5 Best Places To View Shibuya Crossing – The Busiest Intersection In The World

Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo is widely acknowledged as the busiest street intersection in the world, with around 3,000 people crossing at one time during peak periods! Located in Shibuya just outside the train Station, it is one of the most iconic images of Tokyo. I visited the intersection recently and it was pretty mind-blowing to see the throngs of people here. The ideal time to see the crowds walking across Shibuya Crossing is after 7pm on weekdays and after 1pm on weekends. Below is a list of five best places to view Shibuya Crossing.

1. Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya)

Monitoring my time lapse video

Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya) is the most famous spot for viewing the Shibuya Crossing. The large windows on the second floor provide wonderful top-down views of the intersection.

After waiting for about ten minutes, I managed to get a seat at the window! I took many good photos from here, and also captured a cool time-lapse video of the hordes of pedestrians crossing the roads.

Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya)
Directions: Steps from Shibuya Station
Address: 21-6 Q FRONT Shibuya City, Udagawacho, Tokyo 150-0042, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 6.30am to 2am

2. Hoshino Coffee

Hoshino Coffee is a popular Japanese coffeehouse located on the second floor of the newly revamped Magnet By Shibuya 109. It offers a selection of coffee, tea, and small bites. The soufflé pancakes with maple syrup is a very popular dish. Compared to Starbucks, the crowd here is significantly smaller.

Hoshino Coffee
Directions: Steps from Shibuya Station, on 2nd floor of Magnet By Shibuya 109
Address: 2F MAGNET by SHIBUYA 109, 1 Chome-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 11pm

3. L’Occitane Cafe

If you prefer a classier setting, you can check out L’Occitane Cafe. This elegant cafe owned by the global toiletries company offers a selection of French-style dishes and coffee. However, there are only about half a dozen seats with good views of Shibuya Crossing, and prices are rather expensive.

L’Occitane Cafe
Directions: Steps from Shibuya Station
Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 10am to 9pm

4. Shibuya Mark City Walkway

If you want to save money, you can view Shibuya Crossing for free from the walkway between Shibuya Mark City and Shibuya Station. This place is less known to tourists so it’s significantly less crowded than Starbucks.

Shibuya Mark City
Directions: Directly connected to Shibuya Station, one-minute walk from JR Yamanote Line Tamagawa Exit
Address: 1 Chome-12-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 5am to 12am

5. Mag’s Park

Mag’s Park is an open-air space located on the rooftop of Magnet by Shibuya 109. It is the latest vantage point for viewing Shibuya Crossing. However, you will need to pay JPY500 for admission, and it is frequently closed for events.

Mag’s Park
Directions: Steps from Shibuya Station, on rooftop of Magnet by Shibuya 109
Address: Rooftop Level of Magnet by Shibuya 109, 1 Chome-23-10 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041, Japan
Opening Hours: Daily 11am to 11pm
Admission Fee: JPY500

This article is part of our super awesome Ultimate Tokyo Travel Guide For First Timers. Everything you need to know about Tokyo is just a click away!