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Sunset Hour at Shibuya Sky: Getting Guaranteed Access
Tips on How to Get Access to Shibuya Sky Tickets

Did you know there’s a rooftop observation deck at the top of Shibuya’s tallest high-rise building, Shibuya Scramble Square?

It is the Shibuya Sky (SHIBUYA SKY), which is directly connected to Shibuya Station, about 230 meters above ground.

With the “SKY STAGE” skyscraper rooftop observation deck and the “SKY GALLERY” indoor observation corridor on the 46th floor, Shibuya Sky offers an overwhelming sense of openness and a great view from the Shibuya skyline.

We recommend that you purchase a web ticket in advance because this Shibuya Sky is a popular spot and it will be crowded.

The feeling of openness from Shibuya Sky during the day is very pleasant and very nice.
However, the twilight time (magic hour) at dusk and the beauty of the night view are even more wonderful and popular!

Unfortunately admission tickets for later evenings sell out quickly, and reservations often fill up a month in advance. It can be quite difficult to obtain if you didn’t book far in advance.
This is the booking calendar on the official website as of September 19, 2024.
As you can see, there’s almost no availability after 15:00 until October 17, 2024.

The problem is, I’ve come all the way to Shibuya, and I really wanted to see the night view from SHIBUYA SKY.

There’s actually a way to fix this problem!

The secret technique to enter SHIBUYA SKY even if tickets are sold out!

All you have to do is…

SHIBUYA SKY The purchase of a ticket for the open-top bus “SHIBUYA STREET RIDE” that includes an admission voucher, also known as a “SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket”!
By purchasing this, you will be able to ensure admission even during sold-out times!

I’ll explain further.

What is a SHIBUYA SKY set ticket?

The greatest advantage of this set of tickets is that it guarantees admission to Shibuya Sky.

When purchasing a regular ticket, you must specify the time of admission.
This makes it almost impossible to purchase a ticket during sold-out times.

You can use this set of tickets any time after you get off at SHIBUYA STREET RIDE, as long as it’s the same day.

This means that you can enter
even in the evening or night time when it is sold out!
However, please note that this is only until the last admission time of Shibuya Sky on the day of your ride.
Also, re-entry is not allowed.

During the daytime, you can take the open-top bus, and in the evening, you can enjoy the city of Shibuya on the Shibuya Sky.
The places you tour by bus are small and spread out around your feet, making for an interesting and memorable experience.

Details of SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY set ticket

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE has two routes:
・Circum-Shibuya route
・Route connecting Shibuya and Shinjuku (*Suspended from September 2024 to January 2025)

Both routes are designed to take in the sights.

The bus is an open-top bus specification with no roof on the second floor, allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing from a perspective they would not normally be able to see.

Seats are equipped with multilingual audio guides and in-train monitors that provide information on each area during the trip. Of course, Japanese is also available.

It also comes with a digital version of a city walking guide to enjoy the streets of Shibuya even after getting off the bus.

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE Ride Experience

I immediately booked a SHIBUYA STREET and RIDE SHIBUYA SKY online set ticket.
This time, I rode on the round-trip route of SHIBUYA.

First, I went to the bus terminal on the first floor of Shibuya Fuclas at the south exit of Shibuya Station.

この日の出発時間は11:25ですが、11:00前に到着
乗り場の目の前にあるお洒落で快適な待合室で時間調整。

A stylish open-top bus entered the boarding area shortly after 11:15.
Next, all you have to do is show the screen of your cell phone to the crew and board the train!

At this time, I received a voucher for admission to Shibuya Sky on the same day.

Now you can enjoy the evening and night views from Shibuya Sky ^^.


This time, the route took me from the Scramble Crossing to Harajuku, Omotesando, and other areas around Shibuya.

The colorful seating inside the car will surely be Instagram-worthy if you take pictures!

On the second floor, you can feel the breeze and enjoy the view from a different perspective than usual.
The thrill of passing under an overpass is especially unique to this bus.

The bus first departs from Shibuya Fuklas and heads toward Harajuku on Meiji Street.
Along the way, you can see Meiji Shrine and Takeshita-dori Avenue from a slightly elevated vantage point.

