10 Best Things to do in Shibuya, Tokyo
Planning a trip to Shibuya? You’re in the right place!
Shibuya is one of the city’s most electric neighborhoods, where flashing neon screens light up the night and the famous crossing buzzes with energy. The moment we arrived, we felt like we’d stepped straight into the beating heart of modern Tokyo!
What makes Shibuya even better is how much variety you’ll find here. One minute you’re slurping ramen in a cozy alley, the next you’re learning a centuries-old craft, and the next you’re off on a day trip to see Mount Fuji. It’s exciting, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable!
Here are our top tours and experiences to help you dive right in. Your adventure starts here!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this go-kart tour through Shibuya! This was the most fun way to see the area, as we put on costumes and zipped around the streets, taking in the sights and culture in a unique way.
Check out the 3,000+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Things to do in Shibuya
1. See Tokyo your way with a local by your side
- Duration: 4 to 8 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available from 8 am to 3 pm
- Highlights: Customizable private tour of the city, multiple tour length options (4, 6, 8 hours), walking or vehicle tour options, and seeing Tokyo’s top sights with a local guide
- Inclusions: English-speaking local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tokyo can feel overwhelming at first, the subway map looks like spaghetti, the neighborhoods are huge, and there’s so much to see that it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why this popular private tour is such a lifesaver. You get a local guide who picks you up from your hotel in Shibuya and steers you through the city, shows you the highlights, and shares stories that make everything click.
We picked the 4-hour option and were amazed at how much we experienced in half a day. Our guide, Yuriko, was fantastic, she zipped us through the outer Tsukiji Fish Market, where we snacked on sizzling skewers, then led us to Asakusa to wander the grounds of Senso-ji Temple. Between the smell of incense and the bustle of the shopping street, it was one of those “yes, this is Tokyo!” moments.
Later, Yuriko took us into Harajuku, where Takeshita Street exploded with color and energy. Between rainbow cotton candy, quirky fashion shops, and Yuriko’s fun stories about pop culture, it felt like exploring the city with a friend who knew all the best spots.
If you want to hit Tokyo’s must-sees without the stress of planning, this customizable tour is the way to go. You’ll see so much, learn even more, and actually enjoy the journey from one spot to the next.
Book your private Tokyo tour now and explore stress-free!
2. Zip through the streets in a go-kart
- Duration: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Time: Multiple departure times available from 10 am to 8 pm
- Highlights: Riding through Tokyo on your own go-kart, dressing up in costumes, seeing iconic sights like Shibuya Crossing, and having a local guide to lead the way
- Inclusions: Go-kart (must have a valid driver’s license), costumes, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 3,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like the star of Tokyo for a day, this go-kart tour is it. The second you slip into your costume, climb into your kart, and roll onto the streets, people stop, wave, and snap photos. It’s one of those “only in Tokyo” experiences that’s equal parts silly and unforgettable!
We had an absolute blast zipping through Shibuya and Harajuku, with our guide leading the way and making sure we felt safe the whole time. Driving straight through the famous Shibuya Crossing was surreal, thousands of people streaming across the intersection while cheering us on.
In Harajuku, we cruised past Takeshita Street and Harajuku Station, catching glimpses of wild street fashion and candy-colored shops. Then it was onto Omotesando, where sleek designer boutiques and tree-lined boulevards made us feel like we’d just shifted scenes in a movie.
The best part? Every time we stopped at a light, people smiled, waved, and took photos. For 90 minutes, it honestly felt like being a mini-celebrity. The costumes added a playful twist, and the karts themselves were easy to handle even if you’ve never driven one before.
This tour is pure fun from start to finish. If you’re looking for a quirky way to see Tokyo and collect some hilarious stories (and photos!) along the way, you really can’t miss it.
Don’t miss out on our favorite tour – check availability here!
3. Slow down with Kintsugi, Japan’s golden art of repair
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: Multiple departure times from 11 am to 7 pm
- Highlights: Learning the ancient Japanese art and philosophy of Kintsugi, taking home your repaired piece of pottery, and learning in a small group
- Inclusions: English-speaking instructor, all equipment, your art piece to take home
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 430+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Beyond the buzz of Shibuya, there’s a chance to experience something truly calming and creative, the art of kintsugi. This centuries-old practice is all about repairing broken pottery with gold, turning cracks into something beautiful rather than flaws to be hidden. It’s a hands-on way to connect with Japanese aesthetics and philosophy, and you’ll walk away with a truly unique souvenir.
