Shibuya Sky observation deck: is this Tokyo's best viewing platform?

It's not the highest observation deck in Tokyo, the tickets are notoriously hard to get and bad weather can be a bummer, but Shibuya Sky has drawn us back every time we've been in Tokyo. We could and do spend hours ups there! Here's our Japansophy family take on what makes Shibuya Sky different, why we love it and how to do it right.

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Shibuya Sky observation deck for 360° views over Tokyo

Is Shibuya Sky worth visiting?

Obviously, there's no shortage of observation platforms in Tokyo and some of them are even free, so you're maybe wondering if it's worth the entry fee and all that hassle to get a ticket at all. Shibuya Sky's unique selling point is that it's open air, at least on the top floor. So it has a totally different atmosphere than all of those behind-glass observation platforms. It feels more like a place to hang out. There are a couple of caveats (which have to do with the weather - more on that below) but when we thought about what was going on the list for our next Tokyo trip, all four of us wanted to do Shibuya Sky again... for the fourth time.

Shibuya Sky photos

Just a quick mention at this point - especially for all you photographers out there - that, because Shibuya Sky is open to the elements, you can get great photos without having to take them from behind glass. Not all of the walls around the roof are low enough to reach above (and selfie-sticks are not allowed) but the wall facing south-west (the sunsetty side) is.

Another tip on Shibuya Sky photos: there's a glass-walled corner on the top floor where a professional photographer will take your photo for you (for 1300-1800 yen, depending on whether you want the digital version or printed version). There's usually a very long queue, though. You can get the same shot with the same background one floor below (you can see it in the photo above) for free. There's often a bit of a queue here too but we've never waited more than a couple of minutes. The next people in line are usually more than willing to take a couple, family or solo shot for you.

Best time to visit Shibuya Sky

If we're talking time of year, you'll get the best views in clear, low-humidity weather, so that means November through to March or so. But we've been at Shibuya Sky in all seasons and enjoyed every visit. Just remember that it is open to the elements up there so can be chilly in the winter, wet in the rainy season and roasting in summer. The top level can also be closed at short notice if the weather gets very bad.

If we're talking time of day, the most popular time, of course, is sunset (see below), but I'm actually a fan of going early in the morning. It opens at 10am and the morning light is really lovely too. It's also not as crowded and it's 700 yen cheaper than going in the afternoon/evening.

Shibuya Sky sunset

Sunset is the most popular time to visit Shibuya and we've been twice at this time of day. While it is lovely, bear in mind that it's more crowded than any other time of day - people start staking out their spot at the sundown-side glass walls up to an hour before the sun even sets. There are queues at this time of day for that social-media-famous escalator down from the top floor, so you're very unlikely to get a picture or video of yourself without you being sandwiched between several strangers in it anyway. Plus, depending on the weather, you've no guarantee of a sunset and the tickets are a hassle to book. Our advice? Visit Shibuya Sky in the morning and, if there is likely to be a nice sunset, head spontaneously to a observation platform like the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for which you don't need to book in advance at sundown instead.

Shibuya Sky is one of our top ten Tokyo observation decks. Click on the link to find out what the others are.

Shibuya Sky tickets

I can't stress this enough: book in advance. Shibuya Sky tickets sell out very quickly and your only chance to get a ticket on the day is if there is a cancellation.

When do Shibuya Sky tickets go on sale?

Tickets go live at midnight Japan time (JST) 2 weeks before your chosen visit date. So, let's say you want to visit Shibuya Sky on the 21st of the month, tickets will go on sale at 00:00 JST of the 7th. Tickets for the sunset slots are regularly sold out by 00:03.

How to book Shibuya Sky tickets

It is (sometimes) possible to book tickets through the official Shibuya Sky website but the site is notoriously buggy, especially with non-Japanese IPs and the last time we booked, we were redirected by the official site to Klook anyway. Do be aware of scam ticket websites out there. Book only directly on the official website if you can get it to work or on an authorised third-party ticket website like Klook. Click below to check availability for your dates.

Another option is to book a tour of Shibuya that includes a visit to Shibuya Sky, saving yourself some hassle organising the tickets and making the most out of your day in Shibuya at the same time. GetYourGuide has a good selection. Just read the description carefully to make sure the Shibuya Sky tickets are included ↓

Buying your tickets at Shibuya Sky

If you're already in Tokyo, you can drop by the ticket office downstairs in the Shibuya Scramble Square building. It can't be guaranteed that they will have any tickets left, but if they do, you can pay with credit card, IC cards (Suica/Pasmo), as well as cash.

What to see & do at Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky is designed to be an immersive experience, not just a viewing platform.

• Sky Gate (14F to 45F): Your journey begins with a ride up the "Sky Gate" escalator, offering an artistic light and sound experience.

• Sky Gallery (46F): This indoor observation area features digital art installations and interactive displays, blending technology with the cityscape. It's a great spot to take a break or explore if the weather outside isn't perfect.

