Shibuya is known as a city that is constantly changing. True to its name, it is always undergoing redevelopment construction, with the scenery changing daily.
However, amid the dizzying changes in Shibuya, the world-famous Scramble Crossing and the classic meeting spot of the Hachiko statue remain unchanged.
Shibuya is also known as a hub for youth culture, with many of Japan's trends starting from this city. At the same time, it has another side that attracts adults with its nightclubs and art museums. With people of all ages from youths to adults flocking here, Shibuya is filled with numerous restaurants and izakayas, earning it a reputation as a city that never sleeps.
This time, I'll introduce spots where you can enjoy stunning night views of the neon-lit Shibuya.
SHIBUYA SKY
Source: Official website
SHIBUYA SKY is located on the upper floors of the 230m tall "Shibuya Scramble Square" commercial facility, boasting Shibuya's highest elevation.
First, you take the elevator called "SKY GATE" up from the 14th to the 45th floor while enjoying visuals and 3D sound.
After getting off the elevator and switching to an escalator, you'll arrive at the rooftop observation deck called "SKY STAGE". Here, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of the city, with the Shibuya Scramble Crossing right below and high-rise buildings rising as far as the eye can see. The strong wind from 230m above also makes you keenly aware that you're standing high above Shibuya.
There is also an indoor observation corridor called "SKY GALLERY" on the 46th floor, where you can enjoy stunning views through floor-to-ceiling windows while also experiencing contemporary art through video installations.
This is an extremely popular spot where tickets often sell out, so it's recommended to make a web reservation before visiting.
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- Address: 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: 03-4221-0229
- Hours: 10:00-22:30 (last entry 21:20)
- Official website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/sky/
Sky Lobby
Source: TripAdvisor
The Sky Lobby is an observation space on the 11th floor of the "Shibuya Hikarie" building.
Here, you can enjoy night views of Shibuya from about 60m above ground level. As an observation space, it's relatively low, positioned around the same height as surrounding buildings, so the night view stretches out not just below but also horizontally.
No tickets are required here, and anyone can enjoy the night view for free. It's also open for extended hours from 7:00-23:00, so you can enjoy the night scenery even after other observation decks have closed.
This is also considered an off-the-beaten-path spot, tending to be less crowded than other rooftop facilities in the area, especially late at night. Rare for the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, you can enjoy the view in quiet tranquility here, or take photos without worrying about others being in the frame. This was the only place in Shibuya where I could take pictures with just my friends and the scenery when I visited as a tourist.
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- Address: 11F Shibuya Hikarie, 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: 03-5468-5892 (Shibuya Hikarie Information Center)
- Hours: 7:00-23:00
- Official website: https://www.hikarie.jp/floorguide/floormap/?floor=11f
Crossing View & Rooftop Lounge Mag8
Source: TripAdvisor
"CROSSING VIEW" is a sky-themed observation deck on the rooftop of the "MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109" building. Here, you can look straight down on the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, known as the world's busiest pedestrian intersection.
At night, the dazzling lights from commercial facilities and signs, as well as the headlights of vehicles at the intersection, create a blindingly beautiful night scenery. Since this observation deck is outdoors, you can experience not just the night view itself but all the sights, sounds, and smells that make up the nighttime atmosphere.
One thing you should definitely try here is "CROSSING PHOTO". A camera is installed high overhead, which you can connect to your smartphone to take photos capturing both the observation deck and the Scramble Crossing below at the same time.
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- Address: 1-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: January 1
- Phone: 03-3477-5111 (MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109 Information Center)
- Hours: 11:00-21:00
- Official website: https://magnetbyshibuya109.jp/
SHIBU NIWA
Source: Official website
SHIBU NIWA is a rooftop space on the 17th floor of the Shibuya Fukuras building. Furnished with stylish tables, sofas, and orange lighting, it's a comfortable space to relax.
The night view from here doesn't just show the lights of buildings, but also the signboards of commercial facilities and restaurants in vivid detail. The various neon lights weave together into a colorful, eye-catching scenery.
You can also enjoy meals while taking in the night view. There is an adjoining cafe & bar and lounge where you can get food to go and eat at the table seating area on the observation deck. Having dinner while feeling the night breeze and gazing out at the night scenery below is sure to be a romantic experience.
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- Address: 1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)
- Closed: January 1 + irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3464-8109 (Tokyu Plaza Shibuya)
- Hours: 11:00-20:00
- Official website: https://shibuya.tokyu-plaza.com/shibuniwa/
SHIBUYA PARCO ROOF TOP PARK
Source: Official website
The Roof Top Park is located on the rooftop of Shibuya PARCO. Well-maintained lawns and potted plants, combined with soft indirect lighting, create a dreamy atmosphere. Looking like something out of a fairy tale, this space is often used as a filming location for TV dramas, music videos, and fashion magazines.