Master Taku will lead you this 1-hour experience in his Minami-Aoyama studio, and the experience is worlds away from the bustle of Tokyo. Dressed in a traditional samue jacket, you will spend an hour carefully piecing together a ceramic plate, brushing lacquer mixed with powdered gold into its seams.
We love that it’s more than just an art class, there’s a lot of meaning to this craft! Kintsugi isn’t just about fixing an object, it’s about honoring its history and imperfections, and finding beauty in the repair. By the end of the class, you’ll have a plate that is part artwork, part philosophy lesson, and all yours to keep.
If you’re looking for an experience that’s slower, meaningful, and far from the usual tourist trail, this workshop is perfect. It’s the kind of memory you’ll treasure long after your trip ends.
Book your kintsugi class today and create your own golden masterpiece!
4. Taste your way through Shibuya’s hidden foodie spots
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11:30 am, 5 pm, or 6 pm
- Highlights: Visiting four eateries and sampling 13 authentic Japanese dishes, learning from a local guide, and discovering top restaurants and local favorites
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, 13 dishes, two complimentary drinks, city walking tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 600+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
There’s no better way to experience Shibuya than by eating your way through it, and this small-group food tour makes that possible in the tastiest way! Over the course of three hours, you’ll squeeze down alleyways, duck into hidden izakaya’s, and sample 13 different Japanese dishes across four eateries. It’s the kind of night where every stop feels like a discovery.
Our guide Kei was fantastic, friendly, funny, and clearly passionate about food. He led us away from the tourist-heavy streets to spots we never would have found on our own. At one cozy izakaya, we grilled slices of juicy yakiniku right at the table, while at another we slurped up bowls of steaming udon that hit the spot on a cool evening.
We also tried crispy karaage (Japanese fried chicken), fresh sushi, and a few dishes we might not have ordered without Kei’s encouragement, and they ended up being some of our favorites.
Along the way, we paused at Shibuya Crossing to soak up the chaos of the city lights, stopped at the Hachiko statue to hear the story of Japan’s most loyal dog, and wandered through Center Gai’s buzzing streets. By the end, we were happily full and felt like we’d gotten a real insider’s look at Shibuya nightlife.
If you’re a foodie (or just love the idea of tasting your way through Shibuya), this tour is a must. With Kei leading the way, you’ll leave with both a full stomach and some great new stories.
Taste 13 unique dishes on this Shibuya food tour, book now!
5. Visit Mt. Fuji and Hakone
- Duration: 11 hours
- Time: 7:20 or 7:50 am
- Highlights: Viewing Mt Fuji from the 5th and 6th stations, gliding along the Hakone Ropeway, cruising across Lake Ashi
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, bullet train ticket to and from Tokyo, Hakone ropeway fee, Lake Ashi cruise fee, lunch (if selected)
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check 24,300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Visiting Mt Fuji is a must while you’re in Tokyo! This day trip to Mt Fuji with pickup from Shibuya was one of the best things that we’ve done in the whole of Japan. Yup, it really was THAT incredible!
The itinerary was absolutely first-class. We rode on a comfy coach out to Mt Fuji, and our first stop of the day was the 5th line station for views of the snow-capped summit. We also had lunch here, which was a delicious all-you-can-eat buffet that exceeded our expectations.
Things got even better in the afternoon, when we headed to Hakone for a ride on the scenic ropeway. We had the most incredible views of Mt Fuji, as well as the sulfur vents and hot springs in the Owakudani Valley.
We then headed to Lake Ashinoko for a relaxing cruise on a huge replica pirate ship, with gorgeous views of Mt Fuji. Finally, we caught the bullet train back to Tokyo, which was an adventure in itself because these bullet trains are iconic! They’re aptly named, because we were back in the city within an hour!
We honestly loved everything about this tour, it’s really no wonder that it has over 12,000 5-star reviews! Booking it meant we didn’t have to plan anything, and we really couldn’t have done it any cheaper on our own.
