Shibuya Scramble Square

There has been a lot of new development going on in Tokyo over the last few years to get the city looking good for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. One of the shiny brand new places that opened up at the end of last year is the Shibuya Scramble Square Building right above Shibuya Station.

The multipurpose skyscraper rises to a height of about 230 meters, making Shibuya Scramble Square the tallest building in the Shibuya area of Tokyo.

Shibuya Scramble Square ~ Tokyo’s Newest Landmark

The new Tokyo landmark opened on November 1, 2019, and can boast 47 floors comprising of an observation deck, offices, an industrial exchange facility, and commercial facilities such as shops and eateries.

Work on the building started in 2014, and it was designed to embody the future of Shibuya, a dynamic, international, and ever-changing city in Tokyo.

Photo by: 江戸村のとくぞう on Wikimedia Commons

The observation deck called “Shibuya Sky” on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square offers fantastic views of the iconic scramble crossing below as well as 360-degree panoramic views of Tokyo’s skyline and the surrounding area. You can even see Mount Fuji on clear days!

Photo by: Real Estate Japan on flickr

There is plenty of space to just relax and take in the amazing scenery with soft sofas and hammocks.

What is your favourite Tokyo landmark? Please leave your reply in the comments below. 

Shibuya Sky is open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. with entry ¥2,000 for adults.

Official Website 

 

Shopping in Tokyo

Tokyo is one of the best places in the world to go shopping. Tokyo offers everything for the keen shopper ranging from flea markets to high-end department stores. Most of the shopping hotspots in Tokyo are accessible via the Japan Rail (JR) Yamanote Line with a one-day JR train pass for 730 yen (about $9).

The following are the best spots in Tokyo for shopping.

Shinjuku – around Shinjuku station are lots of major discount camera stores and music shops. Shinjuku also has most of the major big department stores on Shinjuku Dori (avenue). One of the best is Takashimaya department store and food hall. Tokyu Hands is an eight level craft store and Uniqlo is a great store for really cheap, high quality, basic clothing.

Harajuku - home to Japanese street fashion. Harajuku Station and Takeshita Dori have many shops that cater to teen fashion and Japanese street fashion. For cheap knick-knacks, souvenirs and bargain gifts check out Daiso in Harajuku, which is one of the famous 100 Yen Shops where nothing costs more than 100 yen ($1.25) plus 5 yen tax. The Daiso in Harajuku is one of the biggest and best in Japan.

Shibuya - has a little bit of everything. Tokyu Hands is a must visit as it is the complete do-it-yourself department store as well as Parco and Shibuya 109 the 10 level fashion emporium.

Akihabara – known as electric city this is where dozens of stores sell everything electronic. You will find dozens of mainly duty free stores selling computers, cameras and TVs. The Yodobashi Akiba megastore houses nine floors of electronics.

Ginza – home to exclusive department stores, galleries and coffee shops. This is where some of the best high-end shopping can be done or like me some great window shopping. At the Ginza intersection is Wako, Japan’s most exclusive department store, and Mitsukoshi, known as the Harrods of Tokyo.