Shibuya is a popular tourist area known worldwide for the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the iconic Hachiko statue meeting spot, and the trendy Center Gai street representing youth culture.
Its recognition has further increased after being featured as the setting for popular anime. Currently, major redevelopment described as a once-in-a-century project is underway, aimed for completion in 2027.
While long-established art museums and live houses remain, the area around the station is constantly transforming with new high-rise buildings opening one after another. Many of these skyscrapers feature observation spaces, and restaurants on the upper floors allow visitors to enjoy meals while taking in the views of Shibuya's cityscape, making them popular destinations.
Here, I introduce observation decks as well as restaurants and cafes offering panoramic views.
Free or Paid: Which is Recommended?
Shibuya has many observation decks, some free and others paid.
The free decks can get crowded depending on the season, but they allow you to casually enjoy the Shibuya skyline without spending money. The paid decks require an admission fee, but they limit the number of visitors for a more relaxed experience and sometimes offer limited-time events.
Free Observation Decks
Sky Lobby
Source: TripAdvisor
The Sky Lobby is an observation deck on the 11th floor of Shibuya Hikarie, which opened in 2012. Directly connected to Shibuya Station, it offers great access and is a popular spot housing many apparel and miscellaneous goods shops catering to tourists.
The observation area features large windows allowing views of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and 109 building from the west side, while the Yamanote Line trains appear like toys from another angle.
A key advantage is its long operating hours from 7:00 am to midnight, longer than most other decks. This makes it accessible for early morning visits before sightseeing or late at night after sightseeing. Inside the Sky Lobby, there is also an intricate diorama recreating the Shibuya cityscape that visitors can admire.
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- Address: 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-5468-5892
- Hours: 7:00 am - 12:00 am
- Website: https://www.hikarie.jp/floorguide/floormap/?floor=11f
SHIBU NIWA
Source: Official Website
SHIBU NIWA is a rooftop terrace observation deck on the 17th floor of Tokyu Plaza Shibuya that opened in 2019. It offers views towards the southeast and north, allowing visitors to see the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Miyashita Park, and Shibuya Stream.
With planted trees and seating areas, it lives up to its name NIWA (garden), earning a reputation as an oasis of nature amid the stimulation of Shibuya.
The neighboring BAO by CÉ LA VI, operated by the CÉ LA VI brand that runs venues like Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, allows visitors to enjoy a meal after viewing the scenery. In winter, an ice skating rink opens with illumination and music for a winter sports experience.
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- Address: 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3464-8109
- Hours: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Website: https://shibuya.tokyu-plaza.com/shibuniwa/
SHIBUYA PARCO ROOFTOP PARK
Source: Official Website
SHIBUYA PARCO ROOFTOP PARK is an observation deck located on the 10th floor rooftop park of Shibuya PARCO. From the east side, visitors can see the high-rise buildings around Shibuya Station, while the west side offers views of the iconic Mount Fuji.
When night falls, installed footlights gently illuminate the surroundings, creating a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy the night scenery. With many picturesque backgrounds, it is frequently used for corporate website and apparel catalog photo shoots, making it a recommended spot to capture photos worth showing off.
The adjacent ComMunE restaurant offers light meals, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages, allowing visitors to enjoy the views with a drink in hand. The grassy areas and plants provide a refreshing green space, offering an escape from the bustle of Shibuya.
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- Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-3464-5111
- Hours: 11:00 am - 11:00 pm
- Website: https://www.parco.co.jp/location/shibuya/rooftoppark/
Paid Observation Decks
SHIBUYA SKY
Source: Official Website
SHIBUYA SKY is an observation deck in Shibuya Scramble Square that opened in 2019. At 229 meters above ground, it is the tallest in the Shibuya area and consists of three areas: SKY GATE (transitional space between 14th and 45th floors), SKY GALLERY (indoor observation space on 46th floor), and SKY STAGE (outdoor observation space on the rooftop).
Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and Mount Fuji on clear days. A popular photo service is available to capture visitors against the backdrop of the breathtaking scenery.