• Sky Stage (Rooftop - 47F): This is the main event! The open-air rooftop features wide-open spaces, a "Sky Edge" for perfect panoramic photos, and the "Cloud Hammock" area for lounging. The unobstructed views are incredible. Look directly down for a bird's-eye view of the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing, spot Tokyo Tower, the Tokyo Skytree, and on very clear days, Mount Fuji gracefully peeking over the horizon.

• The Roof (Rooftop - 47F): The rooftop area also has an outdoor bar with lounge seating with superb views. Drinks and snacks are available. You have to purchase a special ticket for the lounge seating (limited to 50 minutes and tickets must be purchased for a minimum of two people).

• Souvenir Shop "SHIBUYA SKY SOUVENIR SHOP": Grab some exclusive Shibuya Sky merchandise to remember your visit.

• Do some plane-spotting: Depending on weather conditions, Shibuya Sky is directly under the landing path for planes flying into Haneda and Narita and are often surprisingly low. Lie back on the rooftop area and watch as they fly over.

  
  

  Our top tips for Shibuya Sky (having visited x-times ourselves)

  

• Visit Shibuya Sky early in your trip: Tickets are for a specific time on a specific day and won't be refunded. If the weather is bad on that day, the most you can hope for is to swap your ticket for another date (which you won't be able to do if you leave Shibuya Sky to the last day of your trip). Tickets can only be changed before the day of your planned visit (unless the platform is closed because of poor weather). But even if the top open-air platform is closed, you can still visit the enclosed observation platform one floor down.

• Check the website and your tickets for rules and regs: Shibuya Sky has a long list of dos and don'ts that are strictly enforced. For example, you are not allowed to take food, drinks, sun hats, umbrellas and so on out on to the rooftop with you. Tripods and selfie-sticks are not permitted either. Read the info that comes with your tickets carefully.

• Be on time but not too early: The ticket you buy is for a certain admission time on a certain date. You won't be allowed to enter at another time or on another date.

• Dress warm (even in summer): It can get surprisingly breezy and cool on the open rooftop, even on a warm day, especially after sunset. A light jacket or cardigan is a good idea. But you'll have to wear it rather than carry it - they have people walking around making sure nobody is just carrying a jacket or cardigan.

• Don't forget the sunscreen: There is no shade up on the rooftop and you are not allowed to take sunhats, parasols and the like out with you, so make sure you (and especially kids) are well protected against the sun.

  
  
  
  

Other attractions near Shibuya Sky

Shibuya Sky is situated in the heart of one of Tokyo's most vibrant districts, so you're spoilt for choice once you descend.

• Shibuya scramble crossing: You're literally right above it! Experience the famous crossing from street level, or grab a coffee at a cafe overlooking it.

• Hachiko statue: The famous loyal dog statue is a popular meeting point just outside Shibuya Station.

• Miyashita Park: A trendy shopping centre with plenty of cute shops, a food mall and an open-air garden with a Starbucks, skateboard park and climbing wall.

When you've finished taking in those awesome views, there's plenty more in Shibuya to explore. Take a tour of Shibuya's famed izakayas, join one of the popular go-karting tours or take in a tea ceremony.

Click on the link below to discover some of the tours and activities offered by Klook.

Shibuya tours and activities

Shibuya Sky FAQ

Can I enter Shibuya Sky later than my ticket hours?

No, your ticket is for a certain time on a certain date. It won't matter if you're held up for a few minutes but will almost certainly be refused entry if you turn up much later. The time on the tickets is for purposes of crowd control, so it's important that you stick to that admission time. However, you can stay as long as you want, so if the only tickets available are for 3pm and you want to see the sunset, you can enter at 3pm and stay until the sun goes down.

When do Shibuya Sky tickets go on sale?

Shibuya Sky tickets go on sale 14 days in advance, so if today is the 1st of the month, you will be able to buy tickets for the 14th of the month. The tickets are released at midnight Japan time.

Can I see Mount Fuji from Shibuya Sky?

If the weather is on your side, you should be able to see Mount Fuji from Shibuya Sky, albeit in the far distance. But conditions have to be clear, with low-humidity. Early mornings are your best bet.

How many tickets can I buy on Klook for Shibuya Sky?

You can buy up to 8 tickets at once. If your group is larger than this and you are buying two sets of tickets, be careful about getting the same time slot for both sets, since certain times sell out extremely quickly and tickets for these might be unavailable when you go back to buy the second set.

Is Shibuya Sky better at night or day?

The views are spectacular night AND day! If you prefer fewer crowds and are happy with a day-time view, we recommend going in the early morning. Shibuya Sky at night is incredibly beautiful, though. There are lots of places to sit and chill, so it makes a great place to wind down a busy day exploring Shibuya.

Ready to experience Tokyo from above? Our 3-Day Tokyo Itinerary includes a breathtaking visit to Shibuya Sky, ensuring you capture the best views and make the most of your time in this incredible city!

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