Tokyo is a versatile capital city. It carries a youthful, energetic persona in one area, exude a calm, relaxing vibe in another, and take center stage in fashion and pop culture in the world. This time, we are taking you to Shibuya, one of the most popular regions in the city, and show you how to experience it all in a day just around the bustling station. 

1. City View from Shibuya Sky 

It has been one of the most popular landmarks in the heart of Tokyo since its opening in late 2019 as it offers a 360° breathing view of the city from 229 meters up in the sky. It also allows visitors to marvel at the famous Scramble Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, with up to 3,000 people traversing at a time. The day we went was foggy, but on a clear day, you can even see Mt Fuji in the distance. After taking epic photos of the cityscape, don’t forget to stop by the Sky Gallery to check out the modern artwork created by emerging local artists.

The open-air observation deck is conveniently located on the roof of the Shibuya Scramble Square just outside of Shibuya station. Tickets are available up to four weeks in advance at 2,200 yen online and 2,500 yen onsite. Book early if you want to secure the highly sought-after evening time slot.

2. Coffee Shop with A History of Three Decades

Beloved by many including James Freeman, the founder of Blue Bottle Coffee, Chatei Hatou is a vintage, exquisite café tucked away in a quiet street in Shibuya. Established in 1989, the café is famous for its rows of delicate coffee cups on the shelves behind the experienced baristas, who meticulously craft hand-drip dark roast coffee in front of customers. As I am not a black coffee person, I ordered a latte that is made by pouring hot milk and coffee into the cup simultaneously. However, the result was not as satisfying as the expresso-based latte or flat white. For those having a sweet tooth, a variety of cakes are on offer, including baked cheesecake and matcha chiffon cake, which cut through the bitterness of the coffee.

3. Fun Photo-Taking Experience

Providing color-themed photo booths and a mishmash of photo props, from flamboyant hairbands and sunglasses to endearing soft toys, Selca Studio is where you can have a fun experience with your friends and family and a memorable souvenir to keep in your wallet or pin on the wall of your bedroom. What I love the most is you will be given a video clip at the end of the photoshoot that captures all your intriguing poses and embarrassed laughter in a fast-forward motion.

4. Capsule Toy Momento

It is my childhood memory: inserting coins into a vending machine, cranking the handle which generates a “gacha” sound, and looking forward to the “pon” sound when the toy capsule landed in the collection tray. This game is aptly known as gachapon. It’s a “blind purchase”, meaning you won’t know what you will get in the collection until you open the capsule, but it’s also part of the fun and make the whole experience more exciting.

Situated in the buzzy district of Udagawachō, C-Pla Shibuya is home to a plethora of gachapon machines with both adorable and quirky toys that suit all tastes.

5. Chicken Skewers for Dinner

Located right next to the Shibuya 109 mall, Dogenzaka Street is the hub of restaurants and nightlife. With a line of peckish locals and travelers in front of the sliding door, Toriyaki specializes in Japanese-styled skewered chicken. A narrow staircase leads down to a rather spacious room with a few low tables with tatami flooring. On the menu are yakitori (grilled chicken cut into small pieces and seasoned with sweet tare sauce or salt), chicken liver, skin, cartilage, etc, perfect to wash down with a pint of Sapporo beer. Eel dishes and a range of vegetable skewers are also available like shitake mushrooms and eggplant.