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Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan

Best Place To View Shibuya Crossing

Looking for the best place from which to view Tokyo’s famous Shibuya Crossing?

While participating in the crossing is an exciting way to experience the busiest intersection in the world, it is also very worthwhile to find a spot from which to take in the action from above, and snap photos.

Here are the top 4 places to view Shibuya Crossing:

Tsutaya Starbucks: Best View of Shibuya Crossing

The Shibuya Scramble Starbucks has a prime location just off the world-famous intersection, in the Tsutaya store.

The building re-opened in April 2024 after an extensive renovation, and Starbucks occupies the bottom two floors of the building.

Get a beverage at the cafe on the upper floor and head over to the window for a leisurely look down at Shibuya Crossing below.

Despite the glass, the window at Starbucks is the perfect place from which to take photos of the Shibuya Crossing.

Tsutaya Share Lounge: A Quieter Place to Enjoy the View over Shibuya Crossing

The two floors directly above Starbucks in the Tsutaya building are occupied by Share Lounge, which you have to pay to enter.

Somewhat like a co-working space, the lounge has a per hour use fee that includes food and drinks.

From the counter seats by the window on either floor, you have a fantastic view over the Shibuya Crossing, with a fraction of the people in the Starbucks below.

There are restrooms here, and wifi.

Shibuya Sky: Bird’s Eye View of Shibuya Crossing

The open air viewing area at Shibuya Sky is set 229 meters (about 750 feet) above Shibuya for sensational 360-degree views over Tokyo.

Located at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square Tower, the observation deck requires an admission ticket.

While the Shibuya Sky Observation Deck is a great place from which to view the activity in the scramble crossing below, it’s also the perfect place from which to take in the lights of the city after dark.

Note that the open air observation deck may be closed when it rains.

The Sky Gallery, an indoor observation area on the 46th floor of the building, also offers expansive views. If you visit on a day when the weather is inclement, the Sky Gallery lets you take in the views from the comfort of the indoors.

>>> Get your Shibuya Sky ticket now!

Shibuya Mark City: Best Place to View Shibuya Crossing for Free!

The Shibuya Mark City Walkway or Sky Bridge is one of the most popular places to see the famous Shibuya Crossing from above.

Unlike the Shibuya Sky, which is set way above the crossing, the Mark City Walkway is set at a relatively much lower height, for a much closer aerial view of the scramble crossing.

The walkway is encased in glass, though, so you may get reflections in your photos. Plus, it’s often congested, since it’s a busy pedestrian walkway.

The Shibuya Mark City Walkway connects the JR Yamanote Line’s Tamagawa Exit with the Keio Inokashira Line Exit.

Where can you find the best view of Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo, Japan?

If you don’t want to pay, the Shibuya Mark City Walkway is the best place from which to view Shibuya Crossing from above.

If you are willing to pay a fee, the Tsutaya Share Lounge offers great views over the famous scramble crossing, without the crowds.

Planning a trip to Shibuya Crossing? Visit our Shibuya Crossing home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!