The 10 best public squares in Shibuya

The BEST observatory deck in Tokyo!! Amazing views and great picture spots! I love that there is a lot of seating area on the roof and a HELIPORT! Definitely recommend to go during a sunny day for a great views! We initially booked during a rainy day during which the outdoors deck was closed. But when entering they offered us a full refund and reschedule, so we decided to reschedule. Amazing customer service and very friendly staff! Also recommend exploring the indoor part as well!

Visiting Shibuya Sky was truly one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. The entire experience was absolutely beautiful — from the moment we entered the building to the breathtaking views at the top. We booked our tickets about one month in advance, which I highly recommend because time slots sell out quickly, especially around sunset. The observation deck offers a 360° panoramic view of Tokyo, and it honestly feels magical when the city starts to light up as the sun goes down. You can see famous landmarks like Tokyo Tower and even Mount Fuji on a clear day. The design of the rooftop space is very modern and open, with glass walls and comfortable sitting areas where you can relax and take in the view. The best time to go is definitely for the sunset — watching the city transform from daylight to a sea of sparkling lights was an unforgettable moment. The sky slowly turns golden and pink, and when the city lights come on, it feels like you’re looking at a living postcard. Everything was well-organised, clean, and peaceful despite the crowd. Staff were polite and helpful, and the elevator ride up was fast and smooth. There’s also a café and lounge area where you can grab a drink while waiting for your slot. If you’re visiting Tokyo, Shibuya Sky is a must-see — it perfectly captures the beauty and energy of the city from above. It’s worth every minute and every yen.

We went up at 3pm on a Thursday afternoon. There was a short wait but we essentially all got right in. Our family of five plus another couple. So the 7 of us enjoyed the afternoon up top for aprox 1.5hrs. There were line ups for specific picture shots up top, with a number of people over staying their time taking shots with a mounting line behind them. But to be expected at a busy attraction as this. There was some interesting art around the inside of the top floor that showed the history of the area and the construction of the building etc. Once we got up to the view, of course it was great and there were plenty of spots to both sit down or lay down to relax as the entire top helicopter pad that you are on is made of Astro-turf. There were some interesting mesh seating areas that were also comfortable. There was one tourist sleeping on one next to us who did not seem too impressed with the noise and excitement of kids around him 🙄 there is always one… However the views were amazing and we were lucky enough to get a clear day. The staff were all very accommodating and helpful as well. There was a rooftop bar/lounge area which looked great as the seating was much like a roped off VIP section at a nightclub, but with this view. However surprisingly there was no one in it… And the bar was not open… It would have been a very cool place to have a couple of beverages of course. All in all a great experience and perch above it all to watch from the top of the city, everything & everyone for miles below you…

We purchased our tickets on Klook and selected a time slot in advance, which was super convenient. The view from the top is absolutely amazing — you can see all of Tokyo! We came during the day on a weekday, and it wasn’t too crowded. I imagine the night view would be even more stunning if you come for a later time slot. Definitely worth a visit!

We went during late morning, so unfortunately we didn’t get to see the beautiful nighttime city. Great for kids and families. There is a long line that stretched all the way outside the building so make sure you come early. They only allow a certain amount of people in an elevator so come early and make a reservation online. Lots of beautiful photo taking spots and a long lawn/turf to take photos. When you are coming back, there is a lot of restaurants like sushi and soup dumplings. Not an overflow of people since there’s many restaurants to choose from but there is still a line. I would recommend going in the night because there is a such a beautiful view!!!!!!! We went during summer vacation (July 2025) and it was very hot 🥵 VERY NICE PLACE TO TAKE PHOTOS THOUGH!!!!! I would recommend this over Tokyo sky tree/tower because there is more to see in my opinion. (Attached is what you can see from Shibuya sky and the turf)

Shibuya Sky is absolutely worth the visit! The view from the top is incredible — you get a full 360° panorama of Tokyo, and if you’re lucky, you can even see Mt. Fuji in the distance. The rooftop area feels modern and spacious, with great photo spots and a relaxed vibe. I recommend going around sunset to see the city lights come alive. It can get crowded, but everything is well organized and smooth. A must-see when in Tokyo!

