Shibuya is the ultimate Tokyo district, a swirling dream of flashy neon lights, karaoke retreats, colourful shops, and hidden eateries. It is easy to get lost in this wonderland, so read our guide to Shibuya to discover the best local hotspots you should not miss.
Navigating your way through Shibuya, its picturesque streets, lined with surprises, are works of art in and of themselves. It’s almost impossible to avoid the huge crowds at its infamous crossing, but if you can bypass the major attractions and seek out its hidden gems, you’ll be rewarded with quaint little coffeehouses and underground dive bars, hidden sushi joints and beautiful coworking spaces like the Hive Jinnan. Here’s our guide to Shibuya and some of the charming places tucked up its sleeve.
日本語の記事はこちらをクリックしてください。
Best Coffee Shops in Shibuya
Roasted Coffee Laboratory
A neighbourhood favourite for locals and foreigners alike, Roasted Coffee Laboratory is well loved for its freshly roasted specialty coffee offerings, tasty baked goods, and savoury treats. With an extensive menu and plenty of desserts baked in house to choose from, this coffee shop is the perfect place to settle down for a relaxing afternoon. For those looking to get involved with the local community, Roasted Coffee Laboratory also hosts music, arts, and cultural events featuring Shibuya’s rising artists.
Insider Tip: Stop by in the morning before 11am to enjoy Coffee Laboratory’s delicious breakfast selection – for sweet tooths, be sure to try out their delicious berry’s bites and matcha bites!
Address: 1F, 1 Chome−6−3 Shibuya, Jinnan, Tokyo 150-0041
Open From: Mon-Fri 9am-7pm; Sat-Sun 10am-7:30pm
Blue Bottle Coffee
Blending in with Shibuya’s popular streetwear culture, Blue Bottle Coffee’s Shibuya cafe is situated in the newly rebuilt Kitaya Park in an open two story space. The cafe features unique elements created with Keiji Ashizawa Design specially to fuse with surrounding nature. What’s more, the iconic designer behind HUMAN MADE, NIGO®, collaborated with Blue Bottle to design the baristas’ T-shirts, aprons, and hats. Choose from a wide range of single origin coffee and espresso drinks, specially brewed to your preference, alongside a tasty brunch selection, desserts, natural wines, and beer.
Insider Tip: If you are looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy the serenity of this Blue Bottle’s location with, try the Cold Brew Coffee Cherry Fizz.
Address: 1 Chome-7-3 Jinnan, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0041
Open From: 8am-8pm
Fuglen Tokyo
Fuglen Tokyo’s original shop in Oslo, a unique café and cocktail bar hybrid with vintage Scandinavian boutique design, inspired the opening of its sister location in Yoyogi Park in 2012. Fuglen is not only well known for being flocked by hipsters and influencers, but also for its excellent single origin coffee and delectable pastry selection. At night, the coffee shop transforms into a trendy cocktail bar with tasteful seasonal blends and photo-worthy presentation.
Fuglen also delivers their coffee beans and has a coffee subscription available for those looking to expand their palate.
Insider Tip: Head over to Fuglen after work and sip on their Scandinavian Negroni paired with their vintage decor for a cozy experience that will transport you all the way to Norway.
Address: 1 Chome-16-11 Tomigaya, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0063
Open From: 7am-9pm
The Hive Café
Step into the welcoming atmosphere of the Hive Café, right in the heart of Shibuya – Tokyo’s neighbourhood that never sleeps. The spacious ground floor coffee house has an airy terrace that both members and passers-by can enjoy as they sip on a latte made with Tokyo’s best coffee beans, sourced from Streamer Coffee Company.
Insider Tip: Kill two birds with one stone and experience Try Out Tuesdays to get productive at Shibuya’s most beautifully designed coworking space for free.
Address: 1-6-5 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0041
Open From: 8am–8pm
Best Restaurants in Shibuya
SHE WOLF DINER
If you are missing the quintessential American diner experience, SHE WOLF DINER will satiate your cravings and leave you hungry for more. With an extensive collection of over 30 craft beers to choose from and many vegetarian and vegan friendly options, this eatery is a great gathering spot for a casual lunch or after work drinks.
Insider Tip: Although SHE WOLF’s fries are already delicious on their own, upgrade to the truffle fries for an additional flavour burst with your meal.
Address: 1F, 3-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042
Open From: Mon- Fri: 11am-8pm; Sat-Sun: 11am-8pm
地鶏軍鶏 兼子 Jidorishamo Kaneko
A classic Japanese yakitori (chicken skewer) restaurant, Jidorishamo Kaneko offers different types of chicken from across Japan, cooked in different styles to accentuate their flavour and create a umami taste. We also have about 9 kinds of glass wine. Kaneko also has a wide range of wines available carefully selected to complement their menu.
Insider Tip: The chicken Nanban cooked with savoury bread crumbs and paired with the restaurant’s homemade dressing is not a menu item to miss out on.
