Shibuya Crossing & Scramble Square Accessibility Guide

Overview

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian intersection, where up to 3,000 people cross from all directions during each green signal. The crossing is completely flat and at street level. Adjacent to the crossing, Shibuya Scramble Square (opened 2019) is a 47-story tower with shops, restaurants, and the Shibuya Sky observation deck on the rooftop. Shibuya Sky offers 360-degree open-air views from 229 meters above the city. The entire building was designed with modern accessibility standards.

Getting There

• Metro: Shibuya Station is a major hub served by the Ginza, Hanzomon, and Fukutoshin Lines (all with elevator access). The station connects directly to Shibuya Scramble Square via underground passages.
• JR: Shibuya Station (JR Yamanote Line and other JR lines) has elevator access and connects to Scramble Square.
• Private railways: Tokyu Toyoko Line, Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line, and Keio Inokashira Line all serve Shibuya Station with step-free access.
• Approach: The crossing itself is at street level. Curb cuts are installed at all corners of the intersection.

Wheelchair Accessibility

Shibuya Crossing:

• The scramble crossing is completely flat with curb cuts on all sides.
• The traffic signal cycle gives pedestrians about 47 seconds to cross. This is enough time for most wheelchair users, but the distance from some corners is about 35 meters.
• The crossing is extremely crowded during peak hours. Wheelchair users may find it easier to cross at less busy times.

Shibuya Scramble Square / Shibuya Sky:

• Elevators serve all floors from the basement to the 45th floor.
• Staff guide wheelchair users to the 46th floor where the Shibuya Sky entrance is located. Priority lifts are available between the 46th and 47th floors.
• The 47th floor Sky Stage (outdoor rooftop) is open-air and flat, with views in all directions.
• The building is fully step-free throughout all public areas.
• Larger wheelchairs or pushchairs may not be permitted on the observation deck. Contact Shibuya Sky in advance if you use a large power wheelchair. A venue wheelchair may be provided.

Accessible Toilets

• Shibuya Scramble Square: Accessible toilets are available on multiple floors throughout the building.
• Shibuya Sky (46th floor): A wheelchair-accessible toilet and baby changing station are located on the Sky Gallery level.
• Street level: Accessible public toilets are available in Shibuya Station and at the Shibuya Mark City building nearby.

Tips for Visitors with Disabilities

• Book Shibuya Sky tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time slot and avoid queuing at the ticket counter.
• The outdoor rooftop (Sky Stage, 47th floor) can be windy. The indoor Sky Gallery on the 46th floor offers similar views in a climate-controlled environment.
• The crossing is busiest between 15:00 and 20:00 on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends. For a less intense experience, cross before 10:00 or after 21:00.
• The Hachiko statue (famous meeting point) is at street level next to the Shibuya Station Hachiko Exit. The area around the statue is paved and flat.
• Multiple accessible restaurants are located in Shibuya Scramble Square, particularly on the restaurant floors (11th to 14th floors), all reachable by elevator.