You can find Starbucks in almost any part of the world, but there are few locations that feature a more amazing view than this store. From the second floor you can observe what many call the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world.
Many Japanese call Shibuya crossing the “Scramble crossing”. If you walk through the hundreds if not thousands of people you begin to understand why they have named it as such. One of the reasons for the immense pedestrian traffic is that Shibuya station is host to eight separate rail lines ferrying over 2 million passengers a day.
At the Starbucks the staff is all business. Efficiency is key to keeping the never ending line moving. If you want to see an amazing view of the crossing it is worthwhile to purchase a drink to check it out. My first time visiting Japan I attempted to enjoy the view without putting up the money, and unsurprisingly this was not welcome at this location.
Known colloquially in Japanese as “Sutaba”, the chain has grown rapidly since it first made landfall in Japan in 1995. Since that time, the company has grown to over 1,200 stores throughout the country. The company has done admittingly well at adapting some flagship stores to the surrounding environment. A prime example of this is the opening of a traditional tatami style store in Kyoto, which made news both in Japan and abroad.
If you do not want to spend too much time here you won’t meet much protest. The moment you leave your chair eager customers are ready to snatch your spot for their chance to view the madness below.
Name: Starbucks Shibuya Tsutaya
Address: Tokyo, Shibuya-Ku, Udagawa-cho 21-6
Hours: 6:30am～4:00am
☎︎ +81 03-3770 2301