その後は千駄ヶ谷、外苑前方面へ。
オリンピックのメイン会場になった国立競技場を眺めながら表参道へ。 電線もなく空が広く気持ち良いです!

In Omotesando, you can feel the street trees up close while overlooking the rows of high-end fashion stores.

Finally, I returned to Shibuya for the last time to view the scramble crossing. It is a luxurious feeling to be able to see the scene of many people coming and going from above, up close and personal.

I returned to the bus terminal on the ground floor of the Shibuya Fuklas– the area I departed from around 12:30 p.m.

After a leisurely lunch, I went for a stroll in Shibuya, using the digital version of the city walking guide that was in the pocket of the car!

Don’t forget to check the passcode in the car!
Since the audio is also recorded, wearing earphones is recommended.

It’s evening, and SHIBUYA SKY is located in Shibuya Scramble Square.

With this strong same-day admission voucher, I went to SHIBUYA SKY, and on the 14th floor of Shibuya Scramble Square I was able to register and enjoy the evening and night views.

“Crossing Lights,” a light show held every 30 minutes after 7:00 p.m. every day, is a unique nighttime experience. The performance is said to change with the seasons.

I was able to enjoy Shibuya from all angles in one day!

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

SHIBUYA STREET RIDE × SHIBUYA SKY Set Ticket Details

Kamikochi Access 2024|Train and bus from Tokyo area Public transportation guide

Kamikochi is always restricted to private cars and cannot be entered by private cars.
Therefore, if you are driving your own car, you will need to park your car at the Sawatari area parking lot and transfer to a local bus or cab. Therefore, we recommend that you visit Kamikochi by public transportation such as trains and buses.

The rules for local buses have changed since 2024. Please be aware of the new rules.

[Change #1
  All buses from Kamikochi to Niijima are now by reservation only.

[Change 2
  Buses connecting Matsumoto – Hirayu – Takayama are now available by reservation only.

General directions from Tokyo area to Kamikochi

■ For Railroads ■

Approx. 9,900 yen (one-way for adults)

Shinjuku Station

 (JR Express Azusa)
 Approx. 2 hours and 40 minutes

Matsumoto Station

  (Matsumoto Electric Railway Kamikochi Line )
 Approx. 30 min.

ShinshimashimaStation

(Bus route )
Approx. 1 hr. 05 min.

Kamikochi Bus Terminal

■ For express buses ■
Daytime 4-row seat: 8,000-12,000 yen (adult one-way)
Daytime flight 3-row seat: 10,000-14,000 yen (adult one-way)

Overnight 4-row seat: 10,000-14,000 yen (adult one-way)
Overnight flights 3-row seat: 12,000 yen – 16,000 yen (adult one-way)
 Fares vary depending on the day of operation.  For details, click here.

Basta Shinjuku / Shibuya Bus Terminal (Mark City) / Yaesu South Exit of JR Tokyo Station

 (Highway Bus, Sawayaka Shinshu-go )
 Approx. 4 hours 30 minutes ~ 5 hours

Kamikochi Bus Terminal


Save money from Shinjuku to Kamikochi! Conveniently! Transportation guide for accessing Kamikochi

Express buses that go directly to Kamikochi Bus Terminal are very popular and often fully booked because of their convenience.
Also, the price is somewhat expensive.
So, here’s a guide to a trick to make it a little cheaper and a little easier to get reservations! Here is a guide to the tricks that make it easier to make reservations.
For the following methods, you can save more than 10,000 yen round-trip.

1, via Hirayu Bus Terminal (Hirayu Onsen) How to go via

This method is to take an express bus from Shinjuku to Hida Takayama, get off at Hirayu Bus Terminal, and then transfer to a local bus bound for Kamikochi. After walking a lot in Kamikochi, it is recommended to take the bus back to Hirayu Bus Terminal and stay overnight at Okuhida Onsenkyo Hirayu Onsen or Fukuchi Onsen to relieve your fatigue.

Express buses between Shinjuku and Hirayu make 4-5 round trips per day.

>>>Details

2. How to go through Matsumoto

This method is to take a highway bus from Shinjuku to Matsumoto Bus Terminal, get off at Matsumoto Inter-mae Bus Stop or Matsumoto Bus Terminal, and transfer to the Matsumoto Railway Kamikochi Line and local buses.

