Detailed history and overview of Shibuya

 

　Table of Contents

1. Outline of Shibuya
2. History of Shibuya
3. Places to visit in Shibuya
4. Center Street and former youth culture
5. Events and festivals in Shibuya

Introduction

Located in the heart of Tokyo, Shibuya is widely known as a center of youth culture and fashion that attracts attention from Japan and abroad. This energetic district is a much-loved place where unique street culture, advanced technology, and boundless creativity converge.

Shibuya's charms are still alive in every corner of the city, with traditions that date back to the Showa period and a new cultural identity formed by the youth. The redevelopment of the area around Shibuya Station also represents a step into the city's future. New buildings are rising one after another, and the coexistence of old landmarks and a new skyline is a testament to Shibuya's evolution.

In this article, we will delve into the many faces of Shibuya, from its overview, history, and must-see spots to the evolution of youth culture, as well as local events and festivals. We hope you will join us on a journey to unravel all that Shibuya has to offer.

1. Overview of Shibuya

Shibuya is a special ward of Tokyo and an internationally known center of youth culture and fashion. Shibuya Station is one of Japan's major transportation hubs, and hundreds of thousands of people use it every day. The scramble crossing in front of it is famous as the "busiest intersection in the world," and the sight of thousands of people crossing at once is a symbol of Shibuya. The intersection has appeared in many movies and photographs and is one of Tokyo's most popular tourist attractions.

It is especially rich in fashion for young people, offering a wide range of styles from the latest trends to vintage and street wear. Shopping spots such as the famous Center Street and Cat Street, as well as the highly sensitive fashion building Shibuya 109, are concentrated in this area. These areas are known as a shopping paradise for young people from Japan and abroad.

At night, Shibuya takes on an even more different face. Many clubs, bars, and live music venues are concentrated in this area, and DJs and bands from Japan and abroad perform, creating an energetic nightlife. The area is especially popular among young people and is crowded with people on weekends.

The redevelopment of Shibuya is a large-scale project that will change the face of the area. The transformation of the area around Shibuya Station is particularly noticeable, with the construction of new commercial facilities. This development is transforming Shibuya into a more modern and accessible place. The construction of new commercial facilities, especially around the station, is bringing new dynamism to the existing landscape.

Furthermore, Shibuya has a rich cultural profile, with frequent art and music events and a diverse array of art galleries and performance spaces scattered throughout the area. These cultural institutions epitomize the innovative spirit of Shibuya and continue to provide new and exciting experiences for visitors.

2. History of Shibuya

Shibuya's history is diverse and rich, and its growth and changes are closely linked to the development of Tokyo. Below is an overview of Shibuya's history.

■ The beginning and the Edo period

The origin of the place name Shibuya is not certain, but it is said that the name Shibuya has appeared since the Heian period. Originally an agricultural area, it was particularly important as a water source for the Inokashira natural springs. During the Edo period, Shibuya flourished as a post town on the Koshu Highway, and was a key transportation hub used by many travelers.

■ Modernization and the arrival of railways

In 1885, Shibuya Station was established with the opening of the Yamanote Line, and Shibuya became an important access point to central Tokyo. This triggered the modernization of Shibuya, and gradually established itself as a commercial area. In the 1930s, the Toyoko Line opened, and further development began, with the number of commercial and cultural facilities beginning to increase. 

■ Postwar development and cultural bloom

After World War II, Shibuya was rapidly redeveloped and many companies moved into the area. During the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Shibuya received international attention. During the 1970s and 1980s, it became particularly known as a center of youth culture, where trends in fashion, music, and art were born. 

■ Fashion movement of the Heisei era

・Gyaru
From the late 1990s to the early 2000s, the gyaru culture experienced explosive popularity, centered around Shibuya. This subculture was characterized by flashy makeup and extreme fashion, with commercial facilities like Shibuya 109 being the epicenter of this trend. Gyaru pursued fashion as a form of self-expression, significantly influencing youth culture not only across Japan but also around the world. 

・Gyaruo
Influenced by the gyaru culture, the male version known as "gyaruo" also emerged. These men showcased a new aesthetic with colorful clothing, flamboyant hairstyles, and tanned skin. Gyaruo demonstrated their uniqueness not only in fashion but also in their overall lifestyle.

・Cutting edge of fashion
Shibuya is also known as a trendsetter in street fashion. Along with Harajuku, it has been featured in many media outlets as a place where young people gather, and has become an area that attracts attention from domestic and international designers and fashion enthusiasts. Many fashion trends born here have had a great influence on the Japanese fashion industry since then.