Beautiful view of Tokyo - technically not as high as the Skytree, but a much nicer experience considering the unblocked 360 degree view. Also, much less crowded! NOTE: Getting night time tickets is difficult. I’d recommend going through the Official Site rather than Klook, as there’s later time slots available. Going between 5-6p will let you see the sunset. The helipad is a sweet touch for photo taking. Next to it is a bar, and also an area to have professional photos taken on a sort of light-stage. They also give you the opportunity to take your own photos after they take theirs. Getting it taken is free, but you have to buy the printed photo later if you want it.

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is pure, exhilarating Tokyo chaos! It's absolutely a must-see for any visitor. Seeing thousands of people step off all four corners and meet in the middle, weaving perfectly through each other, is the ultimate urban ballet. It’s even more incredible at night with all the neon lights and giant video screens—it truly feels like the epicenter of modern Japan. Tip: Don't just cross it! The best experience is watching the "scramble" from an elevated viewpoint. Grab a seat at the famous Starbucks (if you can!) or visit the nearby SHIBUYA SKY observation deck for a mind-blowing, high-up view. It's loud, crowded, and completely iconic. It’s less of a tourist sight and more of a total immersion into the city's heartbeat. Go, cross it, and feel the energy!

Honestly it wasn’t that exceptional as I was accepting it but still still good there was so many people running to take picture. I found it so funny honestly and there is everything near the crossing. You can go drink something there is also a park there is an Apple Store honestly it’s a good place and at night it’s amazing.

It's truly an iconic and vibrant spot. Watching that impressive amount of people crossing at the same time, in all directions, is an experience worth having at least once in a lifetime. To get the classic view from above, there are several options, like the famous Starbucks Cafe right across. I was even lucky enough to see some tuned cars, "Fast and Furious" style, passing by. Of course, at the end of the day, it's just a crossing, but it's very symbolic.

Shibuya Crossing: The Hype Versus Reality, and How to Still Enjoy the Show ​As one of the most photographed and famous places in the world, the Shibuya Scramble Crossing in Tokyo is a must-see destination accompanied by enormous expectations. After my visit, I came to a personal conclusion: The site is overrated. ​What supposedly makes the place iconic is the chaotic coordination—thousands of people crossing the massive intersection from all directions simultaneously. But the moment I crossed it myself, the experience was short, fast-paced, and mainly felt like a desperate attempt not to block the path of locals. It felt more like a quick "check-the-box" site than a mesmerizing experience. ​The View That Saves the Day ​However, to truly experience the full impact of this "human dance," you must view it from above. And the best spot for this (which doesn't require paying for expensive observation decks) is undoubtedly the Starbucks café, located in the TSUTAYA building right across from the intersection. ​I climbed to the second floor of the café, where I managed to grab a spot near the large window. Once seated, a nice and comprehensive view of the crossing was revealed. From there, above the heads of the crowd, I could finally grasp the visual potential of the site. ​When watched from above, the crossing looks like a theatrical show—a swarm of people and a rain of umbrellas on a gloomy day, or a jet stream of human energy against the neon lights of the massive billboards. This specific vantage point turned the visit, which initially felt disappointing, into a positive experience. The coffee at Starbucks is standard, but the value you get for the price of the drink is undoubtedly one of the best people-watching spots in the world. ​In summary: the crossing itself is overhyped. But the view from the second floor of Starbucks is what makes it worth the visit.

An unforgettable experience! The energy here is unreal — hundreds of people crossing from all directions yet everything feels perfectly organized. Truly captures the spirit of Tokyo. A must-see, especially at night! 🇯🇵✨

There’s not much to say about the Scramble Crossing as it’s just a crossing, but it is fun to experience walking through it. There’s LOTS of people and some people bump into you and push through. Many people run on to the road in front of everyone to take photos and selfies. It’s a bit annoying, but it is funny to watch and entertaining. The crossing is in the middle of all the shops and restaurants, so if you’re in a building above ground nearby, it’s fun to watch everyone cross. It’s also great to take photos and time-lapse videos of people crossing like little ants lol.

