Shibuya facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

For other uses, see Shibuya (disambiguation).

Quick facts for kids

Shibuya

渋谷区

Special ward

Shibuya City

Skyline in 2024

Yoyogi Park

Takeshita Street in Harajuku

Shibuya Crossing

Flag

Seal

Location of Shibuya in Tokyo

Shibuya

Location in Special wards of Tokyo

Shibuya

Location in Tokyo

Shibuya

Location in Kanto Area

Shibuya

Location in Japan

Country

Area

• Total

15.11 km² (5.83 sq mi)

Population

(October 1, 2020)

• Total

243,883

• Estimate

(2024)

230,609

• Density

16,140/km² (41,800/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+9 (Japan Standard Time)

Symbols

• Tree

Zelkova serrata

• Flower

Iris ensata

City office

Shibuya 1-18-21, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-8010

Shibuya (pronounced Shee-boo-yah) is a vibrant and famous area in Tokyo, Japan. It's known for its busy streets, fashion, and as a popular spot for young people. Shibuya is a huge center for shopping and business. It's also home to Shibuya Station, one of the busiest train stations on Earth!

As of early 2024, about 230,609 people live in Shibuya. It's a very crowded place, with over 15,000 people living in each square kilometer! The total area of Shibuya is about 15 square kilometers. Some famous neighborhoods here are Harajuku, Ebisu, Omotesandō, and Yoyogi.

Shibuya got its name from the Shibuya clan, who owned the area in the 1160s. Later, during a time of wars in Japan called the Sengoku period, another powerful family took control. During the Edo period, Shibuya grew into a busy town, especially along the Oyama Road. In the 19th century, with the growth of railways, Shibuya became an important train hub. It officially became a ward of Tokyo City in 1932.

Shibuya wasn't always as famous as it is today. In the 1970s, it became a hotspot for youth culture, even more so than Shinjuku. Big companies like Seibu (with stores like Shibuya Parco) and Tokyu (with Tokyu Hands and Shibuya 109) helped make it a popular shopping and entertainment area. This made Shibuya, and nearby places like Harajuku, very attractive to young people.

Today, Shibuya is famous worldwide for several landmarks. The Shibuya Crossing is known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. You can also get amazing views of the city from the top of Shibuya Scramble Square. Don't forget the famous statue of Hachikō, a loyal dog, which is a popular meeting spot.

Since 2010, the area around Shibuya Station has been getting a huge makeover. This big project is expected to finish by early 2035.

Shibuya's Past: A Journey Through Time

Maruyamachō was a busy commercial center in the Edo period.

Shibuya's story began in the 1160s. A powerful family called the Shibuya clan owned this land, and that's how the area got its name. They even built a fortress near where the Konnō Hachimangu Shrine stands today. Later, during Japan's Sengoku period (a time of many wars), another strong family, the Later Hōjō clan, took over Shibuya in 1524.

During the peaceful Edo period, Shibuya became a thriving town. A specific area called Maruyamachō was especially busy. It was a key stop along the Oyama Road, which is now Japan National Route 246. In the Meiji era, it was known for traditional entertainment.

How Shibuya Became a City

In 1889, several small villages like Kami-Shibuya, Naka-Shibuya, and Shimo-Shibuya joined together to form the village of Shibuya. This new village included areas we know today, like Hiroo, Daikanyama, Aoyama, and Ebisu. Shibuya grew and became a town in 1909. Then, in 1932, it merged with nearby towns like Sendagaya (which includes Harajuku) and Yoyohata (which includes Yoyogi). This merger created the Shibuya-ku, a special ward of Tokyo City. In 1947, it officially became an urban special ward.

Shibuya's Railway Growth and Hachikō

Aerial photo of Shibuya Station, around 1960.

The Tokyu Toyoko Line opened in 1932, making Shibuya an important connection between Tokyo and Yokohama. More train lines, like the Keio Inokashira Line and the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, soon followed.

