Top 7 Facts about the Shibuya Crossing, Japan

Photo by Benh LIEU SONG – Wikimedia

Top 7 Facts about the Shibuya Crossing, Japan

A visit to Tokyo is not complete without going to Shibuya Crossing. This pedestrian crossing is in the Shibuya neighbourhood.

It is best known for the unbelievable scramble that occurs every time the traffic lights turn red.

All vehicles stop in every direction to allow a massive crowd of pedestrians to cross to the other side for a few moments.

This crossing is also close to the Shibuya Station that was opened in 1885. The crossing was however opened in 1932.

It was after Shibuya was made a key stop between the neighbouring port city of Yokohama and Tokyo’s central business hub.

Today, Shibuya Crossing is one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world. The crossing has become Tokyo’s symbol and has been featured in several films.

Shibuya Crossing has been compared to Times Square in New York and Piccadilly in London because of the large advertising screens and heavy foot traffic means.

There is more about this crossing in the top 7 facts below.

1. About 3000 people cross the Shibuya Crossing at a time

Photo by Sei F – Wikimedia

Shibuya Crossing is one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. It is estimated that about 3,000 people cross at a time.

This crossing was designed by Tokyo-based architecture professor Julian Worrall. he described it as a great example of what Tokyo does best when it’s not trying.

The Shibuya crossing is surrounded by popular hang out joints. One of them is a Starbucks store that overlooks the crossing. It is also one of the busiest coffee houses in the world.

Shibuya Crossing is a popular place for advertisement thanks to the large television screens in strategic locations. 

The heavy traffic of people in this place makes it a convenient place. It has been compared to Times Square in New York. 

2. Shibuya Crossing has been featured in several popular films

This intersection is a popular location for movies and media advertisement in Tokyo.

It has been featured in popular Hollywood films like Lost in Translation and The Fast, Resident Evil: Afterlife and the Furious: Tokyo Drift.

Other than films, Shibuya Crossing has been featured in music videos, news programs and animated shows.

Shibuya Crossing is a modern landmark that represents modern Japan. It is a favourite place for photographers who never lack a perfect location for that perfect shot.

Modern-day British painter Carl Randall featured Shibuya Crossing in one of his paintings.

He named it Shibuya and it was exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in London in 2013.

3. Shibuya Crossing is perfect for people watching

Photo by Sei F – Wikimedia

If you have time to kill and just want to watch others, the Shibuya Crossing is the place to go to while in Tokyo.

There is always a huge crowd of people waiting to cross at any given time. This ‘phenomenon’ has been nicknamed the scramble.

Photographers have used this moment to take some of the best shots and time-lapse videos.

To get a good view of the crowd, head to the Starbucks and watch the scramble as you enjoy a cup of your favourite coffee.

Its seating area gives you a perfect view overlooking the intersection. You are also able to see the giant TV screens mounted on the buildings.

Some other cafés and restaurants face the intersection with window seats.

4. Hachiko the dog is a popular statue along Shibuya Crossing

Photo sourced from Wikimedia

There is one landmark that is loved in Shibuya Crossing. It is the statue of a dog named Hachiko. It is said to be one of Japan’s unofficial landmarks.

This statue pays homage to the dog that would always patiently wait for its master at the train station.

The dog was adopted by Eizaburo Ueno of Tokyo University in the early 1920s. These two friends would always walk together to Shibuya station when the professor went to work at Tokyo’s Imperial University.

Hachiko would always come back to the station at 3 pm to meet his master. Unfortunately, the professor died while at work.

As a loyal friend, Hachiko would show up at the station patiently and eagerly waiting for his master to come back.

He did this daily until he died 10 years later. His death made headlines and he was cremated and buried next to his master.

The statue was erected to commemorate his loyalty. This statue is popular with tourists who take turns to get a perfect selfie with it.

5. The neighbourhood around Shibuya Crossing is worth checking out

Photo by jet dela Cruz on Unsplash

While this crossing is the most popular landmark in Shibuya, there are other attractions nearby.

The neighbourhood is one of the liveliest locations as well as full of culture. There are nice restaurants, bars and pubs, izakaya, karaoke, shopping centres and nightclubs.

It is one of the neighbourhoods in Tokyo that is loved by people of all ages and walks of life. It is one of the trendiest shopping districts.

Popular stores like Forever 21 and Uniqlo have branches here, as well as the iconic Shibuya 109 and 109 Men’s malls.

Other popular department stores are scattered just steps from the station.

6. Umbrella scramble is a thing on Shibuya Crossing

Photo by Fred Rivett on Unsplash

During rainy days, Shibuya Crossing is quite a spectacle. With every pedestrian holding an umbrella above them, they charge against each other once the lights turn red.

The view of umbrellas scrambling against another in a few minutes of confusion from all directions is something to stop and look at from one of the restaurants at the crossing.

These umbrellas come in different colours and sizes. The street lights, neon lights and flashing screens make it look like a scene in the movies.

People here have become skilful when it comes to avoiding umbrella collisions while also avoiding the rain.  

7. Shibuya Crossing dates back to the 19^th century

Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash

The origins of Shibuya Station date back over 100 years ago. Operations of the Shibuya Station started in 1885.

Back then, it served as a stop on the Shinagawa Line. It has since expanded and is now known as the JR Yamanote Line.

Shibuya Station serves more than eight different lines and is operated by the JR East, Keio, Tokyu and Tokyo Metro subway companies.

Shibuya Scramble Square is a 230-meter tower overlooking the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. The building was commissioned by Tokyu Corporation.

It was opened in 2019 and it embodies the dynamic and ever-changing life in Shibuya.