Sight guide · Tokyo · Japan
Visiting Shibuya Crossing
When the lights change at Shibuya's scramble crossing, pedestrians pour across from every direction at once, in their thousands at busy times.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David Kernan, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Shibuya Crossing is a landmark in Shibuya, Tokyo. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Shibuya
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, after dark and photo spot
- Best months
- December–February
About Shibuya Crossing
When the lights change at Shibuya's scramble crossing, pedestrians pour across from every direction at once, in their thousands at busy times. The bronze statue of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited here for his late owner, is the classic meeting point outside the station.
Tip: Watch from above at Shibuya Sky or from the station's upper walkways, then cross it yourself at dusk when the screens light up.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Shibuya, the famous crossing, youth fashion and rooftop views.
Best time to visit Shibuya Crossing
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- January: 10°C (50°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- February: 11°C (52°F) highs, about 6 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- December: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 5 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Tokyo has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Tokyo itinerary visits Shibuya Crossing on day 1, together with Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine and Tokyo Skytree.
- No. 3 of the 20 sights in our Tokyo things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Tokyo.
Near Shibuya Crossing
Also in Shibuya, so you can walk between them:
- Shibuya Sky — 1 hour, mid-priced
If you like Shibuya Crossing
- Senso-ji Temple — Asakusa, 1–2 hours
- Tokyo Tower — Shiba, 1 hour
- Akihabara — Akihabara, 2–3 hours
- Yanaka — Yanaka, Half a day
Staying near Shibuya Crossing
Stay in Shibuya ($$$$) to walk here: the famous crossing, youth fashion and rooftop views. All areas to stay in Tokyo.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Shibuya Crossing?
Plan 30 minutes. With Shibuya Sky nearby, it fits a half-day in Shibuya.
+Is Shibuya Crossing free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Shibuya Crossing?
December–February, the quietest of the good months. Watch from above at Shibuya Sky or from the station's upper walkways, then cross it yourself at dusk when the screens light up.
+Do I need to book Shibuya Crossing in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.