Shibuya Station is also famous for the heartwarming story of Hachikō. Hachikō was a loyal dog who waited for his owner at the station every day, even after his owner passed away. He continued to wait for many years, from 1923 to 1935. His incredible loyalty touched people's hearts across Japan. Today, a statue of Hachikō stands next to Shibuya Station. The area around it, called Hachikō Square, is a very popular meeting spot.

From Military Base to Olympic Venue

After World War II, during the occupation of Japan, Yoyogi Park was a housing area for U.S. military families, known as "Washington Heights." The U.S. military left in 1964. A large part of the park was then used for the 1964 Summer Olympics. Shibuya also hosted parts of the athletics events, like the 50 km walk and marathon, during those Olympic Games.

Shibuya's Music Scene

In the mid-1990s, a unique style of pop music called Shibuya-kei became very popular in Japan. This music often mixed different sounds and styles together. It was at its peak in the late 1990s, but then artists started exploring new types of music.

Modern Makeover of Shibuya

Since the early 2000s, the area around Shibuya Station has been getting a massive upgrade. This huge project is sometimes called a "once-in-a-century" change! In 2005, the Japanese government decided to renew the area. After a lot of planning by experts and city officials, construction officially started in 2010.

As part of this big project, old station buildings were taken down. Some train lines, like the Tōyoko Line, were moved underground. New, tall buildings like Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Stream, and Shibuya Scramble Square were built. Because trains needed to keep running during construction, and plans were updated, the entire redevelopment is expected to be finished by early 2035.

Miyashita Park also got a new look. It closed in 2017 and reopened in July 2020 as a modern shopping complex with a cool park on its rooftop.

Exploring Shibuya's Neighborhoods

A view of southern Shibuya in 2020.

Shibuya is made up of many famous areas. Some are busy shopping districts, while others are quieter places to live. Well-known neighborhoods include Daikanyama, Ebisu, Harajuku, Hiroo, Omotesandō, Sendagaya, and Yoyogi.

Main Areas of Shibuya

Shibuya is divided into several main areas, each with its own unique feel:

Hatagaya Area: Includes Sasazuka, Hatagaya, and Honmachi.
Yoyogi Area: Home to Yoyogi and Harajuku.
Sendagaya Area: Features Sendagaya and Jingūmae.
Ebisu-Ōmukai Area: Contains places like Daikanyama, Ebisu, and Shibuya itself.
Hikawa-Shimbashi Area: Includes Shibuya, Ebisu, and Hiroo.

Shibuya as seen from Roppongi Hills Mori Tower.

Population of Shibuya

Shibuya's population has changed over time. After a decrease between 1960 and 2000, the number of residents is now growing again. In 2020, the population was 243,883.

How Shibuya is Governed

Shibuya is managed by a city assembly with 34 elected members. The current mayor is Ken Hasebe, who is an independent politician.

Fun Places to See in Shibuya

Shibuya's scramble crossing from the Shibuya Sky observation deck.

Shibuya is full of exciting places to visit!

Famous Landmarks

Shibuya Crossing: This is Shibuya's most famous spot, known as the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world. When the lights change, thousands of people cross from all directions at once! It's located right in front of the Shibuya Station Hachikō exit.
Statue of Hachikō: Next to Shibuya Station, you'll find the statue of Hachikō, the loyal dog. This is a very popular meeting point for friends.
Moyai Statue: On the southwest side of Shibuya Station, there's a unique Moyai statue. It was a gift from the people of Niijima Island in 1980.

Green Spaces and Parks

A view of Yoyogi Park.

Shinjuku Gyo-en: These used to be Imperial gardens and are now a beautiful public park.
Yoyogi Park: This large park has a fascinating history. It was once a military training base, then housing for U.S. personnel, and later hosted athletes for the 1964 Summer Olympics.

Shopping and Entertainment Centers

Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya Hikarie (left).

Cerulean Tower: This was once the tallest building in the Shibuya Station area.
Omotesandō Hills: A stylish shopping mall that opened in 2006.
Shibuya 109: A very popular and trendy department store, especially for young women.
Shibuya Hikarie: A modern skyscraper with shops, restaurants, and a theater.
Shibuya Scramble Square: A tall building with shops, restaurants, and the amazing Shibuya Sky observation deck.
Yebisu Garden Place: Built on the site of a former brewery, it now has restaurants, shops, and a hotel.

