Nearly as high as the Tokyo Tower’s top observation deck, and located on the highest building in Shibuya, Shibuya Sky provides two very accessible and wonderful viewing levels of the Tokyo Skyline and its many landmarks.

General Information

Shibuya Sky is the name of the observation levels of the Shibuya Scramble Square building, it was created as part of the Shibuya Station District Redevelopment. Construction of the 47-floor building located directly above Shibuya Station first started in 2014, with its completion and Grand opening on the 1st of November 2019. Besides Shibuya Sky, much of the building is dedicated to business offices (17F thru 45F), with the remaining filled by various shops, and restaurants.

As you ascend to the observation levels, you will find your first stunning views on the 46th floor, known as the Sky Gallery. Like other observation tower views, the gallery provides floor to ceiling windows around nearly three-quarters of the building. Throughout the floor there are various TVs at strategic locations as well as inner walls with large built-in screens showing various art, design, and information being played along with pleasant ambient sounds. There is also a convenient café located on this level alongside various places to sit.

The Sky Stage (roof level) is where the views at this location truly expands and amazes. While on this level, the only thing between you and an almost entirely 360-degree unobstructed view of the city is a glass wall that goes from the floor to the open sky above. This provides a paramount view of the area and, having no ceiling it, has a different feel to it compared to that of the observation decks of Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree. There are various places to sit and view the city, including unique “Cloud Hammocks” where you can lay back and feel like one of the clouds floating above.

From either level many landmarks can be seen, for example, the famous Shibuya Crossing can be seen from the north view, the new Olympic Stadium, Tokyo Tower, and Tokyo Skytree to the east, and Tokyo International Airport and Tokyo Bay from the southern view just to name a few. On a very clear day you may even be able to see as far as Mt. Fuji itself.

Admission to Shibuya Sky is by age: 500-yen (ages 3-5), 900-yen (ages 6-12), 1600-yen (ages 13-17), and 2000-yen (for adults) at the door. Opening hours are 9:00 to 23:00 (last entry 22:00) year-round.

Getting There

Shibuya Scramble is connected to the Shibuya Station complex.  Since the interconnected stations can be hard to navigate, when getting off the train or subway, tell the staff where you would like to go and they will suggest the most convenient exit.

Accessibility

There is an elevator to access to both levels of Shibuya Sky, if you need assistance finding them ask a staff member and you should be on your way quickly.

Otherwise, there is an escalator from the Gallery to Stage level. Both levels are flat with wide walkways throughout, only one portion of the Sky Stage may be difficult to navigate due seating in the area and crowds.

The central part on the Sky Stage has an elevated helicopter landing pad, while open to the public, it is not wheelchair accessible due to the 5-steps up to the platform. The Cloud Hammocks also may not be accessible if you cannot pull yourself up on it or do have help from a strong caregiver capable of transferring you.

On either level there is plenty of seating available great for those who need to rest between walking.

A discount ticket price may be available to those with a disability along with one additional companion, you may need proof of the disability to receive this discount. If you purchase the tickets in advance at full price, you may be able to visit the ticket counter prior to entering and receive a refund of the difference if you show proof of your disability.

Note that the Sky Stage may be closed without notice due to a sudden change in the weather or other emergencies. It’s recommended that you check the weather ahead of time anyway, as the view may not be worth it in heavy rain.

Service dogs (seeing-eye dogs, assistance dogs, and hearing dogs) are allowed in the building.

There is a wheelchair accessible toilet available as well as baby changing station on Sky Gallery (46F) level.

Conclusion

If viewing the expansive cityscape that is Tokyo is for you, then Shibuya Sky is a must-see. While it isn’t as high as the views available from Tokyo Skytree, it does provide its own unique experience of the city. It is also very accessible, being immediately located above a station and of completely new construction. It’s a wonderful sight to see… well, so long as you’re not afraid of heights.

Credits

Featured Image: By Kakidai – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=84278678