Do you want to experience Tokyo’s high energy in action? Here’s the famous Shibuya Crossing, a very large pedestrian area outside Shibuya Station, considered to be one of the busiest in the world.  The Shibuya Scramble, as it is popularly called, is a must-try on your bucket list when you visit Japan.

The sprawling scramble intersection made up of diagonal crossings has action and high energy from every angle. There are giant TV screens flashing colorful advertisements on building walls 24/7.

From a high vantage point like the popular Starbucks which is situated in the center of frenzy, you see people filling the streets like ants in every direction. Just like clockwork, it happens so fast, very fascinating to watch, yet at the same time you want in on the frenetic energy it gives off.

Shibuya Crossing when streets are momentarily empty  © Jojie Alcantara

Then for a few minutes, everything stops. The lanes are deserted. Slowly, people start filling up in the sidewalk, ready to cross again, waiting for the scramble to start over once more. Strangely, in this seemingly organized chaos, no one seems to bump into one another like crazy, even though you see them coming in from all directions.

The famous area is packed with tourists, locals. and commuters. The lights turn red at the same time in every direction. Below is an aerial view to give you an idea of the diagonal pedestrian lanes.

Shibuya is also known for its trendy shopping malls and more than a hundred boutiques for the fashion aficionados. Food is also abundant in stores everywhere. The most famous spot though, is the Hachiko Exit near the station where Japan’s beloved loyal dog Hachiko is immortalized on a pedestal for the world to gush over with a selfie to boot.

Hachiko Exit © Jojie Alcantara

Armed with my mirrorless Fuji XA2, here is my experience of the famous scramble, as I happily recorded my crossing feat like a child wanting to do it over and over again.

Shibuya Scramble from Jojie Alcantara on Vimeo.

The famous Shibuya Crossing is a very large pedestrian area outside Shibuya Station, considered to be one of the busiest in the world. The Shibuya Scramble, as it is popularly called, is a must-try in your bucket list when you visit Tokyo. View my personal recorded experience.

Cebu Pacific Air flies from Cebu to Narita four times weekly to the capital city of Japan, utilizing the airline’s brand-new Airbus A320 fleet.  The Cebu-Narita service is operated every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, departing Cebu at 5:55am and arriving in Tokyo at 11:20am. The return flight departs Narita at 12:05pm and arrives in Cebu at 4:25pm. 

This is the airline’s 4^th route between Japan and the Philippines.  CEB’s Cebu-Narita service is aimed at boosting tourist arrivals into Cebu and Tokyo, with lowest year-round fares starting at PHP7,388 with no fuel surcharges. It is the only low-cost carrier operating this route.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebupacificair.com.