Photo Examples
About This Spot
Watch the organized chaos of 1,000+ people crossing simultaneously in the world's busiest pedestrian scramble. The elevated view from Magnet café provides the perfect vantage point for this iconic Tokyo scene.
Complete Photography Guide
GPS Coordinates
Exact Location
Magnet by Shibuya 109 rooftop, 2nd floor. GPS: 35.6595° N, 139.7005° E. The corner window seats offer the best straight-on view of the crossing. Alternatively, Starbucks (2nd floor, Shibuya Tsutaya building) across the street provides a side angle.
How to Find It
Exit JR Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit, turn left toward Shibuya 109. Enter Magnet by Shibuya 109 building, take elevator to 2nd floor. The rooftop terrace overlooks the crossing. Arrive 30 min early to secure a window seat as it fills quickly.
Timing Recommendations
Blue hour (6-7 PM in winter, 7-8 PM in summer) when neon signs illuminate and the sky has color. Friday and Saturday evenings see peak pedestrian traffic (most dramatic crossings). Light rain creates beautiful neon reflections on the street.
Crowd Levels
Recommended Settings
f/8 for sharpness across the intersection. ISO 800-1600 for evening. 1/125 sec to freeze pedestrians mid-crossing, or 2-4 sec long exposure to create light trails (tripod needed). Shoot at 24-35mm to capture the full crossing.
Equipment Needed
Time your shot for the red light when the intersection fills with people. Capture the moment everyone steps off the curb simultaneously. Include the scramble crossing lines forming an X. For drama, shoot in portrait mode during the crossing, landscape for empty intersection showing neon context.
This is an observation spot, not for posing in the crossing. Instead: Capture yourself at the window with the crossing behind you (have friend photograph). Coffee in hand looking out pensively. For crossing photos, go down to street level (separate spot) and have someone photograph you mid-cross.
Best Months
Peak Season
Rainy season (June-July) for stunning neon reflections on wet streets
Seasonal Changes
Year-round urban spot. Rainy evenings are actually best—neon signs reflect beautifully on wet pavement. Winter offers earlier blue hour for dinner-time shooting. Summer humidity can create atmospheric haze around lights. The crossing is equally dramatic in all seasons.
Urban streetwear pops against the neon backdrop: bright colors (yellow, pink, electric blue), bold graphics, and statement pieces. All-black creates sleek silhouettes. Harajuku fashion-forward outfits work perfectly. Avoid earth tones that disappear against the city lights. Think cyberpunk, not neutral.
Magnet café is elevator accessible. Window seats have standard height chairs. Alternative ground-level view available from JR station Hachiko exit (fully accessible).
Quick Info
Easy
Evening