4 Hidden Shibuya Free Spots｜History, Views, Art & Culture

Selected Shibuya free spots! Enjoy the deep charm of Shibuya by visiting the sacred tree at Kaneo Hachimangu Shrine, the view of the scramble crossing, the story of Hachiko statue and Moyai statue, and the art at Koen-dori Gallery.

4 Hidden Free Spots in Shibuya ｜ Enjoy History, Art, and City Views

Shibuya is often associated with youth culture, shopping, and the world-famous Scramble Crossing. Yet the name “Shibuya” dates back to the Heian period (11th century), derived from the Shibuya clan who once ruled this land. Today, history and culture remain woven into the city. Here are four hidden gems you can enjoy completely free of charge. 

Konno Hachimangu Shrine｜ Shibuya’s Historic Free Spot with a Sacred Tree

Tucked away near Shibuya Police Station, Konno Hachimangu Shrine has stood since 1092. When the Shibuya clan settled here, the shrine was named after the brave warrior Konno-maru. In the early Edo period (17th century), it was also highly revered by the Tokugawa shogunate, and the surviving shrine building is now designated a Tangible Cultural Property of Tokyo. 

The highlight of the grounds is a majestic sacred camphor tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old. Although lightning hollowed out its trunk, it still spreads vibrant green branches—an enduring symbol of resilience and a powerful energy spot in Shibuya. 

Hachiman deities are worshipped as gods of learning, peace, safe childbirth, and child-rearing. At this shrine, they are also venerated as guardians of good fortune, warding off evil, love and marriage, and especially safe travel. For overseas visitors, it’s a meaningful place to pray for a safe journey at the very start of a Shibuya adventure. 

The shrine is also home to the “Konno Sakura,” linked to Minamoto no Yoritomo. Each spring, its blossoms create a hidden cherry-blossom viewing spot. In September, the annual festival fills Shibuya’s streets with lively mikoshi (portable shrines), blending urban energy with centuries-old traditions. 

Item	Contents
Name	Konno Hachimangu Shrine
Location	3-5-12, Shibuya 3-chome, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Access	About 5minutes on foot from Shibuya Station C1 Exit (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, Keio, Denentosi lines)
Business Hours	Free in the precincts (9:00-17:00 for the awarding office)
regular closing day	None
admission fee	Free
Approximate time required	Approx. 20~30 min.
Official Site	https:// www.konno-hachimangu.or.jp/
Phone number	03-3407-1811

Shibuya Scramble Square 12F｜ Free Spot for Crossing Views

Seeing the Shibuya Scramble Crossing from above is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. While observation decks often require tickets, there’s a lesser-known free option: the 12th-floor Event Space at Shibuya Scramble Square. This multipurpose hall is usually open to the public, except during special events. 

From its windows, you can watch hundreds of people surge across the crossing each time the light changes—an unforgettable sight. By day, the spectacle is the sheer flow of people; by night, neon lights and streams of pedestrians create a mesmerizing scene. It’s also a fantastic spot for photos and videos. On my visit, a café bar was set up, so I could enjoy the view with a drink in hand (note: availability may vary). 

Item	Contents
Name	Shibuya Scramble Square
Location	2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0002, Japan
Access	Directly connected to Shibuya Station (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, Keio lines)
Business Hours	10:00–21:00 (according to facility hours; may be unavailable during events)
regular closing day	Irregular holidays (according to facility schedule)
admission fee	Free
Official Site	https://www.shibuya-scramble-square.com/
Phone number	03-4221-4280 (main)

If you’d like to see Tokyo from a whole new perspective, you can easily reserve your ticket online before your visit.

Hachiko & Moyai Statues｜ Shibuya’s Iconic Free Meeting Spots

At Shibuya Station’s west exit stands the famous Hachiko statue—the loyal Akita dog who waited for his master every day. Today, it remains the city’s most iconic meeting spot and a place where visitors from around the world take photos. 

Nearby, however, is another unique symbol: the Moyai Statue, often overlooked. While it resembles Easter Island’s Moai, it is actually carved from volcanic stone called “Koga-ishi,” quarried on Niijima Island in the Izu archipelago. In 1980, the people of Niijima gifted it to Shibuya. Its name “Moyai” means “working together” in the island’s dialect. 

Now relocated to the west plaza of Shibuya Fukuras, the statue is still a popular meeting point. If Hachiko represents loyalty and bonds, then Moyai stands for friendship and solidarity. Together, they reflect Shibuya’s diversity and its connection beyond Tokyo. 

Item	Contents
Name	Moyai statue
Location	1-2-3 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0043, Japan (West side plaza of Shibuya Fuclas)
Access	Approximately 1 minute walk from West Exit of Shibuya SAbout 1 minute on foot from Shibuya Station West Exit (JR, Tokyo Metro, Tokyu, Keio lines)
Business Hours	Open at all times
regular closing day	None
admission fee	free
Approximate time required	Approx. 5 to 10 min.
Official Site	(Shibuya Tourism Association) https://play-shibuya.com/spot/16273
remarks	Gifted from Niijima Island in 1980. The name “Moyai” means “to work together.” Popular meeting spot.

Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery｜Free Art & Inclusive Expression

Located within walking distance from Shibuya Station, the Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery is a free contemporary art space where anyone can drop by while exploring the city. The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions featuring diverse forms of expression, including works by artists with disabilities, making it an accessible cultural stop in the heart of Shibuya. 

What sets this gallery apart is its mission: not only to showcase artworks, but also to encourage visitors to think about diversity and inclusion through art. By highlighting outsider art (Art Brut) and other unique creative expressions, the gallery creates opportunities for people to encounter fresh perspectives and discover new values. Though compact in size, it offers inspiring encounters with art that you may not find anywhere else in Tokyo. 

In addition, those who wish to experience art in Tokyo should also check out the Tokyo Art Museum Guide Part 2 for a more fulfilling art tour.

Tokyo Art Museums｜Explore Best Exhibits & Hidden Gems in Tokyo

If you’re planning an art-filled trip, this Tokyo Art Museum Guide helps you discover the …

(data) item	Contents
name	Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery, Tokyo
Location	1F Shibuya City Workers’ Welfare Hall, 1-19-8 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0041
Access	About 8 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station (JR, Hachiko Exit) / About 5 minutes on foot from Shibuya Station B1 Exit (Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon, Fukutoshin, Den-en-toshi Lines)
Business Hours	11:00-19:00
regular closing day	Mondays (if Monday is a holiday, closed the following weekday), New Year holidays, during exhibition changes
admission fee	free
Approximate time required	Approx. 20 to 30 min.
Official Site	https://inclusion-art.jp/
Phone number	03-5422-3151

Summary of Free Spots in Shibuya ｜ Explore Shibuya’s Hidden Free Spots

From the history of Konno Hachimangu Shrine, to the panoramic views from Shibuya Scramble Square, the stories of Hachiko and Moyai statues, and the creative energy of Koendori Gallery—these are all hidden free spots in Shibuyathat reveal another side of the city. 

Amid the crowds and neon, take a moment to explore Shibuya’s quieter treasures. Be mindful of local manners, observe proper etiquette, and enjoy the culture responsibly—you’ll leave with a richer, more memorable experience.