You may arrive at the correct station and still wonder:
Which exit should I use?
JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu and Keio all serve the Shibuya area, and the easiest route depends on both your train line and where you want to go.
The good news is that you do not need to memorize every exit.
A much easier way is:
Decide where you want to go first, then follow the station signs for that destination.
Here are some of the most common places visitors want to reach from Shibuya Station.
1. Hachiko Statue
The Hachiko statue is one of the most famous meeting spots in Tokyo.
If you are traveling on JR, follow the signs toward the Hachiko area.
However, there is one important thing to know.
JR East currently asks passengers heading to Hachiko Square or Shibuya Scramble Crossing to use the South Gate because the Hachiko Gate can become crowded.
The walk from the South Gate to Hachiko Square is about 250 meters.
So if you do not leave through the Hachiko Gate, do not worry.
The South Gate is also an official route to the Hachiko area.
JR East – Hachiko Square and Scramble Crossing Access Notice
2. Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Shibuya Scramble Crossing is right next to Hachiko Square.
If you reach the Hachiko area, the famous crossing is easy to find.
A simple way to remember it is:
Hachiko Square → Shibuya Scramble Crossing
JR East also recommends using the South Gate for the Scramble Crossing when the Hachiko Gate is crowded.
The area can become extremely busy, especially in the evening, on weekends and during holidays.
Instead of simply following the crowd, check the overhead station signs.
Check the official JR East access notice
3. SHIBUYA SKY
SHIBUYA SKY is located in Shibuya Scramble Square, which is directly connected to and above Shibuya Station.
If you are coming from the underground station area, look for:
Shibuya Scramble Square / B6
B6 is the underground entrance number for Shibuya Scramble Square.
If you are using JR, the official directions say to head toward the East Exit area from either the Central Gate or South Gate.
Once you reach Shibuya Scramble Square, remember one more important point:
The entrance and ticket counter for SHIBUYA SKY are on the 14th floor.
Do not confuse SHIBUYA SKY with the Sky Lobby at Shibuya Hikarie. They are different places.
SHIBUYA SKY – Official Access Guide
4. Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya Hikarie is directly connected to Shibuya Station.
If you are using:
- Tokyu Toyoko Line
- Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
look for:
Exit B5
B5 connects directly to Shibuya Hikarie.
If you are arriving by JR or the Keio Inokashira Line, you can reach Hikarie using the second-floor connecting walkway.
If you are using the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Hikarie is connected on the first floor.
Look for signs saying:
Shibuya Hikarie
Shibuya Hikarie – Official Access Guide
5. Shibuya Mark City
Shibuya Mark City is directly connected to the Keio Inokashira Line at Shibuya Station.
If you are already using the Keio Inokashira Line, getting there is relatively easy.
If you are arriving by JR, Tokyo Metro or Tokyu, follow the signs toward:
Keio Inokashira Line
The official Shibuya Mark City access guide also directs passengers from these lines toward the Keio Inokashira Line side of the station.
Shibuya Mark City – Official Access Guide
6. Dogenzaka
Dogenzaka is on the western side of Shibuya Station.
The area has many restaurants, shops, bars and hotels.
But Dogenzaka is an area, not one single building.
That means there is no single exit that is best for every destination in Dogenzaka.
Before leaving the station, check the exact location of your hotel, restaurant or shop on Google Maps.
Then compare it with your current position.
This can help you avoid leaving the station on the wrong side.
7. What If You Use the Wrong Exit?
Do not panic.
Using the wrong exit at Shibuya Station does not necessarily mean you need to go back through the ticket gates.
First, stop and check your current location on Google Maps.
Your destination may only be a few minutes away on foot.
Sometimes walking around the station above ground is easier than going back underground and trying to find another exit.
A simple rule is:
Stop → Check your location → Choose the easiest route from where you are now.
8. Traveling With a Large Suitcase?
If you have a large suitcase, the shortest route is not always the easiest route.
Shibuya Station has many:
- stairs
- escalators
- underground passages
- different floor levels
Look for the elevator symbol on station signs.
Walking a little farther to use an elevator can be much easier than carrying a suitcase up a long staircase.
Because Shibuya Station is undergoing redevelopment, walking routes can also change.
Always follow the latest signs inside the station.
The Easiest Way to Navigate Shibuya Station
If you become confused, try these steps:
- Stop walking for a moment.
- Check the exact name of your destination.
- Look at the overhead station signs.
- Look for the destination name, not only an exit number.
- Check your current location on Google Maps.
- Ask station staff if you are still unsure.
You can simply ask:
“Which way is Hachiko Square?”
“How do I get to SHIBUYA SKY?”
or
“Which exit should I use for Shibuya Hikarie?”
Short, simple English is enough.
You Do Not Need to Memorize Every Shibuya Exit
Shibuya Station looks complicated because several railway companies, train lines, gates and exits are concentrated in one area.
But you do not need to memorize everything.
Instead, remember your destination:
- Hachiko → Follow signs for Hachiko Square; JR currently recommends the South Gate
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing → Hachiko area; the South Gate is also an official JR route
- SHIBUYA SKY → Shibuya Scramble Square / B6 → 14th floor
- Shibuya Hikarie → Hikarie / B5 from several subway and Tokyu lines
- Shibuya Mark City → Follow signs toward the Keio Inokashira Line
- Dogenzaka → Check the exact destination before choosing an exit
If you feel lost, stop and look at the signs before continuing.
That simple habit can save you a lot of unnecessary walking in Shibuya.
Related Guides
- Tokyo Subway Guide: 10 Easy Steps
- How to Find the Right Subway Exit in Japan
- Right Station, Wrong Exit: Why We Get Lost
- Shinjuku Station Without JR
Disclaimer
Shibuya Station and the surrounding area are undergoing long-term redevelopment. Gates, exits, pedestrian routes and station layouts may change.
Always follow the latest signs at the station and check official railway or facility information before traveling.
