Shibuya
It’s hard to imagine a Tokyo experience that does not include Shibuya. Even if you only have a few days in the city I would recommend at least a half day in this ward. And while this part of the city is known for fashion and business it’s a great place for kids. Like much of Tokyo, there’s a lot to look at in Shibuya. You can easily meander the streets to window shop, people watch, etc.
Shibuya is easily accessible on the JR Yamanote line & several local lines. The station is quite large so pay attention to which exit you walk to as you could end up far from your actual destination (or maybe that’s obvious but there we were, walking a half mile AROUND the station). Look for the Hachikō exit.
If you see nothing else you MUST experience Shibuya Crossing. Our kids were fascinated by whatis believed to be the busiest crosswalk in the world. Not only was it super cool to watch it but a highlight to be apart of it. Like many aspects of Tokyo, Shibuya Crossing appears to be chaotic until you participate & realize it’s actually quite organized. I feel like those kind of surprises don’t happen in the U.S. (the “you thought this would be a mess and then it wasn’t” type surprises). When it comes time for pedestrians to cross, throngs of people scurry in several directions. But instead of mayhem it just somehow works and everyone gets where they need to go. And then, just like that, everyone is cleared and the traffic resumes. No stragglers, no honking.
While I am a firm believer in avoiding American chains while abroad I would make an exception in this case. Starbucks on the 2nd floor of the Q-front building has a bank of windows that offer the view you need of the crossing. It might take some patience to get a good seat but it will be worth it.
Between Shibuya station and the crossing is the statue of Hachiko. Before traveling to Japan we ordered Hachiko: The True Story of a Loyal Dog to familiarize our kids with the story. Hachiko was an Akita who is remembered for remarkable loyalty to his owner. For years Hachiko would await his owner to return via train from work. One tragic day his owner did not return home (he had died). For over nine years after that day Hachiko would come to Shibuya station at the exact time of his owner’s train to wait for him. I mean how heartbreakingly sweet!
Likely you’ve heard of or experienced conveyor belt sushi. How about flying sushi? We had a blast at Genki Sushi. The kids looooooved ordering off the ipad and watching our order zoom over right to our table. And guess what!? It was delicious and affordable. WIN WIN WIN
