Shibuya is the epicenter of Japanese youth culture. It's a representative area of Tokyo, known for its scramble crossing where up to 3,000 people cross at once, and the statue of Hachiko. Shibuya is the center of trends and fashion, lined with stylish cafes and boutiques. For me, who was born in Tokyo, Shibuya has been my go-to place for shopping since I was young.
Shibuya is home to numerous art museums and live music venues, showcasing its artistic and musical side. The streets are filled with trendy youngsters and artists, exuding an energetic atmosphere.
Of course, there's also a wide variety of dining options. In addition to cafes and restaurants, izakayas and bars come alive at night. Shibuya, which continues to evolve, offers new discoveries with every visit.
In recent years, it has frequently appeared as a setting in anime and movies, attracting more and more attention from around the world.
Shibuya in the Morning
Shibuya is known as the "city that never sleeps," coming to life at night. Izakayas and bars open all at once, and the area bustles with young people visiting nightclubs and live music venues.
On the other hand, Shibuya in the morning shows a different face from the night. While JR Shibuya Station is crowded with people heading to work or transferring trains in the morning, the streets are relatively quiet and calm as many commercial facilities open between 10 and 11 AM. Some izakayas offer lunch service, but full-scale operations usually start in the evening.
In contrast to the liveliness of the night, morning in Shibuya is peaceful, allowing for a relaxed time. I will introduce some recommended ways to spend a quiet morning in Shibuya.
Eating Breakfast (Japanese Cuisine)
Shinpachi Shokudo
Source: Official website
"Shinpachi Shokudo" is popular as a place to enjoy a healthy meal in the morning. Here, you can savor grilled fish or meat dishes cooked over charcoal. The set meal includes a main dish, side dishes, miso soup, and rice, providing a nutritionally balanced meal from the morning. The price of around 1,000 yen for such a complete meal is a pleasant surprise.
Especially, I recommend the grilled fish set meal with a wide variety of fish to choose from. Not only salmon, which is popular overseas, but also Japanese staples like horse mackerel, Pacific saury, and yellowtail are available. Open from 7 AM, it's also perfect for a breather after a night out.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Sato Estate Building Main Building, 3-18-5 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6712-6369
・Hours: 07:00 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.shinpachi-shokudo.com/
MUSUBITEI
Source: Official X
"MUSUBITEI," an onigiri shop that just opened on August 31, 2023, is also recommended. It offers a rich variety of flavors that are hard to find overseas, such as blue shiso takana, chirimen zanshō, and shiso seed hijiki.
The onigiri, gently wrapped in brand-name rice, are very reasonably priced from 200 to 300 yen each. For a hearty breakfast, you can choose two onigiri of your liking and add two pieces of karaage and two pieces of tamagoyaki for an additional 330 yen! There's also an eat-in space, so you can enjoy your meal leisurely inside the store.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Dai-3 Yagi Building, 3-7-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-5464-2211
・Hours: Weekdays: 07:00 - 21:00 Weekends and Holidays: 07:00 - 18:00
*Closes when sold out
・Official website: https://www.musubitei.jp/
Relaxing at a Cafe
WHITE GLASS COFFEE
Source: Tabelog
I recommend for those who want to spend a quiet and relaxing time, "WHITE GLASS COFFEE". Despite being close to Shibuya Station, the interior has a calm atmosphere where you can spend a relaxed time. The interior, decorated with plants, is bright and feels like an oasis in the city.
It's also nice that they offer healthy menu options. The selectable breakfast menu comes with one drink and is priced between 1,000 and 1,300 yen.
I especially recommend the "Avocado Toast," where creamy avocado perfectly matches the slightly salted bread, satisfying both your heart and stomach.