It is recommended to stay the night before in Matsumoto, a mountain city that is the gateway to the Northern Alps, and to go to Kamikochi early in the morning.

Another attraction of the Shinjuku-Matsumoto highway bus is the large number of services.

Express buses between Shinjuku and Matsumoto make 24 round trips per day.

>>>Details

Highway Bus from Shinjuku to Kamikochi (Direct / via Hirayu / via Matsumoto) Comparison Chart 2024

alignment
From Shinjuku
Kamikochi Hirayu
(To Takayama)
Matsumoto
Express Bus Service3 round trips4-5 round trips24 round trips
Highway Bus Fare8,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
16,000 yen
5,300 yen
~ (after a number N)
6,200 yen
*Overnight flights are +500 yen.

WEB coupon tickets
5,300 yen x 4
3,300 yen
~ (after a number N)
4,500 yen

WEB coupon tickets
3,250 yen x 4
Other than highway bus
Fares for
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)One way 1,500 yen
Round trip 2,800 yen
Train + local bus
One-way: 3,140-3,260 yen
Matsumoto→Kamikochi Direct bus
4,000 yen one way
criterion
one-way total
fare
8,000 yen
~ (after a number N)
16,000 yen
6,800 yen
~ (after a number N)
7,700 yen
6,560 yen
~ (after a number N)
7,760 yen
Highway bus
journey time
Daytime flight: approx. 5 hours
Night flight approx. 7 hours
Approx. 4 hours and 40 minutesApprox. 3 hours and 20 minutes
Other than highway bus
journey time
*Excluding
Transfers and waiting time
long vowel mark (usually only used in katakana)Approx. 25 min.Approx. 1 hour and 40 minutes
Approximate time required
*Includes
transit time
Daytime flight: approx. 5 hours
Night flight approx. 7 hours
Approx. 5 hours and 20 minutesApprox. 5 hours and 10 minutes
~ (after a number N)
Approx. 6 hours

Via Hirayu
Details

via Matsumoto
Details
Map of public transportation routes around Kamikochi

Hokuriku Shinkansen Kanazawa – Tsuruga extension! We thoroughly compared train and highway bus services between Nagoya and Fukui/Kanazawa.

Updated March 25, 2024
Updated February 19, 2024
Updated February 8, 2024
Updated December 18, 2023

March 16, 2024, Kanazawa-Tsuruga of Hokuriku Shinkansen line opens!
Tokyo is now conveniently connected to Fukui and Tsuruga by a single Shinkansen line.
So how will this opening affect the travel between Nagoya and places like Fukui and Kanazawa, and how will it affect them?
I looked into it.

<Content Production Cooperation|Meitetsu Bus Co.>

Until March 15, 2024, there are three main ways to travel between Nagoya and Fukui by public transportation

[Railroad
(1) Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa
Nagoya – (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Fukui/Kanazawa
Highway bus
Nagoya – (highway bus) – Fukui/Kanazawa

With the extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen line between Kanazawa and Tsuruga on March 16, 2024, the limited express train “Shirasagi” will be shortened to Nagoya, Maibara and Tsuruga.

[Railroad

Nagoya – ( Limited Express Shirasagi) TsurugaFukui/Kanazawa
Nagoya – ( Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) Tsuruga Fukui/Kanazawa

This means one more transfer at Tsuruga Station.

In addition, JR West announced that

Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui
The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,150 yen to 6,960 yen, and the travel time has shortened by about 3 minutes.

Nagoya – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Kanazawa
The express fare for the route “1” has increased by 1,620 yen to 9,080 yen, and the travel time has shortened by 16 minutes on average.

If time is your top priority are to use the Tokaido Shinkansen and the Hokuriku Shinkansen.

Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui
and the The fastest time is 1 hour and 33 minutes and the fastest time is 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Highway bus

Express Bus
Nagoya – (highway bus) – Fukui
  Highway Bus Details (Meitetsu Bus)
Nagoya – (highway bus) – Kanazawa
  Highway Bus Details (Meitetsu Bus)

So there, a thorough comparison of highway buses and railroads. and railways.

