You can walk to Yoyogi Park from Shibuya Station in about 15 minutes. This park is an oasis of tranquility in a natural setting that you would not imagine to be in the center of such a huge metropolis and only a short walk away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya Center Gai and the scramble intersection. In terms of land area it is the fifth largest park in all the 23 wards of Tokyo.

There is no admission fee, so you can enjoy it freely, and on certain times there are flea markets, performances, and fairs held in its vicinity.

There are also shops inside the park where you can get refreshments or you can buy takeout in nearby shops to take into the park for a picnic.

NHK Studio Park is located along the street lined with Zelkova trees leading to the Yoyogi Park entrance when you are coming from the direction of Shibuya Station. While there is a 200 yen admission fee for adults (children get in free) on several days during the month admission is free.

Here you will find the Media Wall that gives an overview of all the programs that have been broadcast on NHK in the past, and also displays of props and costumes used in new and old long-running dramas and other series shown in the Drama Library.

For foreign visitors I especially recommend NHK World, a program that broadcasts news about Japan and its culture throughout the world. Also, if the timing is right, you can also look at the radio studio where programs in many languages are recorded.

The Studio Park NEWS is especially worth seeing as you can experience how NHK news is created by putting yourself in the shoes of newscasters and reporters.

Shibuya Hikawa Shrine is said to be the oldest shrine in Shibuya. It is especially popular with women for its reputed ability to grant wishes regarding marriage and having children.

Located about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station it is situated in a quiet area enveloped in an air of tranquility.

Here in the precinct grounds, which also include Hikawa no Mori Park, their combined area covering more than 13,200 m2, you can get a feel of Japanese history and culture in this rich natural setting

There is no cost to enter the shrine precincts, however, if you make an offering of 300 yen you can receive a Goshuin which is a scarlet sacred seal. There is a book called a Goshuin-cho of blank pages which is used for having scarlet seals stamped in it at any shrines you visit.

Shibuya Hikarie is a high-rise commercial complex that opened in 2012. It is connected to Shibuya Station and has not only shops and restaurants, but also a space for concerts and other events. When you come to Shibuya, this is one place you certainly will want to visit. And of course you can enjoy it at no cost at all!

Let’s first look at CUBE, a gallery space that can be leased, on the 8th floor. Since Hikarie opened in 2012 it has held many kinds of exhibitions as a place where art of all forms can be displayed.

Generally there is no admission charge and periodically the exhibitions are changed. This is a good place to drop by when shopping or eating in Hikarie. (*Depending on the exhibition content, there may be an admission charge)

Our last destination is the Sky Lobby on the 11th floor of the same Shibuya Hikarie. There is no charge and the Sky Lobby is open until 1:00 a.m. and is popular with tourists for the excellent view of Shibuya it affords. It is about 60 meters above ground level and affords not only a good view of Shibuya, but also the forest of skyscrapers in Shinjuku, too. And on a fine day you can also see Mt. Fuji! The night view of the colorful lights in Shibuya is also quite beautiful.

There is also a space there for relaxing, so it is the perfect place to go when you want to take a break from your sightseeing activities.