The JR Yamanote Line runs from Tokyo Station to Shibuya in 22 minutes. For Shibuya’s scramble crossing, Daikanyama, and Nakameguro, this is the standard route.
Shibuya is one of Tokyo’s most visited neighbourhoods. The scramble crossing, the department store food halls, and the adjacent Daikanyama and Nakameguro areas draw both first-time and repeat visitors. Tokyo Station is the natural starting point for many Shinkansen arrivals who need to reach Shibuya.
Quick answer: JR Yamanote Line (green) from Tokyo Station anti-clockwise toward Shibuya direction. 22 minutes, 220 yen, no transfer. Or the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line (blue) in the same direction same platforms, slightly slower.
Option 1: JR Yamanote Line (Recommended)
- Platform: JR Yamanote Line at Tokyo Station. Follow green Yamanote signs. Board the train toward the Shibuya/Shinjuku direction (anti-clockwise on the loop).
- Journey time: 22 minutes. Stops include Yurakucho, Shimbashi, Hamamatsucho, Tamachi, Shinagawa, Osaki, Gotanda, Meguro, Ebisu, and Shibuya.
- Cost: 220 yen with Suica
- Frequency: Every 2 to 4 minutes during peak hours
Option 2: Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
The Ginza Line (orange) runs from Nihombashi (a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Station) to Shibuya in about 28 minutes, stopping at Kyobashi, Ginza, Shimbashi, Toranomon, Omote-sando, and other central stops. 230 yen. Useful if you have business in Ginza or Omote-sando en route to Shibuya.
From Shibuya
Shibuya Station is enormous and complex. For the scramble crossing, Hachiko Exit faces the crossing directly. For Daikanyama and Nakameguro: walk south from the Hachiko Exit about 15 to 20 minutes, or take the Tokyu Toyoko Line one stop to Nakameguro. See the Shibuya guide for the full neighbourhood picture.
