Revamping Shibuya: Tokyo's “Beating Heart” Is Getting a Major Makeover

Easily recognised for the lively intersection that is rumoured to be the busiest in the world, Shibuya has long been epitomising the busy madness of the cutting-edge metropolis, one that may soon be buzzing more than ever with the neighbourhood undergoing a major makeover.

A number of renovations are being conducted as part of a long-term site redevelopment plan that is scheduled to conclude ahead of the 2020 international sporting events Tokyo is playing host to.

Amongst the most exciting developments part of the program is the building of the high-rise station building “Shibuya Scramble Square”, a 230-metre high 47-floor tower with an open-air observation deck, offering majestic views across Tokyo, from the scramble crossing to Mount Fuji. Shibuya Scramble Square is scheduled to open in November 2019.

Often dubbed Japan's answer to New York Times Square, Shibuya has become a symbol of the frenetic and scrambling centre of modern Japanese culture offering a great experience to those wanting to be in the centre of the rapid-beating heart of Tokyo.

But beyond the famous crossing, Shibuya lures with an impressive fashion and arts scene and quaint alleyways dotted with shops, cafes, hip bars and great restaurants and a variety of other only-in-Tokyo highlights.

According to Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau, here are the Top 5 Things to do in Shibuya:

• The Shibuya Crossing: Because no trip to Tokyo would be complete without setting foot on this iconic landmark. See upwards of 1,000 people crossing the multi-cornered intersection at a time.
• Shop till you drop: A shopping hub for fashionistas, creators and designers, the streets of Shibuya continue to be responsible for global fashion trend-setting. The iconic building of Shibuya109 is a mecca for fashion-conscious teenagers, whereas Shibuya Hilaria and Seibu are modern complexes for sophisticated fashion shopping and dining.
• In with the art scene: Shibuya is home to a deep and creative art scene. Small movie theatres such as Cinema era, Uplink, and Eurospace showcase lesser-known Japanese and international films and often host one-off events and movie festivals.
• Hachiko Statue: Don't miss the opportunity to visit this statue, Shibuya's main meeting point that tells the heart-warming story of Japan's most loyal dog that returned to this very spot every day for nine years to wait for his owner. More information on the story can be found here.
• Visit Tokyo's Capital for Youth Culture: In the narrow streets right off the Shibuya Crossing, head to Center-Gai, the central hub for youth culture. Throughout the day, hordes of young people come here in search of the latest in fashion and music.

Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau's TokyoTokyo “Old meets New brand” campaign logo features an icon of Shibuya Crossing in the centre View the video here.

For more information, visit: https://www.gotokyo.org/en