Shibuya, known as the hub of youth culture in Japan, is a popular sightseeing spot with many attractions scattered around. The world-famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the Hachiko dog statue commemorating the famous Akita dog Hachiko, and the high-rise buildings around the station offer plenty of appeal that cannot be fully explored in a single day.
There is no shortage of gourmet options, with many izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and bars serving Japanese sake and cuisine, as well as sweets shops. Although construction is ongoing in various locations, long-standing art museums and live houses still exist, preserving the charm of the past while continuing to evolve.
Recently, the area has garnered attention from a new audience as the setting for the hit anime "Jujutsu Kaisen." Let me introduce some tours that allow you to efficiently explore the Shibuya area in a short time.
Highly Popular Go-Kart Tours
One of the tours popular with foreign visitors is the go-kart tour. Participants dress up in costumes of manga or anime characters and ride colorfully designed go-karts through popular sightseeing areas on public roads.
By taking on the role of a familiar Japanese character and driving a go-kart, you can experience a unique Tokyo sightseeing experience. Some operators offer options like speakers and action cameras to enhance the excitement. A regular driver's license is required as you'll be driving on public roads.
Tokyo: Shibuya, Harajuku, and Omotesando Go-Kart Tour
Source: GetYourGuide
This tour allows you to explore the area around Shibuya Scramble Crossing by go-kart. After driving through the intersection from various directions, you'll head towards the Harajuku and Omotesando areas, famous for their fashion stores.
A professionally trained guide will lead the way, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience. The guide will take plenty of photos during the activity, which will be provided to you at the end of the tour, allowing you to relive the memories immediately.
The cost is 14,125 yen per person, and the duration is 1 hour. Departure times are available every hour from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, making it easy to fit into your schedule.
Tokyo: Shibuya Crossing, Harajuku, Tokyo Tower Go-Kart Tour
Source: GetYourGuide
This tour starts in Shinagawa and takes you on a go-kart ride through major Tokyo sights, including the Tokyo Tower, Roppongi, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Omotesando, before returning to Shinagawa.
During the tour, the guide will take memorable photos of you and your family or friends. The photo spot with the Tokyo Tower in the background is particularly popular and captures the essence of Tokyo.
Riding colorful go-karts on public roads will make you feel like you've stepped into a movie. The cost ranges from 18,000 to 24,000 yen per person, with discounted prices available depending on the season. The duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Tokyo: City Go-Karting Tour with Shibuya Crossing and Photos
Source: GetYourGuide
This tour allows you to explore Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the fashion district of Harajuku, and Shinjuku by go-kart. Various character costumes are available, and you can change into your favorite outfit for the ride.
The popular choice is the Pikachu costume from the anime Pokémon, as the bright yellow outfit is sure to draw attention. The guide will take photos during the tour, so feel free to strike poses while embodying your chosen character.
After the tour, the photos will be shared with you immediately via email or AirDrop. The cost is 19,500 yen per person, and the duration is 1 hour.
Food Tours
Best of Shibuya Food Tour
Source: Viator
This tour allows you to thoroughly explore the Shibuya area and experience Japanese culture and cuisine. The highlight is visiting hidden, core eateries frequented by locals that are not featured in guidebooks.
After passing through the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, you can choose your favorite dining options at places like the Shibuya 109 shopping mall, Don Quijote discount store, Nonbei Yokocho alley, Shibuya Tokyu Food Show, and Shibuya Center Street.
The tour includes dessert and one drink, with a cost of 37,352 yen for two people. It starts at 4:00 PM, and the duration is approximately 3 hours, allowing you to fully enjoy the lively night atmosphere of Shibuya.
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Walking-Food-Tour-of-Shibuya-at-Night/d334-31383P5
Shibuya All You Can Eat Food Tour Best Experience in Tokyo
Source: Viator
This tour takes you to places like Shibuya 109, Nonbei Yokocho alley, Shibuya Scramble Crossing, and Don Quijote while introducing hidden eateries known only to locals. With a maximum of 10 participants, you can enjoy the activities at a relaxed pace.
The sushi, a quintessential Japanese dish, is incredibly fresh, and the world-class A5-ranked Japanese beef melts in your mouth. The cost for the food, soft drinks, and water is 32,864 yen for two people. The duration is approximately 4 hours. It's a delightful bonus that children can participate too!
