Shibuya-ku

Current revision

Shibuya-ku (渋谷区) is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is home to Shibuya city, the name used to describe the central business district of the ward in the immediate vicinity of Shibuya station. This business district is among the many well known fashion centers and nightlife hubs in Japan for young adults and teenagers. Harajuku is also in Shibuya-ku. Currently, Shibuya-ku is estimated to have a population of 208,371 (according to a 2008 census).

History

When the Yamanote line was first established in 1885, the Shibuya area began to arise as a central hub of Tokyo railway traffic and thus built up a substantial entertainment district. Incorporated as a village in 1889, town in 1909 and as one of 35 wards of Tokyo City in 1932, Shibuya continued to grow until it became one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo on March 15, 1947.

In modern history, Shibuya has become a hub of youth fashion with department stores like Shibuya 109 setting fashion trends for the entire country and major districts such as Harajuku, Omotesando, and Sendagaya in the immediate vicinity. Financially, Shibuya has also become home to many Information Technology companies since the 1990s.

Parks

Shibuya is home to some of the most commonly visited parks in Tokyo including the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji of the Meiji Restoration and Empress Shoken. Surrounding the shrine is a 700,000 square foot forest. The Shinjuku Gyoen was a onetime Imperial Gardens that has now been opened to the public and Yoyogi Park used to be the home of the Imperial Japanese Army, and later the athletes in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Today, it is a sightseeing and relaxation center for millions of tourists and citizens every year.

Shibuya Buildings

Within Shibuya, many landmarks and buildings stand out, giving Shibuya its unique landscape. The center of the shopping district is Shibuya 109, a shopping center with more than 90 boutiques and fashion outlets targeting young Japanese women. Cerulean Tower stands as the tallest building in the Shibuya Station area and Ebisu Garden Palace is former site of the Sapporo Beer brewery, built in the 19th century. Other notable buildings in the area include:

• The New National Theater
• NHK Broadcasting Center
• Omotesando Hills
• Southern Terrace
• Takashimaya Times Square
• Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium
• Yoyogi National Gymnasium

Streets in Shibuya

The following streets are all well known locations with commercial or financial significance:

• Aoyama Dori – East-west connection
• Dogen-zaka –Central Shibuya road known for nightlife
• Komazawa Dori – Past Daikanyama toward Ebisu, this road is lined with trees and replica artwork.
• Koen Street – Connects Shibuya Station and Yoyogi Park
• Omotesando – Leads through a well known district of boutiques and restaurants to Meiji Shrine
• Takeshita Street – Well known Harajuku district shopping street.
• Meiji Dori – Major driving and walking street that runs from Harajuku to Shibuya and then on to Ebisu.
• Spain Zaka – Small but important walking and shopping street in the center of Shibuya.

Main Attractions

• Aoyama
• Bunkamura
• Daikanyama
• Dogenzaka
• Cat Street
• Center Gai aka Shibuya crossing
• Hachiko
• Killer Street
• Meijo Jingu Shrine
• NHK Broadcasting Center
• Omotesando
• Shibuya 109
• Shinjuku Gyoen
• Takeshita Street
• Takashimaya Times Square Shinjuku
• Yoyogi Park

Train and Subway

• Chiyoda Line
• Den-en-toshi Line
• Chuo-Sobu Line
• Ginza Line
• Hanzomon Line
• Hibiya Line
• Inokashira Line
• Keio Line
• Keio New Line
• Odawara Line
• Oedo Line
• Saikyo Line
• Shonan-Shinjuku Line
• Toyoko Line
• Yamanote Line

External Links

• Shibuya-ku Official Website (English / Japanese)