■ Modern Times

Entering the 2000s, Shibuya underwent extensive redevelopment, with new commercial facilities, office buildings, and art spaces being constructed one after another. Notable landmarks include Shibuya Hikarie and Shibuya Stream. These developments have further revitalized Shibuya, enhancing its role as an international hub for business and culture.

Shibuya's history is not just about commercial development but also about its role as a crucial area contributing to Japan's modernization and cultural evolution. Today, it continues to evolve, playing a significant part in shaping modern Japan.

3. Must-Visit Spots in Shibuya

■ Shibuya Scramble Crossing

Shibuya Scramble Crossing is one of the busiest intersections in the world, located in front of the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. Known as a "scramble crossing," all vehicles stop at once, and pedestrians cross from all directions simultaneously. This spectacular sight frequently appears in movies, commercials, and photographs, symbolizing Shibuya.

Surrounding the crossing are large electronic billboards, numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, bustling with people day and night. Especially at night, the neon-lit intersection is vibrant, offering a dynamic urban scene that symbolizes Tokyo's energetic city life. Tourists often take photos with this crossing as a backdrop, making it a must-experience moment when visiting Shibuya.

■ Center Gai

Shibuya Center Gai is known as the hub of youth culture in Shibuya, with many cafes, fast fashion stores, and game centers. This lively street attracts visitors from both Japan and abroad as a place to experience the latest trends. Walking through Center Gai, you’ll constantly encounter new fashion and music.

In addition to shopping, you can enjoy various restaurants and entertainment facilities. From popular apparel shops to unique cafes and restaurants, there is a wide range of options. At night, the area is famous for its neon-lit atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

■ Nonbei Yokocho

Nonbei Yokocho, near Shibuya Station, is a charming area that retains the atmosphere of the Showa era. This narrow alley is lined with small bars, making it a hidden spot where locals and tourists enjoy socializing. Each bar has only a few seats, offering an intimate drinking experience. You can enjoy a wide variety of drinks, including sake and shochu, served by unique bartenders.

Nonbei Yokocho is located a step away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, providing visitors with a sense of stepping back in time.

■ Maruyamacho

Maruyamacho, symbolizing Shibuya's nightlife, is an area lined with numerous clubs and bars, bustling late into the night. Especially on weekends, it’s crowded with young people enjoying dance and music, known as a hotspot for Tokyo's night scene. The clubs in Maruyamacho are famous for hosting DJs from both Japan and abroad, allowing you to spend a night filled with cutting-edge music and energetic vibes.

The bars in this area offer various genres of music, from jazz to rock to electronic, providing unforgettable experiences for visitors. Bartenders in each bar create unique cocktails, adding to the enjoyment.

■ Dogenzaka

Located slightly away from the hustle and bustle of Shibuya, Dogenzaka is an area with many izakayas and restaurants. Known for representing Shibuya’s nightlife, it is popular among locals and tourists alike. At the izakayas, you can enjoy various types of sake and shochu, along with Japanese local food.

Dogenzaka offers a wide range of dining options, from sushi to ramen to contemporary cafes. Additionally, this area is known for "Love Hotel Hill," featuring uniquely designed hotels.

■ Shibuya Stream

Shibuya Stream, built on the site of the former Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station, features office spaces, commercial facilities, and event halls. It is characterized by its open design along the Shibuya River, contributing to the formation of a new community. As a new civic space used for various purposes, Shibuya Stream plays a significant role in revitalizing the area.

The commercial facilities include various restaurants and cafes, offering shopping and dining experiences. The Shibuya Stream Hall hosts diverse events such as concerts and exhibitions.

■ Shibuya Scramble Square

Located directly above Shibuya Station, Shibuya Scramble Square is a high-rise building housing numerous shops, restaurants, and offices. As a new landmark of Shibuya, it contributes to the revitalization of the area’s commerce and culture. The top floor features "Shibuya Sky," an observation facility offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Tokyo. This observation deck, providing breathtaking views of the vibrant city, has become a new tourist attraction.​

■ Shibuya Hikarie

Shibuya Hikarie is a 34-story complex combining shopping and cultural activities. The building is used for various purposes, with the ground floors housing shops and restaurants from various fashion brands, bustling with people. The theaters and exhibition spaces within the building offer cultural experiences, making it an attractive spot for visitors seeking art and culture.​

■ Shibuya 109

Shibuya 109 is a cutting-edge shopping mall known for its wide range of youth-oriented brands. As the center of Shibuya's fashion culture, it attracts many young people from Japan and abroad. Since its opening in 1979, Shibuya 109, affectionately known as "Ichi-Maru-Kyu," has been the birthplace of numerous trends.

