Itinerary

Shibuya town walking-tour for visitors

Starting at Omotesando Crossing (Exit A3 or B4 at Omotesando Subway Station); then transit from Shibuya Station to Daikanyama Station on Tokyu Toyoko Line.
Normal walking time: 3 hours / Walking distance: approx. 7 km, Total altitude differential: Approx. 32 m

MAP


large map

TOUR OUTLINE

This walking-tour covers the main highlights of Shibuya ward while experiencing the hills and valley that make up the topographical features of greater Shibuya.

The tour starts from Omotesando crossing above the subway station exit.The land where Omotesando is located was long ago situated atop a hill descending down to the nearby sea, and then climbing up to another plateau where Meiji Shrine is situated. One of the highlights of the tour is to walk through this Shrine’s approach-way, an astonishing man-made forest.

Then go to the main crossing in front of Shibuya Station, the valley where Miyamasuzaka, Dogenzaka and other slopes all converge.

From here, walking up and down the many hills (or transit using the Toyoko line), head toward Daikanyama, the final spot of this tour. A mound-like vestige of a 2000 year-old ancient habitat can be found in this pleasant residential area even to this day.

TOPOGRAPHY

OMOTESANDO AVENUE

The zelkovia-lined avenue, Omotesando, was created in 1920 as the main approach-way to Meiji Shrine.Probably because of the concentration of notable architecture, Omotesando avenue has earned a special reputation for the Japanese architect. And as this trend is even more pronounced recently this is an interesting street to walk around and appreciate the architecture.

AKIBA SHRINE

In 1824, after his retreat into religious life in Fukagawa, Kinokuniya Bunzaemon relocated Akiba Shrine to this location. In the midst of the city a pair of guardian dogs welcome the visitors to this extremely compact, pocket-park-like enclave. The recent rumor says that this is a “power-spot” bringing good fortune to those who visit it.

ONE OMOTESANDO

Design: Kengo Kuma, 2003
A large edifice, covered by wood louvers on the façade, seem to express the audacity of the designer.

MEIJI LIFE INSURANCE AOYAMA PALACIO

Design: Mitsubishi Real Estate, Takenaka Komuten, Toda Construction, 1999
Exterior Design: Ricardo Bofil

TOD’S OMOTESANDO BUILDING

Design: Toyoo Ito, 2005
The motif of the zelkovia trees that line the street is expressed as the structural composition in the exterior design. This is a remarkable, eye-catching architecture.

TOKYO UNION CHURCH

Design: Nishimatsu Construction, 1982
A close look reveals various curious forms found on the exterior of the building. Hence the building has been executed in somewhat of an anomalous style compared to the other familiar design in the vicinity.

LOUIS VUITTON OMOTESANDO BUILDING

Design: Jun Aoki, 2002
The industrial stainless steel mesh composition used extensively on the façade is evocative of the material used for the LV luxury brand bags.

DOJUNKAI APARTMENTS RECONSTRUCTION PROJECT/OMOTESANDO HILLS

Design: Joint Design by Tadao Ando + Mori Building, 2005
The solutions to the challenges of this attention-drawing project, the high level of detailed execution attest to the capability of Tadao Ando.

JAPAN NURSING ASSOCIATION BUILDING

Design: Kisho Kurokawa, 2004

ORIENTAL BAZAAR HARAJUKU MAIN STORE

This store, now selling Japanese antiques and craftworks catering to visitors from abroad, opened in 1951 originally as a gift shop for the American military community of near-by Washington Heights. It is said by regular customers that on the second floor of the shop real good bargains can be found.

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