Shibuya, one of the three urban sub-centers of Tokyo along with Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, is now known worldwide as a bustling shopping and entertainment district. The statue of the loyal dog "Hachiko" in front of Shibuya Station is a regular spot for people to meet up, and the scramble crosswalk and center street bustle with large amounts of people. This time, we took a walk mainly in Udagawa-cho, Kamiyama-cho and Jinnan areas.

 

 

Our exploration in Shibuya started from the popular boulangerie with the eye-catching red façade called BRASSERIE VIRON, which is situated just opposite side of Bunkamura. Although we could have a delicious lunch here, we passed over this time and headed to the Kamiyama-Dori.

 

Walking along Kamiyama-Dori, which is called "Deep Shibuya" or "Back Shibuya" by people being familiar with Shibuya, we found many fancy shops, cafes and galleries in the quiet atmosphere of traditional retail shops. There is a pilot shop called Project1/6 selling toys such as Bearbricks on your right.  

   

Further down the street, there is Tsutsumu Factory where you can find various kinds of wrapping materials, and even Halloween decorations. We also found a fascinating bookstore called Shibuya Publishing Booksellers on the left side. 

  

We finally took a late lunch at "cafe Banda" on the top of the short slope at the upper left of Kamiayama-Dori. This cozy cafe having great taste in the interior would definitely be your secret hideaway in Shibuya!

  

After enjoying a tasty lunch at the cafe, we began walking along Inokashira-Dori around the NHK building. We saw a variety of foliage plants at a small shop called Neo Green on the right side. This place is also recommended for Bonsai lovers.

When we reached in front of the Shibuya ward office, we thought it was time for shopping!
We then headed to Jinnan where we could find lots of fashionable clothes, bags, shoes, and so on. 

 

After shopping, we found a unique art gallery at a corner of this area. It is called Tokyo Wonder Site. Various attractive art works were on display.

 

 

 

 

Next, we moved toward the Udagawa-cho area to find a cafe to chill out. On the 7th floor of BEAM building, we found J-POP Cafe, where we could enjoy the most recent J-pop music while having a cup of coffee in a fantastic atmosphere. It also provides great foods and drinks.

 

 

There is Yoshimoto Mugendai Hall inside of the same building, too. On this day, we could enjoy Yoshimoto Comedy Show for only 500 yen.

  

End of the day at Shibuya, there is an American dining bar called Demode Queen behind the BEAM with great atmosphere. You cannot see inside of the store from the street but when you climb up the stairs, you will find it. There are terrace seats available and recommended on the sunny day.