Shibuya Sky: the best time to go, and what to do around it
Shibuya Sky is the open air rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square, more than 200 metres above the busiest crossing in the world. On a clear evening you see the whole city light up, with Mt Fuji on the horizon at sunset in the cold months. It is one of the most booked views in Tokyo, so a little planning makes the difference.
Tokyo after dark? Here is the Tokyo night tour by private car, the skyline, the lights and no rush hour traffic, three hours from ¥48,000.
Which time slot to book
Sunset is the slot everyone wants, and it sells out first, often weeks ahead for weekends. Book the slot that starts about forty minutes before sunset, so you see daylight, golden hour and the city lights in one visit. Mornings are quieter and give the clearest air. Tickets are timed and sold online; at the door they are often gone.
What to expect on the roof
The visit starts indoors with a gallery floor, then a lift takes you to the open air deck. Bags, hats and loose items go into lockers before the deck, so bring a phone with a strap or a camera you can hold. The roof closes in rain or strong wind, and the indoor floor stays open; if the forecast is bad, consider changing your slot.
The crossing, from above and from below
From the roof you look straight down on the Shibuya Scramble Crossing. Afterwards, cross it yourself at street level, then walk five minutes to Shibuya Parco for the Nintendo store and the Pokémon Center, or up to Miyashita Park. The whole area is busiest from 18:00 to 21:00.
Dinner and the way back
Shibuya has every kind of dinner, from standing sushi bars to quiet restaurants on the upper floors of the new towers. The station is one of the most crowded in Japan in the evening, which is where a car helps: you are collected at the building and taken straight back to your hotel.
By car, and the price
A chauffeur by the hour can take you to Shibuya Sky, wait during the visit and dinner, and bring you home, or add Meiji Jingu and Harajuku earlier in the afternoon. It is from ¥16,000 per hour with a two hour minimum, and a Shibuya evening usually takes three to four hours. Your chauffeur can speak English, Italian, Spanish, French or Japanese, at the same price.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Shibuya Sky?
The slot that starts about forty minutes before sunset, to see daylight, sunset and the city lights in one visit. Mornings are quieter.
Do I need to book Shibuya Sky in advance?
Yes. Tickets are timed and sold online, and sunset slots often sell out weeks ahead, especially at weekends.
Can I bring a bag to the Shibuya Sky rooftop?
No. Bags, hats and loose items go into lockers before the open air deck. A phone with a strap is fine.
What happens at Shibuya Sky if it rains?
The open air roof closes in rain or strong wind, while the indoor gallery stays open.