Shibuya Koen Dori

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Shibuya Koen Dori (渋谷公園通り) (Shibuya Park Street) is an important shopping and walking street located in the Shibuya city area of Tokyo, Japan. Shibuya Koen Dori is one of the most popular shopping streets in the north part of Shibuya as it is home to many popular department stores and shops on that side of town. Shibuya Koen Dori also leads to NHK and then Yoyogi Park and is a connecting path between Shibuya and Harajuku on it's far north end. On weekends, the Yoyogi park end of the street is a gathering place for amateur performers and is also often home to various Shibuya area festivals.

Shibuya Koen Dori Tour

Shibuya Koen Dori starts near Shibuya Station, intersecting with Shibuya Fire Dori between Marui City Shibuya and the Seibu department store's B building. You would get to that intersection by leaving the Hachiko exit of Shibuya Station and going north up Shibuya Fire Dori, the major street that runs along the Yamanote Line tracks. The Shibuya Koen Dori intersection is the second stop light (Inokashira Dori is the first). You can only turn left (north-east) onto Koen Dori, leading up the hill between Marui (on your right) and Seibu (on your left). As you continue up the hill, you will see the Apple Store and Sounds Good by United Arrows on your right and the Disney Store and The Gap on your left.

Further up the hill, Parco #1 is on your left. At the top of the hill, you will reach an intersection. Continue straight ahead on Koen Dori and you will pass Tokyo Wonder Site Shibuya on your right and Parco #2 on your left (closed for renovation as of fall 2008). Continue north and you will pass Three Minutes Happiness on your left, Beauty & Youth by United Arrows , Armani Exchange, the Tobacco and Salt Museum, Denny's, and Freshness Burger on your right, and Quicksilver Shibuya and Mos Burger on your left.

Eventually, you will reach another intersection with the Shibuya clock tower (and Shibuya Ward Office) on your left. From here, you could easily turn left and go to CC Lemon concert hall. Instead, cross the street and continue on Koen Dori to the part where cars are banned. This is a very nice part of the street that is walking only and where giant trees stand on both sides. During the fall, these trees turn colors and drop their leaves right down into the street. After crossing the intersection, on your left is NHK and on your right is the Muscle Musical building. Further to your right, behind the Muscle Musical building (and out of sight from Koen Dori), is Shibuya AX, another major concert hall in Tokyo.

On weekends and holidays, this walking-only part of Shibuya Koen Dori is often crowded with amateur Japanese bands, idols, comedians, artists, dancers, and other performers. As you walk down the middle of the street, you are treated to music and other fun stuff on both sides of you. Also, this walking path is commonly used for festivals by the city on weekends - from the annual Super Yosakoi Festival to festivals related to different areas of the world (Africa, Thailand, India, etc.) to Earth Day celebrations, and many other events.

As you keep walking and get toward the end of Shibuya Koen Dori, you can see the very famous Yoyogi National Stadium on your right and a large stage to your left. The stage is often used during festivals, but over the years some of Japan's most famous JPop and JRock bands have also done free outdoor live performances on the stage as well. Finally, as you walk directly into Yoyogi Park (after crossing the street), Koen Dori ends. If you turn right at the end of Koen Dori, you will be heading directly for Harajuku and Omotesando, only a few minutes away.