Shibuya Crossing, in Tokyo, Japan, a pedestrian scramble crossing can witness upwards of 3,000 people traversing the streets during its peak hours
Widely regarded as the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing, in Tokyo, Japan, a pedestrian scramble crossing can witness upwards of 3,000 people traversing the streets during its peak hours. Five major crosswalks lead to the 10-lane road which is dotted with a neon colour building. The walkers cross in from all directions and all at the same time, but surprisingly it never results in any clashes or blockages.
Inevitable Crossings
The Shibuya Crossing is located in a district which has two of the busiest train stations of the world, the Shibuya Station and the Shinjuku Station. And this crossing is an important thoroughfare connecting popular areas like Shinjuku, Harajuku, and Roppongi. So, it is nearly impossible to circumvent this crossing while going about in Tokyo or even while taking a trip across the town. And if you are a tourist — there are a sizable people visiting Tokyo — you would not want to miss it for anything.
Synchronised Walking
There are at least five major audio visual screens which display information in sync with each crossing. When the lights turn red with the 'no walk' signals, one can view factual information like weather forecasts, and the likes. When the lights turn green signaling the pedestrians to 'walk', they can do so to the display of cartoons on the screens.
These video boards are constantly updated along with the crossing itself, which undergoes upgrades almost on a daily basis. With the lead up to the 2020 Olympics, now to be held in 2021, the developments are even more emphatic.
Best View
If, you want to be amazed by the maximum volume of the crowd then the best time period to visit would be between 3 and 6 p.m. If you want to take in the site in its maximum glory, then a visit after the dark, when the neon lights are activated, is a must. In both cases, choose a Friday or a Saturday when the crowds are at their thickest for the week.
And if you are looking for a strategic position to best view the happenings, you may need to go to the Magnet By Shibuya109, a departmental Store located on the 7th floor. There's even a viewing deck equipped with a camera that can we sync to the guest's smartphone to take selfies.
Staying Grounded
All said, the best place to derive an optimum sensory experience of this crossing will be in the street itself. With a little patience, you could very well be part of an impromptu limbo line or witness a well-timed dance off.