The building, with its distinctive cylindrical design, houses various apparel shops, accessory stores, and beauty-related stores on its ten floors. It offers a vast selection of fashion items reflecting the latest trends, particularly those influenced by the gyaru culture.

■ Miyashita Park

Recently renovated, Miyashita Park features shopping areas, restaurants, and sports facilities, making it an ideal place to relax in the urban oasis. This park provides a space away from Shibuya's hustle and bustle, offering tranquility to its visitors. Inside the park, various restaurants serve a wide range of cuisines, from global to local food.

Miyashita Park also hosts multiple fashion brand stores, allowing you to shop the latest trends. It has excellent facilities for sports enthusiasts, including a skateboarding area and climbing wall. The rooftop offers a spacious park where you can relax while enjoying city views.

4. Center Gai and the Youth Culture of the Past

Shibuya’s Center Gai has long been known as the hub of Japanese youth culture. This area is a crossroads of shopping, entertainment, and culture. From the 1990s to the early 2000s, it was particularly famous as the center of hip-hop and gyaru culture.

■ Heisei Era Gyaru Culture

Formed by young people with unique fashion styles and lifestyles, this culture accelerated trends through commercial facilities like Shibuya 109. Characterized by flashy hair colors, excessive makeup, and distinctive clothing, gyaru culture significantly influenced Japanese youth culture, leaving a lasting impact on later fashion and pop culture.

Gyaru enjoyed shopping in Center Gai and gathered with friends who shared similar interests to exchange information about new styles. Shibuya 109, in particular, was a must-visit spot for young people, offering the latest trends in gyaru fashion. Stores in this area actively incorporated products aimed at gyaru, catering to their fashion needs and attracting even more of them.

■ Hip-Hop Culture

Center Gai is also deeply connected to Shibuya's hip-hop culture. When hip-hop began to spread in Japan in the 1990s, Center Gai became a crucial place for this culture. Shibuya became the heart of the Japanese hip-hop scene, a period when Chima culture and hip-hop flourished simultaneously. Stores in Center Gai adopted many fashion items influenced by hip-hop, integrating hip-hop fashion into the styles of young people.

Notably, hip-hop icons like K DUB SHINE, the leader of King Giddra, and members of NITRO MICROPHONE UNDERGROUND were active in Shibuya. They gathered in and around Center Gai, using hip-hop music to deliver powerful messages. Places like the front of the Aaru Building and Udagawacho became important gathering spots for these artists, and their activities significantly influenced later generations.

5. Shibuya Events and Festivals

■ Konno Hachimangu Reitaisai

The Konno Hachimangu Reitaisai is the largest festival held in Shibuya every September. This festival is known as a celebration for the Aoyama and Shibuya areas, praying for a bountiful harvest, the prosperity of the town, and the health and well-being of the parishioners. The highlight of the festival is the Mikoshi Parade, where portable shrines are carried through the streets of Shibuya. This energetic and vibrant procession is a must-see event for both locals and visitors, offering a lively and engaging experience.

■ Shibuya Halloween

Shibuya Halloween is an unofficial event held at the end of October, attracting a large number of participants from both Japan and abroad. During this period, many young people and tourists dress up in costumes and fill the streets, adding color to Shibuya's nightlife. Known for its scale and the number of participants, Shibuya Halloween has garnered attention in recent years for social and security issues. Nevertheless, it remains a highly anticipated event, becoming an integral part of Japan's Halloween culture.

Conclusion

Shibuya is a central hub of Tokyo known for its unique street culture, ongoing redevelopment, and abundance of events. It is symbolized by world-famous landmarks such as the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and fashion hubs like Shibuya 109. Historically, Shibuya has evolved from a post town in the Edo period to a center of gyaru culture and hip-hop development, reflecting the changes over time.

Events such as the Konno Hachimangu Reitaisai and Shibuya Halloween, held throughout the year, showcase the vitality and community spirit of the area. The large-scale redevelopment around Shibuya Station, including the construction of new landmarks, is transforming Shibuya into an international business and cultural hub. This fusion of history and modern dynamics continues to provide stimulating experiences for visitors, and Shibuya's evolution will undoubtedly continue to attract significant attention in the future.