Shibuya is probably
the most interesting place in Tokyo. It is one of the main terminal stations in Tokyo, and one of the busiest shopping and business areas in Japan, and probably in the world.
Foreign tourists can often be seen standing on benches or even climbing up lamp posts to get a photo of the insanely busy
Hachiko intersection, just outside the station, and the three
giant TV screens overlooking the intersection will make you feel like you've
walked out into a strange future.
After walking out of the JR station on the Hachiko side, you will see the famous Hachiko square to your left, with many people standing around the bronze statue of the famous dog, waiting for something. Across the street looking from left to right, you will see the Mark City shopping centre and Keio Inokashira Line station, the 109 building (the center of young women's fashion in Japan), the entrance to Shibuya Center-Gai, Shibuya Tsutaya with it's Starbucks shop (the busiest Starbucks in the world), and Koen-dori, which leads past the Seibu department store, OIOI, and toward Harajuku.
Shibuya is the center of youth culture in Japan. Aspiring musicians can be seen performing in the Hachiko square, and music obsessed Japanese kids can be seen toting a bag of vinyls in one hand, and a guitar case in the other. Shibuya is said to have one of the highest concentrations of rare records, and probably musical recordings in general, in the world.
Shibuya is also home to the Tokyo Film Festival, and many other cultural events. Tokyu Bunkamura houses a theatre which hosts many world famous musical and dramatic productions.
Shibuya could also be the beginnings of Japan's IT industry. Before the IT Bubble completely imploded, Shibuya was being touted as the focus of Japan's electronic rebirth. Apparently, many venture companies are (or were) located there, and the media called Shibuya "Bit Valley": a play on the name of the area (the kanji for Shibu means bitter), and "bit" (binary digit). The name hasn't been heard on the news for months, however.
Alongside giant multinational chains like HMV, the Gap and Starbucks, there are hundreds of tiny shops tucked into sidestreets. From clothing to furniture to artwork, many interesting and one-of-a-kind things wait in the nooks and crannies of Shibuya. This is probably one of the most attractive aspects of the area.
How to get there:
The JR Yamanote line and Saikyo line, as well as the Tokyu Toyoko and Den-en-toshi lines, Keio Inokashira line, and subway Hanzomon and Ginza lines will all get you to Shibuya. If you are just arriving in Japan, an airport bus leaving from Narita airport will also take you there directly.
If you happen to be in Shibuya in the morning, come to the Mark City Starbucks, and try asking for Grant, (or just start babbling in really fast English, and they'll call me if I'm there). Tell me you saw this on E2 and I'll try and sneak you a free Latte.
Update: (8.24.02) I'm no longer working there, but please drop by anyways. There are a lot of nice people working there. Thanks to the people who did come.