“SHIBUYA SKY,” a facility that allows you to take in the entirety of Shibuya, where crowds throng daily, from a height of approximately 230 meters above ground.
One of its attractions is that you can not only gaze at the spectacular view from the observation deck but also experience various activities.
This article provides a complete introduction to the charm and highlights of SHIBUYA SKY for travelers planning to visit and wanting to understand what experiences this landmark Shibuya attraction offers.
Table of Contents
- What Kind of Place is SHIBUYA SKY?
- How to Get to SHIBUYA SKY
- SHIBUYA SKY’s Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
- The Appeal of SHIBUYA SKY’s 3 Main Areas
- Things to Note When Visiting SHIBUYA SKY
- Top 5 Recommended Restaurants & Cafes at SHIBUYA SKY
- Top 5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near SHIBUYA SKY
- Frequently Asked Questions About SHIBUYA SKY Sightseeing
- Conclusion
What Kind of Place is SHIBUYA SKY?
SHIBUYA SKY is located within “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE,” a complex directly connected to Shibuya Station.
SHIBUYA SKY occupies the 14th floor and above.
The greatest attraction of SHIBUYA SKY is its observation facilities that offer a 360-degree panoramic view of the Tokyo cityscape from an unobstructed height of approximately 230 meters above ground.
Various interesting observation facilities are prepared here, with carefully designed features that will keep visitors engaged no matter how many times they experience it.
However, the appeal of SHIBUYA SKY is not limited to just this.
The relaxing lounge with a stylish atmosphere and views of Shibuya, as well as the souvenir shop where you can purchase Tokyo tourism memorabilia and gifts, are also highlights.
It’s a facility where you can have a truly unique and one-of-a-kind experience.
In addition, purchasing admission tickets online can save you up to 300 yen compared to buying them on-site.
Travelers looking to save on their trip expenses should consider purchasing tickets on the official website.
How to Get to SHIBUYA SKY
Below is the way to get to “SHIBUYA SKY” from “JR Tokyo Station,” a major hub for Tokyo sightseeing.
Take the JR Yamanote Line from “JR Tokyo Station.” It takes about 30 minutes and you can reach the nearest station, “Shibuya Station,” without any transfers.
Because SHIBUYA SKY is directly connected to Shibuya Station, transportation is very convenient.
SHIBUYA SKY’s Opening Hours & Ticket Prices
Below are SHIBUYA SKY’s opening hours and admission ticket prices.
If you purchase tickets in advance through the official website, you can save up to 300 yen compared to on-site ticket prices, so we recommend purchasing on the official website if you want to save money.
Opening Hours 10:00 AM - 10:30 PM (Last entry at 9:20 PM)
Ticket Prices (On-site) Adults (12 years and older): Entry before 3:00 PM - 3,000 yen / Entry after 3:00 PM - 3,700 yen
The Appeal of SHIBUYA SKY’s 3 Main Areas
SHIBUYA SKY is divided into three areas by floor: “SKY GATE,” “SKY GALLERY,” and “SKY STAGE.”
Below, we will introduce the must-see highlights of each of these three areas in detail.
1. “SKY GATE”: A Moving Space that Enhances Anticipation for the Observation Facilities
“SKY GATE,” the entrance to SHIBUYA SKY, is the moving space extending from the 14th to the 45th floor, leading to the observation facilities.
Various ingenious designs are incorporated into the escalators and elevators, enhancing the traveler’s excitement for the observation facilities they are about to visit.
Of particular note is the elevator “TRANSITION POD.”
The video played on the ceiling and the 3D sound演出 (production/performance) feel like the prelude to the extraordinary experience that is about to begin.
2. “SKY STAGE”: Where You Can “Feel” the Expansive Superb View Before Your Eyes
The rooftop facility, “SKY STAGE,” can be said to be the most eye-catching part of SHIBUYA SKY.
Here, facilities are prepared to maximize your experience of the Tokyo cityscape and the sky, such as hammocks where you can relax and gaze up at the sky, and sound and light performances held after sunset.
Looking out at the vast and stunning Tokyo cityscape from “SKY EDGE” is an absolute must-do.
