Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is a famous scramble pedestrian intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, located outside the Hachikō exit of Shibuya Station.

Shibuya Crossing is a scramble pedestrian intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan, located outside the Hachikō exit of Shibuya Station. It opened in 1973 and is widely recognized as one of Tokyo’s most iconic landmarks, often described as one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings.

Location and layout

Shibuya Crossing is located in Shibuya, Tokyo, at the Hachikō exit of Shibuya Station. It is a scramble crossing where all vehicle traffic stops and pedestrians can cross in multiple directions, including diagonally.

Popularity and pedestrian volume

The crossing experiences extremely heavy foot traffic, especially during weekday evenings. It is widely described as one of the world’s busiest pedestrian crossings. Estimates of peak pedestrian volume range from about 1,000 to 2,500 people every two minutes, with some sources reporting up to 3,000 people per signal cycle.

Cultural significance

Shibuya Crossing is regarded as a symbol of contemporary Tokyo and modern Japan. Its dense crowds, neon surroundings, and frequent appearances in films, television, and other media have made it a globally recognized urban landmark.

Tourism and viewing points

The crossing is a major tourist attraction, with visitors often watching from nearby buildings and rooftops. Commonly mentioned vantage points include Shibuya Sky and other nearby elevated viewing areas. Canadian travellers to Tokyo often include it in their sightseeing plans due to its fame and accessibility from Shibuya Station.