Researched guide · Checked on Oct 22, 2026
Shibuya Crossing, the Scramble Crossing outside Shibuya Station, is one of the most famous sights in Tokyo. When the lights turn red for cars, people cross from every direction at once. Japan’s national tourism organization estimates that at the busiest times 1,000 to 2,500 people cross every two minutes. It is free and open all day, every day.
Quick answer
Where: directly outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station.
Cost: free. It is a public road crossing.
Best views from above: the Starbucks in the QFRONT building, the station passage between the JR lines and the Keio Inokashira Line, and SHIBUYA SKY on top of Shibuya Scramble Square.
Rules: drinking alcohol in public around Shibuya Station is banned every day from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am.
How to get there
The crossing is right outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. Follow the signs for the Hachiko Exit inside the station.
- JR: Yamanote, Saikyo and Shonan-Shinjuku lines.
- Tokyo Metro: Ginza, Hanzomon and Fukutoshin lines.
- Private lines: Keio Inokashira, Tokyu Den-en-toshi and Tokyu Toyoko lines.
- Shibuya Station is being rebuilt, so exits and passages change. If you get lost, follow the signs for the Hachiko Exit.
Hachiko, the dog statue by the crossing
The bronze statue of Hachiko stands in the small square at the Hachiko Exit. Hachiko was an Akita dog who walked to Shibuya Station with his owner, Professor Hidesaburo Ueno, and met him there in the afternoon. After the professor died suddenly in 1925, Hachiko kept going to the station for nearly 10 years. Today the statue is one of Tokyo’s best-known meeting spots, so expect a short wait if you want a photo.
Where to see the crossing from above
- Starbucks in QFRONT: the café in the QFRONT building, across from the station, overlooks the crossing.
- Inside Shibuya Station: the passage between the JR lines and the Keio Inokashira Line entrance has windows over the crossing and is usually less busy.
- SHIBUYA SKY: the open-air rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square looks right down on the crossing. It is open 10:00 am to 10:30 pm (last entry 9:20 pm). Tickets are sold by time slot; adult web tickets are ¥2,700 for entry until 2:59 pm and ¥3,400 from 3:00 pm. See our SHIBUYA SKY ticket guide.
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Tips for crossing
- Cross when the walk signal is green, and finish before it turns red. Do not stop in the middle of the road for photos.
- Watch the bags and the kids. At busy times the crossing is packed, so keep children close and your bag in front of you.
- Walking around after? Center Gai and Shibuya 109 are next to the crossing. See our Shibuya guide.
Street drinking ban and Halloween
Shibuya City bans drinking alcohol in public places such as streets and parks around Shibuya Station every day from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am. The year-round ban started on October 1, 2024.
Halloween is one of the busiest times. In 2026, Shibuya City closed roads around Shibuya Station to cars on the nights of October 30 and 31, with police checks depending on the situation. Measures for the next Halloween are announced by Shibuya City, so check its news before you go. Expect very large crowds at night, follow police instructions, and do not drink on the street.
FAQ
Is Shibuya Crossing free?
Yes. It is a public road crossing, open all day, and there is no ticket.
Which exit is Shibuya Crossing?
The Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. The crossing is directly outside.
Where is the best place to see Shibuya Crossing from above?
The Starbucks in the QFRONT building, the passage inside Shibuya Station between the JR lines and the Keio Inokashira Line, and the SHIBUYA SKY rooftop (paid, timed tickets).
How many people cross Shibuya Crossing?
Japan’s national tourism organization estimates 1,000 to 2,500 people every two minutes at the busiest times.
Can I drink alcohol on the street in Shibuya?
No. Around Shibuya Station, drinking in public places such as streets and parks is banned every day from 6:00 pm to 5:00 am.
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Sources
Facts about the crossing come from Japan National Tourism Organization; the drinking ban and Halloween road closures come from Shibuya City; SHIBUYA SKY hours and prices come from its official site (checked October 22, 2026). We have not written this from our own visit.
