It’s the most frantic pedestrian crossing in the entire world. Movies like “The Fast and the Furious” and “Lost in Translation” have featured this very busy, famous intersection.
The Shibuya Crossing, also referred to as “The Scramble,” is located in Shibuya, one of Tokyo, Japan’s special wards. The Shibuya Crossing is where pedestrians cross from virtually every direction all at the same time. It’s a crazy scene at this busy junction, I tell you! As soon as the traffic lights turn red, hundreds upon hundreds of people cross. Mind you, however, while everything looks busy and disorderly, you won’t see chaos. In fact, what you’ll see is “well organized, well choreographed chaos,” if you know what I mean.
If you’re wondering why so many people cross this junction, it’s because it’s in one of Tokyo’s busiest commercial and business areas. So many shops, food establishments, buildings with all their neon lights and flashy billboards, nightlife! So many sights to see, sounds to hear, food to taste!
Center Gai, for one, located a few steps near the crossing, is lined up with boutiques, game centers, food stalls and stores.
Meanwhile, the Shibuya train station is also one of the city’s busiest. And, yes, Shibuya is also where you can find Hachiko, that beloved Akita dog who patiently waited every single day for more than 10 years in front of the Shibuya train station for his master, Hidesaburo Ueno, a teacher at the University of Tokyo. Unbeknownst to Hachiko, his master already died from a cerebral hemorrhage. Yes, it was a sad story. (I’m actually feeling a wee bit emotional while typing this). But Hachi’s story was a reminder of the importance of love and loyalty. Sigh.
Anyway, my Shibuya adventure was also made extra special because I traveled with my brothers, one of whom is a professional photographer. Bon owns One Happy Story Photography (www.onehappystory.com). He took real cool photos of me standing in the midst of all the walking pedestrians.
Another one of my brothers, Nathaniel, took GoPro videos of us while we crossed The Scramble. I have a little secret to tell – we crossed that junction about 4 times just to get dozens of photos and videos. We were that happy and excited to experience “The Scramble” in beautiful Japan!
It would be a shame to visit Tokyo and not try this experience. Include it in your “must-do in the Land of the Rising Sun” list. If you also need reliable transportation in Japan, give Kiwitaxi transfers in Japan a try.
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Mindanaoan is a multi-awarded blogger, content creator, seasoned social media strategist and publicist with undeniably successful track record. 2012 International Visitor Leadership Program (for global leaders) alumnus and O visa grantee (for people with extraordinary skills and who have risen to the top of their field). Avid traveler and a proud relief operations volunteer. Regular resource person for social media, blogging and content creation. Available for work and travel – [email protected]