One of the most iconic spots in Tokyo! Watching Shibuya Crossing from above is an incredible experience — the energy, the lights, and the endless flow of people make it feel like a perfectly organized chaos. The view from the nearby buildings or cafes gives a great perspective of the famous intersection. Definitely worth seeing both from the street and from above!

Miyashita Park is located on the top floor of a commercial building near Shibuya Station. This is an open city park. It contains entertainment, leisure, food, and shopping centers. We usually come here for lunch on Sundays at noon because we miss American food. We recommend Taco Bell, Panda Express, and Pug Chocolate Cookies. Since weekends and holidays are usually crowded, we recommend coming here on weekdays to avoid the crowds and relax.

Just explored this place which I often just pass by when going to Shibuya. Turns out it’s quite interesting inside!. There are lots of activities you can do on the rooftop, like bouldering, skateboarding or just sitting while enjoying Shibuya view from above.

Quite a new mall with a rooftop terrace to hang out at and see the surrounding areas. The retail options are aplenty, and there are also plenty of food options too. The architecture of the building is very aesthetic and beautiful.

A very cool, beautiful rooftop park on a shopping complex! Went there early so there are less people. Walkable if you want to explore and do a day stroll around shibuya area.

Lots of touristy things to do (McDonald’s, Adidas, Converse, Taco Bell, Starbucks, etc.) if you’re into that. But also some unique little places to explore. Definitely a more upscale, mall-type experience. We loved it!

Miyashita Park: rooftop oasis with popsicles, shade, and surprise sports courts…. We stumbled into Miyashita Park while waiting for our Shibuya Sky slot and honestly? It was the perfect place to kill time. The building’s pretty new—rebuilt in 2020—but it’s got this cool retro-meets-modern vibe. You take the escalator up and suddenly you’re on a rooftop with actual sports courts (yes, there’s skateboarding and bouldering up there!), greenery, and a surprisingly chill atmosphere for central Tokyo. It was scorching hot the day we visited, so we were desperately hunting for shade. Thankfully, there’s a Starbucks on the roof where you can grab a cold drink and cool off. Bonus: there’s a popsicle vending machine that saved us from melting. The display up there is super cute—like Tokyo’s version of a rooftop picnic spot with a twist. Shops downstairs are trendy, but the rooftop is the real gem. If you’re in Shibuya and need a breather, this place is a low-key lifesaver and not too busy at all. Would come back just for the popsicle machine and the breeze.

nice rooftop park with many activities! so many visitors including so many content creators!!!

This is a multilevel mall in a building. There is a rooftop bar and open area where a lot of expats seem to gather. It is a very busy area of Tokyo. There is a record shop on one of the higher floors that has a large selection of Vinyl records. It called RECOfan. The street crossing catty corner from the mall is the busiest organized crosswalk in the world. They say that 2000 people cross the street at every change of pedestrian light. It's an extremely busy part of the city at night. I saw go carts going down the street. It appears to be legal to take a guided tour on go-carts.

Watching Shibuya Crossing from the Magnet building rooftop bar was incredible. The view gives you the perfect vantage point to see the famous ‘scramble’ in all its organized chaos, with waves of people crossing from every direction. It’s the best spot to really take in the energy and scale of Tokyo’s busiest intersection, and enjoying a drink while watching it unfold makes the experience even more special. A must-do for anyone visiting Shibuya. There was a few shops on entrance also which is a nice touch.

Muslim friendly. Offers non alcoholic beverage that is not cross contaminated with alcoholic beverage, as informed by staff "uses separate utensils and disposable plastic cup". Fee is 1800 Yen for everything, which are all beverages option and access to an overview area for Shibuya Cross. They also offer a photography service priced at 1500 Yen, the photo will have you and some part of the Shibuya Crossing.

Worth the entry fee, especially after 5pm. you can stay there as long as you want. i recommend buying after 6 and wait until rush hour and witness the busiest crossing in the world. Staff was also nice

This place is very accommodating…the bottom area where the club is is very nice and lively. The rooftop area is also very nice; however, you should come on a nice sunny day. There aren’t a lot of inside seating areas on the rooftop so you might have to go to the bar below. A very great way to get away from the crowd and for you two people watch with a nice drink.