>> For comparison of Nagoya ⇔ Fukui, please visit ↓↓↓↓

>> For comparison of Nagoya ⇔ Kanazawa, please visit ↓↓↓↓


Nagoya – Fukui
Hokuriku Shinkansen + limited express Shirasagi vs. highway bus

Basic InformationrailroadHighway bus
*Official Meitetsu Bus WEB site
the time requiredgeneric name for herons with all-white plumage (inc. egrets)
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen
About 2 hours and 11 minutes (average)

Tokaido Shinkansen
 +
generic name for herons with all-white plumage (inc. egrets)
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen about 1 hour and 42 minutes (average)
Fastest time: 1 hour and 33 minutes
About 2 hours and 40 minutes
(From/to JR Nagoya Station)
first departure (of the day)
From Nagoya
//
From Fukui
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara)
Nagoya 7:51 (direct)
 //
Departure from Fukui 6:36
From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 7:38
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:00
Nagoya station 7:15
//
Fukui station 6:00
final
From Nagoya
//
From Fukui
Nagoya 19:48 (direct)
Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara)
//
Departure from Fukui 19:42
From Fukui (transferring to Yonehara) 21:32
Meitetsu Bus Center 20:00
Nagoya station 20:15
//
Fukui station 20:00
ChargeLimited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Normal Fare
6,960 yen / one way
WEB Early Special 7
(Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use)
Limited number of seats
5,690 yen/one way


Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Normal Fare
7,730 yen / one way
WEB Early Special 7
(Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use)
Limited number of seats
5,690 yen/one way

Smart EX+ [EX service only].
connection (interline) ticket
5,590 yen / one way
3,600 yen / one-way purchase
6,500 yen/round trip purchase
Number of transfers1 or 2 times0 times
number of long thin objects (movies, TV programs, baseball games, etc.)Approx. 8 round trips (direct)
About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
10 round trips
rest stop on the wayTransfer at Tsuruga Station
Transfer time is 8-19 minutes
When using the Tokaido Shinkansen
Transfer time at Yonehara is about 7 to 30 minutes.
Shokugatake SA
*Subject to change.
equipmentrailroadHighway bus
limited express ShirasagiHokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
wifi
*Depends on the operating company
There are cases where
power (button on TV, etc.)
ServicerailroadHighway bus
Online Reservations
From the following WEB site
Possible, but JR West’s
For services,
To pick up tickets
Restrictions.
Outing Net

The following WEB sites and
Possible with the app
Highwaybus.com
Detailed reservation information for highway bus routes
ticketless
At highwaybus.com.
After booking and after online payment
Select a mobile phone ticket
Please do so.
*The above comparison chart is based on press releases as of January 23, 2024. It will be updated as soon as new information is released.

In light of these results

If time is a top priority

Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Fukui
is recommended.

If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you

No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place.
Express buses are recommended.
Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.

>>Highwaybus.com for Nagoya – Fukui Expressway Bus Reservations


Popular Spots in Fukui

Eiheiji

At Eiheiji Temple, many monks practice Zen day and night, giving visitors a sense of the faith and culture of the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism.
The vast grounds are also home to many beautiful architectural structures and Buddhist statues, such as the Picture Ceiling Room and the Bodhisattva of the Holy Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
How about an experience to quiet your mind away from the hustle and bustle of daily life through Zen meditation or sutra copying?
Eiheiji is a fascinating place where nature, history, and modernity are in harmony. We hope you will visit.

How to get to Eiheiji from Nagoya

The Eiheiji Transfer Ticket forHighway Bus (Nagoya⇔Fukui) and Route Bus (Eiheiji Liner|Fukui⇔Eiheiji) is a convenient and economical way to get to Eiheiji.

Outline of Eiheiji Transfer Ticket

ChargeNagoya⇔Eiheiji <Round trip
Adult 7,700 yen
Child 3,850 yen
target routeHighway Bus “Nagoya⇔Fukui
 +
Eiheiji Liner (local bus)
Fukui Station⇔Eiheiji
*One-way tickets are not available.
term of validityValid for 4 days from the day of departure from Nagoya
Sales OfficeMeitetsu Bus Center
JR Tokai Bus Nagoya Travel Center
refundWhat about refunds for changes after purchase?
By the departure time indicated on the ticket
Please go to the ticket counter.

