Located well above Shibuya Crossing is the Shibuya Sky observation deck. One of the most famous observation decks in the entire world. The observation space itself is located on the higher floors of the famous Shibuya Scramble Square building. Shibuya Sky is well-known for its 230m high observation deck that has a 360-degree view of Tokyo. However, when visiting this attraction there will be a question that almost every visitor has. What is the best time to visit Shibuya Sky?
The best time to visit Shibuya Sky is on a Friday after sunset. This is the best time as you will be viewing Shibuya Crossing when it’s most busy, and the view of the city’s lights coming from famous buildings is unmatched. There’s also a light show “Crossing Light,” which occurs after sunset.
In mine and many other people’s opinions, visiting Shibuya Sky on a Friday evening is undoubtedly the best time to go. However, depending on what you want to see and experience while at Shibuya Sky, can affect the best optimal time to go. So, let’s take a look at the best times to visit Shibuya Sky depending on these different factors.
The Best Time To Go To Shibuya Sky
Shibuya Sky is highly-rated in Japan and in the world as a whole. The main selling point of the observation deck isn’t actually its height.
Especially due to the fact that the Tokyo Skytree Tembo Deck is over 100m higher, and the Tokyo Tower deck being 20m higher.
No, the main reason for visiting Shibuya Sky is due to the fact that it is completely open, with no roof.
This makes the viewing experience extremely unique as not many places do this, especially not in Tokyo.
With the observation deck being open, it actually makes you feel like you are in the sky, hence the name…
Shibuya Sky itself is located on the 46th floor of the ‘Shibuya Scramble Square’ building, which is famous in itself. It has over 200 stores including the world’s most busiest and famous Starbucks.
Now, when deciding on what time to visit Shibuya Sky, you have to take a few things into account.
Things like seeing Mt Fuji, seeing the lights instead of clear views of buildings, seeing the famous light show, being able to shop in the rest of the building and much more.
It may sound like a hard decision to make, but once you’ve read through this article, I’m sure the answer will be clear.
If you want to see Mt Fuji, then without a doubt visit during the day. However, I would recommend the Tembo Deck of the Tokyo Skytree over Shibuya Sky due to the extra 100m in height of the observation decks.
Check out my article “Should You Visit Tokyo Skytree During The Day Or The Night”
If you want to see the city lights, a world class light show and lay on a hammock to watch the stars from 250m above ground, then go in the evening.
It may sound like I am completely in favour of visiting during the night, but there are major benefits to going both in the day and the evening.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of both…
The Benefits Of Visiting Shibuya Sky During The Evening
Shibuya Sky has hundreds of thousands of visitors every year, both locals and tourists.
A very large percentage of these visitors choose to visit during the night.
There are many reasons for this.
Book a tour of Tokyo and Shibuya Sky here.
1. Lights From The City’s Skyline
If you have ever witnessed a large city at night time, then you will know the magical feeling that it provides.
There is nothing else in the world that quite compares to seeing an overwhelming amount of different coloured lights from thousands of buildings around you.
Now, take that feeling and multiply it by 10, because now, you are 230m in the air looking down on these lights.
Now…Multiply it by 10 again, because Shibuya Sky is completely open which puts you in the atmosphere that these very lights share.
There are not many observation decks around the world that have this kind of structure, and it makes a hell of a difference!
It gets even more crazy when you realise famous buildings and structures like Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, Senso-ji Temple and so much more are on display.
Each of these man-made monuments give off a unique light, which is really appreciated even more from the open-top view.
2. Watch The Stars While Being In The Sky
Another benefit of visiting Shibuya Sky at night time is being able to see the night sky.
With Shibuya Sky having an open-top with no ceiling or roof, it provides an amazing view of the sky above.
The creators of Shibuya Sky had this in mind when creating the observation deck, because they have catered perfectly to this feature alone.
There is hammocks on the very top floor that you can actually lay down on and face the stars.
