Shibuya Crossing Viewpoints and Photograph Spots
Shibuya Crossing is an iconic location in Tokyo, Japan, that has captured the creativeness of photographers around the globe. With its bustling streets, vibrant lights, and mass of pedestrians, this intersection has grow to be an emblem of contemporary city life and a visible feast for photographers.
A staggering 2.4million individuals use this crossing day by day and in case you’re in search of for one of the best viewpoint to {photograph} Shibuya Crossing, this information is for you. I’ll be sharing the place you possibly can {photograph} the crossing from up excessive and on the bottom to make sure you benefit from your time in Shibuya. Masking all 4 corners of the crossing, the spots listed vary in
Shibuya Crossing represents the power and dynamism of Tokyo. As one of many world’s busiest pedestrian crossings, Shibuya Crossing is a hive of exercise, with near 2,500 individuals crossing the road each time the visitors lights change. This fixed movement creates a mesmerising visible show, with streams of individuals flowing in all instructions.
Scroll right down to discover a Google Map itemizing all the vantage factors famous on this article.
I’ve personally photographed this crossing in summer season, winter and autumn, when it’s busy, not so busy and when it’s completely heaving with individuals. Even nonetheless, I want a number of crosses earlier than beginning to {photograph}, the expertise of strolling with everyone seems to be one thing you possibly can’t miss, so begin out by taking the stroll, trying round and absorbing the unbelievable ambiance this intersection creates.
The encircling cityscape provides to the enchantment of photographing Shibuya Crossing. The tall buildings and neon lights that envelop the world create a hanging backdrop, particularly through the night when the lights mirror off the streets and create a surreal ambiance.
So, let’s get to the place you possibly can {photograph} Shibuya Crossing from, and easy methods to seize this epicentre of up to date Tokyo. I’ve saved one of the best (for my part) for final!
1. Hachiko Sq.
Within the coronary heart of the motion, Hachiko Sq. is on the entrance to Shibuya Station (backside left nook within the picture above). That is floor degree the place you possibly can stroll amongst the pedestrians and absorb the expertise of really crossing the highway…much more thrilling than in case you’re simply crossing the highway at dwelling!
I’d suggest strolling throughout a number of instances to get a really feel for the kind of pictures you need to seize. The lights on each nook present how lengthy is left because the little inexperienced dots rely down till just one stays. If you wish to permit your self time within the center, run out (if secure to take action) the second the lights flip inexperienced so you may have a number of further seconds to spare! From Hachiko Sq., place your self for a terrific shot by standing beside the backyard beds to defend your self from the group whereas they stroll by and onto the crossing. This fashion you possibly can seize a sequence of pictures as individuals cross, with out getting bumped as they stroll by you.
It’s known as Hachiko Sq. as a result of story of the loyal canine Hachiko who waited for his proprietor day after day, unaware that his proprietor had handed and wasn’t coming dwelling. There’s a statue devoted to this canine within the sq. and it’s you’ll discover a lot of individuals lining as much as have their picture taken beside it. Each photographs under are taken from the sting of the sq. on the facet of the highway.
2. Shibuya Station Bridge to Mark Metropolis
This indoor viewpoint is positioned on the other facet of the crossing to Starbucks. Whereas it gives a raised view to {photograph} towards the brilliant lights of Shibuya, there’s at the moment a whole lot of building simply in entrance, and there can be a number of obstacles to shoot above this. There’s additionally a bus turning station under the bridge, this could work nicely at evening, however through the day, it deters from the magic, seen from different viewpoints. It’s free although, so why not cease by right here and take a number of photographs whereas strolling to a different vantage level!
3. Shibuya Sky
In order for you sky-high views over Shibuya Crossing, that is the place to go. A latest addition to the Tokyo skyline, this expertise must be deliberate prematurely to make sure you’re arriving at one of the best time and safe a ticket. Tickets promote out prematurely, particularly for the favored instances, and in the event that they’ve offered out on-line, there gained’t be any obtainable in individual.
You’ll be able to ebook tickets on-line right here to safe a time you need, I’d suggest nearer to sundown so you possibly can expertise the golden glow over Tokyo, and the glowing lights!