Entrance fee is 1800 yen a person which includes one drink, so mostly this place is full of Western tourists. However the views are great, one section is air conditioned, and there are real sets with backs on the chairs - heaven. The drinks are pretty awful though.

Perry cool shopping mall, not too big not too small. And there’s even a fun observation balcony on top of it with a decent view on Shibuya Crossing. It’s extra paid but includes a drink, and you can chill out there for a good few.

Visiting Tokyo for the first time is a very nice experience. It is a very busy city, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, great opportunities to eat, shop, and explore. Shibuya Plaza is a casual, busy and colourful shopping place.

Nice views of Shibuya crossing and is quite empty compared to the streets. Everyone is in the restaurants and no one is walking around shopping in the plaza.

The Plaza is certainly a nice place for younger people who know where to look at in order to find something. It is, by the way, not easy to find more special things that you can bring someone for a gift. It certainly benefits from its location in front of the crossroads which is very well known from "Too Fast - too furious". People who visit Shibuya must be aware that it is very crowdy, more so when the sun goes down. Despite such a big crowd of people, Shibuya is an extremely clean place.

Very nice, professional and many floors of shops and restaurants. Clean and quiet. Prices are just what you would expect for these types of shops (some pretty expensive like 1,000,000 for an Indian prayer rug). Tiehrwise nice place to visit.

Plenty of shopping possibilities and other financial and travel services Several floors dedicated to food Very near the JR station

Quite nice to visit!

It's really amazing and beautiful. At first I was thinking about the entrance. Is it made of steel or glass ... Whatever it is it looks awesome...

A cozy place to relax with the nice views. Much better, than Miyashita park, but smaller. There is a cafe with lemonades, coffee and tacos as well.

Hidden gem! A great place to relax in the evening, grab a drink from the cafe and take in the city views. Relaxed but atmospheric, not too crowded. Only accessible via east lift.

Splendid view considering the low height! Spacious, peaceful and free of charge! Viewing Mt. Fuji at dusk is almost a modern ukiyoe picture. Can be very hot under the summer sun but plenty of shades and sitting spots! Nice café bar and restaurants connected! Let’s have a calming time and behave well!

Shibuya Parco has a nice open space rooftop with some coffee shop, stores and a park with benches to sit.

Definitely a cool spot. I’d recommend evenings around twilight time for some of the best views and pics.

This is an urban outdoor rooftop park with a lot of terraces sprinkled on the way from the bottom floor to the top of the mall building. You can access different parts and floors of the mall along the way and choose to take an outdoor reprieve from the shopping bustle inside. The top floor also boasts a laid back cafe and plenty of space to lounge and take in the view while being away from the crowds. Bathrooms are also accessible along the way or from the roof park. This should be on everyone's itinerary if you plan to be in Shibuya city.

Good Vibes Sunset 🌇

Green, expansive, gorgeous. There are so many words that could describe Yoyogi Park but those are my top three. I loved the greenery, art, wildlife, and the First Flight Monument. Easy to get to, easy to navigate. Even though we walked around for a few hours, there was still more to see. Don’t miss it! Photography by Jason Taylor (Except for the pictures I took)

A newfound favorite park! 🌿 It’s very clean and well-maintained, making it such a pleasant place to explore. I visited in winter (January) and loved that it wasn’t crowded. Just be sure to dress warmly so you can fully enjoy walking around. There are food stalls around, but since Shibuya is within walking distance, you’ll have plenty of dining options nearby. Definitely a must-visit spot in Tokyo!

Visiting at night was a highlight—open paths, soft lighting, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from the city noise. Practical win: there are plenty of bathrooms and vending machines throughout the park, which makes it easy to stay longer without planning. Perfect for an evening stroll, light snacks, and unwinding.

Beautiful gem found right around the corner from Harajuku station. Conveniently located & within walking distance of Takeishita street shopping area. I went on a Sunday and it was busy but not crowded. The park is filled with gorgeous big lush trees, giving off such a peaceful vibe. I loved seeing the shrine and all the gates. This is a great place to come if you're looking to get a break from the hustle and bustle, to relax or have a little lunch. At the Yoyogi park main stage you'll find alot of events happening. Filled with live performances to tons of food tents. Highly recommends to stop by and take it all in.

