Visiting Shibuya Sky: A Guide to Tokyo’s Iconic Observatory
Shibuya Sky is a recently established open-air observatory located atop the Shibuya Scramble Square building, standing at an impressive height of approximately 230 meters (about 754 feet). While it may not hold the title of the tallest observatory in Tokyo, its popularity has skyrocketed since its opening in early 2020, making it a favorite among both locals and tourists alike. My recent visit to Shibuya Sky gave me a firsthand experience of its stunning views and vibrant atmosphere.
From this observatory, visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of Tokyo’s most beloved landmarks, including the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo SkyTree, Yoyogi Park, Shinjuku, Japan National Stadium, and, if fortune smiles upon you, even Mount Fuji!
According to my local friends, Shibuya Sky has become a cherished spot for Tokyo residents due to its unique location in the heart of Shibuya. For many locals, it’s a delightful experience to gaze out and recognize their own neighborhoods, spotting familiar apartment buildings and houses.
Tips for Visiting Shibuya Sky
Given its immense popularity, securing ideal time slots can be quite challenging, so planning ahead is essential. Here are some personal tips to enhance your visit to Shibuya Sky:
1. Booking Your Tickets
- Reserve Tickets in Advance – Shibuya Sky is a major attraction, and walk-ins are often not an option. As of December 2023, I encountered many disappointed tourists who were turned away because tickets for the day were already sold out by the time I arrived for my 3:20 PM slot.
Signs indicating that tickets have sold out for the day
- Consider Klook for Cheaper Tickets – The standard entrance fee is 2,500 yen per adult, but purchasing through Klook can save you a bit, bringing the price down to 2,200 yen per adult. While it may not seem like a huge saving, it makes a difference, especially for families.
- Foreign Credit Cards Might Face Issues – Purchasing directly from the Shibuya Sky website can be problematic for foreign credit cardholders, as Japan’s payment systems can be finicky. It’s advisable to use authorized vendors like Klook to avoid any hassles!
- Book Popular Timeslots Early – For the most sought-after times, such as sunset slots, aim to book your tickets approximately four weeks in advance when they are first released.
2. Understanding Your Ticket
- Entry is Time-Based – When purchasing tickets, you are reserving a specific 20-minute window for entry to the observatory.
- No Time Limit on Your Visit – While your entry is time-based, you can stay as long as you like once inside the observatory.
- Rescheduling is Possible – If plans change, you can reschedule your visit based on availability, though refunds are not an option.
3. Enhancing Your Experience
- Don’t Overlook the Indoor Observatory (Sky Gallery) on the 46th Floor – Many visitors rush to the rooftop Sky Stage on the 47th floor, but I found the indoor observatory to be a highlight. During my winter visit, the rooftop became quite chilly after sunset, prompting us to retreat indoors.
Taken from the 46th floor of Shibuya Sky, without the hassle of queuing!
- Prepare to Queue for Popular Photo Spots – Photography enthusiasts will want to capture the unobstructed views from the corners of the rooftop. Expect to stand in line for these prime locations.
- Use 100 Yen Lockers for Your Belongings – Loose items, including hats, must be stored in lockers before heading to the rooftop, so leave space in your pockets for essentials like your phone and camera.
List of prohibited items for the rooftop of Shibuya Sky
- Strollers and Wheelchairs Are Welcome – Shibuya Sky is accessible with elevators throughout the facility. Families with strollers can switch to provided strollers on the 46th floor.
- Enjoy Great Dining Options on the 11th and 12th Floors – There are fantastic restaurants in the building, including Tsurutontan, known for its oversized noodle bowls, and Din Tai Fung, famous for its dumplings. Expect queues during peak meal times.
When is the Best Time to Visit Shibuya Sky?
As mentioned earlier, entry to Shibuya Sky is time-based, but once you’re in, feel free to linger as long as you wish. The most stunning colors can be seen about 30 minutes before sunset, making it ideal to book a slot about 1 to 2 hours before sunset for the best photos.
During my winter visit, with sunset around 4:45 PM, the 3:20 PM entry was perfect. We spent just over an hour on the rooftop before heading down to the indoor observatory after the sun set.
Advance Booking is Essential – Popular time slots fill quickly, so buy your tickets the moment they become available, generally around three weeks in advance.
Be aware that the rooftop can become quite crowded during sunset, as many visitors share the same idea.
How to Reach Shibuya Sky by Train
Shibuya Sky is situated at the top of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, and entry is from the 14th floor. Shibuya Station, a major hub, can be a bit confusing, but reaching Shibuya Sky is straightforward:
- Take the Train to Shibuya Station – Numerous train lines connect to Shibuya Station, so choose the one that suits you best!
- Locate the Nearest Exit to Shibuya Scramble Square. Depending on your arrival method:
- If arriving via the Tokyo subway, the B2 exit provides direct access to the 14th floor from the basement.
- If taking the JR Yamanote line, exit at JR Shibuya Station and head towards the south exit, which is just a minute’s walk from Shibuya Sky.
- Proceed to Sky Gate – Take the elevator to the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square.
- Show Your Ticket and Access the Observatory Elevator – From the 14th floor, present your ticket to access the lift to the 46th floor, where you can then take the escalator or lift to the rooftop on the 47th floor.
Can You Reschedule Your Visit to Shibuya Sky?
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Yes, rescheduling is possible! During my visit, one of my friends couldn’t make it, and we managed to reschedule their ticket at the 14th-floor lobby after speaking with staff.