Admission fees at the ticket counter are 2,500 yen for adults, 2,000 yen for middle and high school students, 1,200 yen for elementary school students, 700 yen for ages 3-5, and free for children under 3 years old. However, adults and middle/high school students can save 300 yen by purchasing tickets online. Be sure to check for any limited-time events in advance.
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- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-4221-0229
- Hours: 10:00 am - 10:30 pm
- Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/
Corissing View & Rooftop Lounge Mag8
Source: TripAdvisor
Corissing View & Rooftop Lounge Mag8 is an observation deck located in MAGNET by SHIBUYA109 that opened in 2018. Situated in a building right in front of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, visitors can look straight down onto the famous intersection from the rooftop Corissing View area.
When the traffic signals change, the flow of people simultaneously starting to walk appears like a work of art. The CROSSING PHOTO service allows visitors to capture photos from the elevated vantage point overlooking the Shibuya Scramble Crossing for 1,000 yen for a 100-second photo session.
Admission is 1,800 yen per person and includes one complimentary drink, including alcoholic options.
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- Address: 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 080-9194-6496
- Hours: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
- Website: https://magnetbyshibuya109.jp/
Recommended Restaurants and Cafes with Views Over Shibuya
Japanese Cuisine "Shunsai"
Source: Official Website
Located on the top 25th floor of Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, 100 meters above ground, this Japanese restaurant offers breathtaking views while dining. Despite being directly connected to Shibuya Station, the interior exudes a high-quality, spacious ambiance befitting a hotel restaurant.
The seating layout ensures scenic views not only from window-side tables but also from the central area. Renovated and reopened in 2014, the restaurant boasts an impressive selection of around 200 Japanese wines.
For lunch, they offer bento box sets featuring seasonal ingredients in small portions, while dinner offers a popular Japanese izakaya plan with all-you-can-drink Japanese sake, beer, and wine paired with complementary food for two hours.
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- Address: 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: Dinner on Sundays
- Phone: 03-5457-0131
- Hours: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:30 pm - 10:00 pm
- Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/shunsai/63770/index.html
Shabu-Shabu Tsukada
Source: Food Review Site Tabelog
Located on the 17th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square, this restaurant specializes in shabu-shabu (hot pot) featuring high-quality Japanese wagyu beef and seasonal vegetables directly sourced from contract farms in Akita. During dinner hours, the neon lights of the surrounding buildings create a dazzling spectacle visible through the windows as patrons indulge in individual shabu-shabu hot pots.
The interior designed by a renowned creative director exudes a stylish and sophisticated ambiance. With a spacious counter-focused layout, the restaurant can seat up to 60 guests.
The recommended menu options include sets combining wagyu beef shoulder loin and brisket. For the noodle course at the end, diners can choose between rice or noodles, with the most popular choice being ramen noodles in the flavorful broth capturing the essence of the meat and vegetables – a deliciously smooth finish. Shabu-shabu offers a healthy meal, allowing diners to eat to their heart's content without guilt.
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- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: 050-5456-2662
- Hours: Weekdays 11:00 am - 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm / Weekends 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm - 11:00 pm
- Webite: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/shops_restaurants/shop_70.html
Estacion Cafe
Situated on the 5th floor of Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, this cafe allows visitors to relax while taking in views of the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. With an 8-meter high ceiling and large windows, the spacious interior creates an open-air atmosphere despite being indoors.
A popular menu item is the seasonal afternoon tea set featuring visually appealing sweets and savory items accompanied by a drink. The cafe also offers special menu collaborations with popular anime that attract fans from Japan and abroad.
In addition to meals like sandwiches and curries, the cafe serves hotel-made cakes and appetizers perfect for pairing with alcoholic beverages, catering to visitors at any time of day. With 147 seats including private rooms, it's a convenient and versatile space. Baked goods are also available for takeout!
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- Address: 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku
- Closed: None
- Phone: 03-5457-0133
- Hours: Weekdays 10:00 am - 10:00 pm, Sundays/Holidays 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
- Website: https://www.tokyuhotelsjapan.com/global/shibuya-e/restaurant/estacion/index.html