Book this incredible tour to Mt Fuji here and get FREE cancellation!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
6. Go on a private e-bike tour to discover Tokyo
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 2 pm
- Highlights: Seeing more of Shibuya on an e-bike, exploring with a local guide, convenient hotel pick up or a meeting point, and seeing top sights like Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, e-bike, helmet, insurance
- Rating: 5 stars (check 100+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes walking just doesn’t cut it in a city as sprawling as Tokyo, and squeezing onto a packed subway isn’t exactly relaxing either. That’s where this private e-bike tour comes in. With hotel pickup from Shibuya, a guide to plan your route, and an easy-to-ride e-bike, it’s the perfect way to cover more ground without breaking a sweat.
We love how flexible this tour is. Your guide will map out a route that fit exactly what you wanted to see, from cycling past the glowing Tokyo Tower to pedaling through the quiet greenery of Yoyogi Park and Zōjō-ji .
Riding along the moat of the Imperial Palace is such a highlight, how surreal it is to glide past centuries of history while skyscrapers loomed in the distance. And of course, rolling up to Shibuya Crossing on two wheels is one of those pinch-me moments! Instead of being swallowed by the crowd, you can watch it unfold from the saddle, right in the middle of the action!
The e-bikes make everything effortless. Hills and longer stretches are a breeze, and you’ll still have plenty of energy left by the end. What really makes it special, though, is the personal touch, the local guide shared hidden corners, history, and stories you’d never find on your own.
If you want a mix of sightseeing and fresh air, with zero transport stress, this e-bike tour is a fantastic choice. You’ll see more, learn more, and actually enjoy getting from A to B.
Hop on an e-bike and explore Tokyo the easy way!
Related Read: Need help planning your trip? Check out our one-day Shibuya itinerary for to fit as many of these top activities in as possible!
7. Slurp your way through Shibuya’s best ramen spots
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 2 pm, 5 pm, or 6:30 pm
- Highlights: Discovering Shibuya’s top ramen shops, offering mini bowls to maximize tasting abilities, sampling six different types of ramen, and exploring Tokyo with a local guide
- Inclusions: Local guide, six ramen tastings
- Rating: 5 stars (check 115+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Tokyo is heaven for ramen lovers, but with thousands of shops across the city, it can be hard to know where to start. That’s exactly why this ramen tasting tour is such a treat. In just three hours, you’ll explore three different neighborhoods and try six mini-bowls of ramen, each one showcasing a different style and flavor. It’s the ultimate crash course in Japan’s most comforting dish!
You’ll have so much fun slurping your way through this tour. Each stop is hand-picked and award-winning, so there isn’t a single dud in the lineup. One bowl can be rich and creamy tonkotsu (pork bone broth) that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, while another might have a spicy seafood kick that will leave you sweating.
Between tastings, the guide will explain the history of ramen, why broths and toppings vary so much across Japan, and even show the “right” way to slurp without making a mess.
What we love most is how approachable this tour is. Ramen can seem intimidating, long lines, secret menus, ticket machines in Japanese, but with a local guide, all the stress disappears. You can just focus on the fun part: eating! By the end, you’ll be happily stuffed but not uncomfortably full, thanks to the mini-bowl sizes.
If ramen is on your Tokyo bucket list (and it should be), this tour is the tastiest way to dive in. You’ll leave with a full belly, a new appreciation for ramen culture, and probably a craving to do it all again.
Taste 6 unique bowls of ramen on this guided foodie tour, book now!
8. Experience Tokyo’s nightlife like a local
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 6 pm or 7 pm
- Highlights: Discovering Shibuya’s top local izakaya bars, exploring with a local guide, food and drinks are included, and a small group tour for a more personal experience
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, four snacks (equal to a full meal), all beverages included – including all you can drink at one bar
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Navigating Tokyo’s nightlife can feel intimidating, especially when the best bars are hidden behind kanji signs or tucked away in back alleys. That’s why this Shibuya bar-hopping tour is such a gem. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll skip the tourist traps and dive straight into the izakaya scene, the cozy, buzzing Japanese bars where drinks and small plates flow freely.
We had such a good time wandering through Shibuya with our guide. The night started with a beer and a big “kanpai!” before heading into the yokocho, a narrow indoor alley crammed with more than 30 tiny bars.