Cultural Spots

Bunkamura: A large cultural center with concert halls and art galleries.
National Noh Theatre: A place to experience traditional Japanese Noh theater.
Shoto Museum of Art: A public art museum in Shibuya.
Ukiyo-e Ōta Memorial Museum of Art: Features beautiful Japanese woodblock prints.
Watari Museum of Contemporary Art: A museum showcasing modern art.

Important Religious Sites

The main gate of Meiji Shrine.

Meiji Shrine: A peaceful Shintō shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shōken. It's surrounded by a huge, beautiful forest.
Tokyo Mosque: Also known as Tokyo Camii, it is the largest mosque in Japan.

Famous Streets

A view of Omotesandō.

Cat Street: A trendy promenade in the Ura-Harajuku area, known for its unique clothing stores.
Center Gai: A lively street in central Shibuya, always full of energy.
Omotesandō: A beautiful avenue lined with famous brand boutiques, leading up to the Meiji Shrine.
Takeshita Street: A super popular shopping street in Harajuku, famous for its quirky fashion and sweets.

Other Notable Places

The unique design of Yoyogi National Gymnasium.

NHK Broadcasting Center: This is the main headquarters for NHK, Japan's public broadcasting system.
NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building: The fourth-tallest building in Tokyo, it looks a bit like the Empire State Building.
Shibuya Sky: An amazing open-air observation deck on top of Shibuya Scramble Square, offering 360-degree views of Tokyo.
Yoyogi National Gymnasium: A famous arena designed for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Getting Around Shibuya

An aerial view around Shibuya Station in June 1963.

Shibuya is a major transportation hub, making it easy to get around Tokyo and beyond.

Train and Subway Lines

The former Tokyu Toyoko Line station.

The main station is Shibuya Station. Part of Shinjuku Station is also located in Shibuya. Many different train and subway lines run through Shibuya, connecting it to all parts of Tokyo and other cities.

JR East Lines: Yamanote Line, Chūō Line (Rapid), Chūō-Sōbu Line, Saikyō Line, Shōnan-Shinjuku Line.
Tokyo Metro Subway Lines: Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, Hibiya Line, Chiyoda Line, Hanzōmon Line, Fukutoshin Line.
Other Lines: Toei Shinjuku Line, Toei Ōedo Line, Tōyoko Line, Den-en-toshi Line, Inokashira Line, Keiō Line, Keiō New Line, Odawara Line.

Major Roads

Shuto Expressway No.3 Shibuya Route.

Shibuya is also served by major highways, including the Shuto Expressway and national routes like Route 20 and Route 246.

Businesses in Shibuya

The NTT Docomo Yoyogi Building.

Many important companies have their main offices in Shibuya.

Calpis: A popular Japanese beverage company.
Casio: Famous for electronics like watches and calculators.
East Japan Railway Company (JR East): One of Japan's largest railway companies.
Gap Inc: A well-known clothing retailer.
Ito En: A company that bottles tea, coffee, and other drinks.
NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai): Japan's national public broadcasting organization.
Sapporo Breweries Limited: A famous Japanese beer company.
Trend Micro Japan: A company that makes security software.

Learning in Shibuya

Shibuya has many excellent schools and universities.

Colleges and Universities

Aoyama Gakuin University
Bunka Gakuen University
Kokugakuin University
United Nations University
University of the Sacred Heart

Schools for Kids

The Shibuya City Board of Education runs public elementary and junior high schools. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Board of Education operates public senior high schools.

There are many public schools, including combined elementary and junior high schools like Shibuya Honmachi Gakuen. Some of the junior high schools are Hachiyama, Harajuku Gaien, and Hiroo. There are also many elementary schools, such as Hatashiro, Hatomori, and Jingumae.

Shibuya also has several private schools, including: