Things to do in Shibuya and Nakameguro, Tokyo: a local guide

Planning a trip to Tokyo? Despite only being 20 minutes apart, Shibuya and Nakameguro are like night and day. Shibuya is neon-lit Tokyo, up all hours and unapologetically loud. Nakameguro is old Tokyo, calm and quaint. But what are the best things to do here on a working holiday in Japan?

Hey, I'm Sam, a 30-year-old from Birmingham, UK, who decided to trade in the usual routine back home for a Japan working holiday. Yes, I got in just before I was too old for the visa and thank the sushi gods I did!

Here is my personal guide on things to see and do in Shibuya and Nakameguro – two of my favourite Tokyo neighbourhoods.

Things to do in Shibuya

Known for one of the busiest crossings in the world, Shibuya is Tokyo's shopping and entertertainment district. Beneath the flashing billboards and giant video screens are loads of great places to eat, shop and people watch. Here are my favourite things to do in Shibuya.

Visit Shibuya scramble crossing

Ready, set, green! Let coodinated chaos commence. When in Tokyo, you've got to experience the most photographed intersection in the world. Then head a few minutes up the road to the iconic nine-story flagship store of Tower Records. Bag a few J-Pop CDs (yes, CDs are popular again) and go get your caffiene fix at Miyashita Park. This park has a rooftop! Great for people watching.

Shop at Shibuya PARCO and Shibuya 109

Full of beans, it's time to go shopping! Head to the amazing PARCO, for Japanese streetwear, high-end designers, exhibitions and Japan-only gaming merch. Then browse trendy Japanese fits that'll help you fit in with the locals at 109 and Neighbourhood, founded in Harajuku and one of my favourite Japanese brands.

Explore Harajuku and Takeshita Street

When in Harajuku, grab lunch at a ramen restaurant called Kyushu Jangara noodle– the pork is so sweet and delicious! Walk through poptastic Takeshita Street to absorb the anime energy and try the district's famous savoury crepes while you’re there too.

For culture and history buffs, check out Meiji Jinju, an ancient Shinto shrine wrapped in urban forest. If the weather is good, take a wander around Yoyogi Park.

Where to eat and drink in Shibuya

So many places. I recommend taking a short ride on the Tokyu line to Daikanyama and park up at Yuzutsu, a soba restaurant with a cosy atmosphere. The tempura and the buckwheat soba noodles, which are made by hand, are so good.

After dinner, pay a visit to T site – a book lovers dream with amazing architecture. Finish the evening off with a stroll along the leafy Log Road and enjoy a beer at Spring Valley Brewery.

Things to do in Nakameguro

My personal favourite neighbourhood is Nakameguro, especially when the sakura trees have blossomed along the Meguro river. There's a sense of calmness you wouldn't usually associate with Tokyo, perfect for wandering and cafe-hopping.

Walk along the Meguro River

Kick the day off with a morning stroll along the Nakameguro section of Meguro River. In Spring, the trees form a magical pink tunnel over the water – it's amazing! It can get crowded though so duck into one of the many cosy cafes along the river if you need a breather.

Shopping in Nakameguro

Nakameguro is famous for boutiques and independent stores. Visit the CAPSULE store, Peace and After, for exclusive collaborations and collections. I actually helped them out with their Linkin Park collaboration. They have a great selection of clothes, which showcase Japanese culture with streetwear.

Where to eat and drink in Nakameguro

For lunch, I would go to Wagyumafia along the river to enjoy a wagyu beef toasted sandwich with that unique Japanese hospitality. You will need to make a reservation in advance though.

In the evening, go to a sake bar and sushi restaurant called Genpachi, only a few minutes away from the train station. The food is all sourced from the remote island Hachijojima. The sushi from this island is called ‘shimazushi’ due to the use mustard instead of wasabi as it is difficult to grow wasabi there. They have a great selection of sake to try that pairs nicely with the shimazushi.

Finish the day off by kicking back and listening to some tunes at Epulor, a vinyl bar that sells coffee, dessert, cocktails and more.

On top of all that, the best advice I can give is to talk to the Tokyo locals and ask them where their favourite spots to go are. Walk around the lesser-known neighbourhoods and be open to trying new things. That is the big advantage of doing a working holiday, it gives you a chance to truly learn about the local culture and learn about where to go beyond the tourist trails.

How to get from Shibuya to Nakameguro

To get between these Shibuya and Nakameguro, you can take the Tokyu Toyoko Line, which takes about four minutes. The bus takes around 15 minutes and walking about 20-25 minutes. It's only 2 kilometres and Tokyo is fascinating to walk around so I would recommend doing it by foot if you're able to.

When is the best time to visit?

Tokyo is great to visit all year round but if you want to see the Nakameguro cherry blossoms then late March to mid-April is the best time to go. If you want pretty canal scenes without the crowds then October to November is a good option.

Thinking of a Japan working holiday?

If exploring the streets of Tokyo is on your travel wish list too, check out JENZA's Japan working holidays.

Our Work Japan packages will set you up with everything you need to live and work in Tokyo. We’ll guide you through the Japan working holiday visa application, sort out arrival accommodation, and we'll be on hand with unlimited job placement services for the duration of your visa. You also have the option of a pre-arranged English-speaking ski season job (Nov-Mar). Let the sushi times roll!