The busiest pedestrian crossing in the world
<p>Very rarely are pedestrian crossings must-visit tourist locations in and of themselves, but you don’t have to be at Shibuya Crossing long to see why it’s become an essential part of any Tokyo trip.</p>
<p>Shoppers, students, couples, commuters and tourists all converge at this busy junction and when the light turns red they take off in every direction. Yet strangely, there’s a degree of courtesy in the chaos. People are very mindful of their space, and are almost at pains to avoid collisions. </p>
<p>Still, if the experience seems a little too chaotic for your sensibilities, you may prefer to get a coffee at the Starbucks overlooking the square. It actually provides the perfect vantage point from which to observe Shibuya Crossing and affords you a moment of respite from the chaos below.</p>
<p>If you can brave the crowds the best time to experience the crossing is at a Friday or Saturday night. The lights, and trendy costumes from the locals make it an experience you have to try at least once.</p>
<p><strong>How to get there?</strong></p>
<p>Shibuya Station is pretty easy to get to from wherever you are in Tokyo. It’s serviced by a number of JR routes as well as Japan’s two subway providers, Toei and Tokyo Metro. If you’re coming from Tokyo Station your best bet is to take the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi line to Shinjuku Station, then change onto the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line for a few stops until you end up in Shibuya. Follow the prompts to the Hachiko exit to find the statue and the amazing Shibuya Station crossing.</p>
<p><strong>Hachiko</strong></p>
<p><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12080/japan2_500x333.jpg" alt="Japan2 (1)"/></p>
<p>The crossing isn’t the only reason to venture to Shibuya however. Shibuya Station features a statue of Tokyo’s most famous dog, Hachiko. This loyal Akita dog came to the station every day to meet his master, a professor, returning home from work. When his master passed away, Hachiko kept coming to the station every day until his own death 10 years later. This story has become a legend in Japan and a small bronze statue was erected in Hachiko’s memory in front of Shibuya Station.</p>
<p><strong>What else is there to do in Shibuya?</strong></p>
<p><strong><img width="500" height="333" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/12081/jap3_500x333.jpg" alt="Jap3"/></strong></p>
<p>Quite a lot, actually! Shibuya is buzzing with life and energy at all times of the day and you can easily find a bar or restaurant to take your fancy in no time at all. Shibuya is also one of the best places for shopping in Japan, so take advantage of the opportunity to embark upon a little bit of retail therapy at one of the many department stores in the region. Make sure you save some Yen for a spree!</p>
<p><strong>Related links:</strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/news/news/2015/11/japanese-etiquette-guide/">What you should know before visiting Japan</a></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/entertainment/technology/2015/02/starting-a-travel-blog/"></a></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/international/2015/12/16-countries-to-visit-in-2016/"><strong>16 best countries for travel in 2016</strong></a></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><strong><a href="/entertainment/technology/2015/02/starting-a-travel-blog/"></a></strong></em></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em><a href="http://www.oversixty.co.nz/travel/travel-tips/2015/12/11-weirdest-museums-in-the-world/"><strong>11 weirdest museums in the world</strong></a></em></span></p>
