A first night in Shibuya is easy to plan. See the famous crossing, look down on it from a higher point, eat near the station, and then walk to a quieter street to rest. Shibuya is loud until late, so the plan works best when you choose the order of the night and decide where it ends.
Arrive and find your way
Shibuya station is large and busy, with many exits and long passages. Before you leave the train, find the exit that is closest to your hotel or your first stop. Look for the name of the exit on the signs, and follow the signs for it. Many visitors come up in the wrong place and must walk back, so check before you climb the stairs.
If you are new to Tokyo, read the Tokyo guide for the city, and the Shibuya and Harajuku guide for the streets around the station.
See the crossing from street level
The crossing is in front of the station, and it is one of the busiest in the world. The best time to see it is early in the evening, when the lights are on but the crowds have not reached their full size. Wait at the edge with the other people, and cross when the signal changes. Do not stop in the middle of the road to take a photo.
The statue of Hachiko stands near the station exit. It is a common meeting point, so the square is busy at night. Agree on a meeting place with your group before you enter the crowd.
See it from above
Several tall buildings near the station have observation decks and upper-floor views. A higher point shows how the streets, the lit towers and the lines of the crossing fit together. Some cafes and restaurants on upper floors also have windows over the crossing. Ask when you arrive, and read recent photos on Tabelog before you choose.
Check each building's opening hours and tickets on its own website on the day you go. Some decks close early, and some need a booking. Go early in the evening, before the crowds at the top.
Check first: Check the opening hours, the tickets and the last entry time for each observation deck on its building's website. Check the last train on the operator's app before you start the evening, so you know your deadline.
Eat near the station, then move on
Use Tabelog to find a place with a full kitchen and recent reviews. Walk a few streets away from the crossing, where the crowds are smaller and the menus are easier to read. Choose a restaurant that shows its opening days and last order time, and check them on the listing before you walk there.
Find a quieter street
Shibuya has side streets close to the main road. Walk a few streets back from the crossing and you will hear less traffic and music. These streets are good for a slow walk, a cafe stop, or the walk back to your hotel. Keep to the lit streets after dark, and walk on the pavement.
Nightlife with care
Shibuya has many bars, music venues and late shops. For a first night, choose an area rather than one place: walk the streets around the station, read the signs, and go into the places that suit you. Ask for the price before you order, and keep your receipt.
Do not follow someone who invites you into a bar from the street. In busy nightlife areas this can lead to unexpected bills, so say no and keep walking. Respect the people who live and work here. Keep your voice low in residential streets, do not block the pavement, and use the bins where the signs show them.
Rest and get home
Plan the way back before the last train. Check the last train on each operator's app, because the time differs by line. Taxis are available, but the queue can be long late at night, and the road can be slow. A hotel near the station saves time, and a room away from the main road gives you more sleep.
Who this suits
This plan suits friends and solo travellers who like energy, lights and street food. It is less suited to someone who needs quiet at night or a calm first evening after a long flight.
Check first: Check the weather for the evening on the Japan Meteorological Agency website, and bring a light coat or an umbrella if rain is forecast. The crossing is slippery in the rain, so walk slowly.
What to do next
Use the planner to fit the first night into your trip. Read the Tokyo guide for the city, and the Shibuya and Harajuku guide for more streets and food. You can find more practical help in the guides.
