Everything You Need To Know About Shibuya And Shinjuku.

Characterized by their neons lights, flashing signs, nightlife, shopping, and bars Shibuya and Shinjuku both offer different yet similar activities.

If you think about the televised, ideal Tokyo, this is where you are going to find it.

Shibuya and Shinjuku are both located on the green Yamanote line aka the circle. Being that they are both huge cities they both have big stations and are pretty easy to get too. If you bought a JR Rail pass you can use this to access this line. This is probably the most efficient line in Tokyo and definitely makes buying the pass worth you money if you plan on staying in Tokyo for long. A majority of the big temples and tourist stops are along this route.

Get your JR Rail Pass

Shibuya, Tokyo, is easily one of the most recognizable spots in Tokyo.

Known for its iconic Shibuya Crossing, often referred to as the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya is a captivating blend of neon lights, towering billboards, and a constant stream of pedestrians.

The streets of Shibuya are lined with stores; A LOT of stores.

From high-end fashion brands to quirky independent shops (with very interesting English names), Shibuya offers a shopping experience like no other, making it a haven for fashion enthusiasts.

Additionally, the district is home to an array of entertainment options, including theaters, and karaoke bars.

Obviously, the most famous part about Shibuya is the road crossing but how do you completely experience Shibuya without getting lost in the side streets and endless array of shopping malls?

Here are my favorite things I did in Shibuya that gave me the best overall experience without overwhelming myself.

– Shibuya 109 –

Right across the street from Shibuya crossing there is a giant building (with the number 109 on it) full of stores. It’s mainly filled with women’s clothing, shoes, accessories etc. It does have higher prices but offers better quality stores and more diversity in style than anywhere else I found in Tokyo.

– Shibuya Sky –

One of Tokyo’s newest attractions is Shibuya Sky. A giant two-story sky deck that offers 360 views of the city from both an indoor and outdoor sky deck. Make sure to buy tickets at least 2 weeks in advance to get the time slot you want ( I suggest around 7pm ish).

You may have seen pictures of glass elevators overlooking Tokyo; this it it.

• Pro tip! Pick a day to go when it is not raining. when i went it was just sprinkling and the shut down the entire top floor sky deck and glass elevators 🙁

Buy tickets and reserve your time slot

– Shopping –

All around the crossing, there are dozens and dozens of stores including tax-free cosmetic stores, electronics, restaurants, bars, karaoke, clothing etc. If you can think of it they are probably selling it around Shibuya. Simply wandering around the Shibuya 109 building and the stores around the station are enough to give you a taste of what Shibuya offers.

– Shinjuku –

Shinjuku was my favorite city when it came to Tokyo nightlife.

As one of Tokyo’s major commercial and cultural hubs, Shinjuku has a mix of old and new experiences.

One of the most iconic features of Shinjuku is its towering skyscrapers, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, which offers panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Kabukicho, a lively entertainment and nightlife district within Shinjuku, is famous for its vibrant streets, numerous bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

• It is Important to Note that Shinjuku is the home to the most popular red light district in Tokyo, making it more dangerous than other parts of the city.

If your not planning on clubbing there isn’t a whole lot to do in; but some of must see’s in Shinjuku are:

If your not planning on clubbing there isn’t a whole lot to do in; but some of must see’s in Shinjuku are:

Golden Gai is a unique and historic area located not too far away from Shinjuku station.

The area consists of a network of six narrow alleys, each lined with tiny bars, pubs, and eateries.

What sets Golden Gai apart is its intimate and quaint atmosphere, as well as its preservation of traditional architecture. Many of the buildings are only a few meters wide and a few stories tall, creating an intimate and cozy ambiance that is completely different than the towering modern skyscrapers of Shinjuku.

The drinks are cheap and most require a cover charge and a minimum of one drink per person must be ordered.

Certain bars are not tourist friendly and have signs that say so. Just read the room.

Godzilla:

Located on the top of the Toho building a massive Godzilla head lurks over the city. It’s pretty hard to miss when walking through some of Shinjuku’s biggest districts.

But that’s all for now, i’ll see you