You know, the area south of Shibuya used to be just for the far-off Saikyo Line platforms, but now there's a brand new commercial facility!
Shibuya Stream, which makes use of the former Tokyu Toyoko Line Shibuya Station and the railway tracks, opened in September 2018.
Floors 1-4 are the commercial facility area, with a hotel on floors 9-13, and offices on floors 14-35.
This is the view from the pedestrian deck entrance looking at the Shibuya River. It really does look like a stream, doesn't it?
To get to Shibuya Stream, you can access it directly from Exit 16b of various train lines.
Alternatively, you can go out of the JR south ticket gate and walk across the pedestrian deck over Tamagawa-dori and the Shuto Expressway to go directly to the 2nd floor.
Let's head to the 1st floor of Shibuya Stream, the Kanei-bashi Plaza that spans the Shibuya River!
Now, Kanei-bashi Plaza is on the opposite side of Shibuya Station, at the end of Shibuya Stream.
Looking down from the 2nd floor, the plaza looks like this. In winter, kotatsu (heated tables) were set up!
I'm giving it away here, but there were 5 table seats set up at Kanei-bashi Plaza!
There were also food stalls nearby. You could get some coffee to go and use this area to eat your Shibuya lunch!
These slender, delicate table seats – isn't it wonderful to be able to take a break while looking at the Shibuya River!?
The plaza you see on the other side is called Inari-bashi Plaza, and it was bustling with concerts and accessory sales.
I visited on a Saturday, but the Kanei-bashi side was relatively quiet and relaxing, so it's nice when you want to take it easy.
"Oh, spot-billed ducks!"
If you're lucky, you might encounter ducks on the Shibuya River!
By the way, this is what it looked like when I visited at the end of 2024.
It had become a telework spot for video creators and office workers.
From the plaza, you can see the Shibuya River, which used to be an underground channel.
Also, the "Shibuya Stream 3F Rest Spot" has some recommended sofas that you absolutely must see!
Why not use it as a place to rest near Shibuya while you're shopping at Shibuya Stream?