Shibuya Ward Guide

Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s central six wards and is home to some of the city’s most upscale commercial and residential districts, including Daikanyama, Ebisu, Harajuku, Hiroo, Omotesando, Sendagaya, and Yoyogi.

Shibuya also refers to the commercial district surrounding Shibuya Station, one of Tokyo’s major hub stations. The area around the station is world-renowned for being a center for youth culture, fashion, and nightlife. Shibuya Scramble, an intersection located in front of Shibuya Station is sometimes compared to New York’s Time Square for its flood of pedestrian traffic and massive TV screens overlooking the crossing.

Contents

Shibuya Ward quick facts

  • Population: 229,932 (as of January 1, 2019)
  • Area: 15.11 km²
  • Density: 15,217 (/km²)
  • Population of foreign residents: 10,639 (4.6% of total population of Shibuya)
  • About 2.3% of the total resident foreigner population of the Tokyo 23 Wards lives in Shibuya.

Major Train Stations

Station Train Lines
Shibuya  JR Saikyo Line
 JR Yamanote Line
 Keio Inokashira Line
 Tokyu Denentoshi Line
 Tokyu Toyoko Line
 Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
 Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
 Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line

Main residential neighborhoods

Shibuya ranks high for

  • Concentration of fashion centers, including Omotesando, Daikanyama, Harajuku
  • Upscale residential neighborhoods, including Yoyogi, Ebisu, and Hiroo

Who lives in Shibuya Ward?

  • Affluent expats, diplomats and their families (especially concentrated in Hiroo).
  • Professionals looking to live in central neighborhoods with a short commute to major business districts.
  • Families who want English-friendly services, international schools, and medical facilities nearby.

Popular housing searches in Shibuya Ward

Location and highlights

As one of the central wards of Tokyo, Shibuya is home to a mix of busy shopping and entertainment districts and more low-key residential neighborhoods . Shibuya borders other central wards like Shinjuku and Minato. But it also lies next to more residential wards like Setagaya, Meguro, Suginami, and Nakano. 

The neighborhoods of Shibuya are often regarded as the pre-eminent fashion centers of Tokyo, including: Harajuku, Omotesando, and Daikanyama. 

There is a selection of universities in Shibuya as well. Aoyama Gakuin University, Kogakuin University, and United Nations University area all located within Shibuya.

Historically the area of Hiroo was home to foreign diplomats, and as such many international embassies can be found in the area. Thanks to this, Hiroo and neighboring locale Ebisu have a reputation for being exceptionally foreigner-friendly. Condominiums in the area will often include bilingual (Japanese and English) service aimed toward making international families feel at home in Japan.

Apartments for Rent in Shibuya Ward

Properties for Sale in Shibuya Ward

Lead photo: Scott Kouchi

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