If you’ve passed through Shibuya Station on your way to the famous Scramble Crossing, you would have probably spotted Shibuya’s Aogaeru, a tourist information centre located inside a vivid green train car. It was a popular landmark for those meeting up around the perennially busy Shibuya Station, but Tokyoites are going to have to look for a new meeting point – the eye-catching train car has been removed and relocated to Akita prefecture.
Wrapped up and taken away on Monday August 3, Aogaeru will be moved to Odate in Akita prefecture on August 6, to serve as a rest stop at a tourist information centre promoting the Akita breed of dogs which are native to the prefecture. Akita happens to be the birthplace of Shibuya’s beloved Hachiko, the loyal Akita dog whose statue is directly across from where Aogaeru used to sit at Shibuya Station.
Aogaeru, also referred to as the ‘green frog’, is a type of Tokyu Railways carriage in use from 1954 to 1986. It was added to Hachiko Square in 2006. The car’s relocation was just another move in the seemingly never-ending renovations around Shibuya Station. So far, the hub has welcomed a number of new commercial complexes including Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Fukuras and Shibuya Stream – and there are still plenty more to come.
Feeling lost in Shibuya? Don't worry, just visit Shibuya-san tourist information and art centre across the road. Also, remember to read our guide on going out safely in Japan.
More news
The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic competition schedule is confirmed for next year
This new Starbucks in Ginza operates like a coworking space
'Short Shorts Film Festival and Asia' will premiere online and in Tokyo in September
This Japanese theme park offers face mask stickers to show you’re screaming inside your heart
Tokyo’s most popular places are now empty – here’s where to explore