Shibuya is an indispensable town when talking about Japan's cutting-edge cultural scene. As the center of all cultures, from fashion to food culture, music, and art, the town itself is constantly evolving, both now and in the past.
The landmark of such Shibuya is the "Scramble Crossing". It was beautifully captured in Sofia Coppola's movie "Lost in Translation" (released in 2003), which was set in Tokyo, and I remember it being very impressive.
In addition to Shibuya 109, which continues to be a sacred place for young people, there is a wide variety of commercial facilities such as Shibuya Hikarie, which is preferred by adults, and Seibu Shibuya, a department store that has developed along with the town since its opening in 1968. The chaotic atmosphere in a good sense seems to be supported by creators from overseas as well.
There are also many record shops, live houses, and clubs, and the music scene is thriving. Naturally, people of all generations from Japan and abroad gather here, so the food culture is also very diverse. So this time, I would like to introduce popular street foods in Shibuya today. First of all, everyone's favorite hamburger!
Recommended Hamburger Shops in Shibuya
THE GREAT BURGER STAND
Source: Tabelog
"THE GREAT BURGER STAND" is popular for its burgers that combine homemade buns made with natural yeast and juicy, thick wagyu patties. What I always check is the limited burger of the month. Using the most delicious seasonal vegetables and fruits at that time, and sometimes even topping them with fritters, the appearance is gorgeous and the taste is always unique! I get excited every time I visit.
Choose the french fries, which are a typical shoestring type in Japan, as a set. The crispy texture is so addictive that I can't stop eating them. The American-style interior and open atmosphere make it a comfortable place to be, and on a nice day, it is recommended to spend some time on the terrace.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F SHIBUYA STREAM, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit C2 on JR, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
- Regular holidays: None
- Phone number: 03-6450-5332
- Business hours: 11:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
- Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_great_burger_stand/
Whoopi Goldburger
Source: Tabelog
When it comes to Shibuya's hamburgers, a famous store that is always mentioned is "Whoopi Goldburger". It is a hideaway-like store in a semi-basement along an alley just off the main street of Miyamasuzaka, but it seems that many foreign tourists visit the store after hearing rumors.
As the store name suggests, each menu item also has a witty name that plays on movie stars, which makes you chuckle involuntarily. While being swayed by the playful spirit of the owner, it is a pleasant time to ponder over the menu selection.
The burgers are all voluminous and satisfying. The patties are fragrant and grilled slowly over charcoal to lock in the flavor, allowing you to simply enjoy the deliciousness of the meat. You can choose between french fries or mashed potatoes as a side dish, but I often choose mashed potatoes to change the mood a bit.
<Store Information>
- Address: 203 Tokan Shibuya Castel, 1-9-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit B3 on JR
- Regular holidays: Irregular
- Phone number: 03-3407-0232
- Business hours: 11:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
- Official Website: https://www.instagram.com/w_p_g_b/
Recommended Takoyaki Shops in Shibuya
Takoyaki, famous as Osaka's soul food, is often eaten as a light meal or snack in Japan and is a staple item that you often see at stalls during summer festivals.
A stall is a movable food or general merchandise stand, and in addition to takoyaki, it provides easy-to-eat foods called B-grade gourmet (cheap, delicious, and easy-to-eat dishes) such as yakisoba and karaage. Among such B-grade gourmet, takoyaki is overwhelmingly popular and is gathering strong support from young people as the most familiar street food here in Shibuya.
Creo-ru
Source: Official Website
"Creo-ru", which boasts tremendous popularity in Osaka, the home of takoyaki, has been in Tokyo for 9 years already. It is open until late at night from Monday to Saturday, so it is loved not only by young people but also as a store where businessmen can stop by for one more drink on their way home from drinking.
Creo-ru's takoyaki is characterized by a crispy surface and a gooey inside with different textures. In addition to standard sauces and soy sauce, there are many types of flavors such as truffle salt, peperoncino, and mentaiko mayonnaise, so you can try various tastes that are not available at other stores, which is also attractive.
It also offers kushikatsu, another Osaka specialty, so if you want to fill your stomach properly, please try this as well.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-6-4 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Shibuya Station West Exit on the Keio Inokashira Line, 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station West Exit on JR
- Regular holidays: None
- Phone number: 03-5459-2100
- Business hours: Monday to Thursday 17:00-28:00, Friday to Saturday 17:00-29:00, Sunday & Holidays 15:00-23:00
- Official website: https://creo-ru.com/creo-ru-store/
Takoyaki-do
Source: Tabelog
Takoyaki-do is a takoyaki shop that opens only on Sundays at the izakaya "Matsugiku" in Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho.
Nonbei Yokocho is said to be a remnant of the post-World War II era when many stalls lined up and the black market flourished. It is an area with a retro atmosphere as if you have time-slipped into Japan since the 1920s.
