This year marked my inaugural visit to Shibuya in Tokyo, and like many others who have ventured there, I haven't ceased to rave about it since.

It's likely you know someone like me—perhaps you are one yourself—who constantly mentions how they didn’t have enough time in the city and are yearning to return.

The more time you spend in this vibrant city, the better, but since many of us have used up a significant amount of annual leave over the past couple of years, I’ve put together a list of must-see spots in Shibuya for those who are on a tight schedule.

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Walk Across The Famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Me, bracing myself to cross the intersection. Image: Supplied.

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is exactly what it sounds like—a chaotic rush to cross the street, with over 1,000 people converging from all directions at once.

Some compare it to Times Square in Shibuya, surrounded by illuminated advertisements and billboards, with tourists snapping pictures before their crossing time expires.

It's thrilling, fast-paced, chaotic, and of course, free to experience. Shibuya comes alive late, making the Scramble Crossing even more worth it as the day progresses. The difference between crossing at 11am and 6pm was astonishing. I recommend both an afternoon and evening visit if you're nearby—it's quite manageable!

Check Out The Hachikō Memorial Statue By Shibuya Station

The best doggo! Image: Supplied.

This tourist spot features a small dog statue, but the touching (and somewhat tragic) story behind it makes it worth a visit if it resonates with you. In the 1920s, Hachikō, the dog, would wait at Shibuya Station for his owner to return from work each day. When the owner passed away unexpectedly from a cerebral hemorrhage, Hachiko continued to wait at the same spot every day for the next nine years. I know, it’s a lot to take in. The statue is now a symbol of loyalty, with a line of people waiting to take photos with it daily. It's conveniently located next to Shibuya Station and close to the Shibuya Scramble Crossing, allowing you to visit multiple attractions in a matter of minutes!

If you're interested, there's a movie (prepare for tears) titled Hachi: A Dog’s Tale starring Richard Gere, based on Hachikō's story, to catch you up.

Stock Up On J-Beauty

I will be allocated 45 minutes for this corner alone. Image: Supplied.

The MEGA Don Quijote Shibuya Main Store is located directly across from Hotel Indigo Shibuya, featuring entire floors dedicated to J-Beauty (along with other levels for snacks, clothing, stationery, and more). Remember to bring your passport for tax-free shopping on the top level and allocate ample time for your visit—don’t underestimate how long you might spend browsing face masks and nose wax. You’ll also find Matsumoto Kiyoshi Shibuya, which offers affordable, TikTok-famous drugstore beauty items, and Cosme in Harajuku, essentially Japan’s version of MECCA.

Eat Flying Sushi At Uobei

The most affordable and headache-free place I’ve eaten in years tbh. Image: Supplied.

For a fun, convenient, and affordable—yet still unique—dining experience in Shibuya, I highly recommend Uobei. Uobei is a bustling sushi spot where you receive a seat number, order as many times as you like from an iPad-like screen, and your sushi arrives on a conveyor belt within minutes. I ordered four plates of sushi and a beer, totaling roughly $14 AUD. Incredible!

With so many fantastic food options in Japan, Uobei is perfect for a quick snack, lunch, or dinner when you’re short on time.

Virgin Australia cabin manager Shisei, a Tokyo native, recommends trying Japanese Soufflé pancakes from A Happy Pancake in Shibuya for “the fluffiest and dreamiest pancakes in Tokyo.”

“I suggest the royal milk tea flavor for something unique compared to other pancake shops. Don’t miss the very Harry Potter-like hidden bathroom inside the library shelf!” he advised.

Take A Stroll Through Yoyogi Park

Better in Spring, I imagine? Image: Supplied.

In a bustling city, it’s easy to crave a touch of nature amid the urban sprawl. Yoyogi Park provides that escape in Shibuya and is one of Tokyo's largest parks. Yoyogi Park boasts multiple bodies of water and hundreds of cherry trees (unfortunately, I missed the full bloom as I visited in autumn) and is conveniently located between Harajuku and Shibuya if you plan to explore the area. I suggest taking the train from Shibuya Station to Harajuku Station to experience the public transport system (an attraction in itself) and then walking back to Shibuya through the park. This way, you won’t waste time searching for an entrance, as the Harajuku side offers a clear entry with a large temple at the front.

Do Karaoke Where Lost In Translation Was Filmed

Singing over the streets of Shibuya? Sign me up. Image: Supplied.

Have I watched the 2003 film Lost In Translation with Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson? No. But it was frequently mentioned during my Tokyo visit.

By some stroke of luck, Room 601 at Shibuya’s Karaoke Kan—also known as the Lost In Translation room—was available for us to sing (terribly) and dance (even worse) in.

It looks a bit different now than when it was filmed (it’s been 20 years, after all!), but since karaoke is a must during any Tokyo visit, why not make it iconic? I've certainly been bragging about singing in that very room.

If you’re still in the mood and miss the last train (they stop at midnight), try a hole-in-the-wall bar or WOMB nightclub afterward. Or grab late-night (or breakfast) ramen like the locals! This writer traveled as a guest of Virgin Australia. Check out their flights to Japan, including the newly launched 7.5-hour flight from Cairns to Tokyo.

Image Source: Ken Straiton/Getty Images.