Itinerary

Shibuya town walking-tour for visitors

Starting at Omotesando Crossing (Exit A3 or B4 at Omotesando Subway Station); then transit from Shibuya Station to Daikanyama Station on Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Normal walking time: 3 hours / Walking distance: approx. 7 km, Total altitude differential: Approx. 32 m

MAP


large map

TOUR OUTLINE

This walking-tour covers the main highlights of Shibuya ward while experiencing the hills and valley that make up the topographical features of greater Shibuya.

The tour starts from Omotesando crossing above the subway station exit.The land where Omotesando is located was long ago situated atop a hill descending down to the nearby sea, and then climbing up to another plateau where Meiji Shrine is situated. One of the highlights of the tour is to walk through this Shrine’s approach-way, an astonishing man-made forest.

Then go to the main crossing in front of Shibuya Station, the valley where Miyamasuzaka, Dogenzaka and other slopes all converge.

From here, walking up and down the many hills (or transit using the Toyoko line), head toward Daikanyama, the final spot of this tour. A mound-like vestige of a 2000 year-old ancient habitat can be found in this pleasant residential area even to this day.

TOPOGRAPHY

NOMBEI YOKOCHO (“Drunkards’Alley”)

Reminiscent of the early days of Showa era (1925-1989), some 30 tiny joints for eating and imbibing comprise the 40-meter alley. Here, steadfast clientele, personal relationships and nostalgic ambience, relics of the days gone-by, are still preserved.

HACHIKO SQUARE

The main square in front of the Shibuya station, guarded by a bronze statue of a dog, was named after the celebrated Akita dog “Hachiko.” Thanks to the Hollywood movie, the tale of the dog Hachi is probably more famous than the town of Shibuya.

SARUGAKU ANCIENT HABITAT GROUND

Pottery and jars were excavated from this spot, where traces of a habitat from the Yayoi period existed. Unfortunately, after a fire razed the restored shelter, the spot remains unattended to.

DANISH EMBASSY IN JAPAN

Design: Fumihiko Maki, 1980

SARUGAKU MOUND

Remnants of structures dating from ancient times, are hidden in the site between Hillside Terrace Building C and D. They provide evidence of the small fishing village that existed around the 7th century.

DAIKANYAMA HILLSIDE TERRACE

Design: Fumihiko Maki, 1967-1992
http://www.hillsideterrace.com/history/index.html

FORMER ASAKURA MANSION

1919
Built in the Taisho Era, the representative, two-storied Japanese wood-frame house is surrounded by a strolling garden and has been designated as an “important cultural property.”

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