We’d never have found it on our own, and that was the magic of this tour, each stop felt like being let in on a secret. From sizzling wagyu beef skewers to savory izakaya classics, the food was plentiful, and the drinks kept coming (with an all-you-can-drink stop halfway through, we couldn’t resist trying a few new favorites).
Between bites, our guide shared stories about Tokyo nightlife, pointed out landmarks like the neon glow of Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko statue, and led us through alleys buzzing with laughter and clinking glasses. It felt like being out with a group of local friends rather than a tour. By the end of the night, we were full, happy, and already planning which izakaya we’d revisit.
If you want to experience Shibuya the way Tokyoites do, this tour is the perfect night out, good food, great drinks, and plenty of atmosphere.
Hop through Shibuya’s hidden bars and book your spot now!
9. Step into the spotlight with Tokyo as your backdrop
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 8:30 pm
- Highlights: Getting professional photos taken in Tokyo’s most iconic locations, exploring the city with a local, small group experience, and having the edited photos to take home
- Inclusions: Professional photographer/guide, photos to take home
- Rating: 4.8 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sometimes the best souvenir isn’t something you buy, it’s a photo that perfectly captures your trip. This portrait tour does exactly that, pairing you with a professional photographer who knows all of Tokyo’s most photogenic backdrops. Over 90 minutes, you’ll explore Shibuya and Shinjuku while posing for vibrant shots that will be edited and sent to you afterward. It’s ideal for couples, solo travelers, or anyone who wants memories they’ll actually want to frame.
We love how this tour blended sightseeing with photography. You’ll start off in Shibuya, taking creative shots among the neon lights near Miyashita Park before heading up to a rooftop with sweeping city views. Then explore the iconic Shibuya Crossing, while the photographer caputres perfectly picks you out in the sea of people.
Next, you’ll take a quick train to Shinjuku, where the vibe is totally different. At Omoide Yokocho, glowing lanterns gave the photos a warm, traditional feel, while Kabukicho lights up the frame with neon signs and energy. The night ends in Golden Gai, where narrow alleys lined with 300 tiny bars created one of the most atmospheric photo backdrops you’ve ever seen.
What’s great is you don’t need to be “good at photos”, the photographer guides you on where to stand, how to pose, and even when to just act natural. The result? Stunning images that tell the story of your night in Tokyo.
Capture your Tokyo memories with a professional photographer, book now!
10. Live your Tokyo Drift dreams in a legendary RX-7
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours
- Time: 7 pm
- Highlights: Riding in a Tokyo Drift RX-7 or other iconic cars, visiting popular car meeting spots and scenic locations, and discovering a different side to Tokyo
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Rating: 5 stars (check great reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into Fast & Furious: Tokyo Drift, this is your chance. This JDM experience takes you for a ride in an iconic RX-7 (plus other legendary Japanese cars) with a local driver who lives and breathes car culture. It’s not just about the drive, it’s about getting an insider’s look at Tokyo’s underground automotive scene.
You’ll kick off the tour right at Shibuya Crossing, where rolling up in a roaring RX-7 turned heads immediately. From there, hit the expressway, cruising past Tokyo Tower and flying over Rainbow Bridge with the skyline glowing around. The adrenaline is real, but the vibe is just as much about sightseeing as it was about speed.
The highlight of the experience has to be Daikoku Parking Area, a legendary meeting spot for car enthusiasts. Rows of tuned machines lined the lot, engines rumbling, and neon lights reflecting off polished hoods. Youc an learn about the culture behind these meetups, from the pride in custom builds to the unspoken rules of the scene. You can also make a pit stop at A-PIT Super Autobacs, where you can browse everything from performance parts to quirky JDM souvenirs.
Even if you’re not a hardcore gearhead, this tour is ridiculously fun. Between the rides, the photo ops, and the chance to chat with locals who love their cars, it feels like stepping into Tokyo’s coolest subculture.
Live your Tokyo Drift moment, book your JDM ride today!
If you’re exploring more than just Shibuya, take a look at our five-day Tokyo itinerary here for the perfect mix of top sights and local gems.
Where to Stay in Shibuya
After all that exploring, you’ll want a comfortable base right in the heart of the action. Shibuya is one of the best places to stay in Tokyo, with easy access to nightlife, shopping, and transport links that make sightseeing a breeze. From stylish hotels overlooking the scramble to cozy stays tucked into quieter corners, here are some of our favorite picks.
