Shibuya Crossing and Hachiko Statue Visiting Guide for Pinoys

The best photo spots for Shibuya Crossing are the Starbucks at Tsutaya, the Mag's Park rooftop, and the Shibuya Sky observatory, while the Hachiko Statue is located right outside the Hachiko Exit of Shibuya Station. To capture the perfect 'Scramble' shot and upload it instantly to TikTok or Reels, you will need a reliable and fast internet connection. For the most affordable and hassle-free data, you can see plans for a Japan eSIM that beats expensive roaming charges.## Welcome to Shibuya: The Heart of Tokyo

If it’s your first time in Japan, your trip won't be complete without visiting the iconic Shibuya Crossing and the legendary Hachiko Statue. Para sa ating mga Pinoy, these are 'bucket list' items that we usually only see in movies or anime. Shibuya is the pulse of Tokyo—energetic, bright, and always moving. But because it’s the world’s busiest intersection, it can be a bit overwhelming if you don’t have a plan (or a map!).

When you step out of the train, the sheer number of people can be dizzying. We’re talking about up to 3,000 people crossing at the same time during peak hours! To navigate this maze and find the best spots to 'flex' on social media, you need a solid data connection. Huwag nang umasa sa free public Wi-Fi na madalas ma-disconnect. Getting a BalikData eSIM is the smartest way to stay connected while exploring.

Finding the Hachiko Statue

First things first: you need to find the famous dog. Hachiko is a symbol of loyalty that really resonates with us Filipinos. His story—waiting for his master every day even after his master passed away—is something that hits home.

To find him, look for the Hachiko Exit inside Shibuya Station. It is very well-marked, but the station is huge, so keep your eyes on the yellow signs. Once you exit, you’ll see a small plaza where the bronze statue stands.

Tip for Pinoys: There is almost always a queue to take a photo with Hachiko. If the line is too long, you can just snap a photo from the side. Also, this is the most common meeting point in Tokyo. If you’re meeting up with friends or family, just say 'Kita-kits sa Hachiko,' and everyone will know where to go.

The Shibuya Scramble Experience

Once you’ve paid your respects to Hachiko, turn around and you’ll see the 'Scramble.' This is where five major roads meet, and when the lights turn green for pedestrians, it’s organized chaos at its finest.

Walking across the street is an experience in itself. Many tourists try to take a video while walking, but be careful! People are moving fast, and you don’t want to bump into anyone. The best way to experience it is to cross once, then find a high vantage point to watch the magic happen from above.

Best Photo Spots for Shibuya Crossing

If you want that perfect aerial shot of the crowd, you need to know where to go. Here are the top spots for every budget:

• Starbucks (Shibuya Tsutaya): This is the classic spot. It’s located right across the street from the Hachiko exit. The second-floor window offers a front-row seat to the crossing. Note: As of 2024, this branch has undergone renovations, so check if the seating area is open to the public.
• Mag’s Park (Shibuya 109-2): For a small fee, you can go to the rooftop of the Magnet by Shibuya 109 building. It has a special glass-walled deck that looks directly down at the crossing. This is arguably the best spot for a clear, unobstructed top-down view.
• Shibuya Sky (Shibuya Scramble Square): If you want the ultimate view, this is it. It’s an open-air observatory 229 meters above ground. You’ll see the crossing, the Tokyo skyline, and even Mt. Fuji on a clear day. You need to book tickets weeks in advance because it’s always sold out!
• Shibuya Fukuras (Shibu Niwa): This is a lesser-known spot on the 17th floor of the Shibuya Fukuras building. It’s a green terrace that offers a great side view of the crossing, and the best part? It’s often less crowded than the others.

Staying Connected: Roaming vs. BalikData eSIM

Para hindi ka mawala sa Shibuya, kailangan mo ng Google Maps. And let’s be honest, you’ll be uploading a lot of stories and Reels. While Globe and Smart offer roaming packages, they can be quite 'mahal' (expensive) for a 5-day or 10-day trip.

