Shibuya Hotels: Location, Access and Tips
Shibuya Station is served by JR, Keio, Tokyu and Tokyo Metro, with eight lines in all. The Scramble Crossing in front of the station can see up to 3,000 people per green light.
Getting there
From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express toward Shinjuku. From Haneda, go to Shinagawa by Keikyu (about 14 minutes) and change to the JR Yamanote Line, or take an airport limousine bus.
Good for
- Young travellers who want fashion, cafés and nightlife
- Access to Harajuku and Omotesando
- Travellers who want many rail lines from one station
Watch out for
- The station is under redevelopment until around 2034 and is often called a maze; transfers take time.
- Crowds peak on Halloween and New Year's Eve; street drinking is restricted at those times.
- Tokyo charges an accommodation tax per person per night.
Booking tips
- Check which exit your hotel uses; the walk between exits can be long.
- Avoid late-October and New Year's Eve dates if you want a quiet stay.
- Several Japanese cities charge an accommodation tax per person per night on top of the room rate. Check whether the listed price includes it.
FAQ
Is Shibuya or Shinjuku better for a first visit?
Both are major hubs. Shinjuku has direct Hakone trains and more lines; Shibuya suits fashion and Harajuku trips.
Is Shibuya noisy at night?
The area around the crossing is busy until late. Hotels a few minutes away from the main streets are calmer.