Shibuya, a vibrant and bustling area, is famous for its iconic intersection, Scramble Crossing, that has fascinated visitors from around the world. The story of Hachiko, the loyal dog who waited for his deceased owner, has inspired the creation of a statue in his honor, adding to Shibuya's unique charm and historical significance.
Since 2018, Shibuya has undergone numerous transformations. If you take the Yamanote Line to Shibuya Station, you'll notice the seemingly endless construction projects aimed at expanding the railway tracks to accommodate the increasing number of visitors. The Ginza Line, Tokyo's oldest subway line, has been relocated, and the long-standing Tokyu department store building has been demolished to make way for new developments. In this feature, we will introduce the newly opened department stores and facilities that have emerged since 2020 till date.
SHIBUYA FUKURAS
SHIBUYA FUKURAS, which opened on November 10, 2019, retains the name Tokyu Plaza from its predecessor. This renovated building now features a bus terminal with convenient routes to Narita and Haneda airports. The mall blends a modern design with a familiar atmosphere, catering to its established customer base of 40-60-year-olds while also attracting younger shoppers with trendy new stores.
One of the standout shops in SHIBUYA FUKURAS is BEAMS, a brand that is popular among tourists. This branch offers a wide range of items, from clothing and accessories to household goods and kitchenware, all with a distinct Japanese design. It's a great place to find unique souvenirs, like the charming Japanese-style mosquito repellent stove available this summer.
BEAMS also offers seasonal cooking sauces and other delightful products that reflect Japan's aesthetic sensibilities. If you're new to BEAMS, make sure to explore beyond their clothing line and discover their other equally appealing items.
AKOMEYA TOKYO is a must-visit store offering a wide range of condiments and kitchen utensils made with native Japanese ingredients. If you're looking for high-quality seasonings for Japanese cuisine, this is the place to find them. The store also boasts an array of kitchenware specifically designed for Japanese cooking, and the selection of adorable rice bowls will leave you spoiled for choice.
Additionally, there's an eatery where you can grab a bite to eat if you get hungry.
The department store also features various other shops that focus on high-quality products. You'll find luxurious aromatherapy stores, charming herbal shops that offer solutions with a Japanese twist, and numerous stores specializing in plates, bowls, and cups. There are also stylish clothing boutiques emphasizing Japanese handmade craftsmanship, perfect for those who appreciate "Made in Japan" products.
On the restaurant floor, there are numerous dining options to suit every palate. If it's a rainy day and you prefer not to venture far from the station, you can easily access these restaurants via the station's overpass without needing an umbrella. One unique establishment is Pepper Parlour, a cafe where the robot Pepper-kun serves you.
You can order food, chat, or play games with Pepper-kun, who also performs on the stage area. Detailed information about the store can be found here.
The restaurant floor offers a variety of dining choices, with prices ranging from affordable to upscale, making it a great spot for hosting guests. If you're unsure where to eat, simply stroll around and pick a place that catches your eye. For example, Due Italian is a cheese ramen shop that perfectly combines Japanese and Italian flavors in one delicious bowl—definitely worth trying.
Details
Opening hours: 7:00-1:00 (varies by store, restaurant and service zone. Check details on the official website.)
Website: https://www.shibuya-fukuras.jp
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Wt7me5dAMgTkr3Fz5
SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE
SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE, which opened on November 1, 2019, just before the pandemic, might still be unfamiliar to many. This towering 47-story department store features Tokyo's new landmark, SHIBUYA SKY, an observation deck offering stunning views of Shibuya. Located near the iconic Shibuya intersection and adjacent to the under-construction Tokyu department store, SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE is poised for further expansion in the future.
Inside, you'll find over 200 stores offering the latest fashion trends in Japan, as well as shops selling delectable desserts and cakes, some with exclusive items available only at this location.
The mall houses luxury clothing brands from both Japan and abroad, including Givenchy, sacai, Saint Laurent, United Arrows, Tatras, Nike, and United Tokyo. Fashion enthusiasts will find plenty to love here, with Japanese brands that offer chic, city-inspired looks.
In addition to fashion, the mall features numerous stores selling trendy home appliances, perfect for souvenirs or personal use.
A highlight of SHIBUYA SCRAMBLE SQUARE is SHIBUYA SKY, a 230-meter-high observation deck offering a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shibuya. The ticket counter is located on the 14th floor. For more details on ticket prices and rules, read here.