However, keep in mind that rescheduling is subject to availability. Fortunately, my friend is a local, and we managed to find a favorable timeslot for a month later. It’s best to avoid rescheduling if possible, as the ideal time slots may not be available. You can only reschedule once per ticket, and this must be done in person at the ticket booth; phone rescheduling is not permitted.
Remember, while rescheduling is an option, tickets are non-refundable. Hence, you won’t receive any money back for your ticket.
How Much Time Should You Allocate for Shibuya Sky?
During my visit, we spent about two hours at Shibuya Sky, arriving at approximately 3:30 PM and leaving around 5:40 PM. This timeframe included our ticket rescheduling and a relaxing break at the Paradise Lounge on the 46th floor.
If you don’t need to reschedule, 1.5 hours is generally sufficient. However, if you’re keen on photography and willing to wait in line, consider allowing 2 to 2.5 hours for the best experience.
My Experience at Shibuya Sky
I visited at the end of December and booked the 3:00 PM slot, which allowed us a 20-minute window to enter between 3:00 PM and 3:20 PM. Visiting Shibuya Sky involves three main components:
1. Sky Gate Entrance on the 14th Floor
We arrived quite late, making it to the elevator for the 14th floor just one minute before our timeslot expired. Thankfully, the staff still allowed us in!
Upon reaching the 14th floor, you can scan the QR code on your ticket to access the elevator to the 46th floor. There might be a queue for the elevator, but we were fortunate to find no wait time. While in the elevator, don’t forget to look up at the fascinating visualization of the ascent!
There’s also a ticketing booth on the 14th floor, but on our visit, all tickets for the day were sold out. We did, however, use the booth to reschedule one of our tickets for my friend who couldn’t make it.
2. Sky Gallery on the 46th Floor
After disembarking from the elevator on the 46th floor, we were directed to the lockers, which require a 100 yen coin to rent. Almost all items are prohibited on the rooftop except for a camera and small personal items like your phone. Don’t forget to grab your wallet for any shopping at the souvenir shop!
Once we’ve stored our belongings, we were welcomed into the first open-air experience. Although some people may queue at the glass corners, this isn’t yet the Sky Stage!
If you’re not ready to head outside, take a moment to explore the Sky Gallery. This indoor section of the observatory features numerous interactive art installations for visitors to enjoy.
There’s also a small bar called The Paradise Lounge where you can indulge in light snacks and drinks. I was pleasantly surprised by the reasonable prices. Although the menu is limited, the items are still delightful.
We settled into one of the lounge chairs and ordered a hot dog and “Sky” churros, both of which were delicious, albeit in small portions.
The Shibuya Sky Souvenir Shop is also located on the 46th floor, and I was pleasantly surprised by the interesting and reasonably priced items available.
If you brought a stroller for your little ones, you’ll need to deposit it on the 46th floor (next to the priority lift) and can use one of the strollers they provide to access the rooftop.
3. Sky Stage on the 47th Floor (Rooftop)
Undoubtedly the main attraction for many visitors, you can take the iconic glass escalator to the rooftop from the 46th floor.
I must say, Shibuya Sky is perhaps the best observatory I’ve experienced in Tokyo. The open-air design allows for unobstructed views without any barriers to block your line of sight below. It’s no wonder that loose items are prohibited here, as anything dropped could potentially cause harm to people below.
Nevertheless, the high glass barriers surrounding Shibuya Sky make it difficult to accidentally drop anything!
1. Sky Edge
This corner is the most famous spot for photographs at the rooftop, offering a striking background where the glass barrier stands only shoulder-high. With the right angle, it will appear as if you’re standing without any obstruction. Be prepared to wait in line; during my visit, there was a fully roped-off area near the corner, and I estimate the queue took about 30-45 minutes.
2. The Corners of Sky Stage
Another popular photo opportunity is found at the corners of the observatory. Like Sky Edge, these corners offer a full background, but the glass barrier is higher with mesh netting at the top. Expect to queue here as well.
3. The Roof Shibuya Sky Mirrored Sign
This spot is easy to access with no queues, making it a cool photo opportunity.
4. The Famous Transparent Escalators
This location is probably the most Instagram-friendly spot. You can either ascend or descend the escalator while someone captures your photo from the opposite side.
5. The Area Near the Sky Edge (At the Top of the Escalators Going Back Down to the 46th Floor)
This lesser-known photo spot is intriguing. By zooming in and cropping your photo correctly, it will appear as though people are enjoying the edge of the observatory. In reality, this area is a balcony that doesn’t sit directly on the edge, providing a safe distance from the glass barrier.
While there may be significant queues at Shibuya Sky, with a bit of patience, you can still capture great photos without waiting in line!
Conclusion: Is Shibuya Sky Worth a Visit?
After all the planning and anticipation, I can confidently say that Shibuya Sky is indeed worth a visit. If you can only choose one observatory to experience in Tokyo, it should undoubtedly be Shibuya Sky. The photo opportunities and the various attractions make it stand out among the rest.
At 2,500 yen per person, it’s on the pricier side compared to other observatories in Tokyo. However, the experience justifies the cost. If you opt to buy tickets through Klook, the price drops to 2,200 yen per adult, making it more comparable to the 1,800 yen range of other observatories.
That wraps up my insights on visiting Shibuya Sky! I hope you find this information helpful, and I look forward to hearing about your own experience in Tokyo! 🌟
Note: I personally covered my own expenses for the visit to Shibuya Sky. All thoughts and opinions expressed are honest and my own.