3. “SKY GALLERY”: Enjoy Art, Food, and Souvenirs
When you visit “SKY GALLERY,” located on the 46th floor of SHIBUYA SKY, you can enjoy various forms of art.
In addition to art that utilizes the SHIBUYA SKY view, “DATA SCAPE,” an exhibit themed around the urban environment of Shibuya, is one of the highlights.
By viewing the integration of information and scenery, you can further feel Shibuya’s vibrant energy through the art.
Here you will also find a lounge where you can enjoy light meals and drinks, as well as a souvenir shop selling exclusive gifts that can only be purchased here. After fully experiencing “SKY STAGE,” please be sure to stop by.
Things to Note When Visiting SHIBUYA SKY
To prevent items from falling, there are restrictions on what you can bring to the rooftop of SHIBUYA SKY.
Please use the free lockers located on the 46th floor for items that cannot be brought to the rooftop.
However, large luggage such as suitcases cannot be stored in the free lockers, so please leave such items in lockers around Shibuya Station in advance.
Items Not Allowed on the Rooftop
- Bags, backpacks, handbags, and other personal belongings
- Tripods, monopods, selfie sticks
- Earphones, headphones
- Hats, baseball caps, knit caps
- Drinks and food
- Items that may scatter or fall
- Strollers
Top 5 Recommended Restaurants & Cafes at SHIBUYA SKY
There are many restaurants and cafes located within SHIBUYA SKY and SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE.
Below, we have carefully selected and will introduce establishments where you can enjoy the superb views of SHIBUYA SKY, restaurants where you can taste authentic cuisine, and cafes where you can soothe your travel fatigue.
1. Paradise Lounge
This is a music bar located within “SHIBUYA SKY,” an observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Shibuya from the highest point of 230 meters above ground. Enjoy drinks and meals in a special space overlooking the Tokyo cityscape and famous landmarks above Shibuya.
The retro neon-lit design, which creates a stylish atmosphere, is the work of designer Tom Dixon. Inspired by Shibuya’s streets and the scramble crossing, it exudes a fashionable feel from any viewpoint. The music selection and displays within the lounge are supervised by music producer Tomoyuki Tanaka.
2. THE ROOF SHIBUYA SKY
Located on the rooftop of Shibuya’s landmark SHIBUYA SKY, this is a bar where you can gaze at iconic Tokyo skyscrapers such as Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree while enjoying a special time. Accompanied by pleasant music and drinks, you can relax and admire the beautiful scenery as it changes moment by moment from sunset to nightfall.
The open-air high tables are also very popular and can be used without a reservation. The à la carte menu features original craft beer in collaboration with “Y.Y.G. Brewery,” an urban brewery in Shibuya’s Yoyogi district, as well as champagne and snacks.
3. Jose Luis
This is the first Japanese branch of “Jose Luis,” a long-established Spanish restaurant that opened in Madrid, Spain, in 1957. Located on the 13th floor of “SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE,” you can enjoy a new style of Spanish cuisine that combines traditional Spanish dishes with Japanese ingredients.
The highly popular “Soufflé Omelette” is a signature dish exclusive to Japan. It adds a fluffy and airy texture and rich cheese to Jose Luis’s traditional tender Spanish omelette, creating a delicious flavor that can only be experienced in Japan. We recommend enjoying it with the exclusive wine from Jose Luis’s own winery.
4. REAL DRIP COFFEE No.12 by Ueshima Coffee Shop
Located on the 5th floor of SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE, this is a new brand operated by “Ueshima Coffee Shop,” which carries on the tradition of Japanese “kissaten” (classic coffee shop) culture. While maintaining the mature atmosphere where adults can enjoy coffee, a signature of Ueshima Coffee Shop, this shop offers an evolved and delicious coffee experience.
Here, each cup of coffee is carefully brewed using an original drip machine that recreates the techniques of skilled baristas. They offer 10 types of coffee beans, ranging from deeply roasted varieties with rich aroma and deep flavor to lightly roasted ones with fragrant aromas, allowing you to savor the multi-layered flavors of coffee that vary depending on the roasting conditions.