Details
Opening hours: 10:00-21:00
Website: https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xrPVjEvA6EZRJjd17
SHIBUYA TSUTAYA
TSUTAYA department store has been a fixture in Shibuya since the days of VHS tapes and CDs. Originally a movie and music rental store, TSUTAYA has continuously evolved, shifting from rentals to sales, and hosting events with trending celebrities and artists. After closing for renovations in 2023, TSUTAYA reopened on April 25, 2024, with a fresh new look.
The Starbucks, Japan's best-selling chain, remains a staple, now larger and more attractive, drawing even more tourists eager to capture photos of the Shibuya intersection.
On the second floor, the same Starbucks has been revamped with a more beautiful design and a larger souvenir corner to accommodate tourists. The new seating area focuses on standing, with fewer chairs, making it easier for visitors to quickly snap photos of the famous intersection.
Floors 3-4 feature the unique SHARE LOUNGE, surrounded by display cabinets filled with figures. For an hourly fee starting at 1,650 yen, visitors can enjoy meals, drinks, snacks, and free Wi-Fi. You can find details of service fees here.
There's also the POKÉMON CARD LOUNGE, where fans can play Pokémon card games and purchase exclusive souvenirs for 1,500 yen per hour (excl. tax).
The upper floors, previously a bookstore, now cater to anime lovers with a wide selection of figures, Gundam models, and anime merchandise.
TSUTAYA Shibuya has truly adapted to the times, offering whatever is currently trending.
Details
Opening hours: 7:00-23:00
Website: https://shibuyatsutaya.tsite.jp/
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wVKCCyTm4GCyHctS9
SHIBUYA AXSH
SHIBUYA AXSH, which opened on July 8, 2024, is a small building primarily focused on offices rather than retail. Located just past Shibuya Hikarie, this building aims to bridge the gap between Aoyama and Shibuya.
The center of SHIBUYA AXSH is designed with wood and trees, creating a modern and refreshing indoor atmosphere. Although it's not aimed at tourists, office workers frequently move through the area.
For those seeking a quiet place to relax away from Shibuya's bustling crowds, SHIBUYA AXSH offers a peaceful respite.
Visitors can enjoy a drink at the café or explore the chic curry shop specializing in spices, providing a great dining option.
For those interested in drinking, there is a bar, along with pizza, fast food, and beer available from lunchtime.
While the building doesn't have many notable attractions for tourists, it serves as a convenient spot for office employees. Its layout, reminiscent of the office atmosphere in Roppongi, features a tall office building with restaurants and a small retail area on the lower floors. This trend of combining offices with retail spaces is evident in many Shibuya buildings, hinting at a potential transformation of Shibuya into a luxurious office hub.
Details
Opening hours: 5:00-1:00
Website: https://www.shibuya-axsh.jp
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/v9dDzs38KqNVeaE5A
SHIBUYA Sakura Stage
Last but not least is SHIBUYA Sakura Stage, which opened recently on July 25, 2024. Some sections of the complex have been open since the beginning of last year. Named after its location opposite the street lined with cherry blossoms on Sakurazaka, this unique venue is divided into two parts: Sakura Side and Sakura Stage. These long buildings span both sides of the road, creating a distinctive layout.
SHIBUYA Sakura Stage isn't just a department store; it's designed as a courtyard and part of the Sakurazaka area, encouraging people to walk through and enjoy the space.
The main corridor lacks air conditioning and functions as an open courtyard accessible at any time, with concentrated shopping areas in specific sections.
The area also features a park where visitors can stroll, with shops set up within the garden, creating a pleasant, open-air shopping experience. This walkway connects to office buildings and Shibuya Station, which is currently undergoing renovations.
The shops at SHIBUYA Sakura Stage focus on popular Japanese products that are well-loved by both locals and tourists. It's a new hotspot for tourists looking to explore and shop.
Highlights include CHEAT TOKYO, a store offering a variety of Japanese condiments and ingredients, perfect for souvenirs or trying at home.
There's also KATE TOKYO, a renowned Japanese cosmetics brand known for its high-quality yet affordable products. This store offers direct access to items that are often sold out in pharmacies.
Another major attraction is the Sanrio shop, which sells a wide range of Sanrio character products. Previously, shoppers had to visit places like Loft or Don Quijote to find Sanrio items, but now they can find everything in one official shop. In addition to these highlights, there are many more interesting shops to explore, making SHIBUYA Sakura Stage a delightful new destination for shopping and enjoying the evolving landscape of Shibuya.
Details
Opening hours: https://www.shibuya-sakura-stage.com
Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/UYSseAudwfzGpnR96
In summary, these are some of the new and evolving department stores and buildings in Shibuya. Miyashita Park, which opened in June 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, is another notable addition. Stay tuned for a tour of this mall and enjoy exploring the ever-changing landscape of Shibuya.
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