From here, you can take in a panoramic view of all of Shibuya, including the nightscape of the high-rise buildings in front of Shibuya Station. The lights of the towering buildings overhead are especially breathtaking.
This is considered an off-the-beaten-path spot that tends to be less crowded than other rooftop facilities in the area. A tranquil place to leisurely enjoy the night view, it's perfect for unwinding from the hustle and bustle of the city during the day.
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- Address: 15-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-3464-5111
- Hours: Retail, Services 10:00-21:00 / Food & Beverage 11:00-23:30
- Official website: https://www.parco.co.jp/location/shibuya/rooftoppark/
MIYASHITA PARK
Source: TripAdvisor
MIYASHITA PARK is a relatively new sightseeing spot developed in 2020, combining a park with commercial facilities. The rooftop of the 5-story building features a greenery-filled park that offers great night views. While not as high up as an observation deck, the night scenery stretches out across your entire field of vision. And being positioned below the high-rise buildings gives you the feeling of being part of the night view itself.
MIYASHITA PARK is still a work in progress as a sightseeing destination. The rooftop has interconnected arched trellises, which will eventually be covered in vines to create an even more beautiful environment. It's a place where you can truly experience the "ever-changing city of Shibuya."
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- Address: 6-20-10 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Irregular holidays
- Phone: 03-6712-5630
- Hours: 8:00-23:00 (park area)
- Official website: https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/
Restaurants with Night Views
Shunsai (Japanese Cuisine)
Sorce:Tabelog
Here you can enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine while looking down on night views from large windows 100m above ground.
Japan has four distinct seasons, with different ingredients being at their best depending on the time of year. Japanese cuisine uses the finest seasonal ingredients, allowing you to not only savor delicious flavors at any time but also experience the changing of the seasons.
Of course, Shunsai's menu also changes with the seasons. My recommended dish is the "Otsukuri" assortment of sashimi. The firm, thick slices are addictively delicious once you try them.
The restaurant has a very relaxing ambiance, allowing you to slowly savor the rich flavors of Japanese cuisine. The twinkling night view below casts an almost magical spell, further enhancing the exquisite taste.
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- Address: 25F Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: Sunday dinner (or final day's dinner if Sunday is a holiday period)
- Phone: 03-5457-0131
- Hours: 11:30-15:00 (L.O. 14:00) / 17:30-22:00 (L.O. 21:00)
- Official website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/shunsai/63770/index.html
Shabu Shabu Tsukada
Source: Tabelog
This restaurant is located on the 12th floor of the "Shibuya Scramble Square" building, allowing you to enjoy beautiful night views through its open windows along with shabu-shabu (Japanese hot pot) and sukiyaki dishes.
The dishes served here are incredibly rich in flavor. For example, the shabu-shabu and sukiyaki broths are so robustly flavored that you could enjoy sipping them on their own. The fresh, crisp vegetables, premium quality meat with ample marbling, and vividly colored eggs all exemplify the pinnacle of their respective ingredients. The depth of flavor comes from the perfect combination of these premium elements.
The restaurant also offers commemorative plate sets, making it perfect for surprise celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries. A surprise with a gorgeous night view in the background is sure to delight.
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- Address: 12F Shibuya Scramble Square, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Closed: None
- Phone: 050-5456-2662
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 11:00-15:00 (L.O. Food 14:00, Drinks 14:30) / 17:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 21:30, Drinks 22:00)
Sat, Sun, Holidays
11:00-16:00 (L.O. Food 15:00, Drinks 15:30) / 17:00-23:00 (L.O. Food 21:30, Drinks 22:00)
- Official website: https://www.instagram.com/shabushabutsukada.shibuya/
As you can see, there are night-view spots all over Shibuya. After sightseeing and dinner, it's recommended to visit one of these spots to cap off your day. Looking down from above on the places you've visited makes the memories even more vivid.
Before taking in the night views, it's also recommended to make some stops at izakayas or bars. With Shibuya's abundance of dining establishments, those unsure of where to go may want to join a bar-hopping tour guided by Shibuya experts.
The "Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo" has guides familiar with Shibuya who will take you to local izakayas and bars.
Tour details here: https://www.magical-trip.com/product/e97da2a4-a99c-4ec8-b2c2-e5e9ae25a8f6