Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo’s most famous and busiest pedestrian crossings, located in front of JR Shibuya Station. This intersection is located in Shibuya, a hub for youth culture trends. At times, over 1,000 people cross simultaneously and up to around 3,000 people during peak hours.
Large crowds gather at this intersection, especially on days like Halloween or during FIFA World Cup matches featuring the Japanese national team, prompting police officers to be deployed for security and traffic control. (Particularly during the weekend before Halloween, there is a significant increase in people drinking alcohol and cutting loose. Since 2019, a regulation has been implemented prohibiting drinking alcohol in public areas around this intersection during Halloween. Now, barricades are set up around the intersection during Halloween, preventing people from gathering.)
This intersection drastically changes its atmosphere between day and night. If you want to capture the bustling crowds, I recommend visiting during the day. However, the night would be ideal if you’re aiming for a quintessential Tokyo shot with the city lights illuminating the intersection. (Personally, around 7 p.m. is the busiest time, regardless of whether it is on a weekday or a weekend.)
How to say in Japanese
Shibuya Crossing: 渋谷スクランブル交差点 (しぶやすくらんぶるこうさてん/shibuya sukuranburu kōsaten)
Website
Address
Access
- JR Shibuya Station: Exit from the Hachiko Gate (Hachiko Exit).
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon / Fukutoshin Line and Tokyu Den-en-toshi / Toyoko Line Shibuya Station (underground): Exit from Exit A8.
- Keio Inokashira Line Shibuya Station: Exit from the Central Gate, where you’ll find an escalator on the left a short distance ahead. Take the escalator down to the ground floor, then proceed to your left
- Tokyo Metro Ginza Line Shibuya Station: Exit from the Scramble Square District Gate (toward JR Lines), and you’ll find an escalator on the left ahead. Take the escalators down to the ground floor and head towards the Hachiko Gate on the JR Shibuya Station.
