Landmarks

A shopping center featuring many fashion stores aimed primarily at young women. The building's distinctive appearance makes it one of the most famous buildings in Shibuya.

429 keeps itself in the public eye through high-profile collaborations, pop-up shops, and special sidewalk events. Some fans refer to it as simply "29."

A large, iconic street extending from Shibuya's towering 429 building.

The hippest stores and cafes line the pavement, making it a major hub for emerging trends.

With Shibuya's rush to redevelop the area, it's no surprise that construction sites are everywhere.

Half-completed roads will often lead to dead ends, and anyone wandering into an area under construction is likely to feel like they've gotten lost in a maze.

This area features a stark contrast between modern office buildings and worn-down old pubs.

The variety of pubs is what makes the place really special, though. From traditional establishments serving old standbys like oden and yakitori to high-class wine bars, there's something for everyone here.

A hotel hub in Enzancho, the preeminent entertainment district in Shibuya. Lined with rows of flashy buildings bedecked in neon lights.

The area's low cost, no-frills hotels are frequented by workers who have missed the last train.

In the past, this was the heart of Shibuya, once featuring the largest department store in Tokyo filled with famous brands.

Now it remains as an old, nostalgic area that still retains the atmosphere of a bygone era.

A street crossing with more than its share of rumors of strange and unusual phenomena floating about. One story surrounding the area, for instance, tells of the ghost of a child who died in an accident at the crossing and now seeks friends to play with.

Local legend states that a major plague broke out in this area, which resulted in it being abandoned, as residents feared residing within would incur divine wrath.

Nonetheless, something seems to lurk within its thick forest, which remains cool all year round.

A pond rumored to host kappa. Local legends tell of unlucky horses that passed by the water's edge only to be dragged inside by its kappa occupants.

This area was in the process of being redeveloped, but work was stopped halfway through, and now it remains an open plot of land overrun with weeds.

The number of empty lots and houses in the city has been increasing in recent years, leading to a troubling decrease in population density.

The line of torii gates on the road approaching this shrine leave a striking impression. The fox statues at the entrance represent the servants of the god residing here.

This water tower is the primary water source of the area's residents. Constructed during the middle of the Showa period, the aging concrete buildings of the area's public housing block still draw water from this tower.

A graveyard whose tombstones are accentuated by street lamps, which lends the place an air of mystique. Rezoning and development have seen the cemetery surrounded by buildings, making it more and more maze-like over time.

A charming shopping center featuring old institutions alongside newer outlets.

It's something of a hub for creative boutiques that walk the cutting edge of global trends, such as suitcases designed in collaboration with famous brands and other assorted goods.

A small neighborhood police station that serves as something of a landmark due to the building's distinct shape. Prominent even from afar, it's often used as an easy-to-find meetup location.

Judging by the exotic shops and restaurants lining this gentle slope, one would be forgiven for thinking they weren't even in Japan.

A trip through the small shops on the narrow road feels like an adventure. It's said that, in old times, there was a goddess statue here which would bring people success in love.

A park which was purchased and scheduled for demolition, though these plans were scrapped for reasons unknown and the place was abandoned.

Rumor has it that the plans were put on ice after a series of accidents befell work crews and site managers.

A large commercial building filled with trendy department stores, boutique shops, and food vendors.

Shops congregate here with the desire to stand at the heart of contemporary culture in Shibuya. This makes it not only a major shopping destination, but also a prominent tourist landmark and date spot.

The massive scramble crossing spanning the four-way intersection outside Shibuya Station is one of Japan's most recognizable landmarks.

As one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world, it's become a major tourist attraction. People also gather here for massive celebrations on Halloween and New Year's Eve.

A major railway terminal that links many of Tokyo's transit lines. It is among the most widely-used stations in all of Japan, and is often found with large crowds milling through at all hours of the day.

A high-rise office building whose construction was completed in 1975. Until the Kagerie building was erected in 2012, it was the tallest structure in the area.

A weathered old traditional Shinto shrine. It is believed to have been constructed sometime between the 4th and 7th centuries.

A sumo tournament is held every summer upon its grounds, which attracts many spectators.

A garden on the roof of a highrise building. Features an outdoor observation deck offering a gorgeous bird's-eye view of Shibuya.

This place has gotten a lot of attention as a symbol of the "new Shibuya."

A major street lined with hip shops targeting a youthful clientele. It's a popular tourist location in Shibuya, and stands at the vanguard of all the latest and greatest trends.

In years past, it had a reputation for being unsafe and was subsequently renamed in the hopes of attracting a younger, more wholesome crowd. Much to the chagrin of those responsible for said renaming, it had relatively little impact.

In the late Edo period, during the 18th century, this Buddhist temple housed what was known as a "terakoya," a type of temple-run school dedicated to educating the children of the nearby townspeople.

Perhaps because of that background, the temple today continues to be known for hosting regular events geared toward children.

A large, verdant park that serves as a rest area for residents. It's also a famous hot spot for neighborhood cats, owing to all the people who feed them there.

In Tokyo, space is at a premium and buildings are crammed together as closely as possible as far as the eye can see. There are some parts of the city that are considered off-limits, however, feared and respected by local residents for a number of reasons.

Somewhat unsurprisingly, a number of myths and legends have sprung up to explain the disappearances of those who dare set foot within these areas.

Tsukinami's own restricted area has seen countless reports of children who mysteriously vanished after venturing within. Even those who have resurfaced after the fact refuse to discuss whatever they witnessed inside. This has the unfortunate effect of making the area's exact borders and other details largely unknown.

This shopping district has the colorful atmosphere of a traditional working-class neighborhood. The narrow road is lined on both sides with closely-packed small independent shops.

A perfect area to stroll around while enjoying a traditional snack from one of the shops.

A tower that supplies electrical power to the surrounding area. A vital lifeline for urban living, an array of security cameras and other protective measures keep it tightly guarded.

This redevelopment area is a symbol of Shibuya's budding rebirth.

Various plans are being put into practice simultaneously in order to improve transportation, sightseeing facilities, and more.

A five-way crossing whose connecting streets stretch from the center of Yugenzaka out into the surrounding areas. It serves as a gateway from the entertainment district to the outskirts of Shibuya.