natural barrier that separates it from the urban bustle of Shibuya and Harajuku. Construction of the shrine began in 1915, and it was officially opened in 1920.

The construction of the complex was a nationwide effort, as wood and materials were donated from all over Japan. During World War II, the shrine was severely damaged by bombings in Tokyo. After the war, with the support of the public, Meiji Jingū was rebuilt and reopened in 1958, preserving its original architectural style.

The architecture of Meiji Jingū is based on the classic Shintō style, characterized by simple forms, the use of natural wood, and harmony with the surrounding nature. The lack of excessive ornamentation emphasizes the spiritual character of the site.

MEIJI JINGŪ GYOEN GARDEN

Meiji Jingū Gyoen is a peaceful, carefully designed garden located within the Meiji Shrine complex. Unlike the wide avenues leading to the main shrine, the garden offers a quiet space away from the crowds. The history of Meiji Jingū Gyoen dates back to before the shrine itself was established. The garden already existed during the Edo period and was used by the imperial family as a place of relaxation.

One of its most notable features is the Iris Garden, which attracts thousands of visitors with its blooms in early summer. Unfortunately, by September, the irises were gone, but the herons posed beautifully for us.

SURROUNDINGS OF YOYOGI PARK

IMMEDIATE SURROUNDINGS OF THE PARK

The area around Yoyogi Park offers an interesting mix of the park’s expansive green spaces and the Meiji Shrine, combined with the dynamic, modern buildings of the Harajuku and Jingumae districts, filled with cafés, boutiques, galleries, and contemporary architecture. The streets in this part of the city feature a blend of styles, but it’s worth walking a bit further from the station to discover even more intriguing architecture.

TOKYU PLAZA HARAJUKU “HARAKADO”

At the heart of this area stands the modern “Harakado” complex, which, since April 2024, has become one of the key destinations in Harajuku. It is a multi-level shopping and leisure space, featuring 75 shops, restaurants, and cafés spread across nine floors.

One of the most unique features of the complex is the multi-level rooftop garden and the outdoor terraces on the fifth and sixth floors. This space offers panoramic views of Harajuku, Omotesando, and Yoyogi Park. The terrace serves as a green oasis in the heart of the metropolis, perfect for a moment of relaxation between shopping or strolling. Access to this rooftop garden is free of charge.

The terrace is also an interesting spot for photographers and aviation enthusiasts. Although the district is located far from Haneda Airport, its position means that planes often pass over the area during takeoffs and landings.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS IN THE SHIBUYA DISTRICT

It’s impossible to see and explore everything in just a few days. Below is a list of other noteworthy places in the Shibuya district:

ACCOMMODATION IN TOKYO

Choosing accommodation in Tokyo mainly depends on how you want to spend your time. The city offers everything, in every district. Public transport in the city is so fantastic that it doesn’t really matter where you book your accommodation. If you decide to book accommodation in Tokyo, we recommend using the portal Booking.com , which we have used and tested dozens of times, or Agoda, which works great in Asia (it’s worth checking both platforms).

Through any link on this page you can book accommodation with a 15% discount!

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