You’ll discover a extra intensive information about photographing from Shibuya Sky right here. There are not any baggage allowed on the statement deck, so remember to take a flexible zoom lens up with you to seize Shibuya Crossing under. It’s additionally not simply the crossing seen from the highest, you’ll be handled to 360 diploma views throughout the town, even Mount Fuji is seen on a transparent day.
4. Starbucks Shibuya TsutayaÂ
Seize your self a Matcha Latte and try and safe one of many window seats at Starbucks Shibuya, positioned with a terrific view immediately over Shibuya Crossing.
To entry the world with views over the crossing, you’ll must order, acquire your drink after which take the steps as much as the subsequent degree. Now, a tiny warning, this place is crowded. I’m really not a fan of photographing from this place as a result of not solely are you hustled for a seat (in case you managed to safe one), you’ll seemingly have individuals attempting to {photograph} over you, there’s noise, and in case you’re like me and don’t take pleasure in lots of people round, it’s simply not creatively inspiring. The vantage level can be just a little restricted, with a subway entrance positioned in entrance, barely blocking a part of the crossing.
5. L’Occitane Café
Positioned on the nook reverse Magazine’s Park, this café provides views over the crossing, however they’re barely obstructed by a tree. For those who’re a fan of the beautiful perfumes and lotions obtainable on the retailer, enterprise on by way of and revel in a tea whereas watching the crossing under.
Just like Starbucks, it’s not a very excessive vantage level, so in case you’re in search of these downward aerial sort angles of the crossing, this isn’t the spot for you.
6. Magazine’s Park at Magnet by Shibuya 109
Rising 8 flooring above Shibuya Crossing, this rooftop viewpoint is definitely my favorite. You’re excessive sufficient to seize nice aerials above the crossing, however not too excessive that it’s unattainable to get artistic. It’s additionally doable to attend round and seize sundown then the flashing lights and twinkling visitors because the night takes over.
From this degree you possibly can spend time capturing lengthy exposures, experimenting with composition and have an unobstructed view throughout the complete scene. All 4 corners of the crossing are nearby, permitting you to seize a full assortment of photographs together with wide-angle photographs and tighter photographs that embody the road patterns, mild reflections and motion.
You’ll discover entry to the statement deck inside the Magnet by Shibuya 109 constructing. Most flooring embody trend, gaming and items, however in case you take the raise straight as much as degree 8 (roof), it’ll reveal the rooftop viewing space. Now, don’t be shocked once you exit the raise to discover a makeshift tent space promoting drinks. At present, you could purchase a drink to realize entry to the viewing space with pricing starting from 600-900YEN relying in your alternative of beverage. It’s not an official ticket workplace, extra of an outside venue that provides their viewing deck and the possibility to hydrate!
It really feels such as you’re having fun with the view from somebody’s balcony, they usually’ve put in some nice protecting glass, have drinks obtainable and a few chairs to take a seat on when altering lenses. It’s an informal ambiance with far much less restrictions than Shibuya Sky.
7. Lastly, photographing the crossing itself whereas crossing!
Get amongst the motion, lights and chaos and take your digicam on an journey as you grow to be a pedestrian at Shibuya Crossing. Just a few tricks to be aware, I’d encourage utilizing an extended publicity so you possibly can blur the motion and faces, that is solely as a result of in case you’re hoping to make use of the pictures commercially, any seen faces could trigger a difficulty.
Nevertheless, capturing the motion is all a part of the enjoyable! Regulate your digicam settings to fit your place and the obtainable mild, then wait till the lights flip inexperienced and snap away. It may well assist to place your self on the base of one of many visitors lights so as to be first out on the crossing, in any other case you’ll get caught up within the crowd as a result of there actually are, tons of of individuals crossing each time the lights change.
Attempt to work with the encircling buildings and cityscape too, zooming towards the facades and commercials as individuals transfer by way of the body. Get low to the bottom (however with discretion) if there are puddles/rain to seize reflections, shoot with a wide-angle lens to {photograph} the motion round you, then swap again to a flexible zoom lens.
Shibuya Crossing has been photographed tens of millions, if not billions of instances. You solely must cease and watch how many individuals are photographing or filming every crossing to get impressed to strive one thing completely different. It’s an opportunity to get artistic, experiment and simply have enjoyable with the expertise of capturing this iconic scene.
A Map of Shibuya Crossing Vantage Factors
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Good day! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as knowledgeable journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this website is from my private expertise on the highway. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.