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- | '''Shibuya-ku''' (渋谷区) is one of the 23 special [[wards of Tokyo]], [[Japan]]. | + | '''Shibuya-ku''' (渋谷区) is one of the 23 special [[wards of Tokyo]], [[Japan]]. It is home to [[Shibuya|Shibuya city]], the name used to describe the central business district of the ward in the immediate vicinity of Shibuya station. This business district is among the many well known fashion centers and nightlife hubs in [[Japan]] for young adults and teenagers. [[Harajuku]] is also in Shibuya-ku. Currently, Shibuya-ku is estimated to have a population of 208,371 (according to a 2008 census). |
==History== | ==History== |
Shibuya-ku (渋谷区) is one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo, Japan. It is home to Shibuya city, the name used to describe the central business district of the ward in the immediate vicinity of Shibuya station. This business district is among the many well known fashion centers and nightlife hubs in Japan for young adults and teenagers. Harajuku is also in Shibuya-ku. Currently, Shibuya-ku is estimated to have a population of 208,371 (according to a 2008 census).
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When the Yamanote line was first established in 1885, the Shibuya area began to arise as a central hub of Tokyo railway traffic and thus built up a substantial entertainment district. Incorporated as a village in 1889, town in 1909 and as one of 35 wards of Tokyo City in 1932, Shibuya continued to grow until it became one of the 23 special wards of Tokyo on March 15, 1947.
In modern history, Shibuya has become a hub of youth fashion with department stores like Shibuya 109 setting fashion trends for the entire country and major districts such as Harajuku, Omotesando, and Sendagaya in the immediate vicinity. Financially, Shibuya has also become home to many Information Technology companies since the 1990s.
Shibuya is home to some of the most commonly visited parks in Tokyo including the Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the souls of Emperor Meiji of the Meiji Restoration and Empress Shoken. Surrounding the shrine is a 700,000 square foot forest. The Shinjuku Gyoen was a onetime Imperial Gardens that has now been opened to the public and Yoyogi Park used to be the home of the Imperial Japanese Army, and later the athletes in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Today, it is a sightseeing and relaxation center for millions of tourists and citizens every year.
Within Shibuya, many landmarks and buildings stand out, giving Shibuya its unique landscape. The center of the shopping district is Shibuya 109, a shopping center with more than 90 boutiques and fashion outlets targeting young Japanese women. Cerulean Tower stands as the tallest building in the Shibuya Station area and Ebisu Garden Palace is former site of the Sapporo Beer brewery, built in the 19th century. Other notable buildings in the area include:
The following streets are all well known locations with commercial or financial significance: