Teeming with youth culture, fashion and entertainment, Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant districts and is compact enough to explore on foot – with a private walking tour among the best ways to do just that.
A street view of Shibuya (Photo: Naoki Nakashima via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Located in the southwest reaches of central Tokyo, the bustling neighbourhood places you at the epicentre of the city’s thriving shopping and nightlife scenes. Despite its futuristic and ultra-modern image, Shibuya also has several traditional landmarks, such as a sprinkling of izakayas (Japanese pubs) and public parks, all adding up to one of city’s most popular spots for locals and tourists alike – not to mention a pleasingly walkable one. The below private walking tour, which should take around 2 hours in total, ensures a relaxed introduction to this pulsating corner of Japan’s capital.
About the company
Guydeez connects travellers with trusted local guides for private, tailor-made tours in roughly 80 destinations worldwide. Each guide is based in the area they serve and selected for their deep linguistic, cultural, social and historical insight.
You can craft the experience entirely to your interests, building a custom itinerary together in advance through Guydeez’s online chat—or choose from a collection of ready-made tours. Guided experiences are offered in English, French, Spanish and Italian, giving travellers plenty of choice no matter their preferred language.
Highlights of the tour
Listed below are a few of the attractions that you’ll see during the tour, all of which are within comfortable walking distance of each other, regardless of your fitness levels. There are also plenty of opportunities to stop off for a rest and refreshments along the way, should you wish.
The famous Hachikō Statue (Photo: Terrazzo via Flickr / CC BY 2.0)
Hachikō Statue: Shibuya’s most beloved meeting spot is a tribute to Japan’s famously loyal and eponymous dog, who waited here for his owner every day. You’ll find it directly outside Shibuya Station, surrounded by crowds of locals and camera-wielding tourists.
Shibuya Crossing: Tokyo’s iconic scramble sees hundreds of people stream across from all directions in perfect organised chaos. A must-see snapshot of modern Tokyo, you’ll get to traverse this famous crossing for yourself during your guided walking tour.
Shibuya 109: A major fashion landmark, Shibuya 109 is packed with trend-setting boutiques and pop culture energy, drawing Tokyo’s hippest young residents as well as a steady stream of visitors keen to pick up some cutting-edge local garb.
The Shibuya 109 fashion destination seen at night (Photo: Matt Watts via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Shibuya Mark City: A lively multi-use complex located right by Shibuya Station, Shibuya Mark City is full to the brim with shops, cafés and restaurants – all under one roof.
Practical info
Getting there: Shibuya is located in the heart of Tokyo and is easily reached from anywhere in the city. From central Tokyo stations such as Tokyo Station or Shinjuku, the journey takes around 15 minutes by train. For travellers arriving by air, the closest airport is Haneda Airport, around 30–45 minutes from Shibuya by train or limousine bus. Narita Airport, which handles a large share of long-haul flights, is about 60–90 minutes away depending on the transport service you choose.
For those arriving by sea, Tokyo’s cruise arrivals dock at Yokohama’s Osanbashi International Passenger Terminal, which is roughly 45–60 minutes from Shibuya by train. Tokyo International Cruise Terminal in Odaiba is another option, located about 25–35 minutes away.