The sights
Shibuya Scramble Crossing
The world’s best-known pedestrian crossing, in front of the station’s Hachiko exit. Cross it once at street level, then watch a few cycles from above: the windows of the surrounding buildings and station walkways give free or cheap views.
ℹ️ Always open and free. Most impressive after dark and on Friday or Saturday evenings. Allow 30 minutes.
Shibuya Sky
The open-air rooftop of the Shibuya Scramble Square tower, about 229 metres above the crossing, with glass corners, hammocks and a 360-degree view that takes in Mount Fuji on clear days.
ℹ️ Timed tickets, cheaper online in advance; typically open from 10:00 until late evening. Bags and loose items go in lockers. The rooftop may close in strong wind or rain. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Hachiko statue
The bronze of the Akita dog who waited at the station for his late owner every day in the 1920s and 30s. It is Tokyo’s favourite meeting point and a quick photo stop.
ℹ️ Free, outside the Hachiko exit. Expect a short queue for photos. Allow 10 minutes.
Meiji Jingu
Tokyo’s grandest Shinto shrine, dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken and completed in 1920. A wide gravel path leads under huge wooden torii through a forest of about 100,000 donated trees to the main courtyard, where you may see a wedding procession.
ℹ️ Free; open from sunrise to sunset. The inner garden and museum charge a small fee. It is a 10-minute walk from the entrance beside Harajuku Station to the main hall. Allow 1–1.5 hours.
Takeshita Street
A 350-metre pedestrian lane opposite Harajuku Station that has launched Japanese teenage trends for decades: crêpe stands, candy floss, cosmetics, costume shops and photo-sticker booths.
ℹ️ Shops open roughly 10:00–20:00. Free. Extremely crowded on weekend afternoons; go on a weekday morning for space. Allow 45 minutes.
Omotesando
A broad, tree-lined avenue often compared to the Champs-Élysées, with flagship stores by Tadao Ando, Kengo Kuma, Herzog & de Meuron and others. The lanes behind it, including Cat Street towards Shibuya, hold independent boutiques and cafés.
ℹ️ Free to stroll; most shops open 11:00–20:00. Beautiful under winter illuminations. Allow 1–2 hours.
