What other travelers are saying about Shibuya Crossing
The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is pure, exhilarating Tokyo chaos!
It's absolutely a must-see for any visitor. Seeing thousands of people step off all four corners and meet in the middle, weaving perfectly through each other, is the ultimate urban ballet. It’s even more incredible at night with all the neon lights and giant video screens—it truly feels like the epicenter of modern Japan.
Tip: Don't just cross it! The best experience is watching the "scramble" from an elevated viewpoint. Grab a seat at the famous Starbucks (if you can!) or visit the nearby SHIBUYA SKY observation deck for a mind-blowing, high-up view.
It's loud, crowded, and completely iconic. It’s less of a tourist sight and more of a total immersion into the city's heartbeat. Go, cross it, and feel the energy!
Shibuya Crossing: The Hype Versus Reality, and How to Still Enjoy the Show
As one of the most photographed and famous places in the world, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo is a must-see destination accompanied by enormous expectations. After my visit, I came to a personal conclusion: The site is overrated.
What supposedly makes the place iconic is the chaotic coordination—thousands of people crossing the massive intersection from all directions simultaneously. But the moment I crossed it myself, the experience was short, fast-paced, and mainly felt like a desperate attempt not to block the path of locals. It felt more like a quick "check-the-box" site than a mesmerizing experience.
The View That Saves the Day
However, to truly experience the full impact of this "human dance," you must view it from above. And the best spot for this (which doesn't require paying for expensive observation decks) is undoubtedly the Starbucks café, located in the TSUTAYA building right across from the intersection.
I climbed to the second floor of the café, where I managed to grab a spot near the large window. Once seated, a nice and comprehensive view of the crossing was revealed. From there, above the heads of the crowd, I could finally grasp the visual potential of the site.
When watched from above, the crossing looks like a theatrical show—a swarm of people and a rain of umbrellas on a gloomy day, or a jet stream of human energy against the neon lights of the massive billboards. This specific vantage point turned the visit, which initially felt disappointing, into a positive experience. The coffee at Starbucks is standard, but the value you get for the price of the drink is undoubtedly one of the best people-watching spots in the world.
In summary: the crossing itself is overhyped. But the view from the second floor of Starbucks is what makes it worth the visit.
Look, this place is SO awesome with an amazing view (at night of course) and tons and I mean TONS of shopping places and food which I am so hooked up!!
BUT!! I don’t recommend people who don’t like crowded place because it’s literally it’s the Shibuya street itself, which many tourist and even Japanese people will be there. Unless of course you don’t mind THEN this place will be like a MUST COME (you should also take a photo to capture your checkpoint of being here, unwritten rule y’know?)
As chaotic as you'd expect! Every few minutes, a couple of hundred people flood in from all directions, with selfie-takers trying to sprint across of the crowds for the perfect shot. It's not too bad to get across, with the regular and long crossing periods making it easy to get through.
Looking from above is far less chaotic, but provides you a great overview. Try predicting which tourist will stay on the road too long and almost get run over!
An amazing crossing that is crazily trafficed with up to 3000 people crossing at the same time and it is truly crazy to see the amount of the people crossing yet not crashing.
There are many tourists that use it as a photo spot and act foolish, but ia best to just ignore..
Shibuya Crossing has gained international fame due to its appearance in numerous films, music videos, and advertisements. It epitomizes Tokyo's bustling urban energy and is a symbol of Japan's modernity and dense urban living.
While the exact number can vary, it's estimated that up to 3,000 people cross at each light cycle during peak times. Daily, over 500,000 people might pass through Shibuya Crossing.
The crossing is most impressive during rush hour on weekdays (8 AM to 9 AM and 5 PM to 6 PM) and on weekend evenings when the area is brimming with shoppers, tourists, and locals.
The Shibuya Sky observation deck offers a panoramic view, while the Starbucks located in the Tsutaya building on the crossing's north side provides a closer, street-level perspective.
Nearby landmarks include the Hachiko Statue, a tribute to Japan's most loyal dog, and Shibuya 109, a popular shopping center known for its trendy fashion stores.
