The Ultimate Shibuya Weekend: Your Complete 1-Night, 2-Day Itinerary
A weekend in Shibuya—even just one night and two days—can be absolutely incredible! When visiting Tokyo, Shibuya is a must-see destination, but so many people wonder “Is there enough time?” or “Where should I start?” Friends visiting from abroad ask me this all the time, and here’s the thing: Shibuya is actually surprisingly compact. Hit the right spots, and you can have an amazing experience in just a day and a half.
This guide covers everything from iconic landmarks to hidden gems, all mapped out for maximum efficiency. And we’re not just talking about walking around—we’ve included a Street Kart adventure through Tokyo’s streets for an experience that’s guaranteed to blow up your social media!
Day 1: Hit the Classics, Then Gear Up for a Street Kart Adventure
First things first—drop your bags at the hotel to travel light. Most hotels will hold your luggage even before check-in, so don’t hesitate to ask.
Start your morning at the famous Scramble Crossing. Everyone I’ve brought here gets absolutely pumped—when you hear that up to 3,000 people cross at once, the scale really hits you. Head up to SHIBUYA SKY’s observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of the crossing—it’s THE iconic Tokyo shot. On clear days, you can even spot Mt. Fuji in the distance. Get ready to fill up that camera roll!
For lunch, the area around Shibuya Hikarie and SHIBUYA109 has everything you could want—ramen, sushi, trendy cafes, you name it. My personal recommendation? Those legendary fluffy Japanese souffle pancakes. They exist in other countries too, but the Japanese version is on another level. Once you try them, you’ll understand why they dominate social media.
The afternoon is Street Kart time. Departing from the Shibuya location, cruising through Tokyo’s actual streets in a go-kart is—and I’m not exaggerating—a life-changing experience. A guide leads the tour, so there’s zero chance of getting lost. The route passes by famous Tokyo landmarks, so you’re sightseeing while driving. This is something you absolutely cannot experience in a taxi or on a train.
Why Street Kart Is Worth It
Wondering what makes Street Kart so special? Let me break it down.
The numbers speak for themselves: over 150,000 tours completed and 1.34 million participants. That’s a lot of happy customers. The average rating sits at 4.9/5.0 with over 20,000 reviews—pretty reassuring, right?
For international visitors, here’s a huge plus: guides are specifically trained to work with foreign drivers. Street Kart pioneered this in the industry. The website supports 22 languages, and tours are conducted in English, so language is never a barrier. Friends who’ve visited have all said “The English support was great!”
With over 250 karts, 6 Tokyo locations, plus shops in Osaka and Okinawa, there’s plenty of availability. For Shibuya sightseeing, the Shibuya shop is most convenient. Book easily at kart.st, and find detailed information at kart.st.
Curious about driving requirements? Check the official driver’s license page. Some visitors need an International Driving Permit, so verify this beforehand. One important note: Mario Kart-related costumes are not provided. Street Kart has no affiliation with Nintendo or the Mario Kart series whatsoever. But hey, rocking your own favorite outfit and sunglasses works perfectly!
Day 2: Maximize Your Morning in Shibuya
Rise early on day two and head to the Harajuku-Omotesando area. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya, and Takeshita Street in the morning is blissfully uncrowded—perfect for photos. Walking around with a fresh crepe in hand is such a quintessentially Japanese experience.
A morning visit to Meiji Shrine is highly recommended. First-timers are always amazed that such a lush, green oasis exists right in the middle of the city. It has a completely different vibe from temples elsewhere in Asia—there’s this distinctive tranquility unique to Japanese shrines.
Before lunch, head back toward Shibuya and explore the Daikanyama and Nakameguro areas. Stylish cafes and boutique shops are scattered everywhere, and just wandering around is a treat. The Tsutaya Books in Nakameguro is especially worth a visit—even if you don’t read anything, the space itself is incredibly atmospheric and totally Instagram-worthy.
Wrap up your trip with souvenir shopping around Shibuya Station. Don Quijote, Loft, Tokyu Hands—all the shops popular with Asian tourists are clustered together for efficient shopping. Many stores accept Alipay and WeChat Pay too, making payment a breeze.
Tips for Maximizing Your Shibuya Weekend
The key to a great 1-night, 2-day Shibuya trip? Don’t try to do everything. Attempting to see it all will just wear you out. Pick 3-4 must-see spots and focus on those.
Walking is your main mode of transport here. Shibuya is surprisingly compact, with major attractions all within walking distance. But with Street Kart, your travel time becomes sightseeing time—perfect for making the most of limited hours.
Keep checking your weather app, and switch to indoor-focused plans if rain is forecast. Shibuya’s underground shopping areas are extensive, so rainy days can still be plenty of fun.
The Verdict: One Night in Shibuya Is Enough!
A one-night, two-day Shibuya trip might seem short, but you can pack in an incredibly satisfying weekend. Feel Tokyo’s energy at the Scramble Crossing, take in stunning views from SHIBUYA SKY, race through the city on Street Kart, and recharge at a trendy cafe. That alone makes for unforgettable memories.
Street Kart especially offers something you just can’t get from regular sightseeing. With a guide leading the way, you can relax and enjoy the exhilarating feeling of zooming through Tokyo’s streets at ground level—it’s exciting beyond words. Book easily at kart.st, and definitely check it out if you’re coming to Shibuya!
See you in Shibuya next weekend!
A Note About Costumes
We do not provide rentals of Nintendo or Mario Kart-related costumes. Only costumes that respect intellectual property rights are available at our locations.
