Shibuya
Along with Shinjuku and Ikebukero, Shibuya is one of the three major sub-centers of Tokyo. Shibuya has long been thought of as a town for young people, but, with the recent opening of new commercial facilities, it is now recognized as a city which attracts adults as well.
The bronze statue of Hachiko, the most famous dog in Japan, still waits patiently in front of the JR Shibuya station for the return of his master. It is some 100 years since Hachiko accompanied the professor to the station never to see him again. This story has now reached an international audience with the Hollywood movie, “Hachi: A Dog’s Tale” featuring Richard Gere. If you are meeting a friend in Shibuya, there’s an obvious place to link up.
“Scramble Crossing,” another iconic Shubuya landmark, can also be found in front of JR Shibuya station. The sight of waves of people, around 1000 at one time, crossing in all directions under flashing digital displays and loud noises, is a popular symbol of Tokyo’s dynamism. Scramble Crossing was featured in the movie “Lost in Translation” directed by Sofia Coppola, and has become a popular tourist spot for foreign visitors to Japan. Are you wondering how Scramble Crossing looks from above? The best spot to view the Crossing is from Starbucks on the second floor of the QFRONT Building.
Crossing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, you’ll face Shibuya Center Gai, a street lined with numerous restaurants, izakaya (Japanese style pub), bars, clothing stores, general merchandise, karaoke, and such.
The other major street, Dogenzaka, is home to the world’s latest trends, including large-scale commercial facilities such as SHIBUYA 109, a mecca for fashion-conscious young people. Large department stores belonging to competing franchises Tokyu and Seibu are easily found, but smaller chains and shops abound in close proximity.
