The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is located just outside JR Shibuya Station. The main event happens as soon as the traffic lights turn green, the large crowds of people start walking across the street, intricately weaving and winding around each other to get to the other side. If you take a photo of this moment, there is no doubt that it will become a great memory of visiting the mega city of Tokyo! At daytime, the streets are filled with shoppers and after the sun sets, the streets will stay crowded with people who are on their way for a night of fun.

While experiencing the crossing from the street level is a must, looking down at the massive crowds from 229 meters above is an entirely different thrill! The open-air observation deck at SHIBUYA SKY offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the scramble crossing and the Tokyo metropolis.

A crucial tip for visitors: Tickets for popular time slots (especially sunset and evening) sell out very quickly. While you might have a better chance of grabbing a daytime slot at the last minute, same-day tickets are almost always completely sold out. To avoid disappointment, it is highly recommended to book your tickets online well in advance!

The typical meeting spot in Shibuya is Hachiko mae at Hachikomae Square in front of Shibuya station. Hachiko is the statue of a famous Akita dog with the same name, which has become a symbol of loyalty in Japan; Hachiko mae means "in front of Hachiko." Many people, and especially young people, use the bronze statue of Hachiko - which even became the inspiration for a Hollywood movie - as a landmark for meeting each other. Many tourists even queue to take a photo with the statue of Hachiko, that waited for his owner day after day even after his owner passed away. In spring, the surrounding cherry blossoms bloom which completely turns the spot into a charismatic spectacle.

Omotesando area located along Meiji Dori, linking Harajuku and Shibuya, is a shopping street lined with many luxury brand shops. The footbridge near the Jingumae police box along Omotesando is the best photo spot for viewing zelkova roadside trees along Omotesando.

As a bonus tip, did you know that Shinjuku is just a short train ride (about 5 minutes) from Shibuya and Harajuku? Shinjuku is the main departure hub for Tokyo's most popular sightseeing bus tours!

If you want to take your photography beyond the cityscape, hopping on a day tour is a hassle-free way to visit iconic destinations like majestic Mt. Fuji, the scenic hot springs of Hakone, or even a snowy ski resort. You can capture breathtaking photos of Japan's natural beauty without worrying about navigating complicated train routes.

Check out these highly-rated bus tours departing directly from Shinjuku:

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