Shibuya is one of my favourite areas of Tokyo – there’s a huge range of shops and restaurants and it’s always buzzing with people. With the late night shopping, neon lighting and video screens, it’s an exciting place to be after dark and really feels like the Tokyo of films. It’s also not a big area so if you get tired out it’s more likely because you spent 2 hours in Loft, not from walking between shops. Luckily, there are plenty cafes and restaurants to take a break in too.
Shopping in Shibuya
Loft
Pitched as a department store for the younger, cooler crowd, it sells lots of cute fun items including plush, stationery, kitchenware, tech goods and much more. See my full post »
Tokyu Hands
Your one stop shop for just about everything – art and craft supplies, homeware, stationery, party goods, luggage, cookware, furniture and DIY tools – and perfect for weird gifts and souvenirs. The Shibuya branch also has a cafe. See my full post »
Libro
Excellent book and magazine shop in the basement of Parco department store. See my full post »
Itoya
There is a small franchise of this high end washi shop inside the Tokyu department store. See my full post »
Wrapple
Craft shop in the Parco department store where you’ll find all kinds of gift wrapping supplies, washi tape, stationery and more. They run regular workshops too. Website »
Tower Records
Technically a record store (which means you can pick up all the J-Pop you can carry), but the Shibuya branch also sells English/US magazines and books and has a cafe, plus it’s open until 10pm. Website »
Don Quijote (Donki)
Chain of discount stores where you’ll find all kinds of crazy stuff packed floor to ceiling. Website »
Village Vanguard
Another place to pick up crazy random stuff for gifts and souvenirs plus they stock a lot of less popular character goods. Website »
Alice on Wednesday
Quirky Alice in Wonderland themed store where you can wander through 3 lavishly decorated floors selling sweets, drinks, accessories etc. Website »
Galaxxxy
One of Kyary Pamyu Pamyu’s favourite stores. You’ll find loads of unique colourful kawaii clothing plus collaborations with designers, characters and models. Website »
Where to Eat
The Guest Café & Diner
Situated on the 7th Floor of Parco, this hosts big name character cafes on a pop-up basis, so far including Gudetama, Miffy and Funassyi. It’s very popular so you might need to try at different days and times to avoid long queues. Website »
Pie Face
Range of filled pastry pies with kawaii faces drawn on the lid. Quick lunch option in the MODI department store close to Tower Records. Website »
Magnolia Bakery
The famous NYC cupcakes are also available in Shibuya. Website »
And People
Quirky cafe for pizza, pasta, curry and cocktails. Website »
Japanese Fast Food
Shibuya is a great place to try out some of the best Japanese fast food restaurants – the food is still great but it’s also quick and easy with English menus or ticket machine ordering. Look out for CoCo Ichibanya (curry rice – vegetarian available), Ichiran Ramen, Freshness Burger (good vegetarian options) and Mos Burger (includes burgers with rice ‘buns’).
Art, Culture & More
Shibuya Crossing
There’s no way to miss the infamous pedestrian crossing where hundreds of people all cross together in a mass of humanity. There are a few good places to watch it from up high including Starbucks and the station.
Hachiko Statue
As you leave the station, take a moment to say hello to Hachiko, the faithful dog – his statue is close to the Hachiko exit and is a popular meeting place.
LELE Junie Moon
Cute gallery in Parco with regular exhibitions of art, illustration and design, plus Blythe dolls/accessories and products by independent designers and makers. Website »
Mocha
Fashionable cat cafe chain where you can turn up to pet cats in stylish surroundings. Website »
Getting Around
Shibuya station is a pretty big hub and connects to JR lines, private railways and subway. While Shibuya is not a big area, there are lots of tiny streets in all directions so mark your places of interest on a map to make sure you find everything without doubling back on yourself all the time.
Last updated: 15 May 2017
Useful Links & Guides
- My Tokyo Shopping Guide (craft & kawaii shopping in Tokyo and beyond)
- My Japan Trips (more links and guides)
- Planning For Japan (my Japan guide with 200+ shops, cafes and places of interest plus tips and resources to help you plan the perfect trip!
