Overlook Japan’s Famous Crossing From Shibuya Sky

Japan’s newest observation deck, Shibuya Sky is the largest rooftop viewing space in Japan, giving guests a full 360 degrees view of the whole Shibuya district.

A new sky-high facility, Shibuya Scramble Square, has opened its doors in Shibuya as part of the Shibuya Redevelopment Project. This new feature is the highest structure in the Shibuya district, at 230 meters tall, and houses a variety of well-known retailers such as Tokyu Hands, Tsutaya Books, and ABC Mart, alongside high-end brands and restaurants such as Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, and more.

Shibuya Scramble Square, the tallest building in all of Shibuya.

Atop the new building, which consists of 47 floors and two basement floors, is the Shibuya Sky, the latest tourist location to look out over the city, similar to other observation facilities such as the Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower.

Get incredible views of Shibuya from the top of the building.

Shibuya Sky is made up of three main areas, the “Sky Gate” the main access way to the top, the “Sky Stage” the open-air rooftop observation deck, and the “Sky Gallery” an indoor viewing space and digitalized gallery of art and information with a photo corner, gift shop and “Paradise Lounge” cafe and bar.

The way to the top: Sky Gate

The access point to Shibuya Sky is on the 14th floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, where you will need to purchase tickets and wait in line to be elevated up to the 46th floor via the Sky Gate.

 

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Although the Sky Gate is simply an elevator ride to the main floor, the ride up is quite a highlight of the experience as it uses 4D-like effects such as digital projecting, wind, and futuristic sound effects for you to experience a whole new world of transport.

The top of the top: Sky Stage

You will need to store your large luggage away in the ¥100 cashback locker rooms before making your way up to the main observation deck via another escalator. This main rooftop area, Sky Stage is equipped with a helipad, observation compass, lounging area and stage where special concerts and events can be held. 

Watch out for helicopters coming in for landing on the helipad.

The highlight of the complex is definitely the breathtaking panoramic view of Shibuya, especially at night. You can also catch sights of famous Japanese landmarks, including Mt. Fuji, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree, as well as the entirety of Yoyogi Park. 

Every night, after sunset, they also have a special light show called “Crossing Light” where 18 light beams ignite the sky in a dazzling performance alongside romantic music, making it the ultimate anniversary or date spot in Tokyo.

When it gets dark, Shibuya lights up and Tokyo nightlife comes to life.

The future of art and information: Sky Gallery

Right below the Sky Stage, and the first landing floor from the Sky Gate, is the Sky Gallery where you can enjoy interactive digital artworks and view the city in an indoor environment.

Thanks to the Sky Gallery, the Shibuya Sky facility can be enjoyed all year round. If the weather is too harsh to enjoy the view from the Sky Stage, you can instead take a walk around the gallery floor, take photos, shop at the gift shop, or stop by the Paradise Lounge where you can enjoy a cocktail or mocktail by the bar, to see the panoramic view in a warm and sheltered environment. 

Is it worth it?

You may be wondering what makes this observation facility unique or worth it, especially when compared to other similar city lookouts such as the free observation center at the Shinjuku Metropolitan Building. 

The biggest difference is the fact that Shibuya Sky features an open-air rooftop lookout where you can enjoy the cloud breeze as you overlook the city. Although there are a few other rooftop lounging areas around Tokyo, this new building is the highest and has the best 360 degree view in comparison to the rest. 

The digital interactivity also gives Shibuya Sky it’s unique touch, the digitalized gallery and mode of transport really allows you to enjoy Japan’s futuristic technology and makes you feel as if you’re in a sci-fi movie. 

If it’s too cold to go up to the rooftop, you can enjoy the city views from inside the building as well.

With sky-high, widespread, and relaxing lounging areas, the whole complex is very peaceful and allows you to let go of the everyday city stress. The facility can easily be enjoyed by all ages, perfect for families, friends, couples, or singletons who need a place to breathe in some fresh air.

If you didn’t get an adorable keychain souvenir, did you even go?

Shibuya Scramble Square can be accessed directly from the Shibuya Station and connects directly to the second floor where a pedestrian walkway spans the area between various train lines and other Shibuya Redevelopment Project facilities. 

Shibuya Sky
Where: Shibuya Scramble Square 14F, 2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Open: 9a.m.-11p.m.
Price: ¥2,000 (Adults), ¥1,600 (Students), ¥1,000 (Elementary Students), ¥600 (Children aged three to five), Free (Under two)