Address: 1 Chome-8-17 Jinnan, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0041
Open From: Mon- Fri: 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm; Sat 12pm-2pm, 5pm-10pm
swrl.
swrl. is a wine and cocktail kitchen deriving its name from the “swirling” step of wine tasting which it also uses to mix their unique cocktails, rather than the conventional shaking method. Created by renowned bartender Shingo Gokan and with a Latin American menu developed by the chef behind popular sustainable Tokyo grill restaurant, The Burn, chef Fumio Yonezawa, swrl. offers the ultimate curated dining experience at an affordable price. For those looking to explore chef Fumio’s creations, there is a delectable six course tasting menu available for JP¥6,050. swrl. also has an in house sommelier for those looking to enjoy their wine collection on its own.
Insider Tip: Give their Samui a try when you visit, made with rum, lime, chilli, coconut, and chardonnay
Address: 1 Chome-7-9 Jinnan, Tokyo 150-0041
Open From: Mon- Thur, Sun 5pm-12am; Fri-Sat 5pm-3am
Best Bars in Shibuya
Rhythm Cafe
Situated just a five minute walk from Shibuya station, Rhythm Cafe is a hidden location you will be delighted to stumble upon. Popular for its music selection and fun DJ sets, this is the bar to stop by if you are looking to dance the night away. With a chic and colourful interior, this cute spot does not only have great music, but a selection of food and drinks to fuel you throughout your visit. Rhythm Cafe can also be reserved for private events if you are looking for a vibrant venue for your next party.
Insider Tip: This is the bar to frequent if you are a music lover, and if you spot Rhythm’s owner, you may be treated to a funky set DJed by him as well!
Address: 11-1 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042
Open From: 6pm-2am
The Bellwood
Inspired by 1920s’ Japan, The Bellwood is a unique coffee-tea-liquor concept with delicious western fare to go with it. Take your pick from their original coffee or tea cocktails- just one sip will leave you wanting to taste their entire offerings. These special cocktails are created by award-winning bartender Atsushi Suzuki and are designed to complement and draw out the flavours of The Bellwood’s food menu.
Insider Tip: Embark on a curated omakase sushi tasting journey around the world at Bellwood’s bar within a bar, Bellsushi.
Address: 41-31 Udagawacho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 150-0042
Open From: 6pm-2am
The Aldgate
A “Little Britain” in the heart of Shibuya, The Aldgate is a traditional British pub with 21 taps to choose from- including their house craft special Aldgate Ale and Porter, Abbot Ale and Jever- and heartwarming fare like pie & mash, cornish pasty, bangers & mash, and fish & chips to fill you up. They also serve plenty of vegetarian or gluten-free options, and their friendly staff are happy to recommend according to your preferences. If you are a football or rugby fan, this is the bar to gather with your friends to cheer on your favourite teams.
Insider Tip: The Aldgate has an extensive vinyl collection primarily featuring British rock to pick from that their staff will happily put on upon your request.
Address: 30−4 Udagawacho, Shibuya, Tokyo 150-0042
Open From: Mon-Fri 6pm-11:30pm; Sat-Sun 5pm-11:30pm
What To Do In Shibuya
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a spacious public park with a sprawling landscape featuring lakes, lawns, fountains, and beautiful forested areas. On the weekends the park lights up with people from all walks of life including performers, cosplayers, joggers, sports fans, and tourists of course. Yoygoi hosts a variety of picnic areas, sports facilities, and a cycling course. Originating as an Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, the space was transformed into Yoyogi Park in 1967 and has been a popular destination since.
Insider Tip: Visit during cherry blossom season in spring for a breathtaking and unforgettable view. Come back in autumn to witness the park’s ginkgo tree forest turn golden.
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052
Open From: 24hrs
livingnomads.com & jw-webmagazine.com
Meiji Jingu
A serene oasis in the middle of busy Tokyo, Meiji Jingu (or Meiji Shrine) is located a short distance from Yoyogi Park. A Shinto shrine, it spans a vast 70 hectare forest (70 ha.) ornamented with traditional Japanese architecture and peaceful greenery. Meiji Jingu was established in 1920 to commemorate the virtue of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. Guests are welcome to place offerings at the main hall, purchase charms and amulets, write out a wish on an ema, and some may choose to hold a Shinto wedding at the shrine as well.
Insider Tip: To further immerse yourself in the rich history of Meiji Jingu, visit the shrine’s Museum which was opened in 2019 and designed by architect Kuma Kengo.
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-8557
Open From: 6:40am-4:20pm
Diesel Art Gallery
Housed in the cellar of fashion store Diesel, this two-room gallery showcases the works of well-known international artists such as Spike Jonze, Chen Man and Rolland Berry. With artworks representing different genres around the world, you will find a strong tribute to anime and pop-culture. Diesel Art Gallery only shows four exhibitions per year, so if you fall in love with an artwork, you might want to act quickly.
Insider Tip: Admission is free, and there’s a great lounge in the front with free WiFi.
Address: Cocoti B1F, 1-23-16 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku Tokyo
Open From: 11:30am–9pm
Related Articles
A Guide to Tokyo’s Best Ramen Places
