Shibuya

No trip to Japan’s capital would be complete without some time spent in Shibuya, and just about every city sightseeing tour stops here. For a deeper dive into the neighborhood’s sensical experience, take a nighttime walking food tour of the district to sample local favorites like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancake), and Kobe beef skewers. Alternatively, take a bit of Shibuya home with you by opting for a photo shoot at the famous crossing in a traditional kimono or samurai armor.

• Shibuya is a must-see neighborhood for all first-time visitors to Tokyo.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; there’s a lot to see and do in this neighborhood.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera—the colorful neon lights, eccentric fashion, and throngs of people make it quite photogenic.

The easiest way to get to Shibuya is to ride the train to Shibuya Station. The famous crosswalk sits just in front of the station’s Hachiko Exit.

There’s always something going on in Shibuya, but the neighborhood is at its liveliest (and most photogenic) in the evenings, when the neon lights are flashing and local commuters are out en masse.

Shibuya has more on offer than just excellent food and shopping. The neighborhood is home to the famous Meiji Shrine, as well other points of interest like the Toguri Museum of Art and the beloved Hachikō statue. During the spring months, the cherry blossoms of Yoyogi Park explode into beautiful bloom.

Yes, Shibuya is a great place for tourists and a must-visit neighborhood when visiting Tokyo. There are many fun shops to browse during the day, a good dining and nightlife scene, and it’s also where the famous Shibuya Crossing is located, an enormous pedestrian crossing channeling people in all directions.

Shibuya is a shopping and nightlife destination, so it’s good to visit at any time. For shopping, visit in the morning for fewer crowds. To witness the surge of humanity tackling the Shibuya Crossing, afternoons are better as the area is more crowded. For dinner and nightlife, visit after 8pm.

Yes, like most other Tokyo neighborhoods, Shibuya is very foreigner friendly. Many tourists come here to shop, eat, drink, and experience the sights and attractions. Knowing how to speak or read Japanese will help you navigate the neighborhood, but it’s not essential and some menus are in English.

Yes, Shibuya is a walkable neighborhood. In fact, like much of the rest of central Tokyo, walking is the best way of getting around because driving is usually chaotic and slow. You can reach Shibuya from other parts of Tokyo by train and then walk around once you’re there.

Shibuya is a central Tokyo neighborhood famous for its shops and restaurants, so many tours of the area focus on dining and nightlife. Taking a food-focused tour is a good way of learning while visiting spots you might otherwise miss. Any visit to Shibuya will include the infamous Shibuya Crossing.

Yes, Shibuya is definitely worth visiting and is one of central Tokyo’s must-see neighborhoods. It’s a fun place to shop, eat, drink, and take in Tokyo’s intense urban ambience. Travelers who prefer quiet, uncrowded spots might find Shibuya a bit overwhelming, but it’s worth checking out nonetheless.