5. ÉCHIRÉ PÂTISSERIE AU BEURRE
This is a specialty dessert shop that uses “ÉCHIRÉ butter,” a French A.O.P. certified fermented butter characterized by its rich aroma, a yogurt-like light acidity, and a smooth texture.
ÉCHIRÉ has a total of seven branches in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka. This shop is its first location in the Shibuya area and is a popular store with queues. Among their offerings, the one that causes a rush of customers is the “ÉCHIRÉ Canelé.” This item is exclusive to the Shibuya store and has become a trending topic among fans, who praise it as the “dream canelé.”
Top 5 Recommended Sightseeing Spots Near SHIBUYA SKY
The area around SHIBUYA SKY has many popular spots, gathering various trendsetting shops.
After fully enjoying SHIBUYA SKY, please be sure to visit these sightseeing spots as well.
1. Shibuya Center-gai
Exiting the Hachiko Exit of JR Shibuya Station, passing the Akita dog statue “Hachiko,” and crossing the ever-busy Shibuya Scramble Crossing, the bustling street in front of you is Shibuya Center-gai, officially called Shibuya Center Shopping Street.
The street is lined with many department stores, restaurants, karaoke bars & amusement arcades, and various specialty shops. The trendy fashion sold here is almost always at the cutting edge of current styles, making it famous as a trendsetting hub for young Tokyoites and one of the key sightseeing spots representing Shibuya.
2. HMV record shop Shibuya & HMV&BOOKS SHIBUYA
“HMV & BOOKS SHIBUYA” is located in a prime spot about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station and is a complex entertainment facility that blends music and books. Its biggest feature is that it holds events almost every day. Artists, singers, virtual YouTubers, and others come here to interact with fans, creating a very lively atmosphere.
Near HMV & BOOKS SHIBUYA, “HMV record shop Shibuya,” known as a “vinyl record mecca,” is also recommended for a visit. The shop sells approximately 80,000 records across all genres except classical music, making it an attractive treasure trove for music lovers.
3. Miyashita Park
“MIYASHITA PARK (宮下公園),” a cultural landmark in Shibuya, is a complex facility that houses commercial establishments, a rooftop park, and a hotel. It’s a cultural place where you can freely enjoy shopping, gourmet food, sports, staying at a hotel with nighttime music, and various forms of recreation.
The rooftop “Shibuya City Miyashita Park” features a lawn plaza that anyone can freely enter, as well as paid facilities for rock climbing, skateboarding, and multi-purpose sports.
4. Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho
Shibuya Nonbei Yokocho (Shibuya Drunkards’ Alley) is located in a narrow alleyway next to the train tracks of Shibuya Station, and it’s home to about 40 small, cozy izakayas (Japanese pubs) with a nostalgic atmosphere.
Among these izakayas, some mainly offer Japanese home-style cooking or regional cuisine, while others are small bars or diners, each with its own unique style.
The general operating hours for most establishments are from 6:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and some even stay open past midnight.
- Cat Street (Ura-Harajuku)
Cat Street is a pedestrian walkway located in an alleyway one street away from the main road connecting Shibuya and Harajuku, extending from near the Jingumae Police Box. Its official name is “Former Shibuya River Promenade,” and a section of it is known as Cat Street, which gathers shops popular among young people.
This area, known as “Ura-Harajuku” (Back Harajuku) and centered around Cat Street, has many trendy select boutiques and popular brand street-level stores, with relatively smaller shops lining the streets. Not only are there high-end brand stores, but also unique vintage boutiques and the first Japanese stores of certain brands, firmly establishing it as a birthplace of fashion trends.
Above, we have provided a detailed introduction to the appeal and highlights of SHIBUYA SKY.
Please be sure to fully enjoy SHIBUYA SKY, which offers a completely different charm from Tokyo’s classic observation spots, “Tokyo Tower” and “Tokyo Skytree”!
In addition to SHIBUYA SKY, Shibuya has many other fun and interesting spots to explore. The article below provides a detailed introduction to comprehensive sightseeing information about Shibuya, so please refer to it as well.
