Shibuya is a youth-oriented neighborhood. Many locals over 30 avoid the place. Tourists (of any age) almost always enjoy Shibuya. It's consistently ranked a top 5 Japan travel experience.
The area is so impressive that many tourists do little more than wonder around taking photos. This is a shame — Shibuya features some of the best dining, shopping, entertainment and nightlife in the city. Here are a few things to check out.
1. Shibuya Crossing
Shibuya Crossing is the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. It's one of the best spots to take photos of Japan.
2. Izakaya
If there's one thing Shibuya has a lot of it's izakaya. Every night rain or shine, weekday or weekend — thousands of people meet their friends at hachiko and head out for an evening of food, drink and conversation at izakaya.
3. Shibuya 109
Shibuya 109 (Ichi-maru-kyu) is something of a fashion legend in Japan. It's 10 floors of small shops aimed at women under 25. Shop turnover in Shibuya 109 is high. Once it's not trendy — it's out.Men and anyone over 30 may feel uncomfortable here.
4. Center Gai
Center Gai (センター街) is Shibuya's main pedestrian street. It's lined with izakaya, shopping, karaoke and arcades. Center Gai is where you'll find Shibuya's many youth subcultures hanging out.
5. Hikarie
Hikarie is Shibuya's newest department store and entertainment complex. It's one of the largest buildings in Shibuya.
6. Karaoke
Karaoke is a recommended Japan travel experience. You'll find plenty of it in Shibuya.
7. Tokyu Hands
Tokyu Hands is a DIY (do-it-yourself) store for Tokyo urbanites. It's one of the most interesting stores in Japan. It has everything you could imagine to decorate or modify your apartment. It also has a wide selection of arts and crafts supplies. It's what Home Depot would be like if it was run by Tokyo hipsters.
8. Spain Zaka (Supeinzaka)
Supeinzaka (literally Spain Hill) is a short street well known for its unique atmosphere. It's packed with tiny cafes, restaurants and shops.
9. Don Quijote
Don Quijote is a chain of thrift stores that sell everything from Cartier watches to toilet paper. It's weird. Shibuya Don Quijote is located on Bunkamura Dori.
10. Nonbei Yokocho
Nonbei Yokocho is a district of tiny bars and restaurants next to the train tracks near hachiko. The area looks like Tokyo looked before WWII — tiny buildings packed together side-by-side. Restaurants here may only have 3 or 4 seats. It's similar to Golden Gai in Shinjuku.
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