Beautiful and very lovely, at least today (26th October), with many food stalls and musicians playing. If you continue and walk more to the centre of the park, it’s much quieter (it was also the end of the day, so it might me more crowded on the morning or early afternoon). Too bad there’s a lot of construction going on (hence the 4 stars), as I was hoping to come here and relax, to escape from the Shibuya madness!…

This park does not have a lot to offer but this is one good place to spend some time off, peaceful "me time" and have picnics with your loved ones. This is just a 5 minute walk from the Meiji Shrine. By the time I visited, Roses are in bloom making the park more interesting to visit.

It is the Central Park of Tokyo , a quiet reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city - at the door steps of Harajuku. It is not to be missed - autumn and spring are prefect weather to just throw a mat and enjoy

It’s a bit tricky to find at first but if you look for the Magnet building enter here and get the lift to the 7th floor, entertainment fee is 1800 yen and that’s included a drink, they gave alcoholic drinks and hit and cold drinks. It’s pretty expensive but it is a great way to see the crossing, it is much higher that the Starbucks shop and gives a much better view overall. The good slots are quite limited but people rotate quite quickly so it should be OK. They have viewing windows inside and outside, but the outside one’s are useless when it’s raining because there’s too much water sitting on the glass. It is pretty basic and quite expensive but if you want to see this crossing in action it’s probably worth it!!

It’s a 1000 yen per person which includes a drink of your choice and frankly it does offer the one of the better views of Shibuya Scramble as compared to other more expensive alternatives with much bigger crowds and queues. You also get the option of viewing the crossing from indoor or go to the rooftop for a better view.

Amazing view to the crossing. For 1800 yen entree and one drink (non alcoholic and alcoholic drink) included in the price. Not full at all. We had pleanty of space for nice photos and seats to enjoy our drink.

Great view on the Shibuya crossing with a drink in your hand. Yes, it's expensive. Yes, there's better options for having a drink. Yes it's "touristy". But it's arguably one of the best spots to view Shibuya crossing - on a rooftop, with a cold drink in your hand. Instead of running around like a chicken down at the crossing itself. Access is via a "shopping mall like" structure right down at the crossing. It's about 1800Yen for a ticket (credit card) including the admission fee as well as an alcoholic or non alcoholic drink of your choice.

Good place to have a beer or four while people and car watching from above. Not too expensive for refills (¥800). Clean restroom, and the glass was clear enough for good photos at night. Could use some music, but otherwise a nice place to chill.

It is a bar/lounge with a view of Shibuya crossing, mostly occupied by foreigners. Have a drink and spend 15 min. watching the crossing. Good for photos of Shibuya. Staff was not too friendly. The Magnet store houses crazy shops and Recofan music store with vinyl records.

You don't go for the drinks but for the view. The drinks were good, though. The place delivers on its promise: an excellent view of Shibuya Crossing.

One of the staff members was rude and unfriendly (the one with colored hair). When I was trying out some bags there, I wasn’t even done trying when he asked for the bag back and returned it to the display, this happened twice. In the end, I decided to buy a bag there, and the staff/cashier immediately proceeded with the payment instead of asking me to check the item first. Then I ended up getting a flawed bag, there was a pretty noticeable scratch on the strap. And what’s wrong with this place? Every time I walked around or tried something, a staff member kept following me around.

The male staff is really rude and unprofessional. He stared at us in an unfriendly way without saying a word when we were checking out a watch.

I purchased a number of items from this store. Wonderful advance fabrics used and their design is very stylish outdoor/city wear. Some items were not available in my size otherwise I would have purchased more items. Bought the super lightweight x-pac backpack too to carry all my shopping hauls.

I got a really nice jacket from there. It looks really good! Staff was helpful and let me try on all kinds of things.

Staffs are really kind. I appriciate about theirs attitude.

My favorite shop

We stumbled into this store looking for a shell. The staff were extremely kind and helpful. Unfortunately they did not have the size we were looking for. Well made items for all weather and purpose!