The secret to the popularity of Takoyaki-do's takoyaki is the simplicity of just putting large chunks of madako (octopus) into the batter made with bonito, round herring, and kelp dashi. First, try the "suppin" (bare-faced) version without any sauce. The simple yet elegant flavor brings out the depth of the ingredients, and it is a favorite menu item even for me, who is a bit picky about takoyaki.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1-25-9 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Hachiko Exit and Hachiko Square of Shibuya Station on JR
- Regular holidays: Monday to Saturday
- Business hours: 17:00-22:00 (Sundays only)
- Official website: https://www.instagram.com/takoyaki_do/
Tako-ya Dotonbori Kukuru
Source: Tabelog
"Kukuru", which originated from Dotonbori, an area where food culture has especially developed in Osaka, known as a town of culinary indulgence, is another must-visit famous takoyaki store. Here, be sure to try the recommended akashiyaki, which is as popular as takoyaki.
Akashiyaki is made with a fluffier batter with more eggs than takoyaki and is eaten by dipping it in dashi soup. It has a lighter taste compared to takoyaki. The large pieces of octopus with a crunchy texture are also very satisfying, and the contrast with the egg batter that melts like silk is exquisite!
There is also a wide variety of menu items that use octopus abundantly, and the takameshi (octopus rice) cooked in the store is also a dish that you will definitely become addicted to once you try it.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F/B1F Shibuya Mark City, 1-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo / Shibuchika
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station on the Keio Inogashira Line
- Regular holidays: None
- Phone number: 03-3477-4346
- Business hours: 10:00-21:00
- Official website: https://dotonbori-kukuru.com/
Recommended Onigiri Shops in Shibuya
MUSUBITEI
Source: Official Twitter
"MUSUBITEI" is a new onigiri specialty store that opened on August 31, 2023. As it opens at 7:00 in the morning, you can see many businessmen and tourists enjoying breakfast.
For the onigiri, Niigata Uonuma rice, a famous rice-producing area, is used. The rice is cooked fluffy and wrapped with the finest Ariake nori from the Ariake Sea in the Kyushu region, creating a flavorful finish.
There are always more than 10 kinds of toppings, including standard salmon and the highest-grade brand of ume (plum) called Nankoubai. It is best to have it with miso soup or hearty tonjiru (pork soup).
The simple and gentle flavor, which can be said to be the origin of Japanese food, warms the heart. Takeout is also available, so it is nice to be able to use it casually even during a busy trip.
<Store Information>
- Address: 1F No. 3 Yagi Building, 3-7-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit C1 on JR and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
- Regular holidays: None
- Phone number: 03-5464-2211
- Business hours: Monday to Friday 7:00-21:00 / Saturday, Sunday & Holidays 7:00-18:00
*Takeout is available until 18:00, and the store may close when the onigiri are sold out.
- Official website: https://www.musubitei.jp/
Katsuo to Bonta
Source: Tabelog
To taste the ultimate onigiri, head to "Katsuo to Bonta". You can enjoy the highest quality rice called ittomai, which has passed strict inspections. It is carefully polished by a rare "Five Star Okome Meister" (rice polishing expert) in Japan.
Furthermore, I am in awe of the depth of dedication, as the rice is cooked in dashi made from Tenpaku bonito flakes, which are also offered to Ise Shrine, considered the greatest sanctuary in Japan (Mie Prefecture). While the commitment to ingredients is exceptional, the interior is a casual space and easy to drop by. It can be widely used from morning to dinner.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F SHIBUYA STREAM, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit C2 on JR, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
- Regular holidays: None
- Phone number: 03-6805-0218
- Business hours: 8:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
Morning 8:00-11:00 (L.O. 10:30),
Lunch 11:00-14:30 (L.O. 14:00),
Dinner 17:00-22:00 (L.O. 21:30)
*Takeout sales only from 14:00 to 17:00
- Official website: https://www.bontabonta.jp/
TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI RAYARD
Source: Official Facebook
"TARO TOKYO ONIGIRI" opened a new takeout-only store in the Shibuya area on March 15, 2024. With the concept of "onigiri is an infinite universe", the onigiri combines ingredients with a free imagination and is visually beautiful and creative, overturning the existing image.
Furthermore, by using the traditional kamado cooking method that brings out the umami and sweetness of the rice, it pursues a chewy texture for each grain of rice and creates onigiri that tastes delicious even when cooled.
The standard Japanese menu items such as grilled salmon and chirimen sansho are definitely must-eats! However, there are also Japanese-Western fusion flavors featuring butter, cheese, spam, etc., so it might be good to try some unique variations that are different from other stores.