Most traditional roaming plans have a daily cap, and once you hit that, your speed drops to a crawl. With a BalikData eSIM, you get high-speed 5G data using Japan’s best networks like NTT docomo and SoftBank. It’s 'mura' (cheap) and very easy to set up. You don't even need to remove your Philippine SIM card; you can keep it in your phone to receive important OTPs while using the eSIM for all your data needs.

Feature	Traditional Roaming (Globe/Smart)	BalikData Japan eSIM
Price	Usually higher per day	Budget-friendly for OFWs and tourists
Network	Limited to one partner	Access to NTT docomo, SoftBank, Rakuten, KDDI
Convenience	Auto-activation can be tricky	Scan a QR code and you're good to go
Flexibility	Fixed daily rates	Choose from 1GB to 50GB plans
5G Access	Not always guaranteed	5G enabled on all major Japanese carriers

If you are visiting other parts of Asia on the same trip, you might also want to check out our Best eSIM for Hong Kong and Macau Trip for Filipinos.

Network Coverage in Japan

When you use our Japan eSIM, you are connecting to the same towers used by locals. Japan has some of the best mobile infrastructure in the world.

• NTT docomo (5G): This is the 'Gold Standard' in Japan. If you are planning to go to rural areas like the Japanese Alps or Hokkaido, Docomo has the widest reach. Even in the middle of a forest, may signal ka pa rin.
• SoftBank & KDDI/au (5G): These are fantastic in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You’ll get blazing fast speeds right in the middle of Shibuya.
• Rakuten Mobile (5G): The newest player, offering great speeds in urban centers.

Whether you are taking a fixed plan like 10GB for 30 days or a daily pass (like 1GB or 2GB per day), you can rest assured that you won't lose connection while navigating the Tokyo subway system. If you run out of data because you uploaded too many 4K videos of Hachiko, don't worry—top-ups are available!

How to Install Your Japan eSIM

Installing an eSIM is easier than buying a cup of coffee at a Japanese vending machine. Before you buy, make sure to check if your phone is compatible with your phone. Most modern iPhones (iPhone XR and later) and Samsung Galaxy S-series phones work perfectly.

For iPhone Users:

1. Go to Settings > Cellular.
2. Tap Add eSIM.
3. Choose Use QR Code and scan the code sent to your email by BalikData.
4. Label it as 'Japan Data' and set it as your secondary line.
5. Turn on Data Roaming for the eSIM line once you land in Narita or Haneda.

For Android Users:

1. Go to Settings > Connections > SIM Manager.
2. Tap Add eSIM or Add Mobile Plan.
3. Scan the QR code.
4. Enable the plan and ensure Data Roaming is turned on for that specific eSIM.

For a more detailed guide, you can read our full instructions on how to install your digital SIM. If you are flying into a different major hub first, like Singapore, you might find our Jewel Changi Airport Guide and Attractions for Pinoys very helpful for your layover.

Data Needs for Your Tokyo Trip

How much data do you actually need? For a typical 7-day trip to Tokyo:

• 1GB to 3GB: Good if you only use Google Maps and Messenger.
• 5GB to 10GB: Perfect for the average traveler who posts photos on Instagram and Facebook daily.
• 20GB and above: Best for content creators or OFWs who want to video call their families back home for hours.

Remember, our plans are data-only. This means you won't get a Japanese phone number (+81). But honestly, you don't need one! Everything in Japan can be done via apps. You can use WhatsApp, Messenger, or Viber to make calls. Even booking a taxi via the 'Go' app or 'Uber' works perfectly with just data.

The Bottom Line

Visiting Shibuya Crossing and the Hachiko Statue is a rite of passage for every Filipino traveler in Japan. By planning your photo spots ahead of time—like hitting the Mag's Park rooftop for that 'Scramble' shot—you’ll save time and get better memories. Just remember to stay connected! Skip the expensive roaming and see plans for a BalikData eSIM. It’s the most 'sulit' way to ensure you can share every moment of your Japan adventure with your loved ones back home. Safe travels, Kabayan!