101 things to do in Shibuya

Shibuya: it's the 'hood with everything. Cutting-edge fashion boutiques, world-class nightclubs, hip bars, dining options ranging from fancy washoku eateries to dirt-cheap diners – if you want it, you can probably find it here. But with so much to choose from, where on earth should you start? Read on for Time Out's 101 essential Shibuya tips: the best places to shop, eat, drink and party in Tokyo's most iconic neighbourhood. They're all taken from the latest edition of our 101 things to do in Shibuya, a pocket-sized guide that comes complete with a detailed map to help you find everything...

1. Appreciate drinks with a view...

The menu features a frankly terrifying list of expensive tipples from all over the world, but the enormous glass windows, which offer views of the entire Shinjuku skyline, make the 40th-floor Bello Visto well worth checking out. Book ahead for the best seats.
Bello Visto. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel 40F, 26-1 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

2. Visit the site where Shibuya got its name...

While it may not be much to look at now, Konno Hachimangu shrine was once the site of the household that’s believed to give the area its name: the Shibuya family.
Konno Hachimangu Shrine. 3-5-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

3. Accept the curry challenge...

Aficionados of Japanese-style curry ‘n’ rice still flock to this Shibuya institution, which has been serving Everest-shaped portions of the stuff since 1951. Murugi. 2-19-2 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

4. Perk up with drip coffee...

Impeccably executed hand drip is the order of the day here, so you’re sure to get a cup of smooth and fully aromatic brew on every single visit.
Paddlers Coffee. Todd Snyder Townhouse 2F, 6-18-14 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

5. Start your night at Zero...

Zero takes things 'back to basics', with an analogue sound system and DJ lineup including veteran spinners such as DJ Nori and Toshio Matsuura.
0 Zero. B1F, 2-9-13 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

6. Get lost in time...

Wander around the ramshackle street of Nonbei Yokocho ('Drunkard Alley') where you'll find rows of tiny bars – some so small that they only fit four or five people at a time.
Nonbei Yokocho. 1-25-10 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

7. Sip seasonal cocktails...

Award-winning bartender Shinobu Ishigaki wields an array of fresh fruit and vegetables when creating his distinctive, seasonal cocktails at Ishinohana, Shibuya’s answer to the high-end bars of Ginza.
Ishinohana. B1F, 3-6-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

8. Consider the whale (while eating it)...

Granted, it’s not going to appeal to everyone, but intrepid gourmands looking to devour the world’s largest mammal can do so at this traditional whale restaurant.
Ganso Kujiraya. 2-29-22 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

9. Sing your heart out, alone...

Solo karaoke, anyone? Self-conscious warblers no longer need embarrass themselves in front of their friends at 1Kara, where each customer gets a private booth, with TV and headphones.
1Kara. 13-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

10. Sip rum, munch meze...

The rum selection and infectious Caribbean soundtrack would be reason enough to visit this tiny bar, but it also offers a good, vegetarian-friendly menu of African and Middle Eastern food.
Los Barbados. 41-26 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

11. Shop the pages...

Monocle magazine becomes 3D at this new lifestyle store featuring fashion and products direct from the pages of the publication that's fast becoming a big-brand empire.
The Monocle Shop. Tokyo Luna Rossa Bldg, 1-19-2 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

12. Run with the wolves...

While it’s busiest during its annual September festival, this dinky neighbourhood shrine is worth visiting year-round to see its handsome wolf statues – a genuine rarity in Japan.
Miyamasu Mitake Shrine. 4-4-25 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map

13. Scope out the latest styles...

Boutiques don’t come much more bleeding-edge than this. Check the latest gobsmacking street fashions in the ground floor Candy shop, then head upstairs for the girly (though no less edgy) Sister.
Fake Tokyo. 18-4 Udagawacho, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

14. Play ping-pong all night long...

When you’ve missed the last train home and don’t fancy drinking, EST has the answer. Take your pick from billiards, bowling, karaoke and table tennis – all of them available until dawn.
EST. 1-14-14 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

15. Conquer the monster...

It's not a particularly intimidating monster; in fact you should have no trouble devouring the shaved ice dessert by Taiwan's popular Ice Monster chain. Head over for as-pure-as-possible Taipei-born flavours such as milk tea and mango, with a texture like powder snow.
Ice Monster. 6-3-7 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

16. Feast on beer and sausages...

When nothing but the heartiest food and drink will do, this is the place to head. Tuck into a selection of housemade sausages and bacon, washed down with wine and Belgian beer.
Hemel Miyamasu. 1-12-7 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

17. Wait longingly for someone...

Faithful mutt Hachiko spent nine years waiting for his master outside Shibuya Station, and is commemorated in a memorial service every April 8 at this still-popular meeting spot.
Hachiko Square. 2-1 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Map

18. Kick out the jams...

This shaggy music café may not have seen a lick of paint since it opened in 1969, but its reputation for hosting shows by the likes of hit ’70s group Happy End make it the go-to spot for serious music fans. BYG. 2-19-14 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

19. Have a pancake Sunday...

Once a pancake shop, now a reborn café and diner with a revamped dinner menu focusing on meaty Italian fare and wine. They still do pancakes on weekday afternoons and Sundays. Scotchbank. Duplex 1F, 3-26-17 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours

20. Get a juice boost...

Combat those city toxins with a cold-pressed juice or smoothie made from 100% organic vegetables and fruits. Get an extra kick with superfood toppings, booster shots and vegan snacks.
Sky High Raw Juice. Aoyama TN Bldg, 2-3-4 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku. Map and opening hours