Shibuya is a district that transmits Japan's youth culture. In recent years, it has also appeared as the setting for popular anime, attracting attention from both inside and outside the country.
The symbol of Shibuya is the "Shibuya Scramble Crossing." Said to be the world's busiest intersection, it has a staggering 500,000 pedestrians crossing per day.
Near the Scramble Crossing, there is another symbol - the "Hachiko" dog statue. Hachiko continued waiting for around 10 years at this spot for his owner who had passed away from illness. Today, the statue is a beloved meeting spot for people.
Shibuya is in the midst of redevelopment, with construction happening everywhere. This ever-evolving district continues to captivate people as a trendsetting area.
Shibuya also has museums, live music venues, and clubs, showcasing its artistic and musical side. This attracts visitors of all ages from Japan and worldwide.
With its popularity, Shibuya has an abundance of izakaya pubs and restaurants. Here are some dining spots that I recommended.
Restaurants with Stunning Views
Nihon Ryouri Syunsai (Japanese Cuisine)
Source: Official website
Located on the 25th floor of the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu, "Nihon Ryouri Syunsai" offers breathtaking views from 100m above ground level. You can see the Scramble Crossing in front and the Meiji Shrine in the distance. The central seats are raised, ensuring an unobstructed panorama from anywhere. Directly connected to Shibuya Station, access is excellent.
The lunchtime "Kobachi Bento" features an assortment of colorful small dishes in a bento box style, starting from ¥3,800 for the stunning view. The city lights at night create a romantic atmosphere, with dinner courses from ¥7,000. I recommend the "Syunsai Kaiseki" course - each meticulously arranged seasonal delicacy is a beautiful gem, perfect for dates.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Lunch 11:30–15:00, Dinner 17:30–22:00
・Closed: Irregular (check official website)
・Address: Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu 25F, 1-12-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 03-5457-0109
・Website: https://www.tokyuhotels.co.jp/shibuya-e/restaurant/shunsai/index.html
Shabu-shabu Tsukada
Source: Tabelog
"Shabu-shabu Tsukada" is a shabu-shabu (hot pot) restaurant on the 12th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square, directly connected to Shibuya Station. It offers premium ingredients like Japanese Black beef and domestic pork selected by professionals.
Having individual hot pots allows you to enjoy the meal at your own pace - a pleasant perk. You can dine while admiring the iconic Scramble Crossing and soaring skyscrapers.
The lunch course featuring A4-ranked Japanese Black beef and domestic pork starts from ¥2,300, a reasonable price that often results in long queues during lunchtime.
The evening courses from ¥5,428 include appetizers to desserts, with free refills on rice to satisfy big appetites like mine. This popular spot tends to be crowded, so making a reservation is recommended, especially for lunch.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Lunch 11:00–15:00, Dinner 17:00–23:00
・Address: Scramble Square 12F, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 03-6427-3613
・Website: https://ap-holdings.jp/brand-and-business/しゃぶしゃぶつかだ/
・Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shabushabutsukada.shibuya/
Teppanyaki
Rin
Source: Tabelog
For teppanyaki, the highlight is the theatrical performance of flames erupting from the grill as chefs cook steak right before your eyes. At "Rin," you can enjoy premium Japanese Black beef cooked with dynamic flair.
While focusing on quality meat, they also excel at seafood. The course meals allow you to savor the best of both worlds. Additionally, there are affiliated sushi and tempura restaurants on the same floor, enabling you to try their dishes at Rin as well.
Showcasing the best of Japanese cuisine, Rin attracts international guests. With private rooms available, it's ideal for dates and business entertaining.
While teppanyaki has an upscale image, you can enjoy it casually at lunchtime with courses starting from ¥5,000.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Lunch 11:30–15:00, Dinner 17:00–23:00
・Closed: Irregular
・Address: Hulic Shibuya Center Building 4F, 32-15 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 050-5600-9344
・Website: https://gez8529.gorp.jp/
Denko-sekka
Source: Tabelog
"Denko-sekka" is a popular Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (savory pancake) restaurant featured in the Michelin Guide Hiroshima. In Shibuya, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Hiroshima. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki contains noodles, called "Hiroshimayaki," and you can choose between udon or soba noodles here.
Denko-sekka's okonomiyaki is distinct with its dome shape and generous vegetable toppings, grilled without pressing down for a fluffy texture. The shredded shiso leaves provide a refreshing accent.
Among their varieties, I recommend the "Tappuri Cheese" - the combination of sauce and melted cheese is divine. They also offer ample side dishes like grilled offal that pair well with beer.