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world’s three major dinosaur museums, with some 40,000 exhibits including actual fossils, full-body skeletons, and moving dinosaur robots. It is a place where visitors can see, touch, and learn about the fascination of dinosaurs.

How to get to Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum from Nagoya

Highway Bus (Nagoya⇔Fukui)+Echizen Railway Katsuyama Eiheiji Route (Fukui⇔Katsuyama) + Route Bus
A special set ticket that includes round-trip fare from train or bus (Katsuyama to Dinosaur Museum) and admission fee to the museum.


For highway bus reservations from Nagoya to Fukui, please contact highway-bus.com!


Nagoya – Kanazawa
Hokuriku Shinkansen + limited express Shirasagi vs. highway bus

Basic InformationrailroadHighway bus
*Official Meitetsu Bus WEB site
the time requiredgeneric name for herons with all-white plumage (inc. egrets)
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen
About 2 hours and 45 minutes (average)

Tokaido Shinkansen
 +
generic name for herons with all-white plumage (inc. egrets)
 +
Hokuriku Shinkansen about 2 hours 19 minutes (average)
Fastest time: 2 hours and 9 minutes
About 3 hours and 45 minutes
(From/to JR Nagoya Station)
first departure (of the day)
From Nagoya
//
Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 7:11 (Kodama + transfer at Yonehara)
Nagoya 7:51 (direct)
 //
Departure from Kanazawa 6:00
From Kanazawa (transferring to Yonehara) 7:02
Meitetsu Bus Center 7:30
Nagoya station 7:45
//
Kanazawa Station 6:30
final
From Nagoya
//
Departure from Kanazawa
Nagoya 19:48 (direct)
Nagoya 21:15 (Hikari + transfer at Maibara)
//
Departure from Kanazawa 19:06
Kanazawa Departure (transferring to Yonehara) 20:56
Meitetsu Bus Center 19:30
Nagoya station 20:15
//
Kanazawa station 18:00
ChargeLimited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Normal Fare
9,080 yen / one way
WEB Early Special 7
(Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use)
Limited number of seats
8,170 yen/one way


Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Normal Fare
9,850 yen / one way
WEB Early Special 7
(Can be purchased up to 7 days prior to the date of use)
Limited number of seats
8,170 yen/one way

Smart EX+ [EX service only].
connection (interline) ticket
8,070 yen / one way
3,600 – 5,500 yen / one way
Fee Details
Number of transfers1 or 2 times0 times
number of long thin objects (movies, TV programs, baseball games, etc.)Approx. 8 round trips (direct)
About 7 round trips (transferring at Yonehara)
11 round trips
rest stop on the wayTransfer at Tsuruga Station
Transfer time is 8-19 minutes
If you are using the Tokaido Shinkansen
Transfer time at Yonehara is about 7 to 30 minutes.
Nanjo SA
*Subject to change.
equipmentrailroadHighway bus
limited express ShirasagiHokuriku Shinkansen
Toilet
wifi
*Depends on the operating company
There are cases where
power (button on TV, etc.)
ServicerailroadHighway bus
Online Reservations
From the following WEB site
Possible, but JR West’s
For services,
To pick up tickets
Restrictions.
Outing Net

The following WEB sites and
Possible with the app
Highwaybus.com
Detailed reservation information for highway bus routes
ticketless
At highwaybus.com.
After booking and after online payment
Select a mobile phone ticket
Please do so.
*The above comparison chart is based on press releases as of January 23, 2024. It will be updated as soon as new information is released.

In light of these results

If time is a top priority

Tokaido Shinkansen + Limited Express Shirasagi + Hokuriku Shinkansen
Nagoya- (Tokaido Shinkansen) – Maibara – (Limited Express Shirasagi) – Tsuruga – (Hokuriku Shinkansen) – Kanazawa
is recommended.

If price, transfers, and effective use of travel time are important to you

No transfers, wi-fi and power supply in place.
Express buses are recommended.
Express buses without transfers are also recommended when luggage is large.

>>Highwaybus .com for Nagoya – Kanazawa Expressway Bus Reservations


<Cooperation in the creation of these contents|Meitetsu Bus Co. >

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