2018-08-13
Living in Shibuya: What is it Like For Foreigners?
- Advice
Shibuya has become an entertainment and shopping hub in Tokyo, regarded as one of the busiest and most colorful districts in Tokyo packed with nightclubs, restaurants and shops. Swarms of visitors come to Shibuya every day to experience this unique culture.
Read further to learn about Shibuya.
Shibuya: Fancy World of Entertainment and Culture
In the 11th Century during the Edo period, Shibuya was the home of a castle for the Shibuya family. However, the establishment of the Yamanote Line in 1885 brought entertainment and commerce to the district.
Shibuya is now the birthplace to many fashion brands and entertainment centers. Large shopping centers such as Seibu, Tokyu, and Shibuya 109 are situated near Shibuya Station, attracting trend-cautious youngsters. At first sight, this district may appear like a playground where the young and reckless meet to explore fashion and show off the latest gadgets. However, there is more than meets the eye as Shibuya is also a haven for families and seniors.
Access
- From Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote to Shibuya (22 minutes)
- From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Saikyo Local Lineto Shibuya (7 minutes)
Famous Destinations
Center-Gai
The Center-Gai (Senta-gai) is a popular pedestrian street that is seen throughout the city, attracting entertainment and photographers.
If you want to take a picture in one of the most photogenic places in the country, go to Center Gai, lined with izakayas, stores, cafes, and pachinkos.
The center may be youth-oriented but it still attracts seniors to it. There are many stores in the streets that are targeted to them.
Access
- Address: 24-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: Direct from the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station
Takeshita Street
Just minutes away from Shibuya, Takeshita Street (Harajuku) is a popular street, especially crowded on weekends when everyone is free from school and work. There are abundant shops that sell quirky items you are bound to want for yourself.
You will find crepe stores that have long lines of customers who are patient to wait. Just some few blocks from Takeshita Street is Omotensando.
You can also easily cross over to Omotesando where international brands sell their expensive merchandise. However, if you want to spend little and get great items, stay put in Takeshita Street.
Access
- Address: 1-19 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: One-minute on foot from Harajuku Station and Meiji-Jingumae Station
Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park is a few minutes walk from Shibuya Station. If you are taking a train to Harajuku, it is closer to the park. However, we recommend walking which provides a better sightseeing experience as there are many things to see on your way to the park.
Yoyogi Park has two parts you may want to explore, the festival and event space and the park. You will appreciate the numerous activities that are happening around the park. Sometimes, you may end up spending a whole day here because of the things that you will see and do.
Access
- Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
- Directions: One-minute on foot from Meiji-Jingu Station and Harajuku Station
Why Foreigners Live in Shibuya
The Bustling and Hustling Lifestyle
If you want to make money in Tokyo, then Shibuya is your ideal destination. There are many businesses you can start and still make a head way if you are hardworking and smart.
The crowd cannot be ignored when you are in Shibuya. They are everywhere, providing business opportunities in many ways. If you are comfortable in the bustle and hustle of a city, Shibuya is a haven you will fall in love with at first glance.
Foreigners who are coming to Tokyo for business and investment opportunity prefer Shibuya as it is a more affordable than other areas of Tokyo.
The Fashionable Lifestyle
Looking good is everybody’s business in Shibuya. The lively gastropubs or izakaya, people in drag and the latest fashion trends are seen around the district. You will be inspired to wear some of the finest fashion attires when you are here.
The Entertainment Hub
Shibuya may not have the finest nightclubs or entertainment homes in Japan, but it has places that will take your breath away.
Entertainment is life in Shibuya. You will have many things to do in the day and night time. If you are a night owl, you will love the many activities that are lined up every night for you.
The youths may be in control of the many things that happen in the entertainment world of Shibuya, but you are in charge of what you want to listen to and participate when you are in this district.
Conclusion
Shibuya will allow you walk into a fairytale world where there are ornaments, chandeliers, antiques dolls, decorative cabinets, exotic cuisine, vintage gothics, lampshades and cutesy dresses.
You will be impressed with the way things are organized in Shibuya. Even if you are not going to spend days in Tokyo, Shibuya has something to offer you that you cannot resist in a hurry.
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