Where to get the best views of the Shibuya Crossing

Catch the best views of Tokyo at this 360° open-air observation deck at the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. Shibuya Sky is approximately 230 metres above ground and is the highest point in the district of Shibuya. The ‘Sky Edge’, a corner where you can look down at the cityscape below (especially the famous scramble crossing) without any obstruction, is a particularly good photo spot that provides a panoramic view of the city.

In addition to the breathtaking views, the rooftop also features hammocks for cloud watching and an observation compass to help you identify major landmarks in the distance such as Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Stadium and even Mt Fuji (on a clear day).

The best things in life are free: the bridge connecting Shibuya Mark City shopping centre with Shibuya Station's Toyoko Store is a great spot to see the iconic crossing without opening your wallet. While the concourse is usually busy with commuters moving briskly to catch their next train, you’ll be able to take a long moment to press against the glass during off-peak hours and watch up to 3,000 people cross the Scramble every 90-second interval. 

An aerial view of Shibuya Scramble’s hustle and bustle is captivating on its own, but throw in the neon backdrop of the district after dark and the scene transforms into something spectacular. You can experience this side of Shibuya at Cé La Vi, which occupies the 17th and 18th floors of the Shibuya Fukuras Building. 

One of Tokyo's most popular party venues, Cé La Vi regularly hosts late-night club events at its indoor music lounge, but it also boasts a terrace and outdoor bar area where you can gaze out at the cityscape with a drink in hand. Here, you can peer out at Shibuya Scramble and watch as the rest of the city’s party lovers make their way to their evening affairs. Not a night owl? Bao by Cé La Vi is open daily from 11am, so you could also drop in before sundown for brunch of afternoon tea on the terrace.

Coffee and people watching go hand in hand, so if you manage to nab a seat at this perpetually busy Starbucks, you’re in for a treat. Both tourists and long-time Tokyoites find it difficult to resist capturing a time-lapse of the mobs crossing the intersection while sitting at the counter with their drinks. The nearest Metro exit is also a popular spot for buskers and street dancers after sundown, so you might glimpse some talents worthy of your attention while you’re there. The coffee shop is part of an eight-storey Tsutaya, so if you can’t immediately find a seat, it’s worth browsing the selection of books, CDs and games until a space becomes available.

The Shibuya Hikarie building is a bit farther from the Scramble than Magnet or Shibuya Scramble Square, but its 11th floor Sky Lobby nonetheless features a satisfying panoramic view of the main crossing and surrounding cityscape. With floor-to-ceiling windows, the Sky Lobby isn’t just an observation deck, but an entrance hall to the Tokyu Theatre Orb. You don’t have to have tickets to the season’s musical to appreciate the view from here, though. You can access this bit via Shibuya Station’s B5 exit for free by taking the elevators directly to the 11th floor (open from 7am to 12midnight).

The L’Occitane Cafe overlooks the Shibuya Scramble so you can observe the chaos below as you sip from dainty tea cups or enjoy a light salad lunch from the comfort of this ochre yellow retreat. The cafe was produced by Pierre Herme, so in addition to light lunches, there’s also a selection of classic French sweets crafted by skilled patissieres, including mille-feuille, macarons and crème brûlée. The L’Occitane store is on the ground floor of the building, so why not give yourself a quick spritz of floral mist and test some hand cream before you head back out to brave the crowds.