Shibuya Stream Hotel – $$$
Shibuya Stream Hotel is a plush hotel just a 3-minute walk from Shibuya Station, so Tokyo is your oyster! It’s also within easy reach of the city’s must-see attractions, including the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the energetic Harajuku area.
Oh, and there’s a rooftop bar and an onsen for guests to use so you can enjoy a drink with a view or a soothing soak after a long day of exploring. What could be better? Prices here go for around $230–$800 USD (34,000–118,000 JPY) per night.
Check availability and book your stay at Booking.com!
JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya – $$
JR-East Hotel Mets Shibuya offers a prime base for exploring Tokyo, sitting just steps from Shibuya Station’s New South Gate. You can be at the famous Shibuya Scramble in minutes, yet the hotel’s tucked-away position keeps things surprisingly calm.
Plus, the unbeatable transport links make it easy. Prices typically range from about $130–$600 USD (19,000–88,000 JPY) per night. Book early, this one’s not only our top pick, but also a favorite for travelers who love both convenience and comfort.
Reserve your stay at our top choice for Shibuya here!
Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel – $
Just 328 feet (100 meters) from JR Shibuya Station and a short stroll to the famous Scramble Crossing, Shibuya Tokyu REI Hotel puts you right in the thick of Shibuya’s action. The location couldn’t be more convenient for exploring the city on foot, with Shibuya 109, Hachiko Square, and even Yoyogi Park all within walking distance.
If you want a clean, affordable spot where everything is right outside your door, this hotel is a solid pick. Rates usually fall around $120–$300 USD (17,500–44,000 JPN) per night, depending on the season.
Browse room options and secure this stay here!
Related Read: Looking for more hotel options? See our full guide on the best areas and hotels in Shibuya for all of the top options!
Renting a Car in Japan
Japan’s trains are great, but if you want to explore rural areas, scenic routes, or off-the-beaten path hidden gems, renting a car offers unmatched flexibility. Driving in Japan is generally safe, with well-maintained roads and clear signage, though there are some unique rules and customs to be aware of.
We always book with Discover Cars and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare multiple provider prices, check company ratings, filter for the type of vehicle you want, and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Japan
- Drive on the left: In Japan, vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. The driver’s seat is on the right, and you’ll need to adjust to roundabouts and different road layouts. Take some time to get comfortable before hitting busy roads.
- Know the local rules: You must come to a full stop at “止まれ” (stop) signs, and pedestrians always have the right of way. It’s also mandatory for all passengers to wear seatbelts, even in the back seat. It’s also a good idea to brush up on the Japanese road signs before you go. They are mainly symbol based, and being able to recognize them will make your journey a lot smoother!
- Insurance is essential: We always recommend full coverage rental insurance—especially in Japan, where tight city parking, narrow village streets, and even wildlife on roads (like deer in Hokkaido) can lead to unexpected dings or damage. Discover Cars makes it easy (and affordable) to add this peace of mind when you book.
- Choose the right car: Roads and parking spots in Japan can be tight, especially in cities and older towns, so a small or mid-sized car is usually best. Discover Cars makes it easy to filter by transmission, fuel type (like hybrid), luggage space, and more, so you can find exactly what works for your trip.
- Watch for toll roads: Japan has an extensive network of toll roads (expressways). Tolls can be paid by cash or card, but it’s worth checking if your rental car comes with an ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card for convenience.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Japan
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- An International Driving Permit (IDP) under the 1949 Geneva Convention. This is a must—it’s the only version Japan recognizes, and you’ll need to get it before arriving.
- A credit card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
- Most companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and some may require you to have held a license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 may face additional fees.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring the Japan on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Shibuya is one of the most iconic pockets of Tokyo, and I must say a bit choatic (in a super fun way)! From the big neon signs to the famous Scramble Crossing, you can navigate Shibuya like a pro if you stick to our list of top activities.
If you need help planning the rest of your travels, see all of our Japan blogs! Whether you’re exploring more of Tokyo or the country as a whole, we have lots of resources to help you plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related blogs to get you started:
6 Best Things to do in Nara, Japan
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Tokyo: 3-Day Itinerary
