Activity: A Shibuya Photo Walk – From Hachiko to Center Gai and Koen Dori, Touring Landmarks with Your Smartphone in Hand
Shibuya is known as a hub for fashion and cultural trends. In recent years, it has also gained fame as a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors from all over the world. Among the must-see spots are iconic Shibuya landmarks like the Hachiko statue, the scramble crossing, and Center Gai — sights that truly capture the spirit of the area. We went on a “Shibuya Photo Walk” with the theme: What kind of scenery unfolds when you look through your viewfinder at these classic spots? Take a look and explore with us — and don’t forget to check out the gourmet report too!
Outline
Access from the Hotel to the Hachiko Statue
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki
↓ About 4-minute walk
Board the JR Tokaido Line at Kawasaki Station
↓ About 9 minutes
Get off at Shinagawa Station
↓ About 1-minute walk
Transfer to the JR Yamanote Line at Shinagawa Station
↓ About 13 minutes
Get off at Shibuya Station
↓ About 2-minute walk
Arrive at the Hachiko Statue (Total travel time: approx. 40 minutes)
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
Visit the must-see photo spots: the Hachiko Statue and Shibuya Scramble Crossing!
Our first destination is the symbol of Shibuya — the loyal dog Hachiko statue. Upon arrival, we were met with a long line of people waiting to take a commemorative photo with Hachiko! The crowd was diverse, with people of all races, ages, and genders. While the statue was once known mainly as a popular meeting spot, it has since evolved into one of Shibuya’s most iconic photo spots.
Hachiko is famous for waiting nearly 10 years (*), faithfully returning to Shibuya Station every day in hopes of seeing his deceased owner again. This heartwarming story, which began in the Taisho era in front of Shibuya Station, continues to touch people across generations and borders.
*Source: Official website of Shibuya City Library
The wait that day was about 10 minutes — and we finally got our moment with Hachiko!
Standing in front of Hachiko, the beloved Akita dog, we took a closer look at his gentle expression.
Just gazing at him brought a sense of calm and warmth.
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
Next, head just north of the Hachiko Statue to the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing. With Shibuya Station behind you, as you cross the pedestrian scramble, look diagonally to your left and you’ll see the iconic SHIBUYA109 building.
At peak times, it’s said that over 3,000 people (*) cross the intersection on each green light, creating a fascinating sensation as if a “wave of people” is rushing through when the signal turns green! It’s no surprise that this crossing is known as the “busiest pedestrian crossing in the world” (**).
* Source: NHK Official Website
** Source: Yomiuri Shimbun Online Official Website
Crossing the street from Shibuya Center Gai and snapping a photo, we captured a shot full of atmosphere with the classic Shibuya buildings as the backdrop.
| Spot | Loyal Dog Hachiko Statue |
| Address | 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
Shibuya Street Culture Was Born Here!“Shibuya Center Gai” and “Spain-zaka”
Cross the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and enter Shibuya Center Gai, a bustling entertainment district with over 800 establishments (*) including restaurants, karaoke boxes, and clothing stores. On weekdays, it attracts around 50,000 to 60,000 visitors, while weekends see about 70,000 to 80,000 visitors (**), making it a lively hotspot.
* Source: Shibuya Center Gai Official Website, ABOUT page – Promotion Association
** Source: Shibuya Center Gai Official Website, ABOUT page – Center Gai Data
Looking through the viewfinder, the signs are simply colorful and unique! The staff striking poses also look like they’re having a great time. It’s easy to see why street cultures like Shibu-Kaji and Gyaru originated from this place.
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
“Spain-zaka,” named by the owner of the café Arabika (*), is located just past Center Gai on the way to Shibuya PARCO. Even though the café has since closed, the street name remains—a testament to its lasting charm and romance!
* Source: Shibuya City Official Website
Passing through a street lined with long-established cafes and specialty shops, we climb the stairs. When the handrail is stylish, it somehow makes each step feel lighter.
Near Koen Dori, at the top of the stairs, we even encountered a Statue of Liberty. It became one of our favorite shots.
| Spot | Shibuya Center Gai |
| Website | https://center-gai.jp/ |
| Spot | Spain-zaka |
| Address | 16-15, Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
Take a relaxing break with comforting ramen and traditional Japanese sweets at Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo.
After enjoying a good photo walk, head to Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo on Koen Dori. True to its name, it’s a wonderful place where you can enjoy both ramen and traditional Japanese sweets in one visit.
A “ramen café” run by a ramen chef owner and his patissier wife (*). The first things that caught our eyes upon entering the shop were the stylish lamps and…
* Information as of March 2025 interview.
Cute chopstick wrappers! The cozy and thoughtfully designed interior only raises our anticipation for the food even more.
The noodle menu features 10 varieties (*), including ramen, tsukemen, tantanmen, and chūka soba. Each bowl is crafted with care, using no chemical seasonings whatsoever (*).
* Source: Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo Official Website
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
Ebi Miso Ramen — 1,100 yen (tax included). A flavorful dish where the rich depth of miso perfectly complements the savory taste of shrimp, creating a truly impactful bowl.
Even the hotel staff took a bite and exclaimed, “Delicious!”—they were truly impressed.
Ramen Kotteri — 950 yen (tax included). A rich and creamy soup carefully simmered for a full day using pork bones, chicken bones, aromatic vegetables, and black soybeans (*), with a refreshing hint of yuzu citrus.
* Information as of March 2025 interview.
Mala Tantanmen — 1,200 yen (tax included). A creamy and mild-flavored soup packed with a bold kick of spices! This dish delivers satisfying heat even for those who love spicy food.
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
The dessert menu features 10 varieties (*), including Japanese-style parfaits and floats. This is the Heart Chocolate Parfait — 750 yen (tax included).
It’s layered with heart-shaped chocolate, marshmallows, and pie, resting on chocolate ice cream and cornflakes for a satisfying bite.
* Source: Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo Official Website
It was such a cute parfait that we got so absorbed in photographing it, we almost forgot to eat!
This is the Black Sesame Coffee Float — 650 yen (tax included). The black sesame ice cream pairs perfectly with the iced coffee! Overall, it’s mildly sweet, making it a great choice for those who want something refreshing after a meal.
At Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo, you can also visit just for the café experience. It’s perfect for lunch, tea time, or dinner.
| Spot | Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo |
| Address | Sato Building 2F, 1-15-12 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Phone | +81-3-6327-4056 |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM Closes when the soup runs out |
| Closed | None |
| Website | https://www.kugatsudo.net/ |
* Source: Ramen & Wagashi Café Kugatsudo Official Website
Hotel Metropolitan Kawasaki｜Official Website
To wrap up, head to the free observation deck directly connected to the station — Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby.
For those who want to take in a panoramic view of Shibuya, be sure to visit the Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby. This free observation deck, open from 7:00 AM to midnight (*), offers stunning views of the cityscape as it changes throughout the day, all from the 11th floor.
* Information as of March 2025 interview.
You’ll find yourself pressing the shutter with extra enthusiasm.
Inside the floor, there’s also a diorama showcasing the redevelopment plans around Shibuya Station, giving a clear overview at a glance.
Next time, I’d love to visit aiming to enjoy the beautiful night view!
| Spot | Shibuya Hikarie Sky Lobby |
| Address | 2-21-1 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Phone | +81-3-5468-5892 |
| Admission | Free |
| Business Hours | 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM These hours correspond to the 11th floor café & restaurant. |
| Closed | January 1 |
| Website | https://www.hikarie.jp/ |
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