A perfect way of viewing the night sky, and you probably won’t get another chance in your lifetime to do it in a style like this!
It is important to note, if you do choose to visit during the day, they have time limits on the hammocks so that people do not sunbathe on them.
3. Look Down On Shibuya Crossing The Busiest Time
Shibuya Crossing is the worlds busiest crossing, averaging around 2.4 million people walking through it every single day.
This stat alone makes it a huge attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Shibuya Sky has arguably the best view in all of Tokyo for seeing the crossing.
Now, the benefit of going at night is that you can witness it in it’s most populated moments.
Especially on a Friday night at 7pm. This is meant to be the busiest time each week for the crossing.
Check out my article for ‘The Best Time To See Shibuya Crossing’
When looking down from Shibuya Sky at the crossing, you will see thousands and thousands of people crossing the road all at one time.
It may be slightly clearer during the daytime, but due to the large number of lights on street level, it will still be clear as day.
This is a great reason for visiting Shibuya Sky during the evening rather than the day.
4. Witness A World Class Light Show
A prime attraction for visiting Shibuya Sky observation deck at night is the famous ‘Crossing Lights’ light show.
This is a light show which takes place every 30 minutes after the sun has set.
It includes powerful lights that beam up into the sky creating beautiful blue beams which can be seen from across Tokyo.
This attraction alone is enough to bring thousands of tourists every year to this spot.
It is arguably the best light show that you can witness in Tokyo, so I strongly recommend going at night to check it out for yourself!
5. Witness The Sunset
Another beautiful thing you can witness from Shibuya Sky in the evening is the sun setting.
Just imagine being 250m in the open air, and watching the sun set.
The main benefit of this, is that once you have entered Shibuya Sky with your entry ticket, you can stay as long as you want.
This means that you could buy your ticket before the sunset, and then watch it set and stick around for all the night time goodness.
The Benefits Of Visiting Shibuya Sky During The Day
Despite the large number of benefits of visiting this observation deck during the night; there are still a number of advantages of going during the day also.
Let’s take a look at them.
1. Viewing Mt Fuji In The Distance
This is most-likely the main benefit of visiting Shibuya Sky during the day.
Mt Fuji is one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, and millions of people travel to Japan each and every year just to see it.
Shibuya Sky does provide a great view of the mountain on a great day.
You will see it in the far distance to the West, with the Tokyo skyline in the foreground.
If you manage to visit on a nice clear day, then Shibuya Sky and the views it provides, will not disappoint you at all!
2. Enjoy The Shops & Cafes Without Worrying About Closing Times
Within the same building that the observation deck is located, the ‘Shibuya Scramble Square’, is over 200 stores, restaurants and cafes.
This includes the world’s most famous Starbucks which looks down on Shibuya Crossing.
There are also gift shops, a bar called ‘Paradise Lounge’ and much more.
If you are someone who enjoys shopping and wants to do a little shopping trip before admiring the views that Shibuya Sky has to offer, then going during the day will probably be your best bet.
This is due to the stores closing different times during the day, so get the most out of your shopping trip by visiting before sunset.
3. Watching Aeroplanes Fly By
With an average of 44 planes flying through Tokyo every hour, you are bound to witness them while up at Shibuya Sky.
Now, of course you would see them during the evening, but nowhere near as clearly.
Viewing aeroplanes flying by at Shibuya Sky is a special experience to say the least.
This is due to the open structure that allows you to feel like you are in the sky along with them.
It truly is an experience that you can’t put into words, you have to experience it for yourself!
Conclusion
There are many benefits to visiting Shibuya Sky, both at night and day. However, in mine and many other people’s opinions, visiting during the night time is undoubtedly the better option.
The benefits of visiting in the evening just simply outweigh the advantages of going during the day.
Not only that, but the main reasons for visiting in the daytime at Shibuya Sky, can be experienced even better at other alternatives such as Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree.
Shibuya Sky is a jaw-dropping observation deck, and no matter what time you go, you will not regret it!
