3 Perfect Days in Shibuya - Exploring One Pocket of Tokyo

Start your morning with coffee or a light breakfast at White Glass Coffee. There are multiple savory and sweet options, and fresh donuts start coming out of the oven mid-morning. If the weather is nice, snag a table outside and enjoy this slice of tranquility amidst the bustle of the city.

Next, take a short walk to see the Hachiko Statue, located on the northwest side of Shibuya Station. This statue honors Hachiko, an Akita dog, who warmed the hearts of people all over the world for his unwavering loyalty to his owner. In the 1920s, Hachiko would go to Shibuya Station every afternoon to await his owner’s return from his daily commute. Even after his owner’s death, Hachiko continued to wait for his owner for nine years.

After snapping a picture with Japan’s most famous dog, brave the Shibuya Scramble Crossing on your way to Mega Don Quijote. Donki, as it’s famously called, is a store that has everything you need and everything you didn’t know you needed. Open 24 hours and spanning eight floors, you might find yourself happily lost as you explore each floor. Snacks, chocolate, beauty products, stationary, souvenirs, and much more can be found; and if you spend ¥5000 or more, make your way to the 8th floor to check out at the tax exemption desk (passport required).

Wander a few streets over and find Miyashita Park. This repurposed building houses shopping, food, art, and an urban park on the rooftop of the building. Head to the roof to find a bench to relax and catch your breath, or if you’re feeling adventurous, check out the skate park, bouldering area, and sand volleyball court. When hunger strikes, head down to the first floor and explore Shibuya Yokocho. Designed to mimic a mid-20th century Tokyo alleyway, there are 19+ food stalls highlighting food from all corners of Japan.

Reserve a spot at Shibuya Sky and head up to the 47th floor for iconic views of the city. It’s the perfect place to take photos and on a clear day, you can see all the way to Mt. Fuji. Spend the afternoon meandering through the streets of Shibuya. Tokyu Hands, Loft, Muji, Uniqlo, and Daiso all have outlets in Shibuya and are great options to find that perfect souvenir. If you have kids, they will enjoy walking through the castle entrance of the Disney Store or finding their inner trainer at the Pokemon Center at Parco (there’s also a Nintendo store and Capcom store on the same floor!)

If you love good food, but waiting in a line or having to make a reservation months in advance is not your thing, head underground at Shibuya Station and find Tokyu Foodshow. This gourmet depachika–food floor–is the largest food hall in Shibuya and will not disappoint. Fresh sushi, homemade ramen, crispy tempura, mouth watering pastries, delicate desserts, and more await you. Grab your food and eat in the designated areas or bring it back to your room to enjoy a cozy night in. Don’t forget to swing by the grocery stall to pick up whatever fruit is in season. From Shine Muscat grapes to the famous Japanese white strawberries, in Japan they do everything with precision and excellence and their fruit is no exception.

If you are up early, make sure to head to Katsuo Shokudo to try a savory breakfast of rice, katsuo (skipjack tuna flakes), and miso soup. Feeling extra hungry? Add on the daily side dish or a protein to round out your meal.

Take a stroll down Koen Dori Street as you make your way to Yoyogi Park. This inner city park spanning more than 130 acres is the perfect place to picnic, cycle, people watch, or enjoy a touch of nature in the city. Walking paths are found all over the park as you choose your own adventure. In the north corner of the park, there is a bike rental shop where adults and kids can rent bicycles to ride on the designated park bike path. For younger kids, they also have bikes with training wheels and a designated practice area for kids. Helmets are required, but provided for free. Tandem bicycles are also available to rent and a fun way to explore as a duo!

Head out of the park a few short blocks east to the start of Harajuku to grab lunch. Roast Beef Ohno Harajuku is famous for their mouthwatering Japanese roast beef bowl. The restaurant has limited seating, but it is worth the wait. If the line is long, one person can wait in line while the rest head across the hall to Kinji, a clothing store with amazing vintage finds.

A visit to Harajuku is not complete without visiting the Meiji Jingu shrine which is dedicated to the deified spirits of the Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. Find some peace and tranquility as you explore the lush and beautiful grounds.

After exiting the shrine grounds, make your way back across the street for an afternoon snack at I’m donut. This donut chain–famous for its soft, fluffy texture and range of flavors–often commands a line around the block. The hype is real and if you are patient enough to wait, you will be rewarded with some amazing Japanese-perfected donuts.

Grab your box of donuts and walk up the block just past the entrance to Uniqlo and go up the escalators of the With Harajuku building. On the third floor there is a beautiful terraced deck to rest your feet and enjoy your fresh, tasty donuts.

No trip to Harajuku is complete without a stroll down Takeshita Street. If you don’t mind crowds, this trendy and fashionable street is bustling with fashion, food, and fabulous people-watching. Explore all the fun stores as you make your way through and then grab dinner at one of the many eateries along the main and side streets.

Begin the day with a leisurely stroll through the streets of Shibuya on your way to Daikanyama. Just a ten minute walk from Shibuya, this Brooklyn-esque neighborhood is filled with cute shops, unique architecture, and beautiful restaurants and cafes.

Built upon old train tracks, Log Road Daikanyama is a charming green sanctuary filled with trendy shops and tasty food. Pop into Spring Valley Brewery to sample a flight of their brews on tap and grab a bite to eat.

For the perfect souvenir, head to Number Sugar in the heart of Daikanyama to bring home the most delectable caramels. The 12 flavors offered are made with the highest quality ingredients sourced from around the world and can be purchased individually or in boxed sets. With a few locations around the city, the Daikanyama location is the only one that boasts a custom vending machine where you can purchase a random assortment of 5 caramel flavors housed in an artfully decorated box.

While in the neighborhood, carve out some time to visit the Kyu Asakura house.. The residence, built in 1919, was the former home of a government official and is a beautifully preserved representation of traditional Japanese architecture. The house offers a unique glimpse into the past and the gardens are beautiful, particularly in the fall when the trees show off their autumn brilliance.

Daikanyama T-Site is the crown jewel of the neighborhood. Spread across three buildings and two floors, take your time browsing their selection of books, stationary, gifts, and gourmet food gifts. The Anjin lounge on the second floor boasts a quiet, intimate space to enjoy a cup of tea, a light meal, or dessert. Need something stronger? Grab a cocktail and sit at the book-themed bar while you enjoy this unique space.

As you head back to Shibuya, pop into any number of the wonderful eateries dotting the neighborhood. If you’re in the mood for a classic burger with 100% Wagyu beef, pop into Henry’s Burgers. Looking for Latin Food? Cafe Habana, with its bright blue facade, is hard to miss and delivers a cozy Cuban diner vibe. Craving a fresh NY slice? Blasting hip-hop music and a shrine to TMNT in the corner, Pizza Slice serves up a classic thin crust pizza by the slice or whole pizzas.