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/Night-course-Sibuya-City-and-Food-tour/d334-100234P9
Tours Visiting Izakaya and Bars
Shibuya Night Bar Hopping Walking Tour in Tokyo
Source: Magical Trip
This tour starts at Shibuya Scramble Crossing and visits three different Japanese-style izakaya bars, allowing you to experience Japanese culture from various angles.
Enjoy recommended dishes from the diverse menu, including teppanyaki, meat sushi, steak, whiskey, and beer. You'll have the opportunity to take photos with beautiful illuminations in the background, which will be shared with you after the tour.
The cost is 15,500 yen per person, including food and drinks. The tour starts at either 6:00 PM or 7:00 PM, and the duration is approximately 3 hours. The knowledgeable and friendly guide will ensure an enjoyable time in Shibuya.
Tour details: https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e97da2a4-a99c-4ec8-b2c2-e5e9ae25a8f6
3-Hour Shibuya Local Bar and Izakaya Crawl Tour
Source: Viator
This tour takes you to local izakaya and bars in the Shibuya area. After crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, you'll enjoy Japanese cuisine at a famous local izakaya. Next, you'll visit bars in Miyashita Park, which has been revitalized as a new cultural hot spot. The tour concludes at a bar in Shibuya Center Street, brimming with youthful energy.
The cost is 3,000 yen per person, excluding food and drinks, allowing you to order your preferred choices. The tour starts at 8:00 PM, and the duration is approximately 3 hours.
Tour details: https://www.viator.com/tours/Tokyo/3-Hours-Tokyo-Local-Bar-and-Izakaya-Crawl-in-Shibuya-Area/d334-383992P2
Cycling Tours Around Shibuya
Shibuya Downtown Cycling Tour
Source: Get Your Guide
This tour allows you to comfortably explore the Shibuya, Harajuku, and Aoyama areas by bicycle, avoiding traffic jams. A guide who has lived in Shibuya for a long time will take you to hidden gems and back alleys, providing an in-depth perspective of the area.
You'll have the opportunity to hear local stories and anecdotes that are not found in guidebooks. The back alleys of Shibuya are lined with small specialty shops, and exploring them will surely be an exciting experience.
The cost, which includes bicycles and helmets, is 8,000 yen per person. The tour starts at either 9:30 AM or 2:00 PM, and the duration is approximately 3 hours.
Photo Shooting Tours
Tokyo: Shibuya & Shinjuku Photo & Vlog Shooting Tour
Source: Get Your Guide
This tour takes you to photogenic spots in Tokyo, such as Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Center Street, Shibuya Yokocho, Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho, Kabukicho, and Kabukicho Tower, while professional photographers capture your experience.
After the tour, you'll receive at least 15 edited photos and 3 video clips of approximately 15 seconds each. The cost ranges from 20,250 yen to 27,000 yen per person, with discounted prices available depending on the season.
You can choose to start at either 4:00 PM or 8:00 PM, and the duration is 3 hours. With the neon-lit city streets as a backdrop, you'll feel like a model as you're professionally photographed and filmed.
Open-Top Bus Tour in Shibuya
SHIBUYA STREET RIDE
Source: Official website
This tour allows you to drive through Shibuya on an open-top, double-decker bus, offering an open-air experience. You can choose from three routes: around Shibuya, from Shibuya to Shinjuku, or from Shinjuku to Shibuya. The buses feature a pop art design inspired by iconic Shibuya buildings, monuments, and street culture, drawing attention wherever they go.
A multilingual guide system and onboard monitors provide comprehensive information about the sights. The cost is 3,000 yen for adults (2,000 yen with an advance payment discount) and 1,500 yen for children (1,000 yen with an advance payment discount). A limited number of package deals including admission to the SHIBUYA SKY observation deck are also available.
Tour details: https://www.tokyubus.co.jp/SSRIDE/
The Shibuya area is packed with attractions, so taking a tour is an efficient way to explore it. In addition to sightseeing spots like the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and Center Street, there are also unique gourmet destinations. Furthermore, it's easily accessible to nearby areas like Harajuku, Omotesando, and Shinjuku, making it an appealing district. Therefore, joining a tour is recommended as it