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F RAYARD MIYASHITA PARK South, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit B1 on JR, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Ginza Line, Fukutoshin Line, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Keio Inokashira Line
- Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 03-6421-0884
- Business hours: 11:00-21:00
- Official website: https://www.tarotokyo.jp/
Recommended Okonomiyaki Shops in Shibuya
Now, okonomiyaki, which I will introduce next, is also one of Japan's representative street foods that has been loved for a long time, just like tak
oyaki.
Okonomiyaki is a dish where batter mixed with dashi is mixed with meat, seafood, and vegetables, and grilled with sauce to a fragrant finish. It is perfect for a light meal or as a snack to go with alcohol.
In fact, it is said that the person who devised the method of "mixing flour with water and grilling it" was Sen no Rikyu, a tea master who was active in the 1500s and served under prominent Japanese warlords such as Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
Please experience this Japanese proud food culture that has been loved and evolved for 500 years without change.
Denko Sekka
Source: Tabelog
The specialty of "Denko Sekka", which originated in Hiroshima Prefecture, is the dome-shaped Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki that looks like an omelet. Hiroshima's okonomiyaki is characterized by stacking ingredients such as cabbage and noodles on the batter in order and grilling them in layers.
In particular, at Denko Sekka, the vegetables are wrapped in a dome shape and steamed, allowing the crunchiness of the vegetables to remain while making them fluffy and soft.
The signature menu item "Denko Sekka", which is also the store name, is a must-order. The fluffy eggs and the hidden flavor of perilla leaves are rich in aroma, and even I, who am used to Osaka-style okonomiyaki, occasionally have an irresistible craving for it.
<Store Information>
- Address: 9F HULIC & New UDAGAWA, 32-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 4-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A2 on JR
- Regular holidays: Irregular holidays
- Phone number: 03-6427-8945
- Business hours: 11:00-23:00 (L.O. 22:30)
- Official website: https://okonomiyaki-denko-sekka.com/
Ganso Ebidashi Monja no Ebisen
Source: Tabelog
"Ganso Ebidashi Monja no Ebisen" is a store mainly focused on monjayaki, a downtown Tokyo food.
The SHIBUYA STREAM store, which opened on September 11, 2023, has a Japanese modern space with a lively yet calm atmosphere. The window seats overlooking the town of Shibuya are recommended.
You can enjoy not only monjayaki but also teppan dishes in general, so be sure to order okonomiyaki as well. My top recommendation is the Nishoku-yaki, where you can eat small portions of two types of okonomiyaki. It will also be a fun experience to grill it yourself on the iron plate in front of you and share the piping hot dishes by poking them little by little with a kote (called hera in some regions).
<Store Information>
- Address: 2F SHIBUYA STREAM, 3-21-3 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: Directly connected to Shibuya Station Exit C2 on JR, Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
- Phone number: 050-1808-6252
- Regular holidays: None
- Business hours: Monday to Friday 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00), 17:00-23:00 (Food L.O. 22:00, Drink L.O. 22:30)
- Official website: https://www.dynacjapan.com/brands/monja-ebisen/shops/shibuya/
Shibuya Kotegaeshi
Source: Tabelog
"Kotegaeshi" is a teppanyaki restaurant where you can enjoy everything from steak to simple grilled seafood, monjayaki, and okonomiyaki.
It is well-known for its okonomiyaki, which has a light and fluffy batter mixed with plenty of yam, and a special dashi that blends seafood and chicken stock, giving a delicate umami flavor.
If you are ordering for the first time, go for the Modan-yaki, which combines chewy noodles well-coated in sauce with plenty of pork.
As a greedy menu where you can enjoy both okonomiyaki and yakisoba at the same time, it is highly popular across generations, from the young to the old. Although you can grill it yourself on the iron plate at the table, the staff's skillful performance of beautifully grilling it in front of you is also a must-see, so please ask them to do it.
<Store Information>
- Address: 5F & 6F Towa Shibuya Building, 25-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Access: 2-minute walk from Shibuya Station Exit A2 on JR
- Phone number: 03-3770-0605
- Regular holidays: None
- Business hours: 12:00-22:30 (L.O. 21:30)
- Official website: https://www.towafood-net.co.jp/shop/pasutakan/
There are still many street foods that make you want to go on a food crawl in Shibuya, and every time I visit, I myself make new discoveries.
There are also many long-established izakaya and bars, as well as tachinomi (standing-style izakaya that are gaining renewed popularity in recent years; they offer low prices, a wide variety of alcoholic drinks, and an increasing number of stores that put effort into their dishes), and stores of various genres are densely packed, so the amount of information is on a different level!
Furthermore, as development progresses and the town is undergoing rapid changes, it is indeed quite challenging for first-time tourists. However, there are tours like the "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" that allow even Shibuya beginners to efficiently and more deeply enjoy this town, so please check them out.
Tour details are here >> https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e97da2a4-a99c-4ec8-b2c2-e5e9ae25a8f6