<Information>
・Address: 1F Visionary Arts, 23-18 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6416-4550
・Hours: 08:00 - 20:00
・Official website: https://whiteglasscoffee.com/
Pan to Espresso to Machiawase
Source: Tabelog
"Pan to Espresso to Machiawase" is a shop that catches the eye with its pop displays and interior. The interior, designed around the concept of eggs, is like an art piece, making you feel happy just by being there.
The breakfast menu is very reasonable, with drinks included for 500 to 700 yen. I recommend the "Iron Plate Cheese Omelette," with its fluffy eggs and melting cheese that's simply delicious and addictive. Located right near Shibuya Station inside MIYASHITA PARK, it's convenient for meeting friends or taking a break from shopping.
<Information>
・Address: 2F MIYASHITA PARK South, 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6805-0830
・Hours: 08:00 - 21:00
・Official website: https://www.jisoku1jikan.jp/projects/#machiawase
Enjoying the Nature
MIYASHITA PARK
Source:Official website
MIYASHITA PARK is a commercial facility that houses "Pan to Espresso to Machiawase" and is also popular as a rest spot. The rooftop of the facility, which houses cafes and boutiques, is developed as an urban park with a spacious lawn spread out. Being here makes you forget that you're in the center of Tokyo, allowing you to fully enjoy an open atmosphere.
Its also equipped with sports facilities such as bouldering and a skateboard park. If you actively move your body from the morning and then lie down on the grass to gaze at the blue sky, I’m sure the day will be wonderful.
<Information>
・Address: 6-20-10 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-6712-5630
・Hours: 08:00 - 23:00
・Official website: https://www.miyashita-park.tokyo/
Yoyogi Park
Source: Official website
Yoyogi Park is a large park within walking distance from Shibuya Station. The vast grounds are covered with lush greenery, loved by locals as a precious place to enjoy nature in the heart of the city.
In the morning, Yoyogi Park is bustling with people enjoying walks, runs, and yoga, each spending a peaceful time at their own pace. On weekends, flea markets and events are also held.
It's an ideal place for those who want to spend a relaxing time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are also many tourist spots around the park, such as Meiji Shrine and Harajuku's Takeshita Street, making it recommended for a break during sightseeing.
<Information>
・Address: Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-3469-6081
・Hours: 24 hours
・Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/yoyogi/index.html
Meiji Shrine
Source: TripAdvisor
Adjacent to Yoyogi Park is "Meiji Shrine," said to be the most visited shrine in Japan. While it's a world-famous tourist attraction, if you visit early in the morning, there are few visitors and a quiet atmosphere prevails. Enjoy a stroll to the main shrine, passing through Japan's largest wooden torii gate and feeling the fresh breeze.
There are also cafes and restaurants open from the morning within the shrine grounds. Drinking morning coffee in a sunlight-dappled interior while listening to birdsong is the ultimate luxury. Also, near the shrine is Omotesando, lined with stylish shops, which is recommended for a stroll after visiting the shrine.
<Information>
・Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
・Closed: None
・Phone: 03-3379-5511
・Hours: From sunrise to sunset (varies by season)
・Official website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/
Strolling Around Shibuya
Shibuya truly comes to life afternoon. The Scramble Crossing and Center Street, which are usually so crowded that it's difficult to walk, have a relatively calm atmosphere in the morning hours. It's recommended to leisurely stroll around Shibuya town enjoying this quietness. You'll be able to experience a completely different side of Shibuya, the city that never sleeps.
Also, this time when there are fewer people is a chance to take photos of Shibuya's cityscape. Try wandering around the city and finding your favorite photo spots.
While Shibuya is known for its youth culture such as fashion and music, morning in Shibuya shows a different face from usual. In contrast to the lively nights, morning in Shibuya is enveloped in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
It's recommended to visit during this time before the people increase and the town becomes fully bustling. It will provide you with a fresh experience different from noon or night. Enjoy your time as you like, whether it's having a healthy breakfast at a restaurant, relaxing surrounded by nature in a park or shrine, or capturing the quiet Shibuya cityscape in photos.