Shopping, sightseeing, and style all combine in the Shibuya Scramble Square complex. Named after the famous crossing only a stone’s throw away, this building is a monolith of high-end designer stores, chic cosmetic boutiques, and everything from quick snacks to fine dining. While stopping off at Coach or Balenciaga won’t be too kind on your wallet, Scramble Square does have someting for most budgets if you’re in the neighborhood.

View towards Tokyo Bay from Shibuya Scramble Square | Photo by Gregory Lane

Style

Scramble Square offers a dozen floors of shopping and cuisine in the heart of Shibuya. With an upscale vibe, many of the lower floors are stocked with designer brands such as Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Hugo Boss. However, as you head up the floors, the high-end brand names turn into midrange fashion names such as Tommorrowland and Journal Standard, making it an excellent shopping stop for mid-to-high end fashionistas.

But it’s not all clothes and cosmetics in the Scramble Square. Tourists could also do with a stop by when souvenir hunting. Dotted around the various floors are souvenirs and craft stores that will make for far better gifts than the usual fare. Find traditional Japanese pottery, origami, and other handmade craftware on the higher floors. Or if you’re more a fan of edible gifts, the first floor has dozens of display cases stalls with creative confections to take home. And speaking of food…

Snacking

Scramble Square also has an array of food options for the peckish pedestrian. If you’ve got a jam-packed day and want a quick bite on the go, head to the 2nd basement level (B2F). There you’ll find outlets with a plethora of choice-everything from fried chicken to traditional Japanese bento boxes.

If you’ve a bit more time to take a seat, head up to the restaurants on the 12th and 13th floor. Most offer scenic views across Shibuya (although you might be out of luck if they’re busy!), and again, there are all the options you could want. Chow down on sushi, shabu-shabu, or teppanyaki fare, and while the prices are at a slight premium, you can expect good quality for the price.

Sightseeing

Yoyogi Park from Shibuya Sky | Photo by Gregory Lane

Finally, at the peak of the building, you can enjoy the sprawling panoramic views of Tokyo at Shibuya Sky, one of the tallest observatories in Tokyo. It’s a brilliant place to get some holiday photos with Tokyo rolling away at your feet. Tickets will set you back around ¥2,200 per person.

Other Shibuya Attractions