Think of Shibuya as Tokyo’s quintessential Choose Your Own Adventure suburb. 

 

Want a checklist of Instagrammable moments that scream ‘I’m in Japan’? You’ll find it the moment you arrive at Shibuya Crossing—or Shibuya Scramble as it’s colloquially called—and get swept across the famous pedestrian intersection to buy cherry blossom flavoured KitKats at hectic discount retailer Don Quijote, quickly followed by a meal of light-as-air, soufflé pancakes at one of the suburb’s best brunch cafes. 

         

Perhaps you’re coveting an escapade locating hard-to-find vintage boutiques that sell rare European haute couture, a meal at a hush-hush sushi joint, run by a Michelin-starred restaurant group, and a cocktail at a secret new art bar filled with otherworldly video installations? Shibuya offers you that as well.

 

Shibuya’s also the epicentre for what’s percolating in fashion, food and music. It’s the suburb to conduct a cool-hunting quest for the latest fashion brands, sample the newest ‘just seen on TikTok’ Japanese desserts and watch recently signed J-Pop acts perform in-house at record stores. 

           

In fact, Shibuya is the definition of evanescence—its train station has been undergoing massive redevelopments for decades and new high-rise buildings with digital screens blaring music videos seem to pop up overnight—but one thing never changes: with thousands of dining, shopping, and entertainment options, it’s Tokyo’s most exciting neighborhood.

            

With so much choice it’s easy to feel flummoxed. Luckily you have this guide in hand (popping with essential spots and insider tips) to make Shibuya your suburb!