<Store Information>
・Hours: 11:00–23:00
・Address: HULIC & New UDAGAWA 9F, 32-7 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 03-6427-8945
・Website: https://okonomiyaki-denko-sekka.com/
Seafood Cuisine
Kaikaya
Source: Tabelog
When it comes to popular seafood restaurants in Shibuya, "Kaikaya" is a standout. They serve creative Japanese cuisine featuring seafood. The lively interior evokes the atmosphere of a port town izakaya. The friendly staff, including the owner who explains dishes in English, make it popular among international guests. Many become regulars, captivated by the unique flavors found only here.
The seafood-loving owner, who began his culinary journey at 16, imbues his original dishes with creativity. The "Tuna Spareribs" are a must-try for overseas guests.
The beautifully arranged sashimi uses incredibly fresh fish, making you forget you're in Shibuya. The course menus from ¥5,800 include signature dishes like this.
<Store Information>
・Hours: 17:00–22:30
・Closed: Wednesdays
・Address: 23-7 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 03-3770-0878
・Website: https://www.kaikaya.com/top.html
Unigoya
Source: Official website
For those visiting Japan, uni (sea urchin) is a must-try delicacy. "Unigoya" offers additive-free fresh uni with a rich, creamy sweetness without any bitterness, allowing you to savor its true flavor.
While often enjoyed as sushi, Unigoya presents uni in various preparations. My recommendation is the "Uni Gratin" - the concentrated umami of uni is perfect for a gratin dish and a recurring favorite among regulars. They also offer over 30 types of Japanese sake that pair exquisitely with uni.
At lunchtime, they transform into a specialty shop for crispy fresh horse mackerel fry. Using sashimi-grade horse mackerel, the semi-raw fry is irresistibly juicy and tender. You can also enjoy Unigoya's regular menu during lunch for those craving uni and drinks from midday.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Dinner - Mon-Sat 17:00–23:00, Sun & Holidays 16:00–22:00
Lunch - Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 12:00–14:00
・Closed: Irregular
・Address: 18-2 Maruyamacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 050-5594-8234
・Website: https://unigoya-shibuya.foodre.jp/
Creative Japanese Cuisine
Nagomiya
Source: Tabelog
Opened on December 1, 2023, "Nagomiya" offers complete privacy with its all-private room seating, allowing you to dine without worrying about your surroundings.
Their creative Japanese cuisine uses carefully selected ingredients across over 50 menu items, from speedy bites to desserts. Each dish is beautifully plated, whetting your appetite.
The sashimi made with fish directly shipped from ports is a Nagomiya signature. The ultra-fresh, plump slices are bursting with flavor. Meat dishes range from grilled to stewed, even including Kumamoto horse sashimi.
Making a reservation online grants you access to discounted drink packages from ¥1,078 and course menu discounts, so it's recommended for those with set plans.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Mon-Fri 15:00–24:00, Sat-Sun & Holidays 12:00–24:00
・Address: Lu82 Building 4F, 26-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 03-4216-0239
・Website: https://nagomiya-shibuya.owst.jp/
Shibuya Sanshin
Source: Tabelog
For a tranquil dining experience, visit "Shibuya Sanshin," a 10-minute walk from Shibuya Station. While removed from the bustling center, the warm, wooden interior provides an inviting atmosphere to share precious moments.
Sanshin takes pride in its meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine using seasonal ingredients, with different dishes available throughout the year. An extensive selection of sake complements the flavors.
My recommendation is the "Luxurious Seafood Hot Pot Rice" - a vibrant array of premium seafood like ikura, scallops, and abalone over rice cooked in an earthenware pot. The rice absorbs the umami essence of the seafood. You can enjoy this as part of a course menu starting from ¥7,000.
<Store Information>
・Hours: Mon-Sat 18:00–24:00, Sun & Holidays 17:00–23:00
・Address: 22-22 Sakuragaokachou, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Phone: 050-5493-1925
・Website: https://gdyr404.gorp.jp/
・Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shibuya_sanshin/
This covered the recommended restaurants and izakaya in Shibuya. As a central Tokyo district, the quality is impressively high across all establishments, truly whetting one's appetite. Some dishes can only be found in Shibuya, so be sure to visit any that piqued your interest.
Magical Trip offers guided food tours of Shibuya's izakaya and bars, securing great seats at popular spots while enabling interactions with locals. Join a tour to fully experience Shibuya's nightlife.
>> Shibuya Bar Hopping Night Tour in Tokyo